TORONTO (AP) — Joey Loperfido scored the tiebreaking run on Jeff Hoffman's errant pickoff throw in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Wednesday night for their sixth victory in eight games.
Loperfido tripled off the center field wall with one out and scored when Hoffman’s pickoff throw sailed past third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto was standing well wide of the base.
Loperfido beat his former team Tuesday with a tiebreaking home run in the 11th inning of Houston’s 9-7 win.
Hoffman (5-5) lost for the first time since May 30 at Baltimore.
Isaac Paredes had an RBI double in the first and Jeremy Peña’s infield single scored an insurance run in the ninth as the Astros won with only four hits.
Steven Okert (1-0) pitched one inning for the win and Josh Hader finished for his sixth save in six chances.
Toronto’s Luis Urías hit a one-out single off Bryan King in the eighth and advanced on a passed ball. The threat ended when Urías got doubled off second base after Cam Smith made a leaping catch at the wall on George Springer’s deep drive.
Houston’s Mike Burrows allowed one run and two hits in six innings. Nathan Lukes hit a one-out homer in the first but Toronto didn’t score again.
Lukes’ homer was his third.
Toronto starter Trey Yesavage allowed one run and two hits in 5 2/3 innings. Yesavage threw a career-high 105 pitches. He walked five and struck out five.
Up next
Astros RHP Tatsuya Imai (4-3, 6.15 ERA) was scheduled to start at Detroit on Thursday against Tigers RHP Troy Melton (4-0, 2.56). Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (4-5, 4.04 ERA) was set to start Thursday against Texas RHP MacKenzie Gore (4-6, 4.07).
The ACC now spans from coast to coast and that’s led to some new wrinkles when discussing “local” recruiting.
Stanford and Cal have to compete with high-profile programs outside the conference in the Golden State. North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest all often compete in intra-league recruiting battles every cycle.
Which ACC schools are keeping things close in the 2027 cycle? Rivals takes a look at which recruiting classes are the closest to home on average:
Average Commit Distance: 101 miles In-State: 86% Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 73
It’s no surprise that SMU is keeping it close to the Lone Star State with its recruiting efforts. Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs have just seven commits in their class to date, but they do all hail from Texas or Louisiana. Four-star WR Trey Haralson headlines as the No. 35 player in Texas, while four-star QB Malachi Zeigler is the No. 10 player in The Boot. Don’t expect SMU’s average commit distance to grow too much as it fleshes out its pledge list this summer and fall.
Average Commit Distance: 220 miles In-State: 35% Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 27
The 2027 cycle is a good one for talent in the Bluegrass State and Jeff Brohm’s program is taking advantage. There’s six in-state commits in Louisville’s class thus far and they are all top-20 players in the state overall. Four-star CB Allen Evans is atop the haul, checking in as the No. 2 player in Kentucky and No. 17 corner nationally. Additionally, five prospects from Ohio are in the Louisville class, including four-star athlete D’Angelo White and high three-star WR Chuck Alexander Jr.
Average Commit Distance: 223 miles In-State: 58% Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 63
Tony Elliott and the Cavaliers currently have 12 commits this cycle and seven are inside the Old Dominion. Three-star QB Lonnie Andrews III highlights that crew, checking in as the No. 16 player in the state. Virginia has held his commitment since October. Andrews, EDGE Camden Chalkley, safety Derek Fisher and safety Zayvon Miller are all top-20 in-state prospects. Florida, the Carolinas, Maryland and Georgia are states also featured in the UVA haul, as of June 24.
Average Commit Distance: 225 miles In-State: 56% Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 24
Leaning on being close to a wealth of high school talent in the Southeast, Brent Key and Georgia Tech have already landed essentially a full class. There’s 25 commits in the mix and 23 of them hail from Georgia, Florida or Alabama. Four-star OT Joshua Sam-Epelle, the No. 16 player in Georgia, is the Yellow Jackets’ top in-state pledge. Four-star RB Moonie Gipson and four-star EDGE Justin Weeks are among the other touted Peach Staters that are planning to head to The Flats next year.
Average Commit Distance: 281 miles In-State: 33% Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 41
Mike Norvell and his staff in Tallahassee are starting to find some recruiting momentum this summer, and to no surprise, they are closing the deal with some key local targets. Of the 12 commits in Florida State’s class to date, nine are from Florida or Georgia. That includes four-star safety Jernard Albright, a top-200 prospect who flipped from South Carolina earlier this month. Four-star EDGE Anthony Cavallaro, the No. 36 player in Florida, has been committed since the end of January and remains the top in-state commit in the class.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark left Wednesday’s game in the third quarter with a back injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
She subbed out with 5:15 left in the frame.
Clark finished with 19 points and eight assists in 20 minutes. Her abbreviated night snapped her WNBA record of six straight games with at least 20 points and five assists.
Clark, a two-time All-Star, has missed one game this season due to a sore back, which was a 90-73 victory over the Portland Fire on May 20. In the 13 games since, Clark had been listed as probable on the Fever’s injury report due to her back. She temporarily left the season opener multiple times with a back issue as well, saying afterward she was receiving adjustments.
49ers CEO Al Guido said in an interview with The Athletic's Vic Tafur that San Francisco can spend as much money as it wants on coaches and support staff for players, as well as renovation of the team’s facilities
"You want to give yourself the best hand," Guido said.
Tafur reported that the San Francisco is "exploring a possible nearby relocation" because the team is running out of space at Levi’s Stadium and neighboring land.
Despite finishing with a 12-5 record in the 2025 season, San Francisco suffered injury blows — many of which were tendon and ligament tears — to key players throughout the season, including Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, Trent Williams and Fred Warner.
The hypothesis, though not scientifically proven true, has since gone viral on social media.
The Dubs relied heavily on game-changing perimeter shooting and off-the-dribble playmaking from the likes of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry to flourish offensively and secure four championship victories.
Acquiring former New York Knicks All-Star center Kristaps Porzingis before last season’s Feb. 5 deadline finally provided Stephen Curry with a high-caliber big man capable of serving several different purposes on the hardwood.
While injuries limited his production in the Bay, Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek is still a firm believer that the 30-year-old unrestricted free agent is a good fit with the Dubs. The Philadelphia 76ers are a team Polacek thinks could put up a good fight for the former first-round pick, though.
“Returning to the Warriors makes sense,” Polacek wrote Tuesday. “NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported in June the Western Conference team was ‘hopeful’ it could bring him back "on more of a cap-friendly deal after absorbing his $30.7 million expiring contract from Atlanta on Deadline Day in February."
“He can still be a floor-spacing, rim-protecting frontcourt player for the Warriors, which is exactly what they need with Stephen Curry's style of play. And this is a team very much still in win-now mode with veterans in Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler leading the way, so there would be no awkward timeline matches.”
“But there are other landing spots if Porzingis is willing to take a smaller deal.
The Philadelphia 76ers need frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid, and Porzingis is someone who could work in pick-and-pops with Tyrese Maxey.”
If the Dubs re-sign Porzingis this summer, they’ll have to collectively hold their breath and hope that he can make it through a full season without suffering a season-altering setback.
Things went downhill for Porzingis health-wise after his 66-game campaign with the Knicks in 2026-27, as he’s only appeared in 60+ regular-season contests once since then and has proven to be unreliable despite his awe-inspiring contributions on both ends.
Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game with the Warriors last season, shooting 43.3% from the field and 31.1% from deep.
The most likely offseason scenario for the Liepaja, Latvia native would be spending another campaign with a Warriors franchise that viewed him as a franchise-elevating acquisition four months ago.
It’s safe to assume the White Sox and Guardians will spend the next few months battling each other for the top spot in the American League Central. The Sox came out ahead in the first meeting between the two teams, taking the first two games of this week’s three-game series.
In all, the games were decided by a total margin of three runs. A 6-5 walk-off win on Monday, holding tight to a 2-1 victory Tuesday, and then staging a ninth-inning rally to tie Wednesday’s game before falling short in extras, 4-3. Nothing about the series was easy or simple, and at no point did the White Sox seem unable to compete.
That’s probably indicative of how these matchups are going to go until the season ends.
“It was a great series,” manager Will Venable said. “To be able to win a series against these guys means a lot. At the same time, we were challenged a lot throughout this series and some things that we can grow from and learn from. Some things we’ve got to clean up.”
What hurt the White Sox most on Wednesday was stranding runners in scoring position. They went 0-for-9, and the majority of those run-scoring opportunities came in the last three innings of the game. In the tenth, the Sox had the bases loaded with just one out, but Chase Meidroth’s ground ball turned into a force out at home, and then Braden Montgomery grounded out to first base to end the game.
On one hand, those are frustrating results considering the microcosm of a single game and what can feel like a wasted opportunity to have swept the Guardians and maintained a lead at the top of the division. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Sox were even in a position to play extra innings at all on Wednesday.
Down to their last out in the ninth inning and trailing by two runs, Braden Montgomery and Randal Grichuk hit back-to-back home runs against Cade Smith, one of the best closers in the American League.
“It says we are not rolling over for anybody,” Montgomery said of the Sox’ ninth-inning rally. “You have to put your best foot forward and give yourself the best chance to find success. If you don’t, then you don’t. We are going to put our best foot forward every time.”
In a way, it’s refreshing for the White Sox to not be happy with just moral victories. If the Sox have shown anything through the first three months of the season, it’s much like what Montgomery said: They’re not going to lose easily, especially at home.
But with the critical turn of the season coming, when teams rest for a bit during the All- Star break and then make their moves at the trade deadline, there’s value in what the Sox are doing now. There’s a long way to go, but by winning series — especially against tough opponents like the Braves and Dodgers during the last homestand — and winning the kinds of games they have this week, as well as winning in the way that they have, the Sox are building something that Venable hopes will play off down the stretch.
There’s value that comes from stacking wins against teams in the AL Central, and from having the experience of winning a close, low-scoring game like Tuesday night’s.
“Every win is important, and when you bank a win, that’s meaningful, especially as you get through the summer and have expectations down the road,” Venable told CHGO. “I think in the case a divisional opponent, specifically the Guardians who are just so tough to beat, and the way they make those challenges, for us that just gives us confidence.
“It’s another type of game we can win. Where a lot of our games we outslug the opposition, [Tuesday] was a great example of how amazing it was to win a ‘Guardians-type game.’ And I know moving forward, at least the group has confidence that they’re able to win that game.”
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
It’s important to acknowledge that the White Sox are keeping their hold at the top of the AL Central — even if it is a shared spot at first place with Cleveland after Wednesday’s game — without one of their best hitters. The Sox are still averaging almost four-and-a-half runs per game with Munetaka Murakami out since May 30 with a hamstring strain. Their homerun-slugging first baseman could return soon; Venable said on Wednesday that Murakami is hitting against full-speed pitches in the cage and just needs to get to running full speed before the Sox can map out the next step, which could be a rehab assignment.
When Murakami does return, he will surely help galvanize a Sox team that has played with plenty of spirit in his absence. That likely can only bode well for what the second half of the season will look like. A second half that will feature a lot of games against their division, and what could be a crucial mid-September series at Rate Field against the Guardians.
“We took the series from a team that we’re battling for first place. Played it tough, could’ve swept them, which is huge. It’s a lot of confidence,” Grichuk said.
When that late-season series comes, the Sox can look back on what they’ve done this week against the Guardians, both in an emotional sense, like the confidence described by Grichuk and Montgomery, and in a purely practical sense.
“If nothing else, we have matchup history and game examples of plays that have happened, and when we do our advance report, we can draw on the experience that we’ve had with that team,” Venable said. “All those things are helpful. The familiarity is helpful, and to be able to look back on actual things that these guys have experienced and learn from this, it helps with your opponent in the future.”
Given how the first three White Sox-Guardians games have gone, it will probably take both things to come out ahead.
Sam Darnold is a Super Bowl champion now, and he says the San Francisco 49ers deserve a share of the credit.
The Seattle Seahawks quarterback, who spent the 2023 season as a backup in Santa Clara, opened up on an episode of Bussin’ with the Boys about how that one year under Kyle Shanahan's staff reshaped his entire approach to the game — and ultimately revived a career that had gone sideways in New York and Carolina.
It wasn't a glamorous stint in San Francisco. Darnold signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with $3.5 million guaranteed after going 13-25 as a starter with the Jets — who selected him third overall in 2018 — and 8-9 over two seasons with the Panthers. His lone start in San Francisco came in a meaningless Week 18 game against the Rams, a 21-20 loss in which he completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. He appeared in four other games in mop-up duty, finishing with 297 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception on the year.
But, for Darnold, the experience on the team in that organization is what reshaped the way he looked at the game.
Darnold said he arrived in San Francisco with a clear-eyed acceptance of his role — and a deliberate plan to make the most of it. He had watched what Shanahan's system did for quarterbacks and decided that absorbing it from the inside, even from the bench, was worth more than chasing a starting job elsewhere.
"I think going to San Francisco — I mean, shoot, you guys saw what Mac Jones did this year," Darnold said, nodding to Jones' recent success in the system. "I understood that quarterbacks in that system, quarterbacks with Kyle — you look at Brock and all the success he's had there — quarterbacks just thrive in that system."
The Jones callout is intriguing, considering the current 49ers backup quarterback has said something similar about his time in San Francisco and why he's happy to get another year in the system.
Darnold also pointed to the daily habits of George Kittle, Fred Warner, Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams as a kind of blueprint for professional excellence before he singled out quarterback Brock Purdy's preparation as something that genuinely changed how he approached the job.
"You just have all these studs who are over there. And to just learn their habits and stuff that they do in the offseason, how they get better, it was just such a great opportunity for me to just go there and be a sponge, and just learn so much football. Learn how to take care of my body off the field," Darnold said. "I can’t mention Brock enough. But just the way that he prepared really showed me how to really prepare, because you don’t know what you don’t know. And I think for me, being able to go there and see how efficient he was — because you can put a ton of time in, but you can be doing it the wrong way. And he was so efficient with his time. And he would cut out three or four hours of studying throughout the night because our game plans were crazy. …The system is so intricate.
The self-reflection that came with accepting a backup role mattered just as much. Darnold described a moment of honesty with himself before signing with San Francisco. He recognized that chasing a starting job for its own sake wasn't the answer.
“But, just getting to know that system and getting to know those coaches, like that’s really why I decided to be a backup in San Francisco," he said. "I thought that would be the best place to just go. And people say it all the time, and I’ve heard it, but I feel like I got my PhD in football when I went to San Francisco.”
The results since leaving the 49ers have been seen Darnold go from a first-round bust to bonafide start. He's won 14 games in each of his two seasons with Minnesota and Seattle and, in 2025, he threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and a 67.7 completion percentage in the regular season, then went 61.5 percent, 672 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the postseason — good enough to earn his first Super Bowl ring.
"It was so fun to go learn football there," Darnold said. "And I'm so thankful for that opportunity that I got in San Francisco."
Jaden Bradley's high school coach called him "Silk."
One of his AAU coaches called him "that guy."
From the moment Bradley took to a basketball court as a youngster in Rochester, N.Y., then through high school in North Carolina, then in college from Alabama to Arizona -- the point guard has been the type of player who calls for impressive description.
Bradley's game might not bring down the rim, but it wins basketball games.
And he's now bringing that game to the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, who picked him with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
Who is Jaden Bradley?
Bradley is one of the most polished point guards in a draft full of point guards.
He used up his college eligibility, so he isn't a one-and-done, and he isn't viewed as having the high upside of the point guards chosen in the top-10.
But when Bradley is on the floor, he gets to the spots he wants. He sets up his teammates. He scores in the mid-range and at the basket.
It was clear even in middle school.
“He practiced against our varsity players, and what’s crazy, as a seventh-grader, made Division I players better,” his high school coach Che Roth once told the Democrat and Chronicle. “Had he been able to play, I’ll say we’ll have more rings on our fingers and more banners in our gym, because he’s just that good.”
Even before then, Bradley did things that his youth coaches described as being "normal" for him even though it would've been exceptional for anyone else.
Bradley's game may not have grown in a way that made him a first-round pick, but it stabilized in such a way that he's about as safe a second-round pick as there is.
Almost certainly, Bradley will be a reliable point guard in the NBA in some capacity.
Those who've known him for a long time knew that would always be true, and now Bradley's journey officially begins.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start in a World Cup for Mexico when the 17-year-old sensation took the field against the Czech Republic on Wednesday night.
Mora is the youngest competitor in this World Cup. The midfielder became the eighth 17-year-old to play in the tournament when he entered as a substitute during Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa on June 11.
Pelé was the first World Cup player under age 18 when he debuted for Brazil in 1958. The youngest in World Cup history was Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland, who played in 1982 at 17 years, 41 days. Mora is the first 17-year-old to see World Cup action since Femi Opabunmi and Bartholomew Ogbeche for Nigeria in 2002.
Mora, who plays for Tijuana in the Mexican league, suffered a groin injury early in the year that sidelined him for two months, and coach Javier Aguirre was cautious with him in the first two matches. After subbing in against South Africa, he did not play in last Thursday's 1-0 win over South Korea.
The player known as Morita has already set several records related to his age. In August 2024, he became the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at age 15. In January of last year, he became the youngest to debut for the senior team at 16.
The previous youngest player for Mexico in the World Cup was Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas, who was 18 years, 88 days when he played in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Scotland will have to wait until potentially the early hours of Sunday to find out if their World Cup campaign will continue, but midfielder John McGinn suspects that is "unlikely" and head coach Steve Clarke suspects they are "going home".
Knowing a draw would almost certainly be enough to reach the last 32, Steve Clarke's side suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat by Brazil to finish third in Group C.
The Scots have three points and a minus three goal difference and now must wait until the other groups have concluded before discovering if that will be enough to claim one of the eight best third-place team spots in the last 32.
Opta put their hopes at 42% after the full-time whistle in Miami but the mood in the camp was despondent after the concession of three poor goals left the Scots in a precarious position.
First, Scott McKenna was caught on the ball by Bournemouth forward Rayan and Vinicius Jr skipped past Angus Gunn to score.
Gunn and full-back Nathan Patterson were then caught under a Bruno Guimaraes cross as Vinicius Jr nodded in his and Brazil's second before half-time.
And Manchester United's Mateus Cunha made it three after the break on a night where Scotland huffed and puffed, but were ultimately outclassed.
"We lose poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality," McGinn told BBC Sport. "We had a few chances but we've got to wait now.
"The lads are gutted, we fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now. It's unlikely [that we qualify] but we'll wait and see.
"It's a bit raw at the minute but we appreciate the support of the fans, we know it's difficult to be there. Hopefully the journey is not over and if we have to go again, we will go again."
'We gave them the game they wanted'
Steve Clarke has managed Scotland at three major tournaments [Getty Images]
Clarke was blunt when asked for his immediate reaction post-match.
"We made it difficult for ourselves, that's it," he told BBC Sport. "We gave them the goals, we gave them the game they wanted. Disappointing."
The 62-year-old - who signed a new deal with the national team until 2030 earlier this year - then gave a slightly more in-depth interview with a similar level of pessimism.
"It was unbelievable the shift the players put in, the ones who played 90 minutes in that heat and humidity were outstanding, but we have to be better if we want to compete at this level," he said.
"In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night.
"For sure I think we're going home.
"Only Scotland can get a winnable first game and then get number five and number six in the world."
God bless the Tartan Army in all their beery magnificence. God bless them for their noise and colour and all-round cuddliness. God bless them for charming the good people of Boston and Miami and earning a full page feature in Wednesday's O Globo, Brazil's best-selling newspaper.
They tried to lift their team in Miami but a forklift truck couldn't have got Scotland's challenge off the ground - not while they defended as they did early on, not while they only stirred and forced five saves from Alisson in the Brazil goal when they were already 3-0 down.
'Lacking competitiveness on the pitch, Scotland put on a show with their fans' went the O Globo headline.
Well, the show stopped in Miami, Vinicius Jr bursting into the party, stopping the music and telling everybody to get to their beds.
Brazil did what some thought was impossible - they silenced the Tartan Army, they sucked the energy out of people who have gallivanted around this country for weeks low on sleep, high on gargle and stratospheric on positivity.
There were a few defiant cries, some shows of belligerence, but this thing was as good as done after seven minutes when Vini Jr scored his first and totally done when he scored his second before the break.
Herds of rampaging wildebeest have looked less awe-inspiring as these fans have for weeks. On Wednesday, in the stifling humidity of Miami, Brazil rounded them up and ran them into a yellow wall.
From early on, we were looking at the game, yes, but also working out the mad significance of it all. We turned elsewhere to see what all of this meant in the grand scheme of things.
Before the games began on Wednesday, Scotland were sitting relatively pretty as second of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Bosnia-Herzegovina's win over Qatar dropped Scotland to third. Brazil's dominance dropped them further. Down and down they went, their buffer all but removed, their obsession about results elsewhere in the coming days multiplying as they went.
Back to Charlotte, North Carolina they'll go on Thursday; battered and dazed, uncertain of their future in this tournament, if they have one.
As it stands, the predictor has them playing Mexico on Tuesday - a shot at redemption or another trip to a torture chamber?
That might turn on its head, of course. Other teams in the coming days will have plenty to say about this yet.
Scotland are sweating on a place in the last 32. That's the no-man's land they're living in now, frantically looking at the respective fates of Senegal and Ecuador, Curacao and Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and others.
There was a certain inevitably about it. Until Bolivia earlier this month, Scotland have never beaten South American opposition, never beaten Brazil in 10 attempts going back 50 years. They rallied and created moments but it was too little, too late.
[BBC]
The minute Vini Jr scored in the seventh minute those weather warnings that first looked a threat now looked like a relief. Seventy seconds last week against Morocco and seven minutes here in Miami. Where was that damned lightning? Where was the thunder and the respite?
Scotland don't just concede goals, they create calamities - the sort of slapstick defending that a player such as Vini Jr is waiting to take advantage of.
Scott McKenna will wake up in the dead of night for the rest of his days after this. He will remember the feeling of panic as he dawdled on the ball, he will see Rayan ransacking him in his sleep. Put your foot through it? No, delay and die.
When it broke to Vini Jr the best efforts of Gunn in goal could not stop him. In his own moment of terror, Gunn acted like a man jumping out of a cupboard trying to spook somebody. The Brazilian just took it round him and tapped it home.
For days the Scots would have worked on getting off to a solid start following their early concession against Morocco. All of that thinking drifted away in the Miami sky once Brazil hit the front.
Giving gifts to Vini Jr would have been the beginning, the end and the in between of the things Scotland knew they couldn't do.
It was his fourth World Cup goal. In that moment he became only the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group stage matches in a single World Cup - Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo being the others.
Immortals, all. He's well on his way to joining them in the pantheon of greats.
Do impotent Scotland deserve to come home?
The electrifying noise and colour of the pre-match now became solely samba and almost exclusively yellow.
There was a second for Brazil - and for Vini Jnr - but VAR smiled on Scotland. The hydration break arrived and it wasn't liquid that the underdogs needed, it was oxygen, smelling salts, large brandies. And that lightning storm.
On the resumption, for some brief moments they looked, well, OK. The bar is not high, but they settled. They won some corners, they had a few cracks from distance.
Nothing that caused Brazil a scintilla of concern, but it was a breather, a break from the tormenting ways of Brazil's phenomenon on the left wing if nothing else.
That crumb of optimism was swept away when Vini capitalised on a second outbreak of world-class dithering in front of their own goal.
Andy Robertson gave it away in a hurry, Scotland lost the collision, Bruno Guimaraes dinked it to the back post, Gunn groped at air and Nathan Patterson lost Vini Jr. How could he miss him? One of the world's great talents and Patterson just let him peel away and head home.
Scotland spent 47 seconds in Brazil's final third in the opening half. When the half ended they still hadn't recorded a shot on target since John McGinn scored by way of a double deflection 28 minutes into the Haiti game. More than three hours without working an opposition goalkeeper.
No team deserves to go anywhere but home when you're as impotent as that.
Finally, Scotland, through Scott McTominay, got one on target but Alisson didn't have to shift his feet to stop it. Vini Jr was one-on-one with Gunn soon after but Gunn saved it. No matter. Guimaraes brushed Kenny McLean aside and teed-up Matheus Cunha for the third.
They brought on Neymar with 14 minutes to go and Miami Stadium erupted as if a fourth goal had gone in. It's been two and a half years since Neymar wore the famous jersey - and what a cushy way to make his return. No pressure, job done.
Brazil were going through as group winners no matter what he did. Adding some decoration on top was his only task.
Scotland rallied and had chances, mostly from McTominay, all of them kept out. It was almost painful watching them; trying everything but delivering nothing, not even a consolation goal that might prove significant. Who knows?
At the end, four Scotland men collapsed to the deck, from disappointment, from exhaustion. Playing in those conditions must have been savagely difficult.
They were down, but are they out? Progressing after one deflected goal and two defeats would be the strangest kind of achievement in the history of the national team.
The days ahead will tell us everything. For now, Brazil reign and confusion rules.
Jun 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38), right fielder Kahlil Watson (31) and center fielder Petey Halpin (0) celebrate after defeating the Chicago White Sox after the tenth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Everything was going smoothly for Tanner Bibee and the Guardians through six innings. Bibee was 89 pitches into his outing, looking to salvage a win and avoid a sweep on the South Side. Then, as has been the norm, Stephen Vogt takes Bibee out, in line for a victory, opting to go to the bullpen. This is when the fun began.
First things first, though, and that’s Kahlil Watson. Watson provided a spark all series long, and without Watson today, Cleveland gets swept. Watson set the table for a Bibee win with a bases loaded 2-RBI single, taking an Erick Fedde sweeper the other way. Watson, who entered the series 0-for-12 to start his MLB career, went 5-for-9 in this series with two massive hits in this game, including this single.
Now back to Bibee. Bibee’s pitch mix has seen some pretty major alterations. His 4-seam usage is down substantially while he’s leaning more on his sinker/cutter/slider combo. In doing so, Bibee is seeing more swing and miss in the zone and better quality of contact against him. He’s now running a 1.71 ERA in June while throwing his 4-seamer under 15% of the time in that span.
Vogt went to the Guardians’ magic 8-ball bullpen in the 7th, going to Erik Sabrowski fresh off the injured list, and Chicago immediately broke the seal, tallying a run and cutting the lead in half. Sabrowski has struggled upon return, getting tagged with earned runs in both outings. Holderman cleaned up, getting the final out.
The Guardians put together a scoring threat again in the 8th inning, and with the bases loaded and two out, Joe Rock walked Patrick Bailey, bringing Halpin in to score. A Kwan strikeout ended the threat, but Cleveland was up 3-1. Gaddis and Herrin covered the bottom half, but it was not without struggle as the White Sox got two more baserunners on before the threat was ended. Cleveland failed to add anything in the top of the 9th, and with Cade Smith coming on, all hell broke loose.
In a 1-1 count with two outs, Smith left a 4-seam fastball over the heart of the plate, and rookie Braden Montgomery did not miss it. 411 feet later, Chicago was within a run, and before anyone had a chance to catch their breath, Smith hung a sweeper right down broadway to Randal Grichuk, and just like that, Cade had blown his first save in two months, and Cleveland was staring down the barrel of a sweep and two game deficit in the division. Smith then surrendered a single to Jacob Gonzalez and walked Sam Antonacci, leading to Vogt yanking his potential All-Star closer for Shawn Armstrong. Somehow, this was Kyle Manzardo’s fault (iykyk).
Armstrong got the final out, but now it was on to extras.
Chicago brought in Grant Taylor who had already not been having the best series. After getting Manzardo to strike out, Taylor gave up a single to Rhys Hoskins.
Kahlil Watson, have a day! Watson, just like in the 6th, sliced a single to the opposite field, this time off of a 100 mph sinker from Taylor. Guards back up, 4-3.
Armstrong stayed on for the bottom half, and hooooo boy was this not good for the ol’ ticker! After a Luisangel Acuña sacrifice bunt moved Vargas to third, Armstrong walked Kyle Teel, then walked Colson Montgomery, and if not being able to find a grip wasn’t enough, the rain started falling on the South Side of Chicago. Thankfully, Armstrong got Chase Meidroth to ground out on a pitcher’s pitch down and in, and then Braden Montgomery grounded out to Manzardo with Manzo stretching out full extension to tag the base, mercifully ending this game with a badly needed W.
Cleveland, with this win, slots back into a tie for 1st place in the AL Central with Chicago, now sitting at 42-39.
After a day off tomorrow, the Guards head back home for a nice long home stand, starting with three against Seattle, three against Texas, and then a four game set against these same White Sox.
The Pirates used a pair of big innings to back a game from Braxton Ashcraft and defeat the Mariners 11-1 at PNC Park on Wednesday night to even the series.
Scoring Plays
Top 1st, 1-0 SEA: The Mariners (41-40) started the game with three straight hits off Braxton Ashcraft (7-3), the last of which was a Julio Rodríguez RBI single to left.
Bottom 4th, 5-1 PIT: The Pirates (40-40) struck for five runs and sent nine men to the plate against Bryan Woo (6-6). Endy Rodríguez gave Pittsburgh the lead with a two-run double to right, which was immediately followed by a Tyler Callihan triple. Jake Mangum tacked on another with an opposite-field RBI single, and Esmerlyn Valdez, who pinch-hit for Spencer Horwitz, hit a long RBI single off the center field fence.
Bottom 7th, 9-1 PIT: The Pirates poured it on against Mariners reliever Nick Davila. Ryan O’Hearn plated a pair with a double to right field. Rodríguez followed with an RBI single to right and Callihan tacked on another with a sacrifice fly to left.
Bottom 8th, 11-1 PIT: Bryan Reynolds and O’Hearn each hit back-to-back doubles off Alex Hoppe to cap off a big night for the offense.
Editor's note: USA TODAY Sports is providing live updates for the Fever vs. Mercury here.
Caitlin Clark was red-hot to start the Indiana Fever's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, but her night was cut short in the third quarter due to injury.
Clark was subbed out of Wednesday's game with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter. Fever head coach Stephanie White called a timeout when the Mercury converted Clark's turnover into two points to tie it up at 67-all. Clark didn't reenter the game and headed back to the locker room before she was downgraded to out with a back injury.
The two-time All-Star started Wednesday on the Fever's injury report and was listed as probable due to back soreness, an ongoing issue that previously sidelined Clark in the Fever's win over the Portland Fire on May 20.
Clark was upgraded to available ahead of tipoff and was close to notching her fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and eights assists before her exit. She shot 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-4 from the 3-point line.
Injury Update: Caitlin Clark (back) will not return to tonight's game.
Caitlin Clark (back) was ruled out of Wednesday's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, the Fever announced.
What happened to Caitlin Clark's back?
It's not clear when Caitlin Clark first injured her back, but she's been dealing with discomfort since the first game of the 2026 season. She temporarily exited the Fever's 107-104 season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings on May 9 and returned from the locker room with a wrap around her back. Clark revealed she left the court to get her "back adjusted" midgame because it "gets out of line pretty quickly."
Fever coach Stephanie White said it's going to be an "ongoing thing" this season for Clark, who was limited to 13 games last season due to multiple soft tissue injuries.
"It’s part of maintaining the body.... when we're all really young, we don’t learn proper mechanics, and it doesn't get exposed until something happens," White said on May 9. "This is going to be an ongoing thing. And not just her. We have multiple players who have gone back − we don't have the blue tent, but they're going to go back and get adjusted and make sure that the body's working."
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
Morocco are aiming to improve a run to the semi-finals at World Cup 2022 (Kevin C. Cox)
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his players have to believe they can become the first African winners of the World Cup after storming into the last 32 unbeaten.
The Atlas Lions twice came from behind to beat Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday and only finished second to Brazil in Group C on goal difference.
A clash against the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden awaits in Monterrey on Monday.
Morocco became the first African side to even reach the semi-finals four years ago in Qatar.
Ouahbi, who won the under-20 World Cup with Morocco last year, believes he can repeat that feat with the senior team.
"Morocco have entered a whole new dimension. The players, the fans believe in their team and our opponents respect our team," he said of their progress on the international stage.
"We need to believe in this objective, this target (to win the World Cup). We need to go all in, respect our opponents and be 100 percent committed to this ambition.
"I believe a lot in my work and the work of my staff and we have all the ingredients to become the best nation."
The Netherlands are Morocco's most likely opponents in the next round.
The Dutch lead Japan on goals scored and face already eliminated Tunisia in Thursday's final Group F matches.
"I have no preferences, we will see tomorrow who we will play against," added Ouahbi.
"We will play that game with the same objective and confidence."
Despite bowing out without a point, Haiti's performances at a first World Cup since 1974 have done a nation gripped by poverty proud.
Les Grenadiers scored their first World Cup goals for 52 years as a Yassine Bounou own goal and Wilson Isidor's stunning strike twice gave them the lead in Atlanta.
"I am disappointed with the result, but I didn't feel that my players gave up," said Haiti coach Sebastien Migne.
"They embodied the Haitian people who do not give up.
"The team represented Haiti with great distinction."
SYDNEY (AP) — A professional rugby league player has been suspended for six matches after pleading guilty to making a homophobic comment in Australia's second-tier competition last week.
Newcastle Knights forward Asu Kepaoa, who has played 42 National Rugby League matches with West Tigers, was sent off in the Knights’ reserve-grade win over St. George-Illawarra in the New South Wales Cup.
Kepaoa’s sanction was announced only weeks after former Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans became the second male NRL player to come out as gay, and first since the 1990s.
Kepaoa issued a personal apology in acknowledging the harm caused by his choice of words.
He is yet to make his senior debut for the Knights since his moving to the club, about a two-hour drive north of Sydney, from the Penrith Panthers.
“The Newcastle Knights are an inclusive club and pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for all players, staff and supporters,” the Knights said in statement released Wednesday. “Language that causes harm to individuals or communities has no place in our club, in the NRL, or in our community.”
The sanction is the latest on similar charges in Australian sports leagues. While playing for the New Zealand Warriors’ NRL side in 2022, Marcelo Montoya received a four-game ban for a homophobic slur.
Max Knobel, Koby Evans, Izak Rankine and Lance Collard were among the Australian rules football players suspended over homophobic comments in recent seasons.
Fox Sports just scored two major goals with Concacaf, as they have renewed their contract with the organization to be the English-language home in the U.S. for the Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League.
The deal, which will run through 2029, includes the next two editions of the Gold Cup and Nations League.
“This expanded partnership reflects our strategy to increase the visibility and accessibility of our premier men’s senior national team competitions, making it easier for fans to follow the region’s biggest teams, rivalries, and moments,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani.
He continued, “Fox Sports has been a tremendous partner for Concacaf and the Gold Cup, and we are very excited to expand our relationship to include the Concacaf Nations League as the competition continues to grow in relevance and impact across the region.”
The deal was announced ahead of Fox Sports’ coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a match between Mexico and Czechia.
“Extending our long-standing partnership with Concacaf and expanding it to include the thrilling Nations League competition further cements FOX Sports as America’s home for the world’s top international soccer tournaments,” said FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks. “We are proud to continue our relationship with Concacaf and look forward to building upon the incredible audience and viewership records we’ve set across previous Gold Cup tournaments with an eye on elevating our first Nations League presentation to new heights next year.”
The Concacaf Gold Cup is the Confederation’s flagship men’s national team competition, crowning the regional champion and regularly featuring the best teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The Concacaf Nations League, launched to provide more meaningful and competitive matches for all 41 Member Associations, has quickly become a key part of the men’s national team calendar. The competition serves as the qualifier for the Gold Cup and features play across three leagues, culminating with the Concacaf Nations League Finals for League A, as well as championships for Leagues B and C, where national teams compete for their respective league titles.
The fifth edition of the Concacaf Nations League will kick off in September of this year with the Finals set for March 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Later that summer, the 19th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup will be contested by 16 national teams.
More than 300 athletes from the Detroit area were honored, including the players of the year in each sport and the area's overall winners for boys athlete of the year, girls athlete of the year, boys coach of the year, girls coach of the year, boys team of the year, girls team of the year and the Courage Award. The show was produced with the support of Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons, Consumers Energy and Buddy’s Pizza.
Gash capped a remarkable senior year on the football field by leading the Shamrocks to a 14–0 season and the MHSAA Division 1 state championship, their first title since 2009. Gash finished with 58 receptions for 997 yards and 14 touchdowns, while totaling about 1,570 all-purpose yards and adding two punt-return scores. He earned first-team all-state honors and Dream Team recognition. In track and field, Gash ran as fast as 10.51 seconds in the 100 meters and qualified for the Division 1 state finals, although an injury ultimately prevented him from winning the event. Gash is committed to continue his football career next season at Michigan State.
At the Division 1 state finals, Eichbrecht captured titles in both the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle for the fourth consecutive season, becoming just one of the few swimmers in state history to fourpeat in the same two individual events. She did so in record-setting fashion, swimming 1 minute, 45.98 seconds in the 200 free and 4:42.89 in the 500 free in the finals, after breaking long standing all finals records in both events during prelims. Over her four year varsity career, Eichbrecht earned eight individual state championships. She will continue her swimming career at Indiana University.
Detroit Catholic Central was dominant on the way to a 14–0 season and an MHSAA Division 1 state title. The Shamrocks won every game by at least two touchdowns and showcasing a balanced, physical style on both sides of the ball. Their season culminated in a 42–19 victory over defending champion Detroit Cass Tech at Ford Field, securing the program’s first state championship since 2009. Offensively, Catholic Central featured explosive playmakers, including standout wide receiver Samson Gash, while the defense proved equally dominant, forcing turnovers and controlling games from the opening kickoffs.
Detroit Country Day combined strong regular-season play with a dominant postseason run to repeat as state champions. It finished 29–9, building consistency throughout the year and entering the playoffs on a strong late-season surge. In the MHSAA Division 2 tournament, the Yellowjackets elevated their level of play, advancing through the bracket with multiple decisive wins, including a regional victory over Lake Fenton and a semifinal win over Grand Rapids Christian. Their season culminated at Kellogg Arena, where Country Day captured the Division 2 state championship with a straight-set sweep of Flat Rock, 25-18, 25-19, 25-12. The victory marked the program’s second consecutive state title.
Chris Kendrick is a senior football player at Detroit Denby. He turned to football after a tumultous freshman year in which he would often get kicked out of class and even suspended. During his football season, Kendrick's brother was shot and killed. He lost both of his grandparents in subsequent years around the same time of year as his brother was killed. But rather than getting sucked into his grief, Kendrick remained dedicated to football and this year as a senior became the school's all-time passing leader and an Olivet College commit.
John Herrington Boys Coach of the Year – Chris Laney, Dearborn Divine Child High School
Laney led Dearborn Divine Child to a 13–1 record and the MHSAA Division 4 state championship, the program’s first title since 1985. The Falcons opened the year in overwhelming fashion, winning their first four games by a combined margin of 172–0, In the playoffs, Laney’s team thrived in close, physical games, edging Harper Woods 10–6, Goodrich 10–7, and then defeating Hudsonville Unity Christian 23–22 in the state final. Their postseason run showcased a resilient defense and clutch execution, as each of their final three victories came by one possession.
Mary Cicerone Girls Coach of the Year – Stephen Manuel, Romeo High School
Manuel led Romeo to the program’s first-ever MHSAA girls team state championship. It captured the team title at the state finals in Detroit with 80 points, narrowly edging runner-up Oxford in a tightly contested race. The Bulldogs surged late to secure the championship, needing strong performances in the finals and delivering with bonus-point victories to clinch the title. Individually, Manuel’s roster featured elite talent, led by his daughters Belicia and Kaili Manuel, who each won individual state championships at 155 and 170 pounds.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Loretta Vogel
Vogel built a Hall of Fame career that has spanned more than four decades. She began coaching in the 1970s, first at Manchester and then Napoleon, where she led a team to the 1979 state final before eventually focusing exclusively on volleyball. Vogel later coached at multiple levels, including L’Anse Creuse, Fraser, Wayne State University, and Macomb Community College, before taking over the Farmington Hills Mercy program in 2009. Since then, she transformed Mercy into a statewide powerhouse, winning MHSAA state championships in 2019 and 2023 and guiding the program to numerous Final Four appearances. Over her career, Vogel surpassed 1,100 wins and earned national recognition as the 2020 AVCA National Coach of the Year. She also developed elite talent, coaching multiple Gatorade Players of the Year and Miss Volleyball winners.
At 6-foot 5 and 200 pounds, McClinton had a huge season from his defensive end position, leading Michigan with 25.5 sacks, which ranked seventh nationally. He added 36 tackles, forced six fumbles and recovered another. McClinton’s performance helped Denby win eight straight games and earn a playoff appearance. McClinton was named an all-state player in Michigan, and was named to USA TODAY’S ALL-USA Midwest Football Team’s first team.
Sadler finished the season with 2,536 all-purpose yards and 32 total touchdowns, fueling the Technicians’ 13-1 record and run to the MHSAA Division 1 state championship game. He caught 65 passes for 1,583 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding two rushing scores and a passing touchdown. Defensively, the elite two way athlete delivered 87 tackles and three interceptions. He was selected to USA TODAY’S National ALL-USA Football Team as a wide receiver. He is committed to continue his career next year at the University of North Carolina.
Dorow emerged as one of the top athletes in Michigan after a dominant two-way campaign for St. Joseph. As the Bears’ quarterback, Dorow showcased elite efficiency and playmaking ability, completing 76 percent of her 150 pass attempts for 1,969 yards with 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions. She also added versatility on the ground with 107 rushing yards and two scores. Defensively, Dorow was just as impactful at linebacker, recording 39 flag pulls and seven interceptions, while turning defense into offense with five defensive touchdowns. Her all-around performance helped power St. Joseph to back-to-back state championships, capturing the first two girls flag football titles in Michigan history.
Corder shattered the school’s single season scoring record this year as a junior, finishing with 38 goals and 16 assists while leading De La Salle to a 21-4-2 record and its second consecutive state championship. Even when held scoreless in the state final, his off ball movement and constant pressure forced defenses to collapse, opening space that helped the Pilots secure a 2-0 title victory over unbeaten Hudsonville Unity Christian. A three year starter, he has led De La Salle in scoring every season and sits at 71 career goals, placing him within reach of the program’s all-time record. His production earned him Division 2 Dream Team honors from the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Skamiera’s elite production and game-changing impact led New Huron to its second straight MHSAA semifinal appearance. Her high scoring pace this season allowed her to set a school record for single-season goals with 35 goals. She also finished this season with 13 assists.
Armstrong delivered a dominant senior season, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors. He led the Cougars to a 30–6 record and a Division 2 district semifinal appearance. On the mound, Armstrong went 5–0 with a 0.21 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 34 innings, including three shutouts and a no-hitter. Offensively, he hit .388 with six home runs and 26 RBIs, while also leading the team in multiple categories, including a .456 average and 34 runs.
Phelan’s impact for the Cougars this season propelled the team to the No. 2 seed in the Macomb Athletic Conference Red Division, despite missing the first month of the season. Phelan had a .533 batting average and recorded 24 hits and 28 RBIs. Dakota reached the state semifinals after defeating No. 2 Anchor Bay in the District finals.
Boys basketball – Jaylohn Allen, West Memorial High School
A four year starter for the Zebras, Allen played in 101 varsity games, averaging 19 points and 4.3 assists. This past season, he averaged 23.2 points and six assists, becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer and leading it to the state quarterfinals. Allen will continue his career at the University of Toledo.
Girls basketball – Lilly Williams, Howell High School
After being homeschooled during her first three years of high school, Williams joined Howell this year and made an instant and dramatic impact. She averaged 17.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6 blocks per game. She set a school record with 12 blocks in one game and broke Howell’s single season blocks record. Williams led Howell to a 23-3 record. The Michigan State recruit's historic season earned every major individual honor, including being named a McDonald’s All-American and Michigan Miss Basketball.
Boys bowling – Andrew Fsadni, Salem High School
Fsadni has established himself as one of Michigan’s top high school bowlers during his career at Salem, culminating in a breakthrough 2025-26 campaign. His season highlight came at the State Finals, where he advanced to the championship match, finishing as the Division 1 runner up. Earlier in his career, he reached bracket play at the 2025 Division 1 Singles Finals, defeating a bowler who had rolled a perfect game during qualifying.
Girls bowling, Ava Mazza, Utica High School
The daughter of former PBA Tour standout John Mazza, Ava captured the Division 1 Girls State Championship this year at Thunderbowl Lanes. Entering as the No. 4 seed, she advanced through the bracket before sealing the title with three clutch strikes in the final frame. The victory made her Utica High School’s first Division 1 individual bowling state champion since 2004. Mazza has committed to bowl collegiately at Wichita State University.
Gymnastics, Alexis Fundich – Hartland High School
Fundich’s senior season peaked at the Individual state finals, where she captured the all around championship with a score of 38.625, improving on her runner up finish from the previous year. She also won three individual state titles, balance beam, uneven bars, and floor exercise, where she set a school record 9.8. She also finished second on vault (9.8). As a team leader, Fundich was instrumental in guiding Hartland to its second straight state championship. Individually, she earned MVP, Most Outstanding Teammate and first-team All-State.
Hockey, Ryan Dye – Novi Detroit Catholic Central High School
Dye, a defenseman, was a key contributor for a Detroit Catholic Central team that won another state championship in 2026. He recorded 9 goals and 25 assists for 34 points in 26 games, ranking among the top scoring defensemen in the state. He is a two-time all-state selection and won the 2026 Whelan Award, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and character. He will play Division I lacrosse next year at Mercer University.
Boys skiing, Pierson Kuhn – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory School
Kuhn delivered a dominant performance in the slalom in the Division 2 state finals, capturing the state crown with a winning time of 65.02 seconds, nearly 1.5 seconds ahead of the runner up, which is a significant margin in high school racing. His performance propelled Orchard Lake St. Mary’s to the third best team score in slalom and a fourth place finish overall.
Girls skiing, Maren Studt – Pontiac Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Studt is one of the most accomplished alpine skiers in Michigan high school history and capped her career with a dominant senior season. At the Division 2 state finals she captured individual championships in both slalom and giant slalom, sweeping those events for the second straight year. Her performances earned her first-team All-State honors in both events.
Boys swimming & diving – Elliot Rijnovean, Birmingham Seaholm High School
At the Division 2 state championships, Rijnovean captured two individual state titles, winning the 100-yard butterfly in 47.97 seconds and the 50-yard freestyle in 20.31 seconds, finishing his high school career with six individual state titles. Earlier in the season, he set a Michigan state record in the 100 backstroke at 46.72 seconds. He earned first team all-state honors and is committed to swim next season at Indiana University.
Boys wrestling – Thomas Leahy, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore High School
Competing at 106 pounds, Leahy capped his year by winning the Division 2 individual championship, finishing the season 54-1. In the state final, Leahy pulled away late to earn a 13–6 decision over Chase Jacobs, scoring critical takedown and near fall points after the match was tied entering the third period.
Girls wrestling – Olivia Kemp, Carleton Airport High School
Competing at 190 pounds, Kemp won the an individual state title, rallying late for a 4-2 decision victory over Bloomfield Hills senior Kanata Richardson. Kemp scored a crucial escape and takedown in the final 30 seconds, securing the state title in dramatic fashion. Kemp’s postseason run began by capturing the first girls regional title in Airport program history. She was selected to the Michigan Grappler “Girls Dream Team” First Team after finishing the season 48-1.
Boys golf – Ben Vento, Rochester Adams High School
Vento led Rochester Adams to a strong year capped by a fifth-place finish at the Division 1 state finals (604 team score). As a freshman, he was a breakout star, recording the team’s lowest scoring average and helping Adams win its regional championship with a 71. His season peaked at the state finals, where he shot rounds of 70 and 72 (142 total) and won a three-man playoff to claim the Division 1 individual state title.
Girls lacrosse – Lyla Hampton, Grosse Pointe South High School
Hampton led Grosse Pointe South to a 17-5-2 record, advancing to the regional finals. She dominated all over the field this season, tallying 139 goals, 117 ground balls, 49 assists, and won 68 percent of her draws.
Boys lacrosse – Keaton Yearego, Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Yearego played a key role in Country Day’s dominant 2026 boys lacrosse season, helping lead the Yellowjackets to a 20–1 record and the MHSAA Division 2 state championship. As a senior attackman and one of the team’s featured scorers, Yearego contributed in critical moments throughout the year, including scoring in the first half of the state title game to spark a comeback from a four-goal deficit. He was named a finalist for the 2026 Warrior Lacrosse Player of the Year award.
Girls tennis – Gabriella Sadowski, Utica Eisenhower High School
Sadowski accumulated a 20-1 record in her senior season with her only loss coming in the MHSAA Division 1 state finals. She finished her high school career with an 86-5 record and won the 2024 Division 1 No. 1 singles championship.
Boys track and field – Zacchaeus Brocks, Novi Detroit Catholic Central High School
Brocks won the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and 4x100m relay state championships before starting his college career at Ohio State.
Girls track and field – Kamryn Tatum, West Bloomfield High School
Tatum won the state championship in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.74, her best time of the season. She finished second in the 200 meter dash behind Cass Tech’s Malise Brown, but both runners finished with the two best times in the race’s history. Tatum was a member of West Bloomfield’s 4x100 relay team that took first place with a time of 46.88. At the conclusion of her high school career, Tatum has won seven individual state championships.
Boys cross country – Kamari Ronfeldt, Ann Arbor Pioneer High School
Ronfeldt captured the Division 1 individual state championship with a time of 14 minutes, 50.6 seconds, the fifth fastest performance ever recorded at the MIS Finals course. Earlier in the season, Ronfeldt broke Ann Arbor Pioneer’s long standing school record by clocking a state best 14:47.9. He won nine of 11 races during the fall, recorded six sub-15 minute performances, and helped Pioneer finish second at the state finals and third nationally at the NXN Midwest Regional. For his historic season, Ronfeldt was named the Gatorade Michigan Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.
Girls cross country – Natasza Dudek, Ann Arbor Pioneer High School
Dudek won the Division 1 individual state championship in dominant fashion, breaking the all time state finals record with a time of 16 minutes, 9.5 seconds. It was the fastest girls 5K in the nation during the season. Dudek is just a sophomore and completed a historic undefeated campaign, becaming the first girl to win both major national championships in the same season with wins at the Nike Cross Nationals and Brooks Cross Country Championships. She was named the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.
Girls golf – Annie Flavin, Plymouth High School
Flavin won the Division 1 individual state championship, firing rounds of 71 and 77 for a two day total of 148. Her performance helped Plymouth place third as a team. She was an all-state golfer for the fourth straight season and won the 2025 Maggle Scholarship Award, recognizing excellence in both golf performance and character. She is a multi-sport standout, also lettering in basketball. She will continue her golf career next year at Western Michigan University.
Girls swimming & diving – Elizabeth Eichbrecht, West Bloomfield High School
At the Division 1 state finals, Eichbrecht captured titles in both the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle for the fourth consecutive season, becoming just one of the few swimmers in state history to fourpeat in the same two individual events. She did so in record-setting fashion, swimming 1 minute, 45.98 seconds in the 200 free and 4:42.89 in the 500 free in the finals, after breaking long standing all finals records in both events during prelims. Over her four year varsity career, Eichbrecht earned eight individual state championships. She will continue her swimming career at Indiana University.
Boys tennis – Chad Anderson, Rochester High School
A senior and four year varsity standout, Anderson finished the season 26-0 at No. 1 singles, capping it with Rochester’s first individual state championship. The title didn’t come easily, as Anderson survived a three hour championship match marathon, outlasting Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Grant Miller 7-5, 6-7, 7-5 despite severe leg cramps late in the match. It was the only set he dropped all season. The state title comes after earning state runner-up finishes as a sophomore and junior. Next year, he will join his brother Clayton on the tennis team at Marquette University.
Volleyball – Kayla Nwabueze, Bloomfield Hills High School
A 6-foot-2 senior outside hitter and middle blocker, Nwabueze recorded 751 kills across 126 sets. Her all around impact showed up everywhere on the stat sheet with 358 digs, 56 service aces and 43 total blocks as Bloomfield Hills finished 39–6 and advanced to the Division 1 state championship match. She was named the 2025–26 Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year and will continue her volleyball journey next year at Harvard University.
Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates after getting fouled and making the basket against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Tennessee Volunteers finally had another player come off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft, and it’s quite the team who picked him.
Vols guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie was tabbed by the current Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs with pick No. 42 overall in the second round of the draft on Wednesday night.
It’s obviously a tremendous opportunity for Gillespie in San Antonio, if he can carve out a role for himself on a team that’s right on the edge of the pinnacle of the sport. The Spurs have themselves to blame for losing the NBA Finals in five games to the New York Knicks. They blew massive leads in multiple games, including a 29-point gag job in Game 4 in Madison Square Garden. So, clearly, they’re good enough to win it all, and having a superstar like Victor Wembayana makes another run a distinct possibility in 2026-27 and beyond.
So, it’s a great situation for Gillespie to land in as far as potential to win. How he fits and what kind of role he earns for himself remains to be seen.
The Houston Rocketsgot to work quickly in Day 2 of the NBA draft, trading their two second-round picks this year and a 2029 Kings second-rounder for pick 31 and pick 55.
The player they picked at 31, however, wasn’t listed by ESPN as one to watch for at that stage of the draft.
Bruce Thornton wasn’t projected to be picked in the 30s, but Houston jumped at the opportunity to pick him
ESPN projected Thornton to be the 49th overall pick, but the Rockets traded up for his services. It might stink of negligence on Houston’s part, but a slightly deeper look tells you everything you need to know.
Thornton finished off his career at Ohio State as one of the most accomplished players in program history, clinching the school’s all-time scoring record.
His height is an area of concern entering the NBA, as he’s listed at 6-foot-2, and Houston have plenty of undersized guards on their roster.
However, he’s a low-turnover, high-output player, and he was a great three-point shooter in college. His archetype, disregarding the height dilemma, gives Houston another option at a position that needed improvement and depth entering the draft.
For a squad that’s working on retooling its bench, getting a point guard with elite experience isn’t that bad of a gamble, and depending on Fred VanVleet’s health situation, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets measurable rotation minutes next season.
Was this pick a reach? Maybe, but it was a calculated one at least from Houston.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Griffin Jax pitched five strong innings, Yandy Díaz tied Tampa Bay's franchise record for career RBIs and the Rays defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Wednesday night.
Jax (3-5) struck out seven while allowing two unearned runs and five hits. It was his fourth start in a row with at least five innings pitched and less than two earned runs allowed. Bryan Baker gave up a run in the ninth, but closed it out for his 20th save.
Díaz hammered a line drive to left field in the fourth inning to tie B.J. Upton's franchise mark of 447 RBIs and give Tampa Bay a 4-0 lead. Jonny DeLuca followed with an RBI double.
Nick Fortes and Díaz opened the scoring in the third when they both scored after Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone fielded Ryan Vilade's grounder and stepped on the bag for the out — but then his throw home went wide of catcher Salvador Perez. Jonathan Aranda added a one-run single to put the Rays up 3-0.
Noah Cameron (4-5) gave up all five runs on eight hits in five innings for the Royals.
Kansas City scored two runs in the top of the fifth when Carter Jensen and Caglianone scored on consecutive errors by shortstop Taylor Walls and left fielder Chandler Simpson. Josh Rojas added his first homer of the season in the ninth to pull within 5-3.
Jensen extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a single on the first pitch of the game.
Up next
Royals RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.69 ERA) faces Rays LHP Ian Seymour (3-1, 4.98 ERA) in the series finale Thursday.
After failing to complete a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics may be searching for another blockbuster deal.
Jaylen Brown was reportedly the centerpiece of Boston's package for Antetokounmpo, who is on his way to Miami after spending 13 seasons in Milwaukee. Even with an Antetokounmpo trade off the table, Brown could still be on the move, as the Celtics haven't shut the door on an offseason deal.
Brown is coming off the best individual season of his career. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in 2025-26, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Has he already played his last game in a Boston uniform?
Here are the latest updates on talks surrounding the Celtics star.
Jaylen Brown trade rumors tracker
Wednesday, June 24
Celtics actively engaged in Jaylen Brown talks
On the second night of the 2026 NBA Draft, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Celtics are "actively engaged" in trade talks surrounding Brown.
"There is a sense of purpose from teams around the league that they feel from the Celtics in these conversations," Charania said. "That does not mean, though, that a deal is guaranteed because Jaylen Brown does have three years left on his contract. ... His status is very much up in the air in Boston."
Reporting for ESPN NBA Draft show on the Boston Celtics actively engaged in trade talks surrounding Jaylen Brown: pic.twitter.com/pQtHp1zJNm
Brown signed a five-year supermax contract extension with the Celtics in 2023. That deal runs through the 2028-29 season and does not include a player or team option. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2029.
The contract carries a base salary and cap hit of $57,078,728 in 2026-27, per Spotrac.
This game was far from an attractive product as four runs were scored on defensive misplays, but the Rays added enough around the comedy of errors by both teams to come out on top in this one. The misplays began early as Jac Caglianone had delusions of grandeur turning what could have been a double play into two runs:
The defensive gift was followed by a run-scoring single by Jonathan Aranda proving Jax with a 3-0 lead as well as the Rays with their first lead since Sunday’s win against Washington. Jax held the lead and the win despite walking a tight rope in his final frame due to multiple two-out defensive miscues.
Griffin Jax once again worked just five innings, but the better news the recurring blister issue did not appear to be a problem as Jax threw 88 pitches. He looked set to be able to at least start the 6th inning until Taylor Walls got eaten up by a ground ball and Chandler Simpson seemingly lost a Salvador Perez liner in the lights and boxed it out to the bullpen:
Those consecutive mistakes extended the inning by another eight pitches thus ending Jax’s night.
The final three innings were better than the first two for Jax as he struggled to find his command in the early innings working behind in counts and falling victim to broken bat singles. Each of the first two innings saw the first two Royals reach base only to have Jax strike out the next batter, and eventually get out of both frames unscathed. One of those broken bat singles was from Carter Jensen, who now has a 13-game hitting streak and has reached base in 16 consecutive games while embracing the leadoff spot in the Kansas City lineup. Jax finished with the two unearned runs while allowing eight baserunners through five innings throwing 52 strikes in his 88 pitches on the evening including 13 swings and misses:
Yandy Diaz had another productive night as the tablesetter going 4 for 5 while scoring a run and driving in another. Simpson made up for his error making two other more difficult catches. He also reached base twice and swiped two bases to add to his recent run of running again. Everyone reached base at least once tonight while the team was 4 for 12 on the evening with runners in scoring position leaving 9 runners on base throughout the contest.
The combination of Cole Sulser, Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger got nine outs while allowing just one batter to reach base before handing it off to Byran Baker. Baker struck out former Ray Kam Misner with a nasty changeup, but then hung a changeup to Josh Rojas that landed 10 rows deep in right field. That was the first home run Baker had allowed since an opening day home run to Matt Shaw. Baker bounced back to retire the next two batters to earn his 20th save of the season
Kelly’s work in the 7th was special as it continued his flawless pitching at home. He has now worked 19 innings under the roof without allowing even a single run or a walk. He, more than any pitcher, is really enjoying being back indoors at home and away from the pop-up porch in right field.
The Rays come back for lunch tomorrow in hopes of evening this series with Ian Seymour taking the mound against Seth Lugo.
The WNBA referees have missed a pretty bad foul from Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark on Wednesday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
During the first half of their latest matchup, Thomas got away with pressing her fist on Clark’s neck as the former tried to get the ball from the latter, who slipped to the floor during a drive. Thomas also stepped over Clark after the scramble for the loose ball.
Tensions have been brewing between these two teams after Monday’s battle resulted in multiple technical fouls following a dust-up between Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner in the second half when they got tangled up in the paint while fighting for position.
The Fever eventually won 86-77, as Clark finished a game-high 24 points, three rebounds, and nine assists on 8-for-17 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action. However, Clark slammed the officials during her postgame interview after receiving her fifth technical foul of the season for clapping.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Alyssa Thomas’ cheap shot to Caitlin Clark sparks fan backlash
WNBA fans strongly believe that Alyssa Thomas got away with a dirty play against Caitlin Clark, and that the referees should be held accountable. If the refs had caught it, Thomas would’ve probably gotten a Flagrant 2 foul and an ejection.
“The refereeing is just out of control in the WNBA. If they’re not careful one of, and perhaps the best, of their superstars will get seriously hurt,” a fan chimed in on X.
“Alyssa Thomas is the dirtiest player in the WNBA. She should be in the UFC, not the WNBA,” another fan added.
“Very disappointed in the refs for not calling that intentional attempt to maim,” one fan added.
“If the league doesn’t look at this @wnba @CathyEngelbert and fine Thomas, there is no question CC should take her talents and run,” said another fan.
It’s easy to see why Clark has consistently sounded off on the WNBA referees when plays like that go uncalled. On the other hand, this is just completely unnecessary from Thomas.
Tyler Nickel, formerly of Vanderbilt basketball, was selected in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2026 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks on June 24.
Nickel, a onetime 4-star recruit, started his career at North Carolina and also played a year at Virginia Tech before heading to Vanderbilt for the 2024-25 season. He spent two seasons with the Commodores, and the best one for the 6-foot-7, 222-pounder came as a senior in 2025-26. The forward helped lead Vanderbilt to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, including an appearance in the second round in 2026.
He is the first Vanderbilt player drafted since 2020.
What Tyler Nickel brings to the Knicks in 2026 NBA Draft
Nickel projects as a role player at the NBA level. He brings excellent size and shooting as a career 39% 3-point shooter. Nickel is also efficient at scoring around the rim, though he was rarely asked to do that at Vanderbilt, and from the mid-range. He rarely turns the ball over or makes mistakes.
Tyler Nickel highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Vanderbilt
Nickel was one of 10 players in the SEC in 2025-26 to attempt at least 150 3-pointers and shoot at least 40% from deep. Of those players, Nickel's 275 3-point attempts were tied for the most.
It is worth noting that Nickel provides limited shot creation, as 95% of his 3-pointers were assisted.
Nickel also shot 75% at the rim and 47% on mid-range jumpers, so his scoring ability is not limited to beyond the arc.
Nickel didn't have the ball in his hands often and rarely drove to the rim. He attempted just 36 layups and 59 free-throws all season. While he doesn't turn the ball over, he doesn't pass it out much either, recording 26 turnovers and 43 assists.
During non-conference play, Nickel hit eight threes in a game twice within the span of eight days.
In 2025-26, Nickel started all 36 games and played 30.6 minutes per game. He shot 44.5% from the field and 40% from three with an 84.7% free-throw percentage.
He averaged 4.3 rebounds per game, most of which were defensive rebounds, as well as 1.6 assists, one steal and 0.7 blocks.
In his career, which included two years at Vanderbilt plus one at North Carolina and one at Virginia Tech, Nickel had a 43.3% field-goal percentage, a 39.4% 3-point percentage and an 83.8% free-throw percentage.
Tyler Nickel, formerly of Vanderbilt basketball, was selected in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2026 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks on June 24.
Nickel, a onetime 4-star recruit, started his career at North Carolina and also played a year at Virginia Tech before heading to Vanderbilt for the 2024-25 season. He spent two seasons with the Commodores, and the best one for the 6-foot-7, 222-pounder came as a senior in 2025-26. The forward helped lead Vanderbilt to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, including an appearance in the second round in 2026.
He is the first Vanderbilt player drafted since 2020.
What Tyler Nickel brings to the Knicks in 2026 NBA Draft
Nickel projects as a role player at the NBA level. He brings excellent size and shooting as a career 39% 3-point shooter. Nickel is also efficient at scoring around the rim, though he was rarely asked to do that at Vanderbilt, and from the mid-range. He rarely turns the ball over or makes mistakes.
Tyler Nickel highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Vanderbilt
Nickel was one of 10 players in the SEC in 2025-26 to attempt at least 150 3-pointers and shoot at least 40% from deep. Of those players, Nickel's 275 3-point attempts were tied for the most.
It is worth noting that Nickel provides limited shot creation, as 95% of his 3-pointers were assisted.
Nickel also shot 75% at the rim and 47% on mid-range jumpers, so his scoring ability is not limited to beyond the arc.
Nickel didn't have the ball in his hands often and rarely drove to the rim. He attempted just 36 layups and 59 free-throws all season. While he doesn't turn the ball over, he doesn't pass it out much either, recording 26 turnovers and 43 assists.
During non-conference play, Nickel hit eight threes in a game twice within the span of eight days.
In 2025-26, Nickel started all 36 games and played 30.6 minutes per game. He shot 44.5% from the field and 40% from three with an 84.7% free-throw percentage.
He averaged 4.3 rebounds per game, most of which were defensive rebounds, as well as 1.6 assists, one steal and 0.7 blocks.
In his career, which included two years at Vanderbilt plus one at North Carolina and one at Virginia Tech, Nickel had a 43.3% field-goal percentage, a 39.4% 3-point percentage and an 83.8% free-throw percentage.
After landing Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6) and Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson (No. 28) in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, the Nets added another rookie to their young team on Wednesday.
Brooklyn selected UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau with the No. 43 pick in the second round.
Bilodeau, 22, showed his pro potential during his senior year with the Bruins last season by averaging 17.6 points on 46.4 percent shooting from three (leading the Big Ten). Overall, he shot 51.8 percent from the field and 87.3 percent from the foul line.
Listed at 6-foot-8 and 224 pounds, Bilodeau earned the title of Washington Mr. Basketball his senior year of high school. He was ranked as a three-star recruit and started his career at Oregon State, playing there for two seasons before transferring to UCLA for his final two years of college. The sharpshooter was named to the third-team All-Big Ten in 2025 and 2026.
Brooklyn originally owned the No. 33 pick in the second round, but that was included in the Julius Randle trade with Minnesota and Chicago. The Timberwolves selected Duke wing Isaiah Evans with that early second-round pick Wednesday night.
NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets came into the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft armed with just one pick after using two picks in the first round on Tuesday. With the second round generally being more wide-open due to teams just pursuing the players they're interested in, Brooklyn used the No. 43 pick on a player that should be able to space the floor for his teammates.
With the No. 43 pick, the Nets selected UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau to add to their draft picks of Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6) and Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (No. 28).
With the No. 43 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Nets take UCLA F Tyler Bilodeau. Bilodeau averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 51.8% from the field and 46.4% from 3 on 4.5 attempts per game. Listed at 6'9" and 220 pounds, Bilodeau is a floor-spacing big.
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) June 25, 2026
With the 43rd pick of the NBA Draft the @BrooklynNets select Tyler Bilodeau!
Gonzaga Bulldogs baseball has acquired its first player through the NCAA transfer portal. Meet incoming junior third baseman Josiah Rodriguez from Division II powerhouse Point Loma in San Diego, California, and Northern California’s Junipero Serra, the high school baseball program that produced the home run king, Barry Bonds.
Rodriguez had a .411 batting average, .555 slugging percentage, and .484 on-base percentage in 63 starts during his sophomore season. That included seven home runs, 13 doubles, 37 walks, and 52 runs batted in. The Sea Wolves made it all the way to the College World Series due to his contributions at the plate.
Gonzaga has lost two key contributors from last season’s roster to the portal in redshirt junior third baseman Mikey Bell (Georgia Bulldogs commit) and freshman right-handed pitcher Landon Hood (LSU Tigers commit). Bell was awarded the West Coast Conference Player of the Year in back-to-back campaigns, while Hood was named the 2026 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.
The portal officially closes on June 30.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers traded the 6-foot-4 guard to the Chicago Bulls for Braden Smith, who was selected with the 38th pick in the NBA draft.
Sources: Chicago is trading Braden Smith to the Indiana Pacers for Kam Jones, future swaps and cash.
Jones' rookie season with the Pacers was delayed by a back injury, and he didn't make his NBA debut until Dec. 22. He ended up playing in 37 games, averaging 4.4 points and 3.2 assists per game.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers traded the 6-foot-4 guard to the Chicago Bulls for Braden Smith, who was selected with the 38th pick in the NBA draft.
Sources: Chicago is trading Braden Smith to the Indiana Pacers for Kam Jones, future swaps and cash.
Jones' rookie season with the Pacers was delayed by a back injury, and he didn't make his NBA debut until Dec. 22. He ended up playing in 37 games, averaging 4.4 points and 3.2 assists per game.
BROOKLYN - The Spurs' 2026 NBA Draft haul is complete.
After adding Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance, UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. and Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie earlier in the annual event at the Barclays Center, San Antonio rounded out its class by selecting Duke product Maliq Brown with the No. 44 pick in the second round.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Brown brings toughness and a high motor to a Spurs team looking to build off its first NBA Finals appearance of the Victor Wembanyama era. During his time at Duke, he showcased his ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game without commanding touches, giving San Antonio another young piece as it looks to remain among the NBA's elite.
While landing high-end talent is always the priority, maintaining success requires more than just star power. With Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle already leading the way, the Spurs entered draft night with the luxury of targeting players who fit their system rather than searching for franchise-altering pieces.
That approach was clear throughout San Antonio's draft class.
Quaintance provides defensive upside, Reed adds another option in the frontcourt, Gillespie serves as another high-IQ guard addition and Brown gave the Spurs another player capable of developing into a contributor down the line.
Brown’s value comes from doing the little things that translate to winning. After beginning his collegiate career at Syracuse before transferring to Duke, the versatile forward built his reputation through his defensive instincts and a willingness to embrace any role asked of him.
While he may not project as a primary offensive option, Brown’s ability to switch defensively and create extra possessions makes him an intriguing addition alongside Wembanyama and San Antonio’s young core.
Wright and San Antonio's front office have spent years putting the pieces of their next contender together. Now, with Wembanyama leading one of the league's most promising rosters, the focus shifts toward finding players capable of complementing what has already been built.
Not every championship contributor arrives as a lottery selection. More often, sustained success comes from identifying players who understand their roles and maximize their opportunities.
Whether Brown becomes part of the rotation immediately or takes time developing behind San Antonio's established core, the Spurs have added yet another option as they continue chasing their sixth NBA title.
The Moneyball pro-am event is in full swing with the Michigan State basketball program giving their annual participation in the event. Following the games, media members are given the opportunity to speak to the Spartans players, getting their first chance to talk to the MSU players since the NCAA Tournament, while getting an opportunity to also speak to the newcomers into the program.
In a funny exchange on Tuesday, Michigan State sophomore forward Cam Ward joined the media members in questioning blue-chip freshman Jasiah Jervis. The Michigan State sophomore made sure to hit the new freshman with some hard hitting questions, including who his favorite player at Michigan State is.
Watch the funny exchange between the two Spartans on X:
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy
The Pacers traded into the second round of the 2025 draft to get backcourt depth. Now they're trading the guard they got in that draft to get into the second round of the 2026 draft to get another point guard
The Pacers traded Kam Jones -- taken with the No. 38 pick in the 2025 draft after the Pacers acquired that selection from the Spurs -- to the Bulls along with two pick swaps for the No. 38 pick in the 2026 draft and used that selection to take Purdue All-American, Westfield High School star and 2022 Indiana Mr. Basketball Braden Smith. Smith led Purdue to Sweet 16s in each of his last three seasons and finished with an NCAA Division I record 1,103 career assists, 8.8 per game.
The Pacers had hoped that Jones would be a fixture as a bench guard after he earned second-team All-America honors as a senior at Marquette, but a lower back injury derailed the early portion of his rookie season and the Pacers didn't see as much progress as they would have liked once he got on the floor. Jones averaged 4.4 points per game as a rookie on 40.2% shooting including 29.3% from 3-point range. He averaged 3.2 assists per game against 1.0 turnovers.
In Smith, the Pacers get the shortest and lightest player who was invited to the NBA Draft Combine at 5-10 1/4, 166 pounds. However, they've seen in T.J. McConnell that undersized point guards can be effective, especially in a bench role. With McConnell now 34 years old, the Pacers have to expect they'll need to replace him in the rotation at some point and it's still helpful to have four point guard options on the roster.
Like McConnell, Smith is limited in the defensive matchups he can take, but he can take ball-handlers at the point of attack and he's one of the best distributors in college basketball history. He can also get to the rim and shoot from outside so Smith can also brings points as a depth piece in the backcourt. He averaged 15.8 points per game as a junior and 14.3 per game as a senior, earning first-team All-America honors in each of those two seasons.
By moving a current player off the books instead of just trading picks, the Pacers helped their financial situation and can keep a roster spot open for free agency. Smith will likely make close to the $2.1 million Jones was due in 2026-27, but this means the Pacers don't have to pay both players and inch closer to the first luxury tax apron. It would still help them to move more salary to get full access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, but this at least doesn't chop into the salary flexibility they already have.
The Pacers traded into the second round of the 2025 draft to get backcourt depth. Now they're trading the guard they got in that draft to get into the second round of the 2026 draft to get another point guard
The Pacers traded Kam Jones -- taken with the No. 38 pick in the 2025 draft after the Pacers acquired that selection from the Spurs -- to the Bulls along with two pick swaps for the No. 38 pick in the 2026 draft and used that selection to take Purdue All-American, Westfield High School star and 2022 Indiana Mr. Basketball Braden Smith. Smith led Purdue to Sweet 16s in each of his last three seasons and finished with an NCAA Division I record 1,103 career assists, 8.8 per game.
The Pacers had hoped that Jones would be a fixture as a bench guard after he earned second-team All-America honors as a senior at Marquette, but a lower back injury derailed the early portion of his rookie season and the Pacers didn't see as much progress as they would have liked once he got on the floor. Jones averaged 4.4 points per game as a rookie on 40.2% shooting including 29.3% from 3-point range. He averaged 3.2 assists per game against 1.0 turnovers.
In Smith, the Pacers get the shortest and lightest player who was invited to the NBA Draft Combine at 5-10 1/4, 166 pounds. However, they've seen in T.J. McConnell that undersized point guards can be effective, especially in a bench role. With McConnell now 34 years old, the Pacers have to expect they'll need to replace him in the rotation at some point and it's still helpful to have four point guard options on the roster.
Like McConnell, Smith is limited in the defensive matchups he can take, but he can take ball-handlers at the point of attack and he's one of the best distributors in college basketball history. He can also get to the rim and shoot from outside so Smith can also brings points as a depth piece in the backcourt. He averaged 15.8 points per game as a junior and 14.3 per game as a senior, earning first-team All-America honors in each of those two seasons.
By moving a current player off the books instead of just trading picks, the Pacers helped their financial situation and can keep a roster spot open for free agency. Smith will likely make close to the $2.1 million Jones was due in 2026-27, but this means the Pacers don't have to pay both players and inch closer to the first luxury tax apron. It would still help them to move more salary to get full access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, but this at least doesn't chop into the salary flexibility they already have.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm goes to the basket against Maliq Brown #6 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
There are a lot of uncertainties still, but Maliq Brown was taken with the #44 pick by the San Antonio Spurs, and that could be a huge break.
First, the Spurs have been a model franchise in most ways, and they have always had a knack for finding talent.
Second, he has a pretty clearly defined role from Day One: defend. And that will be much easier with Victor Wembanyana, aka the Alien, and now Jayden Quaintance, as soon as his knee allows. Also, the Spurs picked up UConn’s Tarris Reed, so Brown should be free to focus first on defense.
It’s a great opportunity for him, and our bet is that the Spurs will be very happy once they get a sense of just how smart a defender he is. It’s one thing to see it on TV, and another entirely to see it in practice and games.
Although it came a bit later than expected, Isaiah Evans, a former Duke Blue Devil for two seasons saw his NBA dreams come true Wednesday night, being selected No. 33 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Although Evans made just three starts for Duke during his freshman season, the Fayetteville, NC., native came on strong in his sophomore campaign, averaging 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks. He also shot an impressive 36.1% from 3-point range, leading Duke in 3-pointers made during the 2025-26 season.
For that reason, Evans was viewed as one of the stronger shooting prospects in the draft, especially toward the end of the first round. Now with the Nets for the 2026-27 season, Evans will need to prove himself worthy of extra minutes in Minnesota's rotation.
Take Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch off the NHL free agent list.
Tuch, who had been the top available player, is going to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal. He will average $10.5 million in his eight-year contract. The Sabres get back a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and forward David Kampf.
Tuch, 30, has three 30-goal seasons, including 33 goals this past season. His cap hit had been $4.75 million.
They still don't know if left wing Alex Ovechkin will return or retire, but one of the NHL all-time leading goal scorer's factors was whether the team would be competitive after missing the playoffs in 2025-26.
The 2007 No. 1 pick became the top U.S.-born scorer this past season. He has topped 50 points the last two seasons. Current cap hit: $3 million.
8. Anders Lee, New York Islanders
He has been the Islanders' captain since 2018 and is usually good for 20-plus goals, though he had 19 in 2025-26. Current cap hit: $7 million.
7. Mason Marchment, Columbus Blue Jackets
He struggled with the Seattle Kraken after his offseason trade, but his trade to Columbus revived his season with 32 points in 39 games. He's also an agitator. Current cap hit: $4.5 million.
6. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins
He's the third-highest-scoring player on the free agent list with 64 points after he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. Will a general manager be tempted to think he can do that again or look at his subpar production before that? Current cap hit: $2.5 million.
5. Viktor Arvidsson, Boston Bruins
The forward bounced back from a couple subpar seasons and had 25 goals and 54 points after being traded to Boston. Current cap hit: $4 million.
4. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
The goalie won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and owns two Vezina Trophies. He'll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
3. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is expected to either re-sign with the Capitals or retire. Otherwise, he'd lead the list. He scored 32 goals at age 40. Current cap hit: $9.5 million.
2. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this past season by the Flames. He can provide offense with one 50-point season and others topping 40 points, including 47 points in 2025-26. He had an average playoffs. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
1. John Carlson, Anaheim Ducks
Carlson, the Capitals' all-time leader in scoring among defensemen, was traded to the Ducks in a shocker. He totaled 60 points in 71 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.
Others to watch: Mats Zuccarello, Boone Jenner, Brent Burns, Jacob Trouba
After adding Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance with the No. 20 pick and UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. with the No. 26 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs continued surrounding Victor Wembanyama with young talent, selecting Tennessee product Ja'Kobi Gillespie with the No. 42 pick in the second round.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Gillespie brings shooting, defensive toughness and high-IQ decision-making to a Spurs team fresh off its first NBA Finals appearance of the Wembanyama era. During his time at Tennessee and Maryland, he showcased his ability to space the floor and impact winning on both ends of the court, giving San Antonio another intriguing piece as it continues chasing the franchise’s first title since 2014.
While Wembanyama’s historic rise has turned the Spurs into immediate contenders, San Antonio’s ability to sustain success will depend on the pieces around him.
The combination of Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle already gives the Spurs one of the NBA’s premier young cores, but championship teams are built through finding value beyond their stars.
That was the goal in selecting Quaintance, Reed, and now Gillespie, who gives San Antonio another player capable of outperforming his draft position.
Gillespie’s path to San Antonio was far from traditional. After beginning his collegiate career at Belmont, the Tennessee native steadily developed into one of college basketball’s more reliable guards, eventually proving his game could translate against high-major competition.
While he may not possess the same physical upside as San Antonio’s earlier selections, his shooting ability and defensive instincts give the Spurs a possible plug-and-play option in a backcourt already loaded with young talent.
For a team no longer picking near the top of the draft, selections like this become even more important. The Spurs’ days of rebuilding appear to be over, meaning GM Brian Wright and San Antonio’s front office must now find ways to improve the roster without relying on lottery selections.
Finding hidden gems in the second round is an often-overlooked yet effective way of doing so.
Whether Gillespie becomes an immediate contributor or carves out a role over time, adding another young player capable of impacting winning is exactly how San Antonio can continue maximizing the early stages of Wembanyama’s prime
The foundation has already been built. Now, it’s about finding the pieces that help turn a Finals appearance into the Spurs’ sixth championship.
The Sacramento Kings added one of college basketball's most accomplished shooters in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Houston guard Emanuel Sharp with the No. 45 overall pick.
Sharp leaves Houston as one of the greatest players in program history after helping Kelvin Sampson turn the Cougars into a perennial national championship contender. While his outside shooting immediately stands out, his remarkable family background and international upbringing make him one of the more fascinating stories in this year's draft class.
Here's everything to know about Sacramento's newest rookie.
Emanuel Sharp leaves Houston as one of the greatest Cougars ever
Few players have enjoyed a career at Houston quite like Sharp. By the time his four seasons came to an end, he ranked as the second-winningest player in school history, helping the Cougars pile up victories while becoming one of the faces of one of college basketball's premier programs.
He also finished atop Houston's record book in one major category.
During a February win over Utah, Sharp buried a career-high eight 3-pointers to surpass Marcus Sasser as the program's all-time leader in made three-pointers. The record-breaking shot came from nearly 30 feet away, fitting for one of the nation's elite perimeter shooters.
He finished his career with 277 made three-pointers, cementing his place in Houston basketball history.
One of college basketball's best shooters
Sharp saved his best basketball for his senior season. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 15.5 points per game while knocking down 37.2% of his three-point attempts. He also shot an outstanding 89.1% from the free-throw line, showcasing the shooting touch that made him one of the most dangerous guards in the Big 12.
Throughout his four collegiate seasons, Sharp steadily improved his offensive game.
After averaging just 5.9 points as a freshman, he developed into a double-digit scorer during each of his final three seasons, averaging 12.6 points in both his sophomore and junior years before breaking out as Houston's leading perimeter scorer during his senior campaign. His ability to make difficult shots in big moments became one of the trademarks of Kelvin Sampson's teams.
Sharp's path to the NBA is unlike most players in this draft.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, he holds triple citizenship through Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom, giving him one of the most unique international backgrounds among NBA prospects.
Basketball also runs in the family.
His father, Derrick Sharp, enjoyed a legendary professional career with Maccabi Tel Aviv and became one of the most recognizable players in Israeli basketball history. Derrick represented Israel internationally after becoming a naturalized citizen, helping inspire Emanuel's own basketball journey from an early age.
Growing up around professional basketball gave Emanuel a firsthand look at what it takes to compete at the highest level before eventually making his own name at Houston.
Why the Kings targeted Sharp
Sacramento is adding one of the safest shooting prospects available in the second round. Sharp brings proven experience, four years under one of college basketball's best coaches in Kelvin Sampson, and a winning pedigree that few players in this class can match.
Whether he earns minutes immediately or develops over time, the Kings are getting a player who knows how to fit into a winning culture. For a franchise looking to strengthen its depth, adding Houston's all-time three-point king and one of the winningest players in school history could prove to be one of the better value picks of the 2026 NBA Draft.
You have to feel for the Brooklyn Nets and their fans. However many of them actually exist.
As the New York Knicks and the entire city of New York were celebrating their first championship in over 50 years, the Nets were the most forgotten team in all of pro sports. One of the constant refrains of the Knicks’ playoff run was how much New York was united behind them because there wasn’t a split fanbase like in baseball with the Yankees and Mets or football with the Jets and Giants.
Yikes.
It’s not like the Nets are a new franchise, they have been in existence for almost 60 years themselves between the NBA and ABA as they have bounced back and forth between New York and New Jersey. Julius Erving played for them! They played in two NBA Finals with Jason Kidd and company! Kevin Durant was there just a few years ago!
But all that history isn’t enough for much of New York to care right now. Or for Adam Schein to want them to continue their existence.
In case you’re wondering what the straw that broke the camel’s back was for Schein, it was the Nets passing on Arkansas Darius Acuff Jr. to draft Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
The CBS Sports host took a blowtorch to the franchise on Schein Timewith the New York Post.
“The Brooklyn Nets should fold the franchise.” @AdamSchein after Nets pass on ‘superstar’ Darius Acuff Jr.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 24, 2026
“The Brooklyn Nets should fold the franchise. Get out of the basketball business. Sell ice cream. Sell bicycles. Do something else. Clearly, this organization has no idea what the hell they’re doing. Get out of town. I don’t want to see the Brooklyn Nets in New York City ever again. They are an embarrassment to the NBA, to sports, and to the great state of New York. This is a joke,” Schein said.
That may be an extreme reaction to the sixth pick in the draft, unless Acuff turns into the next incarnation of Jalen Brunson. But maybe it speaks to something bigger going on here — the general sense of apathy and neglect that the Nets are experiencing at the moment. That’s not where any professional sports franchise wants to be. At least when the Mets fail, there’s some entertainment value.
Ayaneo has revealed more details about its new gaming handheld. Positioned as a smaller alternative to its Windows options, the Pocket Micro 2 sports a premium design with recessed TMR joysticks, a “full-featured” USB Type-C port and a full glass front.
Many RDR2 fans have been waiting to see a proper PS5 version of the game with 60 FPS support. However, fans might have to wait longer than expected due to the launch of GTA 6.
The preorder pages for GTA will drop at midnight local time in the US tonight, and you can buy both the Standard and Ultimate editions at the links below. Digital preorders of either variant get a month of GTA+ subscription as a preorder bonus.
Hype is cyclic. Once upon a time, there was Daikatana, the game that would have John Romero making us his female canine, but flunked hard. Then there was Half-Life 2, a game that still begs for a third installment today. Spore showed us how excellent ideas still need equal execution. In modern times, No Man's Sky and Cyberpunk 2077 both had massive hype and massive flops, turned around with many years' labor. And yet to this day, there's nothing quite like the buzz surrounding Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI, or as it'll be forever known, GTA 6.
The Standard edition goes for $79.99 and has the base game, the Vintage Vice City Pack with retro-themed cosmetics, and the '55 Vapid Stanier vehicle. The Ultimate Edition goes for a cool $99.99 and contains extra side missions and activities, additional vehicles, guns, and a truckload of outfits and other cosmetics for Jason and Lucia both.
Without further ado, click away to your favorite e-tailer.
We won't bother rehashing details about the impending sequel to Rockstar's massively successful and still giant money printer Grand Theft Auto V. Suffice to say that the November 19 release is so hotly anticipated that employees are calling sick already, and there are reports of entire workplaces planning to shut down for the day. Many publishers and studios are reshuffling their release calendars so as not to get drowned in what is guaranteed to be the talk of the Internet for at least a few weeks, too.
Meanwhile, PC gamers will have to wait a year to see the game running natively on their systems and will have to drown their sorrows in one of the literal thousands of games that never make it to consoles. Regardless, Take Two Interactive's revenue is probably going to rival that of some AI companies — but in real dollars.
LoopUsIn is a household operations engine designed to eliminate parental mental load and keep families running in sync. Beyond passive shared calendars, it acts as a proactive digital command center that routes the right information to the right person at the right time. Whether coordinating child drop-offs, automating chore rotations, or pushing real-time updates to a partner's dashboard, it helps families manage daily tasks efficiently. Built for families valuing privacy and efficiency, the beta introduces automated home upkeep, featuring a recipe and grocery engine and a multimodal "picture-to-task" tool that creates step-by-step maintenance instructions.
Czechia face a must-win Matchday 3 against 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico, and in a tactical twist, star forward Patrik Schick has been left out of the European side's starting XI.
It is all-or-nothing for Czechia on the final matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage as they square off against co-hosts Mexico in desperate pursuit of a vital victory. However, the biggest pre-match headline for the Europeans is a stunning one: forward Patrik Schick will not be on the pitch at the opening whistle.
Despite this being a decisive fixture where only a win can keep Czechia‘s knockout hopes alive, coach Miroslav Koubek has made the bold decision to relegate Schick to the substitutes’ bench.
Stepping into the starting lineup in place of the Bayer Leverkusen striker is Adam Hlozek, who previously featured as a substitute in the opening-day defeat to South Korea before getting the nod to start in the 1-1 draw against South Africa.
In addition to the Czech striker’s absence, Koubek also opted to leave Tomas Soucek out of the starting lineup. The West Ham midfielder started in the tournament opener but was relegated to the bench for the second match.
— Česká fotbalová reprezentace (@ceskarepre_cz) June 24, 2026
What Czechia needs to qualify for the Round of 32
Czechia find theirselves in an incredibly precarious position heading into the final matchday of the group stage, facing a strict must-win scenario at Mexico City Stadium to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.
To have any hope of advancing to the Round of 32, Czechia must pull off an upset victory against Mexico while simultaneously cheering for South Africa to defeat South Korea in the parallel fixture. This combination would blow the group wide open, allowing them to vie for either second or third place in Group A.
Anything less than three points spells immediate elimination. A draw would leave the Czechs with a total of two points; while that could mathematically mirror a third-place finish depending on other results, a two-point tally will not be enough to advance via the tournament’s eight best third-place wild-card spots.
Brazil and Morocco both claimed the wins in Matchday 3, earning a place in the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil and Morocco, the two pre-tournament favorites in Group C, have officially secured their places as the top two advancing teams. With their group-stage campaigns officially wrapped up, their respective paths heading into the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup have now become clear.
Following a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament opener, Brazil found its defensive solidity under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. On Wednesday, a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland allowed the Canarinha to claim the top spot in the group, finishing with seven points out of a possible nine.
Morocco, on the other hand, faced a surprisingly tough test against a Haiti squad that had already been eliminated before kickoff. With a tough 4-2 win, the work the African side did in their previous matches was enough to safely lock up second place in Group C.
Group C final standings
Following their opening draw against Morocco, subsequent wins over Haiti (3-0) and Scotland (2-0) pushed Brazil to the top of Group C with seven points. Meanwhile, Morocco claimed the runner-up spot with seven points due to a minor goal difference, courtesy of their draw with Brazil, a 1-0 win over Scotland, and Wednesday’s win against Haiti.
2026 World Cup Group C final standings.
Scotland finishes group play in third place with three points and a minus-three goal difference, meaning their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams remain in serious jeopardy. Haiti exits the tournament in last place with no points at all, the same mark from its first World Cup back in 1974
Venues and potential rivals
After winning Group C, Brazil’s next match in the Round of 32 is scheduled for Monday, June 29th at 1:00 PM ET. The Canarinha will travel to NRG Stadium in Houston to face the runner-up of Group F, a spot currently held by Japan but still up for grabs by the Netherlands or Sweden.
As the Group C runner-up, Morocco will also play their Round of 32 knockout match on Monday, June 29th, with kickoff set for 9:00 PM ET. The Atlas Lions are headed to Estadio Monterrey in Mexico, where they will face the winner of Group F, which is currently the Netherlands but could still shift to Japan or Sweden.
Group F will be officially decided on Thursday, June 25th, when the already-eliminated Tunisia faces the Netherlands and Japan takes on Sweden for Matchday 3. Once those simultaneous games wrap up, both Brazil and Morocco will finally learn their exact knockout-stage opponents.
Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil and Achraf Hakimi #2 of Morocco.
With the qualification to the next round still up for grabs, Son Heung-min has been excluded from South Korea's starting lineup for the last group phase game against South Africa.
South Korea heads into Matchday 3 of Group A with its qualification for the Round of 32 still hanging in the balance ahead of their final group match against South Africa at Estadio Monterrey. However, in a bold and shocking move, captain Son Heung-min has been left on the substitute bench for this decisive game.
Son will begin the match on the bench due to a tactical decision by head coach Hong Myung-bo. While the Tottenham superstar is fully fit, he has struggled to produce in front of goal during the first two matches, prompting the manager to utilize him as a super-sub against South Africa instead.
Instead, the starting frontline will feature PSG’s Lee Kang-in on the right wing, Hwang Hee-chan on the left, and Oh Hyeon-gyu leading the attack as the central striker. With this tactical adjustment, the South Korean manager has opted for the physicality of the Besiktas forward to serve as a target man against the athletic South African backline.
Son’s struggles in this tournament trace back to the opening match against Czechia, where he took six shots but failed to find the back of the net. Just two minutes after Hwang In-beom scored a 67th-minute equalizer, Son was substituted for Oh Hyeon-gyu, who went on to score the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.
Heung-Min Son #7 of Korea Republic shoots while Raul Rangel #1 of Mexico attempts to save.
A similar situation unfolded during the second group match against Mexico. Son once again struggled to create dangerous chances, aside from a shot cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez, and was replaced by Oh early in the second half in the 57th minute in what would end up being a 1-0 defeat against El Tri.
A rare bench appearance for the Korean captain
Following his breakthrough onto soccer’s biggest stage, Son Heung-min quickly established himself as the undisputed superstar and captain of the South Korean national team. However, starting tonight’s critical match against South Africa on the sidelines marks an incredibly rare moment in the legendary forward’s international career.
Since making his tournament debut in 2014, Son has featured in all 12 of South Korea’s World Cup matches across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cup campaigns. He had started every single one of those fixtures and was subbed off just four times, making this clash against South Africa the first World Cup game of his career that he will watch from the dugout at kickoff.
For the last World Cup group phase game against Czechia, Raul Jimenez will have to wait to perform for the Mexico national team on the subs bench.
Raul Jimenez has been a fundamental piece in Mexico‘s path through the group phase at the 2026 World Cup, serving as the primary striker leading El Tri’s frontline. However, for this Matchday 3 clash in Group A against Czechia, Jimenez has been left out of the starting lineup.
Jimenez will start on the bench for Mexico due to a tactical decision by head coach Javier Aguirre. With six points already secured and the top spot in Group A firmly locked up, the Mexican manager has chosen to rotate his squad and give some much-needed rest to several of his key starters.
At the moment, Mexico sits at the top of the standings with six points after a 2-0 win against South Africa and a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Korea. With the Asian side in second with three points and Czechia in third with only one, El Tri is now mathematically out of reach from any other team in Group A.
Instead, for Wednesday’s matchup against Czechia, Aguirre has opted for a lineup featuring Julian Quinones on the left wing, Roberto Alvarado on the right wing, and Guillermo Martinez as the starting striker. Consequently, the brand-new Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward will have to wait for his chance to make an impact from the substitution bench later in the match.
Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates scoring against South Africa.
Thus far, Raul Jimenez started Mexico’s first two games against South Africa, where he scored a crucial header, and the match against South Korea. With 46 career international goals, he has officially tied Jared Borgetti as El Tri‘s second-highest all-time goalscorer and now trails the record of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who leads with 52.
Mexico still waiting for its next opponent
With the top spot untouchable, Aguirre made the choice to field a heavily rotated lineup against Czechia while the team awaits its next World Cup opponent in the Round of 32. Returning to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as the host venue, the next high-stakes game for El Tri is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th.
According to the tournament bracket, Mexico will face a third-place team advancing from Group C, E, F, H, or I. As the tables currently stand, that opponent would be Scotland, who finished third in Group C with three points, though their ticket to the knockout stage is not yet officially guaranteed due to a minus-three goal difference.
Cathie Wood has dismissed mounting inflation fears despite U.S. headline CPI rising to 4.2% in May, arguing that underlying price pressures are close to disappearing. According to the ARK Invest CEO, inflation fears dominated conversations during her recent investor meetings…
2026 Dünya Kupası C Grubu'nda Brezilya, Vinicius Jr'ın iki gol attığı maçta İskoçya'yı 3-0 mağlup ederek lider olarak son 32 turuna yükseldi. İskoçya ise en iyi üçüncüler arasına kalma umutlarını sürdürdü.
2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası B Grubu'nda İsviçre, Kanada'yı 2-1; Bosna Hersek ise Katar'ı 3-1 mağlup etti. İsviçre lider, Kanada ikinci olarak son 32 turuna yükselirken, Bosna Hersek en iyi üçüncüler şansını sürdürdü, Katar ise elendi.
AI infrastructure spending has broken the global memory supply chain
DDR2 prices are set to surge 60% in Q2 2026 alone
Some manufacturers are redesigning DDR3 systems around DDR2 to secure components
The AI boom is creating unexpected consequences across the memory industry, including renewed demand for technologies introduced more than two decades ago.
As manufacturers prioritize advanced products serving AI infrastructure, older memory generations are becoming increasingly difficult to source in meaningful quantities.
That shift is now pushing DDR2 prices sharply higher despite the technology first appearing around 25 years ago.
Legacy memory demand rises as newer DRAM becomes scarce
Industry executives such as Nothing CEO Carl Pei and Frameworkhave warned that supply constraints and elevated pricing are unlikely to ease in the near term.
According to TrendForce, these structural changes in the DRAM market are forcing buyers to move backward through successive memory generations, and limited mature-node supply is pushing some brands to switch from newer memory to older ones that are available in larger volumes.
TrendForce estimates that DDR2 contract prices will increase by roughly 55% to 60% during the second quarter of 2026.
Prices are then expected to climb another 35% to 40% in Q3, creating one of the strongest pricing surges seen in the legacy memory segment for years.
The situation stems partly from decisions made by the world's largest DRAM suppliers, which continue directing manufacturing resources toward advanced memory technologies.
Growing demand for HBM and server DRAM, both closely linked to expanding AI infrastructure investments, has reduced wafer allocations available for older consumer-focused products.
As availability tightens, companies purchasing DDR4 memory have increasingly turned to Taiwanese suppliers for additional capacity.
Demand has therefore spread across several generations of products, creating pressure that now extends into DDR3 and DDR2 markets.
Some manufacturers have reportedly replaced DDR4 designs with DDR3 solutions, while certain DDR3-based systems are being redesigned around DDR2 memory to improve component availability.
Suppliers gain leverage as production shifts toward higher-margin products
The imbalance between demand and available output has strengthened the negotiating position of some memory manufacturers.
With supply unable to keep pace, vendors have gained greater flexibility to raise contract prices while concentrating on products that generate stronger returns.
Winbond, one of the key suppliers of DDR2, is reducing the production of older standards and redirecting the capacity toward DDR3, DDR4, and LPDDR4 products.
Such a transition is expected to place additional strain on DDR2 availability during the coming quarters.
As production contracts, buyers dependent on legacy platforms could face increasing competition for a shrinking pool of components.
Manufacturers like Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology (ESMT), however, are increasing their focus on DDR2 production within their existing wafer allocation.
The company hopes to capture the surging demand in an effort to improve profitability while helping address part of the supply shortfall from Winbond's withdrawal.
Whether these supply conditions represent a temporary market distortion or the beginning of a prolonged shortage remains uncertain.
What is becoming clear is that AI-driven demand for advanced memory is now affecting even very old product generations, creating ripple effects that few expected to reach DDR2.
For all the iPhone’s talents, there’s still one glaring area that’s plagued it since its launch, and where it’s arguably inferior to certain Android devices: wireless audio quality transmission. More specifically, high-resolution, or lossless, audio.
Yes, despite Apple offering select albums and tracks in up to hi-res lossless audio quality via Apple Music — at no extra charge, no less — no pair of Apple headphones actually supports the format. The AirPods Max 2, and the refreshed first-gen set of Apple’s over-ear headphones, support lossless audio when connected via USB-C, but not true high resolution.
For the majority of music fans it won’t matter that iPhones don’t support higher quality audio codecs. But considering Android devices do support them, and the fact there are genuine audible benefits to higher quality streams, why wouldn’t you want to get them if the option was there?
It continues to be a peculiar oversight by the tech giant, I feel, but fortunately there is a super simple workaround to unlocking the sonic benefits of high-res, all thanks to Sennheiser and a plug-in USB-C adapter. And for the low price of just AU$59.
Just plug this little adapter into a USB-C or USB-A port and it will transmit audio in aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive quality (up to 24-bit / 96kHz).You will need a compatible set of headphones to reap the full benefit (so no AirPods), but do it and you’ll wonder how you went without it. View Deal
There are plenty of reasons for wanting to unlock high-res audio from your smartphone. First and foremost, there’s a very good chance it’s already included with your music streaming service subscription. Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and now even Spotify all offer higher-res versions of millions of songs. Look at it this way — you’re paying for that quality, but if you’re listening with an iPhone and a pair of AirPods you’re missing out on a vastly superior music experience.
This Sennheiser dongle fixes that, although as previously mentioned, you will need a pair of compatible headphones, and nothing from Apple itself makes the cut. While the BTD 700 can transmit high-resolution, or lossless audio from an iPhone via aptX Adaptive, the AirPods won’t receive it, and will instead revert to inferior AAC or SBC codecs.
If you need some suggestions, there are some top-rated pairs on sale now for EOFY that support either aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless, or both, that will take full advantage of what the BTD 700 transmitter can offer.
What is lossless audio?
Lossless audio can be a bit of a contentious subject in some circles (here’s looking at you audiophiles). Some claim it’s the best thing since sliced bread, while others claim they can’t hear any noticeable difference in quality.
Throw in myriad codec options that each do something a little different, and it’s easy to see why it’s not only confusing, but also hard to really care about.
In theory, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs are capable of carrying more information than AAC or SBC (which the iPhone supports). Lossless audio streams go one better by delivering a bit‑perfect CD‑quality stream.
Even then, however, it’s not fully guaranteed, because you need every step in the chain to be working at its full potential. You first need a good recording that actually contains all the extra information, and then you need a capable set of headphones. And, since we’re talking about wireless transmission here, it can still be susceptible to interference, which can have a negative effect on sound quality.
But if you already own decent Snapdragon Sound cans, the BTD 700 finally lets them run the codec they were designed around instead of being stuck on AAC, which is a genuine quality win — especially from an iPhone.
If you’re keen to reap the benefits of higher quality sound, you may want to jump on this deal. I’ve seen it going in and out of stock on an almost daily basis.
The arrival of The Division: Resurgence earlier this year — a game in one of my favorite series — pulled me into mobile gaming hard.
I soon began building the perfect mobile gaming setup to meet my needs, but also to make sure I enhanced and made my small-screen experience as optimal and as enjoyable as possible. That's where the kit below came in, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Adding dedicated gaming gear, where appropriate, has made the world of difference and augmented my gaming on mobile. This all starts with a dedicated, powerful phone; I was lucky enough to find an ASUS Rog Phone 8 Pro in one of the TechRadar cupboards which is perfect, but you can't buy it now — so I've included the most recent version of that phone below instead.
Otherwise it's all there, just as I use it. While the DualSense and mobile phone controller are good in some scenarios, I love the fact that I finally found a mobile controller for my different hands in the form of the Nacon MG-X Pro. Audio-wise, I was fortunate enough to have some high-profile SteelSeries gear to hand, and that's stayed with my setup due to the excellent connectivity and portability the buds and headset offer.
Having tested gaming gear, and spent hours whittling my mobile gaming gear down to the stuff below, you might find that some of it is exactly what you're looking for too.
The day we've been waiting years for has finally arrived. Rockstar Games has finally given word on GTA 6 pre-orders (spoiler: they're happening now), as well as pricing information and a torrent of new screenshots, but fans have highlighted a notable omission.
We were asked in a comment on our TikTok announcing the news whether or not we knew of a collector's edition in the works — and we don't, with Rockstar staying quiet on the matter — but there's at least some reason to believe that we won't see one that includes a physical copy.
That reason is an entirely different game; Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), the last game developed by Rockstar. Instead of a collector's edition including a physical copy, fans received a collector's box priced at $99.99 / £89.99 with "outlaw essentials" inspired by the Van der Linde gang.
These included various themed items like a metal tithing box, a bandana, pins, and more, all neat, but notably, there was no digital content included. Bundles were available that included a hard copy, but officially speaking, these were distinct and separate products. It was met with mixed feelings; some fans liked the focus on real-world collectibles rather than in-game content, but others at least wanted a unique game box to
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
So, will we see a collector's box for GTA 6?
Well, reader, I've got no clue. It's been a long eight years since RDR2, an even longer 12 years since GTA 5, and it's a whole different ball/car theft game in 2025. In our pre-order live blog, our Managing Editor, Gaming and Streaming, speculates:
Could it be that Rockstar only wants to launch digitally initially in order to avoid any risks about leaks or something, but then come again later with a special edition or collector's edition that's 'properly' physical — I could see that happening. People would buy it twice, too.I think we're about to witness a game pre-order situation that is like no other, ever; it'll transcend any other game pre-order logic, pattern, or situation, so the idea of Rockstar coming later with a collector's edition or physical copy to coincide with a later beat, such as GTA 6 Online, or a PC release, is very much something I can see.
Rob Dwiar — Managing Editor, Gaming and Streaming
Indeed, GTA 6 already stands to shape the market. Its pricing alone has been a huge point of interest, with analysts putting early predictions at over $100; it's safe to say that would have been the real kicker here, even if a collector's edition would be appreciated by many fans.
Who knows, perhaps Rockstar is going all-in on the digital future and scrapping all physical media, including merchandise. I mean, I'd be surprised, but it's not beyond the realms of imagination that we'd see fewer publishers making their own merch and offloading the effort onto third-party providers.
Still, I sincerely hope that's not the case; whether it's a collector's edition with a physical disc, a game code, or just a box filled with junk I can shove on a shelf to proudly show in the background of my Zoom calls, there's plenty of demand for collector's items.
As ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet told TechCrunch in May, what China can currently buy are older-generation deep ultraviolet tools — gear first shipped about a decade ago — the same machines the MATCH Act would now put off limits.
The Rockets traded up to acquire Thornton from the Knicks, giving them a third small guard alongside Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard. Could this make Sheppard, the third pick in 2024, more expendable? Perhaps so, because Thornton is a three-level scorer with playmaking feel and the competitive fire that lifts a locker room. And even though he’s short, he weighs 223 pounds and has a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Players with his intangibles can prove to be important to winning teams though. He was a four-year captain at Ohio State, and improved every year on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn reacts after a defensive blunder gifts Brazil's Vinicius Junior the opening goal in their Group C game in Miami (CHANDAN KHANNA)
Brazil punished Scotland's defensive frailties to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds on Wednesday as Switzerland and Canada sealed their place in the last 32.
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil clinched first place in Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami, topping the group on goal difference from second-placed Morocco, who secured their passage after battling to a 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta.
Brazil's victory meant Scotland finish third in the group standings, leaving their hopes of finishing among the eight best-ranked third-placed teams who advance to the last 32 hanging by the slenderest of threads.
Vinicius Junior scored twice for Brazil, pouncing on a horrendous blunder by Scott McKenna to fire the South Americans ahead in the seventh minute.
The Real Madrid striker then nodded in Brazil's second in first-half stoppage time after losing his marker all too easily at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute, delivering a potential fatal blow to Scotland's chances of squeezing into the last 32.
Brazil's win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti give veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, the Selecao's all-time leading scorer coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute.
"We played as a collective and that's a good thing," a satisfied Ancelotti said afterwards. "There are many positive things, such as Neymar's appearance, which can help us."
Brazil and Scotland's clash in Florida was one of six matches taking place Wednesday as a hectic final round of group fixtures got underway.
- Swiss, Canada march on -
Earlier, Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to clinch top spot in Group B.
The Canadians advanced to the second round of the World Cup for the first time in their history despite the defeat, clinching the runners-up berth on goal difference ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, 3-1 winners over Qatar.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored the goals to seal Switzerland's victory, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 minutes to set up a tense finish.
Prior to the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a match at the World Cup but with their second-placed finish in the pool they will play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.
"I know our team has heart, right? But I know that we have a group that will give everything to every moment," said Canada coach Jesse Marsch.
On having to move to California for Canada's next game, Marsch said: "It's been awesome, and that's the disappointment, we just want to continue the energy that's taken place here in Canada."
Bosnia-Herzegovina, like Scotland, will have to wait to see if they advance to the knockout rounds after finishing third in Group B with four points.
On a dizzying day of action when the final games in each group will be played simultaneously, co-hosts Mexico know they are already guaranteed of playing in the knockout round.
The Mexicans won Group A after two victories and will play the Czech Republic, who need a victory to stand any chance of going through to the last 32.
South Africa improved dramatically in their last game to draw with the Czechs after a pitiful performance in the tournament curtain raiser against Mexico when they had two men sent off and lost 2-0.
They need to beat Son Heung-min's South Korea, who themselves are targeting the knockout phase.
The action on Wednesday is the first of four days of six games, the result of a tournament expanded for the first time to 48 teams.
McGee has always been a prime target for cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, and this one became a bit more realistic when Semajay Robinson opted for UVA and Zachary Gleason opted for West Virginia. With the 2027 cornerback class dropping from four to two, McGee became more of a necessary piece than a luxury like it seemed a few weeks back. He took visits to SMU, Penn State, and Texas in subsequent weeks, with this decision coming down to the Longhorns and Nittany Lions. Obviously, Penn State came out on top with McGee making the call for the Nittany Lions earlier this evening.
I feel like I have said this a lot this cycle, but despite the three-star ratings from On3 and 247, McGee is a supremely talented prospect. You don’t get down to a final two of Penn State and Texas — where he was a take, it was a committable offer — by lacking talent. So on one hand I do expect McGee’s ranking to rise in the coming weeks and months. He has premier length for the position at 6-foot-1 and ran a 10.5 flat 100M recently. For reference, Journey Brown ran a 10.42 as a senior so McGee can absolutely fly. But McGee is a raw prospect who will probably need some seasoning both technically and physically, as he’s just 175 pounds right now. Still, he’s a great piece of clay as a corner prospect, and I’m not one to bet against Terry Smith.
Also, I know the vibes around recruiting have been a bit up and down in recent weeks, most notably with Jamir Dean flipping to Georgia, Deshawn Hall going with Auburn, and Khalil Taylor seemingly holding an auction for his college football services. But it has not been all bad. Beating out Florida for defensive Elijah Guertin was a very impressive victory. Beating out Oklahoma for an Oklahoma kid (and legacy!) in Case Alexander was even more impressive. And now, going into Texas and beating out the Longhorns for a kid they wanted. Not to divulge paywall info, but the Texas message boards thought this was going to be Texas as of early this morning. So three really impressive recruiting wins in the last 10 days — not too shabby.
Jun 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pinch hitter Logan O'Hoppe (14) is congratulated by first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) after a walk-off single during the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The 2026 Orioles have played plenty of dumb, bad baseball. But the 10th inning of this 7-6 loss to the Angels on Wednesday afternoon in Anaheim may take the title for the absolute worst moment of the entire season. It also completely changed the tone of the now-concluded west coast road trip, which saw the Orioles lose five of nine and go home on a supremely sour note.
Let’s get right into that 10th inning because that ended up being the whole ballgame.
The two teams were knotted at five runs apiece after regulation. The Orioles began the 10th with Blaze Alexander as the Manfred runner at second base. Taylor Ward opened the frame with a single to put runners on a corners. A Gunnar Henderson swinging bunt sent Alexander towards home, but he would be tagged out, a call which was upheld after review. After Leody Taveras flew out for the second out of the inning it seemed like the Birds might not score at all. But Pete Alonso came through with a clutch single to score the one crucial run and give the bullpen a lead to work with in the bottom of the inning.
Keegan Akin was called on for the 10th in a game that saw the Orioles empty their bullpen. The only reliever that did not pitch in this loss was Albert Suárez. And while Akin would carry some blame for the loss, it wasn’t his pitching that was at fault.
Akin struck out Zach Neto to open the frame, and then got a fly out of Vaughn Grissom for the second out. Things were going well! All that stood between the Orioles and a winning road trip was Nolan Schanuel.
Kudos to Akin for getting Schanuel to hit a weak grounder to the right side for what should have been the final out of the game. But that is where everything fell apart. It seemed like both Akin and Alonso were unsure of who was covering first. Jeremiah Jackson tossed the ball over anyway and Akin did just beat the runner there, but he also fumbled the catch and then Schanuel accidentally kicked it into right field. Not only did that allow the Manfred runner to score and tie the game, but it pushed Schanuel all the way around to third base.
The Orioles still could get out of the jam with one final out. And again, Akin induced weak contact. In fact, the batter, Logan O’Hoppe, didn’t even fully swing the bat. But he made contact anyway, leaving a dribbler in front of home plate. Samuel Basallo sprung up to collect the ball, but Schanuel was off with contact, evaded Basallo in the base path to score. Basallo never even looked for the force out at first base, but it’s unclear if he really had a chance there either. After that comedically calamitous inning, the Orioles had lost 7-6.
This fate could have been avoided altogether if the Orioles bats hadn’t fallen asleep after the third inning. But that is exactly what happened. José Soriano was removed after the third, and the Orioles did next to nothing against the Angels bullpen. Four relievers combined to toss six shutout innings, allowing just one hit in the process, walking one, and striking out five.
Prior to that, the Orioles were tearing into Soriano. Basallo hit a pair of two-run homers; one in the second inning and one in the third inning. Both times it was Alonso on board. Alonso had the team’s two other RBI. His first came on a double in the third and the other was the aforementioned extra-inning ribby. The only other Oriole hitter that did much of anything was Taylor Ward. He had two singles and scored on the Alonso double. The rest of the order was missing all afternoon.
Trey Gibson did start this game, but lasted just four innings as Craig Albernaz figured he could mix and match with his entire bullpen considering they have the day off on Thursday. That strategy worked until the late innings when everyone melted down.
Gibson himself was pretty good. The two runs he allowed came on one Jorge Soler swing in the first inning. His final three innings were scoreless, and he struck out five in the process. The rookie has room to grow, but the improvements are noticeable each time to the mound.
Albernaz had his entire bullpen on a short leash. Grant Wolfram came on to work the fifth inning. He got two outs and then an error by Gunnar Henderson pushed the skipper to bring on the right-hander Tyler Wells to face Soler. Wells got out of that inning and stayed on for a clean sixth inning.
Yennier Cano was picked for the seventh inning. He walked two and struck out two before Albernaz opted for the currently scuffling Rico Garcia. Garcia was able to wrap up the seventh without issue, but his troubles would pop back up in the eighth inning.
Donovan Walton doubled to begin the inning. Garcia followed up with back-to-back outs. But he couldn’t quite get to the finish line. Grissom pinch hit and singled in the Angels’ third run of the day. Schanuel walked to put two runners on. That was end of the line for Garcia and start of the day for Andrew Kittredge. He was no better. Kittredge walked Denzer Guzman to load the bases and then coughed up a game-tying single to Wade Meckler.
And we already covered what happened from there. Ryan Helsley tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning, which is important. The team needs him to be good. But everything came crashing down in the 10th inning for Akin and the rest of the Orioles.
This is an all-too-common experience for this baseball team. The bats go quiet. The bullpen falls apart at the worst time. And in the highest of pressure situations it seems like they always lose their heads. The Orioles should have won this baseball game for several different reasons. The roster is more talented than what the Angels are trotting out there. This should have been a winning road trip. And yet, it wasn’t. And maybe that’s all you need to see to truly understand this team and their outlook.
Jackson Holliday also played, making a late pinch hitting appearance in which he struck out. So apparently he won’t be going on the IL. And if he does, the Orioles can’t back date it any longer. Just pure brilliance on display.
We will all be spared the Baltimore Orioles experience on Thursday. They have the day off. Then they open a weekend series with the Nationals on Friday night. Good luck, Birdland.
Vinicius Junior heads in his and Brazil's second goal in their 3-0 World Cup win over Scotland on Wednesday (CHANDAN KHANNA)
Vinicius Junior made it four goals in three games at the World Cup as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, sealing progress to the last 32 as Group C winners and leaving their opponents in danger of another first-round exit.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius took advantage of a defensive howler to give Brazil an early lead in Miami and headed in another in first-half stoppage time.
Scotland were never really in it and Matheus Cunha got a third on the hour mark for the record five-time World Cup winners, who brought on Neymar towards the end for his first international appearance in over two-and-a-half years.
There are doubts as to whether Carlo Ancelotti's side are genuine contenders to win this tournament but boosted by finishing top of the group they head to Texas for a last-32 tie in Houston on June 29.
That will be against the runners-up in Group F, which will be either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.
After scoring in both the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, Vinicius is the first Brazilian to find the net in every group game at a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo both did it in 2002.
With four goals, he is one behind Lionel Messi and level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race.
Scotland, meanwhile, are at real risk of yet another group-stage elimination, as has been their fate at every previous major tournament in which they have participated -- that includes eight World Cups before this year.
Morocco took second in Group C, with seven points but behind Brazil on goal difference, after coming from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta.
Scotland come third with three points and a goal difference of minus three. They must wait to see if that is enough to finish as one of the eight best third-placed sides who advance to the last 32.
Steve Clarke's team could not recover from conceding inside two minutes in their last outing against Morocco in Boston, and they only had themselves to blame as they once again fell behind early.
It was a very soft goal to concede and a nightmare for Scott McKenna, who had been brought into the defence in place of Grant Hanley.
McKenna was too casual in possession in his own box in the seventh minute and was closed down by Rayan.
Starting in place of the injured Raphinha, the young Bournemouth forward gave it to Vinicius and he rounded Angus Gunn to score.
- Neymar makes comeback -
Scotland were very lucky not to concede again in similar circumstances midway through the first half as Jack Hendry was closed down by Vinicius who went on to slot in.
This time, however, the goal was overturned following a VAR check by the Mexican referee, who could see that Vinicius had clipped the leg of Hendry on his way through.
But it was only a matter of time before Brazil scored again, and Vinicius headed in with the game in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Once more Scotland were punished for slack play at the back with an Andy Robertson pass being intercepted inside his own area before Bruno Guimaraes crossed for the goal.
Scotland looked at risk of completely collapsing as Gunn had to save from Rayan just before the half-time whistle, and the goalkeeper then denied Vinicius his hat-trick soon after the restart.
Instead it was Manchester United's Cunha who got the third -- his third of the tournament -- from a Guimaraes lay-off, and Brazil could have won by more.
A consolation goal for Scotland might have been significant in their quest to reach the next round, but Alisson twice denied Scott McTominay.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer, came on for Cunha in the 76th minute to huge cheers, making his comeback after being absent from the Selecao since October 2023.
This was Brazil's fourth win in five World Cup meetings with Scotland, the exception being a goalless draw in 1974.
The transfer portal is in full swing amidst the college baseball world, and one former Spartan has found his next home. Jaxon Huffman has made his commitment to Valparaiso University.
Huffman, a native of Muskegon (MI) and a former standout at Mona Shores High School, is a 6-foot-1 right-handed pitcher. As a freshman in 2024, he got three innings of work in five appearances, where he struck out three, but gave up nine earned runs.
After his initial time with Michigan State, he went back home to the nearby Muskegon Community College, where he made 10 appearances in 2026. He will now look to succeed at the division one level once again when he joins the Crusaders.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy
“These kids have been beaten up for three years,” Pucko, a 1971 FHS graduate and 2013 inductee to the school’s hall of fame, said. “They think there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. They’ve heard all about how Fitchburg used to be, and I think they don’t believe it.”
Part of Pucko’s task is to re-establish a winning attitude and culture in the program, and on June 24, he invited Ashton Grant, the New England Patriots quarterbacks coach and an Assumption record-setting wide receiver, to Crocker Field to speak to Raiders players about his own experiences, answer questions, give advice and instill those important elements that Pucko hopes will help get Fitchburg back to where it wants to be.
Pucko was an assistant on coach Bob Chesney’s Assumption staff when Grant played, and Pucko and Grant, who began as a volunteer assistant, later worked together on Chesney’s staff at Holy Cross.
“I was with Coach Pucko a few years ago at Assumption and a few months ago I was in Santa Clara (Calif.) at the Super Bowl,” Grant said, “and none of that was because I was super fast or super strong. It’s just because I always thought I could be something and I worked to get there.
“You have to put the right foot forward and do things the right way to attain what you want to do,” Grant told Red Raiders players.
“These kids needed someone like Ashton,” Pucko said, “with his history and his work ethic and where he’s gone in life, to show kids in Fitchburg what the possibilities are if you decide to listen rather than just think you know everything. I’m hoping (listening to Grant) is one of those buttons that gets pushed and makes a big difference in these kids’ lives.”
Grant engaged members of the FHS team, as well as some Fitchburg youth players, in an informative and inspiring 50-minute Q&A that covered topics such as recruiting, nutrition, the weight room (“It’s where the culture starts,” Grant said), social media (“Imagine your grandmother is reading everything you post on social media,” Grant said), grades (Grant’s weren’t the best in high school), setting a daily schedule, leadership, establishing a positive mindset, and the Patriots’ offseason acquisition of receiver A.J. Brown.
“It’s really important that he was here,” Fitchburg rising sophomore Daniel Munoz, a two-way lineman, said. “The motivation and support and advice he was giving us is going to help us be the best versions of ourselves so we can turn this program around.”
Grant grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, and prepped for a year before arriving at Assumption, where he played from 2014-17. When Chesney became Assumption’s coach in 2013, the Greyhounds had posted two winning seasons in the prior 17 years. By the time Grant was a senior, Assumption had achieved a No. 8 national ranking.
“We set a culture of competitiveness,” Grant said. “When we took the field every Saturday, it wasn’t a question of if we were going to win, it was how much we were going to win by. We knew we were built differently than the teams we were playing.
“Coach Pucko was part of Coach Chesney’s turnaround at Assumption,” Grant told the Raiders. “You’re in the right hands if you want to get this turned around and play for a winner.”
Pucko had great runs as the coach at Holy Name High, where his teams won three Super Bowl titles, and West Boylston High.
In 2020, while at Holy Cross, Grant was the Cleveland Browns’ first recipient of the Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship. The assignment was supposed to last three weeks. Instead, it turned into Grant’s five-year stay with the franchise and his rise to quarterbacks coach (2023-24).
Grant met Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in 2024, when Vrabel worked as a consultant with the Browns.
“Today I was looking up to someone I could be later in life,” Fitchburg rising sophomore and running back/linebacker Angel Lara Torres said. “Coach Grant made me see everybody can make it and he made me open my eyes to holding yourself to a standard. Once your team sees that, they’re going to want to do that and we can come together and start creating that culture.”
Grant said Maye had a good offseason and minicamp.
“He has looked great,” Grant said. “He looks like someone getting comfortable with what we’re asking him to do the second year in the system. Like everybody, the first year is learning what do to; the second year is learning why you’re doing it and how you can manipulate certain things and I think he’s coming along nicely.”
Grant shook the hand of every FHS player and invited them to Patriots training camp in late July.
“Building a program starts now, in the offseason,” Grant told them. “Today is the first right step. Coach Chesney always says it takes a year to put a trophy in a trophy case. Now, it’s about how do you show up and show coach and your teammates you can be depended on every day.”
‒Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.
The FSU Seminoles are enjoying a run of success on the recruiting trail. Not only did they land four-star defensive lineman Sam LeJeune on Wednesday, but several commits also announced they were shutting down their recruitment.
Four-star wide receiver Sean Green was the first to do so, with three-star linebacker CJ Ohuabunwa doing so shortly after, breaking the news on social media.
"1000% a seminole!!! Let’s do it," he wrote.
Ohuabunwa committed to the Seminoles on Monday and is one of eight commitments for Florida State in June. He is ranked as the No. 892 overall player and No. 74 linebacker in the 247Sports composite. The Norcross native is also the No. 105 player from Georgia.
He had an extremely productive junior season at Greater Atlanta Christian, helping them go 10-3. He finished the season with 117 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one interception, and two pass breakups.
Ohuabunwa is one of three linebackers that new linebackers coach Ernie Sims has landed, with four-star Jernard Albright also shutting down his recruitment this week. Seven of FSU's 13 commits are front-seven prospects, forming the strength of the recruiting class.
Brazil advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup in style after Vinicius Jr netted twice in a 3-0 win over Scotland in their final Group C match while Neymar also made his first appearance in a Brazil shirt in three years.
The victory on Wednesday came at a full house in Miami Stadium where 64,478 fans watched Carlo Ancelotti’s side top the group with seven points while Morocco finished second with a 4-2 win over Haiti.
Vinicius has scored in every game so far and the 25-year-old has four goals in the tournament to find himself in elite company, going level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland while he sits one goal behind Lionel Messi.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke said he expected Brazil to attack from the outset and the South Americans needed seven minutes to go 1-0 up when Scott McKenna failed to clear the ball, allowing Rayan to nick it and find Vinicius unmarked.
As goalkeeper Angus Gunn scrambled to stop him, the Real Madrid forward simply took one touch to move the ball past him and tap it into an empty net as the fans in yellow erupted.
Brazil nearly made it 2-0 just before the first hydration break when Vinicius nicked the ball off Jack Hendry to score, but Scotland earned a reprieve after a VAR check and the goal was overturned by the referee for a foul by the Brazilian.
That remained the theme in the first half, with Brazil being more combative to win the ball back while Scotland failed to capitalise on set-pieces — the only time they had opportunities to score — as they finished the half with no shots on target.
Brazil’s second goal was a dagger to Scotland’s hearts on the stroke of halftime when once again they won the ball high up the pitch and Bruno Guimaraes crossed the ball to the far post, where a grateful Vinicius headed home his second.
In the second half, Brazil pressed for a third goal and it came with another scything move through the midfield as Guimaraes grabbed his second assist, dancing into the box before setting up Matheus Cunha for his third goal of the tournament.
But the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Neymar as Ancelotti brought the 34-year-old on for his first appearance in a Brazil shirt since October 2023.
Scotland had little to show in attack and Alisson remained a rock in goal, denying them one last chance in the dying minutes as Brazil kept a clean sheet.
Four-star wide receiver Sean Green, who committed earlier this month, took to his Instagram account to announce that he is locked in with FSU. Also, four-star edge Anthony Cavallaro reaffirmed that he shut his recruitment down as well. Three-star linebacker CJ Ohuabunwa also revealed that his recruitment is shut down.
June has been a fantastic month for the Seminoles. They've landed eight commitments already, with four of them being blue-chip recruits. On Thursday, they have a great shot to land three-star running back Marquis Fennell.
Continuing this recruiting momentum is crucial for Florida State as they look to reestablish their prowess in getting kids on the high school level.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
Prior to the game against the Minnesota Twins, Betts and Ohtani were both within striking distance of 300 home runs.
While Betts was only one away and Ohtani three, the Japanese two-way star had been hitting at a much better clip this season.
Jun 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) enter the dugout to play the .Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In the second inning, though, it was Betts who hit a fly ball just under 400 feet to left center field for his ninth homer of the season.
He was clearly excited, throwing up a salute as he rounded the bases.
What is the significance of Mookie Betts hitting 300 home runs?
With that swing, Betts became the 167th player in MLB history with 300 home runs.
He’s also the 17th active player to reach the mark.
Betts, a four time World Series champion, former MVP and surefire future Hall of Famer, didn’t need to hit 300 home runs to establish his legacy.
Mar 2, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) warms up before a game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
That said, hitting 300-plus homers is still a great line to have on a player’s resume for Cooperstown.
It also could help him shake off a rough start to the season that saw him strain his oblique in the eighth game, forcing him to miss about five weeks of action.
Mookie Betts just hit his 300th career home run.
Betts is hitting .346/.414/.615 over his last 7 games.
The Dodgers need Betts to get rolling with Tucker and Smith not at their best selves. pic.twitter.com/dRVI9HptVW
That homer also could help ignite Betts, who’s struggled at the plate so far this year.
He was slashing .218/.281/.385/.666 going into Wednesday’s game, though his numbers are much improved recently.
As Dodgers Nation’s Nelson Espinal pointed out, Betts is slashing .346/.414/.615 over his last seven games.
When will Shohei Ohtani hit his 300th home run?
Ohtani has 297 career dingers, though he’s been on a tear recently, smashing three homers in his previous six games.
With 17 homers through the first half of the season, it seems only a matter of time until Ohtani joins Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman (380 home runs) in the club.
How long do you think it will be until Shohei Ohtani hits his 300th home run?
World Cup: Bayern-bound Saibari maintains scoring streak as Morocco progress
FC Bayern’s future star Ismael Saibari maintained his record of scoring in every World Cup game he played, with a goal in Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti. The result saw the 2022 semi-finalists join the Round of 32 as Group C runners-up.
The current PSV attacker had multiple chances to add to his tally before his goal on the stroke of half-time to make it 2-2. Haiti surprisingly took the lead twice in first-half, including with one of the goals of the tournament from Wilson Isidor.
Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine – who were both introduced in the 70th minute – scored the goals that handed three points for Morocco after an enthralling encounter. Haiti have lost each of their six World Cup games.
In a game dominated by Neymar’s tournament debut, Brazil topped the group with a 3-0 victory over Scotland. Morocco tied the five-time winners with seven points, but they had to settle for second place because of inferior goal difference.
Scotland finished third with three points and only one goal scored, as they will hope not to miss out on the top eight finish in the ranking of third-placed teams. However, that seems very unlikely as they're already in sixth place with the six groups below them yet to be completed.
Japan need a point against Sweden on Thursday to secure an automatic place in the last 32 [Getty Images]
With the final round of group fixtures now under way the path to the World Cup final on 19 July is starting to take shape.
But with 32 of the 48 teams advancing to the knockout rounds, new tie-breaker rules, and a table of third-placed teams to keep track of, staying across the various permutations is far from simple.
As it stands, England, sitting top of Group L, and Scotland, who finished third in Group C, would be on the same path to meet in the last 16 in Mexico City (6 July, 01:00 BST) - but they would have to win last-32 ties first.
But Scotland's 3-0 defeat by Brazil has left their hopes of going through as one of the best third-placed countries hanging by a thread.
There is lots still to be decided, so find out the results required to get teams through to the knockout rounds.
BBC Sport has also developed a projection tool that updates in-game to illustrate the schedule all the way to the final.
With dates and times listed alongside the fixtures, planning early morning alarms and potential all-nighters across three host countries and four different time zones has never been easier.
Sixteen of the record 48 teams involved in the World Cup will be eliminated at the end of the group stage, leaving 32 nations in the mix for the trophy.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will advance to the last 32.
The remaining spots in the knockout stages are taken by the eight third-placed teams with the best records.
If two or more countries are level on points, head-to-head results are used as the first tie-breaker to determine positions.
If the teams remain tied, they are ranked on goal difference, goals scored, Fifa's Team Conduct Score - a disciplinary metric for red and yellow cards, and finally whoever had the higher Fifa ranking in June's published update.
These criteria are applied in the 12 groups of four and to determine the rankings of the 12 third-placed sides.
Group A
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stage and are assured of top place in Group A irrespective of the result in their final match.
El Tri will host a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I in the last 32 on 30 June.
South Korea only need a draw against South Africa on Thursday (02:00 BST) to secure second place and face Canada.
If South Korea lose to South Africa they will be eliminated if Czech Republic beat Mexico. If the Czechs do not win, South Korea will be third and must wait to see if three points sends them through.
Czech Republic and South Africa both have one point and must win to qualify. Four points will almost certainly be good enough to go through in third.
For second, the Czechs can only take that place if South Korea lose.
If South Africa win, they will finish second unless the Czechs also get the victory.
If they both win, and as they drew 1-1 with each other, second place would be decided on goal difference (Czech Republic -1, South Africa -2), and then the better disciplinary record (Czech Republic -1, South Africa -12).
If that is level, Czech Republic take second on Fifa world ranking.
Group B
Switzerland won the group on seven points with a 2-1 victory over Canada.
The Swiss clinched a last-32 tie against a third-placed team in Vancouver on Thursday, 2 July.
Canada finished as runners-up on goal difference with four points and face a date with the runners-up from Group A in Los Angeles on Monday.
Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third on four points, and that will almost certainly be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Group C
Five-time winners Brazil topped the group on goal difference with seven points thanks to their 3-0 win over Scotland. They now play the runners-up of Group F in Houston on Monday.
Morocco went through in second place on seven points after they beat Haiti 4-2. The North Africans' next opponents will be the winners of Group F in Monterrey on Monday.
Scotland finish in third on three points and goal difference of -3, which Opta says gives a 42% chance of qualifying.
Steve Clarke's men now face an anxious wait to see if they will get another game, or will head home. It might be a close run thing.
Haiti were already eliminated without scoring a point.
Group D
The United States have qualified for the knockout stages as Group D winners and will face a third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the next round.
Australia and Paraguay are tied on three points and they meet on Friday (03:00 BST). The Socceroos have the goal difference advantage so only need to draw to progress in second.
Paraguay, however, must defeat Australia if they are to leapfrog their opponents into second place to play the runners-up from Group G.
A draw may well be enough to send Paraguay through in third on four points, and they will have a pretty good idea if that is the case when they play.
If either team loses it will be an anxious wait to discover if three points is enough.
Semi-finalists in 2002, Turkey cannot progress after losing to both Australia and Paraguay.
Group E
Germany have won the group and will face third place from either A, B, C, D, F.
Ivory Coast need a draw against Curacao on Thursday (21:00 BST) to secure second spot, which would set up a last-32 tie against second place from Group L.
Ecuador must beat Germany and hope Ivory Coast lose if they are to finish second. A victory to finish third on four points will probably be enough to go through, however.
Curacao will finish second if they win and Ecuador draw or lose.
If both Ecuador (-1) and Curacao (-6) both win then Ivory Coast would finish bottom, and goal difference would almost certainly send the South American nation through in second and Curacao through as a best third place.
Group F
Netherlands are guaranteed to finish in the top two ahead of their game against already-eliminated Tunisia on Friday (00:00 BST).
Japan still need a point against Sweden to ensure automatic progression, though four points is probably enough in third if they lose.
If both Netherlands and Japan win the top spot would be decided on goal difference, which is locked at +4 while the Dutch have scored one more. If both lose, goal difference would also determine second and third places.
If goal difference is identical it goes to the best disciplinary record (Japan 0, Netherlands -3), then the Netherlands would take it on Fifa world ranking.
The group winners will play Morocco in Monterrey and runners-up will come up against Brazil in Houston, both on Monday.
Sweden can only end up in the automatic places if they win, and they can top the group if the Netherlands suffer a defeat.
A draw would put them in a strong position for one of the eight-best third places, while defeat would leave them sweating to find out if their three points is enough.
Tunisia cannot progress after defeats by Sweden and Japan.
Group G
Egypt lead the group and will go through if they avoid defeat against Iran on Saturday (04:00 BST).
They will still go through automatically if they lose and Belgium do not beat New Zealand. At worst, they could finish third on four points - likely enough to progress.
The group winners play a third-placed team.
Iran will go through if they beat Egypt. If they draw, then a top-two finish is only possible if Belgium also draw.
The runners-up will take on second in Group D.
Belgium will progress in the top two if they beat New Zealand. They can also definitely go through in second with a draw if Egypt beat Iran.
If Belgium and Iran both win they will be tied for top spot, or for second if they draw.
As they drew with each other, placings would be determined on goal difference - which is level at zero.
If goal difference finishes up identical, positions will be determined first by the better disciplinary record (Belgium -7, Iran -2) and then by Fifa world ranking, which Belgium hold.
Neither team will qualify if they lose.
New Zealand must beat Belgium and hope Iran do not win against Egypt to finish in the top two, though they cannot win the group.
If New Zealand and Iran both win, New Zealand would be third on four points which will likely be enough.
Group H
Spain will progress as one of the top two sides if they avoid defeat against Uruguay on Saturday (01:00 BST).
Even if they lose, they will still finish inside the top two unless Cape Verde beat Uruguay. If that happens, Spain will finish third on four points, which is likely to be good enough.
Spain will top the group with a draw, unless Cape Verde win and overturn a goal difference deficit of four.
The group winners go on to play the runners-up of Group J.
Uruguay will be through if they beat Spain. If they draw, then a top-two finish is only possible if Cape Verde also draw.
Cape Verde will make the top two if they beat Saudi Arabia. They can also definitely go through with a draw if Spain beat Uruguay.
If Uruguay and Cape Verde both win they will be tied for top spot, or if they draw for second spot. As they drew with each other, placings would be determined on goal difference - which is level at zero.
If goal difference is identical, positions will be decided first by the better disciplinary record (Cape Verde -3, Uruguay -2) and then by Fifa world ranking, which Uruguay hold.
The second-placed team will face Argentina.
Neither team will qualify if they lose.
Saudi Arabia must beat Cape Verde, and will also need Spain to avoid defeat against Uruguay, to finish second. Four points would likely be enough in third anyway.
Group I
France and Norway have already qualified and meet each other to battle for top spot on Friday (20:00 BST).
As France have the better goal difference, Norway must get a victory to finish first.
The group winners will play a third-placed team and the runners-up meet second in Group E.
Senegal (-3) and Iraq (-6) have zero points and if there is a winner they must hope three points is enough for a best third-place spot.
As both have poor goal difference, as it stands, it looks a tough task to make it through.
Group J
Argentina have topped the group and will face the runners-up from Group H.
Austria and Algeria are tied on three points and they meet on Sunday (00.00 BST).
Austria have the goal difference advantage so need to draw to progress in second.
Algeria, however, must win if they to go through automatically.
A draw may be enough to send Algeria through in third on four points, and they will know if that is the case as this is the final group to complete.
The runners-up play the winners of Group H.
Jordan cannot progress.
Group K
Colombia have secured a top two spot and will win the group if they avoid defeat against Portugal on Sunday (00:30 BST).
The group winners will play a third-placed team.
Portugal must win to finish first, while a draw will lock second place.
Even if Portugal lose and DR Congo win, Roberto Martinez's team are six goals better off in goal difference so would likely take second.
DR Congo's only chance of second is tobeat Uzbekistan and overhaul that goal difference. A win, however, will put them onto four points which will surely be enough in third.
Uzbekistan must win but can only finish third, and with goal difference of -7 the chances of taking a place in the next round on three points are slim.
Group L
England top the group ahead of Ghana on goal difference and face Panama in their final game on Saturday (20:00 BST).
Thomas Tuchel's men must equal or better Ghana's result against Croatia to remain at the summit and play a third-placed team.
If both games are draws, England win the group.
If both win, top spot would be decided on goal difference which sees England on +2 and Ghana +1, but the Three Lions have scored three more goals.
Should goal difference finish identical, it will go to disciplinary record (England -1, Ghana -2) and then England would secure it on Fifa world ranking.
Ghana will secure a top-two finish if they win or draw against Croatia.
The Africans will top the group if they better England's result, or win by a big enough margin to overtake them on goal difference.
Ghana will finish third if they lose, but four points should be enough.
Croatia must beat Ghana if they are to secure automatic qualification. A Croatia win and England dropping points would see them top the group.
A draw is very likely to secure safe passage in third, but if they lose a heavy defeat could be damaging to their chances.
Panama, who are yet to open their account, are already eliminated.
How does third-place qualification work?
The eight third-placed teams with the best record will go through to the last 32.
The tiebreakers start with group points, and then goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary record and finally the Fifa world ranking.
The last 32 fixtures are determined by the precise combination of the groups which provide the eight qualifiers.
For instance, if groups B, F, G, H, I, J, K and L provide the third-placed teams, the United States (1D) would play Bosnia-Herzegovina (3B).
We started out with 495 possible outcomes, which will gradually reduce as the groups complete.
What are all the tiebreakers?
When teams are level on points, this is the order used to separate them:
Head-to-head points between the teams in question. If there are three teams involved, a mini-league is created removing the results against the fourth team
Head-to-head goal difference
Head-to-head goals scored
Group goal difference
Group goals scored
Fair play (yellow card -1, red card for two cautions -3, straight red card -4, yellow then straight red -5)
Fifa world ranking
Better position in progressively older Fifa world ranking
Brazil overpowered Scotland in a 3-0 win on Wednesday to qualify to the World Cup knock-out stage as Group C winners, while Morocco are also through as runners-up after coming from behind to beat Haiti 4-2.
The Brazilians broke the deadlock in the seventh minute in a disastrous display of the Scottish defence. Vinicius Junior took advantage of it to tap the ball into an empty net.
Vinicius Jr had a second goal disallowed in the 22nd but it counted when he found the net again shortly before the break as Scotland again failed to clear the ball away.
Matheus Cunha completed the win in the 60th, smashing a cross from Bruno Guimarães between the posts.
The match marked the return of Neymar, who hadn't played for the national team since October 2023. He missed the first two group stage matches at the World Cup due to injury.
Haiti scored their first World Cup goal since 1974 to take the lead against Morocco in the 10th. Lenny Joseph flicked the ball into the net but FIFA credited the goal to Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou.
Achraf Hakimi levelled in the 39th but Haiti were ahead again in the 43rd through Wilson Isidor. Morocco, however, hit back before the break and equalized again thanks to Ismael Saibari.
They took the lead for the first time in the 78th with Soufiane Rahimi finishing off a corner and Gessime Yassine completed the turnaround in the 89th.
Scotland will still hope to qualify to the knock-outs as one of the best third-placed teams but Haiti are out.
Boston selected Houston's Chris Cenac Jr. with the No. 27 pick in the draft, adding a young, talented player to the roster, and on Wednesday night have the No. 40 overall pick in the second round. The Celtics won't be able to acquire an elite prospect that far down the draft board, but they have still found valuable players like Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez in that range.
Of course, Boston could include those picks in a trade package if the team is focused on adding a big name following the failed pursuit of Antetokounmpo.
Follow along right here for the full list of Celtics picks from the 2026 NBA Draft.
Celtics NBA Draft picks 2026
Round
Pick
Player
Position
School
1
27
Chris Cenac Jr.
PF
Houston
2
40 (from Bucks via Magic)
Dillon Mitchell
F
St. John's
NBA Draft trade details 2026
Wednesday, June 24
Magic send Felix Okapara to Wizards
Orlando drafted Tennessee center Felix Okpara with the No. 46 overall selection of the night, but he has been traded to the Wizards for picks 51 and 60.
The 60th pick was then traded to the Bucks for cash considerations.
Bulls trade Braden Smith to Pacers
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Bulls selected the NCAA's all-time assists leader Braden Smith, but then traded him to the Indiana Pacers for Kam Jones, future swaps and cash.
Thunder trade Ryan Conwell to Heat
After selecting Louisville's Ryan Conwell with the No. 37 pick, the Thunder traded him to the Miami Heat for pick 41 and cash, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Knicks trade No. 31 pick to Rockets
After acquiring three second round picks on Tuesday night, the Knicks make another move, trading their first pick of the night to the Rockets. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, New York traded picks 31 and 55 for 39, 53 and a 2029 second rounder that belonged to the Kings.
Lakers acquire No. 56 pick from Bulls
Minutes before the second day of the NBA Draft gets underway, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the No. 56 pick from the Chicago Bulls, sending cash back the other way, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Tuesday, June 23
Knicks trade first round pick to Mavericks, pick up second rounders
After selecting Sergio De Larrea with the No. 25 pick earlier in the night, the Knicks send him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Koa Peat — who Dallas selected with the No. 30 pick — and two second-round picks. Then, Peat was traded to the Phoenix Suns as the Knicks picked up three second-rounders and cash; Peat gets to stay in his home state of Arizona, where he also starred for the Wildcats.
Kings select Alex Karaban
The Kings traded for pick 29 from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending a future second-round pick along with No. 34 to move up. With it, Sacramento selcted Alex Karaban, a two-time national champion at UConn, to pair with Darius Acuff, who was picked by Sacramento earlier in the night.
Spurs trade up to select Tarris Reed
After the Denver Nuggets selected UConn's Tarris Reed with the No. 26 pick, the pick was traded to San Antonio for pick No. 35 and two second round picks. The reigning Western Conference champions one of the strongest players in college basketball to its frontcourt.
Lakers trade up with Knicks
In another trade, the NBA champions New York Knicks trade the No. 24 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing the Lakers to move up and select Cameron Carr. In exchange, the Knicks get the No. 25 pick and cash considerations.
Thunder trade for Bennett Stirtz
We have our first trade on draft night, with Iowa's Bennett Stirtz getting drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. But, he is immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two first round picks.
Sources: Memphis is trading No. 16 pick Bennett Stirtz to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks.
The first round of the NBA Draft will air live on ABC and ESPN. The second round of the draft will air live on ESPN. Both nights of the event will be available to stream on DIRECTV, fubo and the ESPN app.
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NBA Draft 2026 date, start time
Date: Tuesday, June 23 (Round 1) | Wednesday, June 24 (Round 2)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Rounds 1 and 2)
Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
The NBA Draft will start with Round 1 on Tuesday, June 23, and it will continue with Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24. Both rounds will start at 8 p.m. ET.
The event will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
NBA Draft order 2026
Round 1
Pick
Team
1
Washington Wizards
2
Utah Jazz
3
Memphis Grizzlies
4
Chicago Bulls
5
Los Angeles Clippers (from Pacers)
6
Brooklyn Nets
7
Sacramento Kings
8
Atlanta Hawks (from Pelicans)
9
Dallas Mavericks
10
Milwaukee Bucks
11
Golden State Warriors
12
Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers)
13
Miami Heat (traded to Bucks)
14
Charlotte Hornets
15
Chicago Bulls (from Trail Blazers)
16
Memphis Grizzlies (from Suns) *(Traded to Thunder)*
17
Oklahoma City Thunder (from 76ers) *(Traded to Grizzlies, traded to Pistons)*
18
Charlotte Hornets (from Magic)
19
Toronto Raptors
20
San Antonio Spurs (from Hawks)
21
Detroit Pistons (from Timberwolves) *(Traded to Grizzlies)*
Wilson Isidor's stunning strike put Haiti 2-1 up (Kevin C. Cox)
Morocco twice overcame the shock of conceding to Haiti to win a World Cup thriller 4-2 in Atlanta on Wednesday, but missed out on top spot in Group C to Brazil.
Haiti bowed out with their first World Cup goals for 52 years as a Yassine Bounou own goal and Wilson Isidor's stunning strike twice gave them the lead.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, with his third goal in as many games at the World Cup, levelled before half-time.
Soufiane Rahimi was nearly brought to tears when the 30-year-old's deflected effort found the top corner to give Morocco the lead before Gessime Yassine rounded off the scoring.
But Morocco missed out on top spot in the group to Brazil on goal difference, meaning they will head to Monterrey for a likely meeting against the Netherlands or Japan on Monday.
Despite bowing out without a point, Haiti's performances at a first World Cup since 1974 have done a nation gripped by poverty proud.
Les Grenadiers were already eliminated after losing to Scotland and Brazil, but the thousands of Haitian expats in the stands at Atlanta were undeterred as every attack was met with deafening cheers.
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes to the side that had impressed in holding Brazil and beating Scotland in their opening two games and the Atlas Lions started sloppily.
Haiti's long wait for a goal on the global stage was ended after just 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne got the by-line and Lenny Joseph flicked his cross into the net via a deflection off Bounou.
Hakimi has continued to captain Morocco despite learning mid-tournament that he is to face a trial on rape charges in France.
The reigning African footballer of the year stormed forward from right-back at every opportunity and was in the right place to equalise on 39 minutes.
In his final game for Haiti, 38-year-old goalkeeper Jonny Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss' strike and Hakimi had a simple task to force the ball over the line.
Within four minutes, though, Haiti had restored their lead in far more spectacular fashion.
Sunderland striker Isidor pounced on a loose ball and let fly from outside the area with a shot that arrowed into the top corner.
Hakimi and Ouahbi were visibly angered by conceding for a second time, but the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists responded before half-time.
Saibari stroked home his third goal of the tournament with a cool finish from Hakimi's low cross.
Brahim Diaz nearly even gave Morocco a half-time lead when his curling effort shaved the post to end a thrilling first half.
With Brazil cruising to victory over Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew only a comprehensive victory would secure them top spot in Group C.
Ouahbi began turning his attention to the last 32 as Bayern Munich-bound Saibari and Real Madrid's Diaz were replaced with over 20 minutes remaining.
But two of his substitutes came on to win the game for Morocco.
Rahimi's powerful strike from a corner flew into the top corner via a deflection off a desperate Haiti defender.
He then turned provider by robbing possession on the Haiti by-line and crossing for Yassine to roll into an empty net.
PREVIEW | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 27/06)
Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia face each other this Saturday at the NRG Stadium of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 01:00 on ITV 4.
In their last outing, Cape Verde drew 2-2 against Uruguay (World Cup 2026). In their last encounter, Saudi Arabia were beaten 4-0 by Spain (World Cup 2026).
They've traded down the 2026 NBA Draft board continuously, and they did it again on Wednesday night to start the second round.
They held the 31st pick to open the night. They sent it to the Houston Rockets.
The deal reported by ESPN's Shams Charania involved five picks:
Sources: The New York Knicks are trading Nos. 31 and 55 to the Houston Rockets for Nos. 39 and 53 and a 2029 Kings second-rounder. The moves begin for night two of the NBA Draft.
The deal comes a day after the Knicks entered the first round with the No. 24 overall pick and left it with five second-round picks and an indeterminate amount of cash.
Clearly, the Knicks weren't done making deals. They're now up to a net gain of six second-round picks, and we'll see what happens when we near one they still control.
The first day of the draft is over, and the biggest names are off the board. There are still some first round talents that have slipped onto Wednesday's second round though, and the teams with selections within the first 10 picks have some interesting options to choose from.
The board starts to drop off precipitously after that point. This second round has been decimated by college players choosing NIL money over a non-guaranteed NBA deal. Still, there are always one or two diamonds in the rough that become rotation players in that range.
Here are the best players available for the second round, along with the full order after a number of trades on Tuesday that shook things up.
Evans was a surprise faller in the draft. He's a great movement shooter who should bring that skill directly to the NBA. While he's limited as a decision-maker, he has good size and projects as a quality 3-and-D wing if he can improve his defensive technique.
Thomas is the JR Smith of this draft class. While his shot selection can be suspect, he has real talent as a gunner, hitting 42 percent of his 3's last season. Defense was an adventure for him at Arkansas, where he was caught ball-watching way too often, but he has the size to potentially not be a liability.
3. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Veesar was the best stretch 5 in this draft class. He's a talented offensive player who shot 43 percent from deep for UNC last season and also had good skill as a passer and nice touch at the rim. He doesn't project as a good defender and he needs to get stronger, but he can be a backup that thrives in the right matchups.
4. Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
Saunders fell to the second round due to a lack of upside. He's 24 years old and coming off an ACL injury. He's not a great athlete. But he profiles as a strong role player who can defend with effort, rebound, hit 3's at high volume, and make the right decisions with the ball. He's the type of high-feel player that finds a way to stick in a rotation.
5. Bruce Thornton, PG, Ohio State
If Thornton were a few inches taller, he'd be an easy first-round pick. His 6-0 height dropped him into the second round.
Thornton is the best scorer left in the draft. He finds ways to finish at the rim at an extremely high efficiency despite that size thanks to a wonderful floater. He's a great midrange shooter with a deadly pull-up game, and he hit 40 percent of his 3's last season. He's also very careful with the ball.
Thornton is a small guard, but he's very strong. That should help him compete on the defense end.
6. Ugonna Onyenso, C, Virginia
Onyenso has at least one NBA skill. He's an unbelievable rim protector who led Division-I with 2.9 blocks per game last season. The rest of his game is very limited. He can catch lobs, finish at the rim, and grab offensive rebounds. There is still value in having that type of defensive specialist coming off the bench.
7. Izaiyah Nelson, PF/C, USF
Nelson is an undersized big who has the length to compete at center. He's a good defender who offers some scheme versatility and plays with a high motor. He's a limited offensive player, but he can finish around the rim and is a twitchy athlete.
8. Baba Miller, SF, Cincinnati
Miller is a late bloomer who has great tools but hadn't been able to put them together much until recently. He's 6-10.5 without shoes and moves fluidly. He can rebound and pass well, and he could one day be a great defender. He hasn't shot the ball well in college.
9. Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston
Sharp is an older combo guard who can shoot and defend with toughness at the point of attack. He doesn't have great size and he doesn't offer much on offense aside from spacing the floor, but has a shot to stick as an undersized 3-and-D specialist.
10. Maliq Brown, PF, Duke
Brown is undersized as a big, standing at just 6-8. He makes up for that with a decent wingspan and a great motor. He's a disruptive defender but a limited scorer who can screen, pass, and hit the offensive glass.
Scotland fell to a 3-0 Group C defeat to Brazil in Miami to leave their hopes of qualifying for the last 32 of the World Cup in real danger.
BBC Sport Scotland's Andy Burke was in Miami Stadium and rates how each Scotland player performed.
And you can let us know how you rated them below.
Scotland's starting XI
Angus Gunn – Caught in no-man's land for second goal, but produced a string of huge saves to keep the score down and possibly keep Scotland in the World Cup. 6
Nathan Patterson – Some excellent interventions to snuff out danger as Vinicius Jr broke into the box. Looked to get Scotland up the pitch whenever he could. 7
Andy Robertson – Showed attacking intent going forward, but gave the ball away on the edge of his own box which led to Brazil's second goal. Replaced at the break. 5
Jack Hendry – Fortunate to get away with a lapse in concentration for Vinicius Jr's disallowed goal, but other than that slack moment, very assured on the ball. 7
Scott McKenna – Preferred to Grant Hanley, but horrendous early error gifted Vinicius Jr Brazil's opener. 4
Kenny McLean – Neat and tidy in possession, but shrugged off too easily by Bruno Guimaraes for Brazil's third goal. 6
Lewis Ferguson – Once again the pick of the Scottish midfielders. Always available for a pass and a couple of decent attempts on goal. 7
John McGinn – Well short of his influential best. Just could not find a way into the game. 5
Scott McTominay – Much like Morocco, quiet for an hour before getting himself in position to threaten in the box. Struggling to impose himself on this tournament. 6
Ben Gannon-Doak – Lively as in the early stages but faded as match wore on. Fluffed a decent opening towards end of first half. 6
Lawrence Shankland – Some neat link-up play but again failed to get the sort of chances he thrives upon. 6
Scotland's substitutes
Kieran Tierney (46 mins) – Two terrific deliveries to set-up McTominay headed chances. A positive impact. 6
Anthony Ralston (82 mins) - On for Patterson. No time to shine. 5
Ryan Christie (82 mins) - Replaced Gannon-Doak but could not impact on the game. 5
Findlay Curtis (91 mins) - On for McGinn. Did not get involved. 3
Che Adams (91 mins) - Had a handful of minutes in place of Shankland. 3
With Group A already clinched, Mexico has what is, for it, an essentially meaningless match to close out group play against Czechia.
That could give El Tri the opportunity to make substantial changes to the squad it deployed against South Korea, to rest its best players, and to give experience to players who have yet to see the field.
Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Israel Reyes, Mateo Chávez
Defensive Midfielder: Edson Álvarez
Central Midfielders: Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutiérrez, Julián Quiñones
Where is Mexico playing today?
At Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
What time does Mexico play tonight?
The match starts at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT.
Mexico soccer game today live: Where to watch
TV, streaming: FOX (English), Fox One, Telemundo (Spanish), stream with FUBO
Mexico match set
Mexico's round of 32 match will be on June 30 at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The opponent may not be known until the last group matches are completed on June 27.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached, bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
World Cup: Brazil crowned Group C winners as Scotland face nervous wait
With a 3-0 victory over Scotland this evening in a humid Miami Stadium, Brazil cemented their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup as winners of Group C. Meanwhile, Scotland face a nervous wait to see if they have done enough to reach the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Similar to their group stage clash back in the 1998 edition of the tournament in France, the Brazilians took an early lead inside 7 minutes. It was, however, a tartan-wrapped gift as Scott McKenna's pass was charged down by Rayan. The 19-year-old unselfishly squared it for Vinicius Junior to round Gunn and convert.
Scotland managed to settle their rearguard somewhat, although it appeared they would go two goals behind when Vinicius picked the pockets of Hendry and tucked it away. On this occasion, VAR was Scotland's best friend, spotting the attacker tripping the defender before racing through to find the net.
Aside from a succession of corners past the half-hour, Scotland failed to trouble Brazil in the first-half. The five-time world champions struck again through their mercurial winger just before the break. Bruno Guimares whipped in from the right while Vinicius drifted off Patterson to head in at the back post.
Allison was first tested upon the restart, claiming a Scott McTominay header. Vinicius also got a sniff of a hattrick when Paqueta played him in, but Gunn's trailing leg parried to safety. The result would be put beyond doubt with a third of the game remaining when Guimares played the creative role once more.
The midfielder shrugged off McLean and fed former RB Leipzig marksman Matheus Cunha, fizzing his strike inside the right post. Eager to I'm improve their worsening goal difference, Scotland offered more in the final third with McTominay to the fore. Allison did well to push the Napoli star's header away from danger.
Perhaps the loudest cheer of the night rang out when Brazil's all-time leading goal-scorer Neymar made his World Cup bow. By this stage, however, any rhythm to the action had faded away to nothingness. Brazil march forth as Group C's top dominant force, as Scotland anxiously await their World Cup fate.
Scotland 0-3 Brazil: Vinícius and Cunha put Scottish World Cup dreams in doubt
Scotland’s hopes of making the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history took a hit as Vinícius Júnior’s brace inspired Brazil to a 3-0 win at Miami Stadium.
The Real Madrid winger was gifted the opener by a disastrous mistake by Scott McKenna before his second was ruled out for a foul on his fellow defender Jack Hendrie, but headed home to double Brazil’s advantage on the stroke of half time.
Matheus Cunha slotted home number three on the hour mark to send the six-time winners through as Group C winners and put Scotland’s dreams of reaching the round of 32 as the third-placed team into serious doubt, by ending on -3 goal difference.
As it happened
Scotland’s game plan was out the window mere minutes in for the second game running when Scott McKenna – introduced in the place of Grant Hanley – gave the ball away inside his own penalty area with a risky pass out from the back.
Vinícius gobbled up the loose ball, ghosted past an off-guard Angus Gunn and slotted into an empty net to condemn Steve Clark’s men to the worst possible start to what was going to be an uphill battle from the offset.
The Tartan Army would then breathe a huge collective sigh of relief when VAR spotted contact from the Real Madrid superstar on the standing heel of Jack Hendrie, when he pinched the ball and slotted in number two with 20 minutes gone.
What was initially expected to be his fourth goal of the tournament was chalked off after a swift review.
Scotland did find a rare chance to level in the first half when John McGinn crossed into a horde of teammates who all contested for the same header inside the penalty area, and all missing the opportunity.
They survived a second scare when one of their defenders almost diverted a low ball across goal into his own net via a deflection off of the goalkeeper, who was left helpless when Vinícius headed in his second when Nathan Patterson dozed off at the back post.
It should have been three when Bournemouth winger Rayan beautifully controlled a ball over the top and find his way past Andy Robertson with ease, but Gunn made a brilliant one-on-one save to deny the 19-year-old a first World Cup goal.
Scott McTominay had the first real chance of the second half when half-time substitute Kieran Tierney – who raised eyebrows coming on to replce Robterson – picked him out with a decent cross, but the Napoli midfielder headed it straight at Alisson.
Gunn was called into action yet again with Vinícius on a hat-trick, racing into the penalty area and forcing the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper into a smart save with his feet as Scotland continued to live dangerously.
Cunha scored the third on the hour mark after Guimaraes was played through and outmuscled Kenny McLean, shifting the ball across to the Manchester United forward who made no mistake on the hour mark.
Gunn was in fine form despite that not ringing true for the defenders in front of him, making his fourth save of the evening on his mission to deny Vinícius a memorable World Cup hat-trick with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Neymar was greeted with a warm welcome by the Brazilian fans lining the stands upon his long-awaited return, featuring for the first time since suffering a serious injury in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying 368 days ago.
A consolation goal for Scotland would in fact have meant much more to their chances of making the round of 32, reducing their goal difference to -2, but McTominay put his shot straight at Alisson from no more than 10 yards out deep into added time.
but it didn’t arrive as they were unable to score from a free kick and corner deep into added time.
Scotland will, at best, have to learn quickly from their mistakes to prepare for an historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages. At worst, their dreams of making such history just evaporated in a damaging 90 minutes of football in Miami.
For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.
The Nittany Lions edged past in-state finalists SMU and Texas, who coveted the speedy prospect.
“They have a rich history of developing defensive backs to the league,” McGee told Rivals of his decision. “When I am there, they make me feel like family. That is why I can see calling that place home.”
“I love the fan base there and the passion they have for the program. They talk about family when you are there, and that is how you are treated,” he continued. “Every time I go, they have different former players there that are revered in the city forever.”
Position coach Terry Smith has been recruiting McGee since his time on the previous regime’s staff.
McGee loved his game-day visits to Happy Valley and his return to campus this spring to get acquainted with Matt Campbell and reconnect with Smith.
The official visit vaulted Penn State to the top with McGee, who is set to play his senior season for defending Texas Class 6A state champion DeSoto High.
“Coach T did so much — from home visit to being by my side the entire time I was there,” he started. “He made strong relationships with my parents. Coach Campbell has been constantly in contact with me as well.”
McGee is the Rivals Industry Ranking No. 43 CB in the 2027 class and the No. 55 overall prospect from the state of Texas.
June 18, 2026; Guadalajara, Mexico; Mexico's Raul Rangel in action. Mandatory Credit: Paul Childs-Reuters via Imagn Images | Paul Childs-Reuters via Imagn Im
The 2026 World Cup is now officially in its second week, and some teams are starting to play their second matches of group play.
Which means some teams are already clinching spots in the knockout round.
With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, the knockout round begins with the Round of 32, instead of the familiar Round of 16. That means that, beyond the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout portion of the tournament, the eight best third-place teams are also advancing. We are tracking the third-place standings here if you are looking to see what teams are still in the running despite sitting in third place.
As far as teams that have clinched, read on.
Mexico
Mexico became the first team to book a spot in the Round of 32, thanks to Thursday night’s 1-0 win over South Korea. Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, and when South Africa and Czechia played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, it opened the door for the winner of Thursday night’s match to win Group A.
After a scoreless first half, Luis Romo took advantage of a miscue from South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with a teammate in the box and lost the ball, giving Romo a chance to give Mexico the lead.
Then the hero was Raúl Rangel, as Mexico’s keeper made a pair of brilliant saves in the closing stages to deny South Korea the equalizer:
El Tri are not only the winners of Group A and set to play a third-place team from Group C/E/F/H/I, but they will also stay in Mexico for the Round of 32, as that match will be held in Mexico City.
United States
One host team became the first nation to book a spot in the Round of 32 on Thursday night, when Mexico’s win over South Korea secured Group A.
Friday, the United States joined them as the second team through to the Round of 32.
The 2-0 win over Australia guarantees that the United States will finish as one of the top two teams in Group D. And by the end of the night, the United States may be the winners of Group D, depending on how the late match between Paraguay and Türkiye finishes. If Türkiye lose or draw against Paraguay, then the United States will win Group D, and be locked into a match against a third-place team in the Round of 32.
The 2-0 win was also the USMNT’s first shutout since a 2-0 win in a friendly against Japan last September.
Update: With Paraguay winning on Friday night, the United States clinched Group D.
Germany
Germany’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday clinched a spot in the knockout round as one of the top two teams out of Group E. Ivory Coast scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute on a Franck Kessié goal. They carried that lead into the second half before Deniz Undav evened it at 1 in the 68th minute. A draw looked likely before Undav managed another goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
They won Group E later in the evening when Curaçao managed a draw against Ecuador. It marked the first time Curaçao has earned a point in the World Cup. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves, which is the most by any goalkeeper in 90 minutes of a World Cup match since records began in 1966.
Argentina
Lionel Messi made history on Monday against Austria, as his left-footed strike put the living legend atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history.
It also clinched a spot in the Round of 32 for Argentina.
With the 2-0 win – Messi added a second goal late in the contest to ice the match – Argentina is guaranteed to finish in one of the top two spots in Group J, and a visit to the knockout round awaits. Argentina could clinch the group later tonight, and a match against a third-place team, if Jordan loses or draws against Algeria in the other match in Group J today.
Update: With Jordan’s loss to Algeria, Algeria has clinched Group J.
France
It took a little longer than expected, due to a lengthy weather delay, but France punched their ticket to the Round of 32 with a convincing win 3-0 against Iraq in Philadelphia.
Kylian Mbappé’s first goal of the match, coming in the first half, was all France would need on this day. But following a long halftime break, Mbappé and company added two more in the second half, as the French star continued climbing the record books.
France is now guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams out of Group I. But they cannot clinch the group until their final match of group play, when they take on Erling Haaland and Norway later this week.
Norway
Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and now they are through to the Round of 32 thanks to Monday’s 3-2 win over Senegal.
Erling Haaland’s first goal of the match gave Norway a 2-0 lead, but Senegal clawed a goal back, thanks to a lovely bit of skill from Ismaïla Sarr. But Haaland scored again, a right-footed deflection after a splendid reaction and turn, giving Norway a 3-1 lead in the second half.
Norway is guaranteed to be one of the top two teams out of Group I, but the job is not done. Friday’s heavyweight clash with France will determine the winner of the group. If there is a winner of that match, that team will claim Group I. If the match ends in a draw it will be decided by tiebreakers, where at the moment France has the advantage.
Colombia
Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo late Tuesday clinched a spot in the Round of 32. Colombia heads to the final day of group play in Group K guaranteed to finish as one of the top two teams in the group.
Colombia can still win the group and book a spot against a third-place team in the Round of 32, with a win or a draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal next Saturday.
Switzerland
Rubén Vargas found the back of the net almost immediately after halftime, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead over Canada.
That put the Swiss on a path to winning Group B, and a goal from Johan Manzambi in the 57th minute gave Switzerland a two-goal lead, and eventually held up to clinch both the match, and Group B, for Switzerland.
The Swiss will now get to stay in Vancouver, as they will meet a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I or J in the same stadium on July 2.
Canada
Canada began play on Tuesday needing a win or a draw against Switzerland to win Group B, but goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi early in the second half propelled Switzerland to a 2-1 victory. Promise David found the back of the net with a lovely first-touch goal with his right foot in the 76th minute, but Canada could not complete the comeback.
Even with the loss, Canada clinched the second spot in Group B thanks to the goal differential tiebreaker against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Qatar. That means Canada finishes second in the group, and they will take on the second-place team from Group A, which will be determined later Wednesday night.
Brazil
Brazil booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Brazil. A pair of first-half goals from Vini Jr. gave Brazil a 2-0 lead at the halftime break, and Matheus Cunha scored in the 60th minute to provide some insurance.
In addition, Neymar came off the bench to replace Cunha in the 76th minute, for his first action of this World Cup.
The win was also enough to clinch the top spot in Group C, as Brazil’s goal differential was enough to finish above Morocco. As such, Brazil will meet the second-place team from Group F – either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden – in the Round of 32.
Morocco
Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti was not enough to catch Brazil in Group C, but the side moves on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in the group. They will face the winners of Group F in Monterrey on June 29.
A high-end, in-state tight end prospect is set to announce his decision later this week, with the Spartans reportedly in the mix.
Jason Killop of On3 reported on Wednesday that Anthony Cartwright of Franklin, Mich. will announce his college decision on Sunday. Per a report from Killop, Cartwright will decide between Michigan State, Michigan, LSU, Miami (FL) and Oregon.
Cartwright is listed as a four-star prospect, with a recruiting rating of 89.33 in 247Sports' composite system. He ranks as the No. 20 tight end and No. 8 player from Michigan in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2027 class.
Michigan State had Cartwright on campus for an official visit in late May, according to 247Sports. He also has taken official visits to LSU, Stanford, Miami (FL) and Oregon, so he's essentially visited each of his finalists. At this time, there are no leads on which way he'll go based on 247Sports, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's a tell in the next few days. We will have to continue to monitor his recruitment for any potential updates prior to the big announcement on Sunday.
Click on the post below to read more on Cartwright's recruitment from Killop:
Four-star TE Anthony Cartwright here at Wayne State taking in activities while he recovers from injury.
Will announce his final decision on June 28 between Michigan State, Michigan, Oregon, Miami (FL), and LSU..
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. takes a shot against Scotland in a 2026 World Cup group stage match Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., June 24 (UPI) -- Bagpipe wails faded as the canary yellow clad Brazilians blasted Scotland, securing first place in Group C at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday at Miami Stadium.
Vinicius Jr. toyed with the Scottish defense, stringing the ball on his boot for two scores in the first half of the 3-0 triumph. Fellow forward Matheus Cunha scored Brazil's other goal, while winger Bruno Guimaraes tallied two assists.
The Brazilians outshot the Scots 20-13 in the shutout. With his two scores, Vinicius pushed his tournament total to four, which is tied with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the second-most at the World Cup.
Brazil scoring leader Neymar Jr., who sat out the first two group-stage games due to a calf injury, also made his debut in the 76th minute, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd of 64,478.
A Dark Blues (1-2-0) blunder led to Vinicius' first goal just 6:46 into the Group C finale. Brazilian forward Rayan deflected a clearance attempt from defender Scott McKenna. The ball ricocheted to Vinicius, who faked goalie Angus Gunn and tapped in from point-blank range.
Vinicius appeared to score a brace in the 22nd minute, but that goal was disallowed because of a foul. He compensated for the error with a header in first-half stoppage time, giving Brazil a 2-0 lead at the break. That score came off a cross from Guimaraes.
Guimaraes also assisted Cunha for the first goal of the second half. The Brazilian winger set up that 60th-minute score by dribbling into the box and slipping a short pass to his right for Cunha, who used his first touch to find the right side of the goal.
The Brazilians (2-0-1) will face the second-place team from Group F in the Round of 32. The Moroccans (2-0-1), who beat Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday, will take on the winner of Group F in the Round of 32.
The Netherlands (1-0-1) leads Group F, ahead of second-place Japan (1-0-1). Sweden (1-1-0) also remains in contention, while the last-place Tunisias (0-2-0) are already eliminated.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr scored a brace in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.
Vinicius Jr started the game off very well, scoring within the first 10 minutes after an error from Scotland inside their own penalty area.
He made it 2-0 after another error, although the goal was harshly ruled out for a foul by the Real Madrid man in the build-up.
He ended up getting his second goal with a header in the first half to double Brazil’s lead. The winger looked set to score a hat-trick but missed a number of chances in the second half – having an xG of 3.07, although both of his goals looked to be high-xG opportunities.
Endrick also came on in the second half, playing on the right and drifting in a few times.
Vinicius Jr ended the game with eight shots – five of which were on target – two chances created, and five completed dribbles. He is also joint-top in the goal involvements chart with five, alongside Lionel Messi and Deniz Undav.
Brazil have topped their group, and will face the runner-up from Group F, which will be one of the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
Jun. 24—EUGENE, Ore. — Southland's Tate Goergen finished fifth Friday in the 800 meters at the Nike Outdoor Nationals.
Goergen, the two-time state champion in the event, ran a 1:50.88. Winning time belonged to Lincoln's (Neb.) Niles Medcalf, in 1:49.56.
Goergen's best 800 time this season was 1:50.25. Goergen is an incoming senior who competes for Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Kingsland/Southland in track and field.
🎥 Vini delivers, Neymar debuts in the Cup and 🇧🇷 fly into knockouts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is increasingly becoming Vinicius Júnior’s stage.
Thanks to two goals from him — which could have been three — the Brazilian national team is heading into the first knockout round of the FIFA World Cup as the leader of Group C.
Playing at Hard Rock Stadium, Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 this Wednesday (24). They reached seven points, leaving Morocco — also qualified — in second place.
The “surfer” Matheus Cunha also got on the scoresheet. Bruno Guimarães stood out immensely, and Neymar made his World Cup debut.
Brazil will face the runner-up of Group F in the first knockout round of the tournament.
That could be Japan, Sweden, or the Netherlands. The match will be next Monday (29), starting at 2 p.m. (Brasília time).
The final decision will come this Thursday (25), starting at 8 p.m. (Brasília time).
🔥 ABSURD numbers, okay?
Vini scored Brazil’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Morocco.
He was involved in the first against Haiti, assisted the second, and also scored his own.
And he was more than decisive by finding the net twice this Wednesday.
A total of FOUR GOALS, one assist, and another direct involvement.
The No. 7 joined a more than exclusive list for Brazil at World Cups.
Only Jairzinho (1970), Romário (1994), and the duo Rivaldo and Ronaldo (both in 2002) had scored at least one goal in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup.
🔥 His show — and the refereeing took center stage
Brazil’s first goal came in the eighth minute.
McKenna made a mistake playing out from the back under pressure from the alert Rayan, who intercepted it.
And it was up to Vini Jr. to capitalize in the seventh minute.
The second could have come in the 22nd minute.
But referee César Ramos was called to the monitor to review a possible foul by the Brazilian.
And he ended up agreeing with the VAR assessment.
The replays of the play, however, made the decision even more controversial.
The footage showed Vini putting his left foot in front of Hendry, who then caught the No. 7 with his right foot.
Vini would get his second before the end of the first half.
The goal came after a cross from Bruno Guimarães and without VAR “getting involved.”
Only Messi (five goals) has celebrated more than him so far.
Ride the wave, Matheus Cunha! 🏄🏽♂️
After deciding the match against Haiti, the No. 9 celebrated again.
Another great play by Bruno Guimarães ended with his goal (60').
His third in this World Cup.
Neymar is BACK 🔟
Ancelotti rested the booked Casemiro, went with Martinelli, and Scotland started to “believe” more. They even made Alisson work.
The third substitution brought Neymar on in the 76th minute.
Ending his drought with the national team that had lasted since October 17, 2023 — the date he got injured against Uruguay.
He was heavily involved. He tried one-twos, took a free kick, and had a shot on target.
Only Djalma Santos, Pelé, and Cafu played at least one match in four different World Cups for Brazil.
Nilton Santos, Ronaldo, and Thiago Silva were part of four editions, but did not play in 1950, 1994, and 2010, respectively.
Goalkeeper Castilho, meanwhile, started in 1954 and was a backup in 1950, 1958, and 1962.
Ancelotti also “held back” Douglas Santos and gave more minutes to Endrick.
Brazil won, convinced, and heads strongly into the knockout stage.
Radeon issues AMD Software HotFix to address Windows 10 compatibility issues Following the release of AMD Software 26.6.2, gamers quickly uncovered major compatibility issues with Windows 10 PCs. The driver would fail to launch on Windows 10 PCs, preventing PC gamers from accessing the driver’s benefits. Thankfully, AMD has now released a hotfix to address […]
It's official, there are no more delays, Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders have gone LIVE and you can secure your copy now on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5 ready to play the game on November 19.
The question is, will you buy the standard edition at $80 or stump up for the Ultimate Edition for $100?
Crucially and first off, here are all the links you need to buy your copy, whether you are grabbing Digital or Physical, and you can scroll past the links for the breakdown between Standard and Ultimate Editions.
Official pre-orders are currently rolling out. While digital storefronts like Xbox are now live, physical retailers are updating their systems throughout the night. All remaining links will activate as soon as each retailer makes them available.
GTA6 - US Xbox stock
Amazon - Standard | Ultimate
Walmart - Standard | Ultimate
Best Buy - Standard | Ultimate
Target - Standard | Ultimate
GameStop - Standard | Ultimate
Xbox Store - Standard | Ultimate
GTA6 - UK Xbox stock
UK price for the Standard Edition will be £69.99, and Ultimate £89.99.
Anyone who pre-orders the game before November 20 will get the Vintage Vice City pack, which contains vehicles and outfits that hark back to the ‘80s Miami Vice-coded Vice City of the original 2002 game.
Physical or Digital?
Essentially, there is really no difference here unless you really, really want the box. Rockstar have already confirmed that fans who order the physical copy of GTA 6 will receive a code in a box to download the game. That's right, you don't even get a disc.
You'll notice that some of the retailers are slating a November 12 deliver for the game, and that is because you will receive a digital code (in the box) that can be redeemed ahead of the November 19 release date.
Some people will still prefer to have the case for their collection though, so pick whichever works for you.
GTA 6 Standard vs Ultimate Edition: What's the difference?
(Image credit: Rockstar)
This has already been somewhat controversial, as Rockstar has confirmed that the difference between Standard and Ultimate editions doesn't just come down to price and cosmetics. In addition to an "exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story," there are 5 locked shops behind the Ultimate Edition at $100.
Essentially, if you want full access to everything in the game, you're going to have to pay the extra $20 for it. Here are the stores included in the Ultimate ($100) Edition of GTA6.
RIDEOUT CUSTOMS Transform vanilla vehicles into magnificent works of art with detailed interiors, exquisite rims, and donk stylings.
SARA'S UNISEX SALON Get signature salon styles for both Jason and Lucia, including facial hair for Jason and makeup and nails for Lucia.
STOCK 305 Style various unique and exclusive looks for Jason and Lucia at Stockyard’s premiere destination for elevated streetwear.
ELECTRIC FANG TATTOO Stockyard’s most iconic ink bar, with over 50 signature tattoos for both Jason and Lucia — all designed by the artist collective FAILE.
ONE-EYED WILLIE’S This mod shop in Lake Leonida specializes in off-road modifications and hand-painted automotive artistry.
It's worth mentioning too, that you can buy the Standard Edition, whether physical or digital, and simply pay the difference for the Ultimate upgrade later.
Cheapest way to get GTA 6
(Image credit: Rockstar (background image))
Of course there are no real discounts right now, but there is a way to secure a small discount if you want to purchase directly through Xbox or PlayStation stores, and that's by taking advantage of gift card offers to top up your account.
Best place for this right now is Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
For the Standard Edition ($80): You could grab a $50 gift card and three $10 gift cards. Because of the current discounts on Loaded, you’ll pay less than $80 in total, leaving you with a little extra cash in your pocket.
For the Ultimate Edition ($100): (My favorite strategy) is to grab four $25 gift cards for $23.49 each. This nets you the full $100 balance for only $93.96, saving you over $6 on day one.
The $25 Xbox Gift Card is currently the best value as it has 6% shaved off the price, so as previously mentioned, the best strategy here is to grab 4 of these to stack for the $100 Ultimate Edition. View Deal
Upgrades for GTA 6
If you are still rocking the Xbox One X or the PS4, I've got bad news for you, you're going to have to suck it up and upgrade!
Here's the best offers on each of the current generation consoles.
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's flagship console and the best way for you to play GTA 6 on the Xbox Ecosystem. Prices on the console have been hiked in recent months, but we will update this page with the best price, which right now is at Target.View Deal
There are currently no live deals we could find at time of writing on the PS5, however here's an Amazon link for the sake of fairness. Console wars be damned!
WD_BLACK's C50 is officially licensed for the Xbox Series X|S consoles and regularly competes with Seagate for the lower price on exactly the same feature: more storage space. 2TB for this price in 2026 is pretty reasonable.
UPDATE: Walmart caught up with the rest and dropped its price to $259.99 for 2TB.
Running out of space for games on your Xbox Series X|S console? Seagate's long-running winner is on sale again, and it's the simplest, fastest solution to extended storage on Microsoft's hardware.
Amazon Prime Day is taking place as we speak, and other online retails stores are jumping into on the fun with their own sales. HP's online store is one such place, and I've just found an incredible deal on a laptop I just reviewed last week. The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 with Snapdragon is $650 off right now, down to just $1,249 while stocks last!
This is the best HP laptop I've tested in a long while. In fact, I think it's probably the prettiest Windows laptop you can buy right now, complete with a best-in-class display, premium build quality, and much more. For this price, you're getting a great device.
HP's new OmniBook Ultra is the best Snapdragon X2 laptop we've tested yet, complete with a gorgeous design, incredible keyboard and trackpad, best-in-class touchscreen OLED display, and incredible battery life and performance.
I've not long published my review of the HP OmniBook Ultra, and I came away very impressed, giving it 5 stars and calling it one of the best Snapdragon laptops this year. Under the hood is Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X2 Plus SoC, which features 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. It's a powerful and efficient chip, easily capable of most day to day productivity tasks, data crunching, and even light video and photo editing.
It features a best-in-class 1080p OLED touchscreen, which features inky deep color contrast and makes images and text pop . It also has an incredible keyboard, and new haptic trackpad that feels great to use.
The device is also super premium. I think it might be the best looking and feeling Windows laptop on the market currently. It's just 2.83lbs in weight, and features a brushed metal finish around the edges that looks simply incredible. The device is also designed in such a way that makes it look incredibly thin when on a desk, which is awesome.
It features three USB-C ports, along with a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has a Windows Hello equipped webcam that shoots good 1080p photo and video. Lastly, the laptop is a power champ, lasting all day on a single charge with ease. For $1,249, you're not getting a better laptop in 2026 than this.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Following the recent release of FSR 4 support on RDNA 3 GPUs, Valve engineer, Pierre-Loup Griffais, has announced in a post on Bluesky that the same support has officially been added to Linux via Steam's Proton compatibility layer. Support for FSR 4 on RDNA 3 comes by way of the latest version of Proton Experimental, so it's by no means a stable implementation just yet, but the engineer specifically calls out SteamOS and the Steam Machine as the target system for the new upscaler support, suggesting that Valve will invest development resources into getting the support into a more complete state ahead of the full roll-out of the Steam Machine.
Curiously, the post also specifically calls out devices with RDNA 3 discrete GPUs and the Steam Machine, suggesting that support for Radeon iGPUs, like the 780M and 890M that largely dominate the gaming handheld space has not yet been implemented. It's possible that Valve developers, who often contribute to Linux graphics drivers and gaming optimizations, may implement support for the gaming handhelds. There are also reports that manually adding support for FSR 4 on RDNA 3-based iGPU systems—via tools like OptiScaler, for example—results in a working implementation of the upscaler.
Sony had to pivot quickly after learning that physical GTA 6 PS5 pre-orders lacked a disc. The company uploaded a corrected ad depicting the digital version of the PlayStation console. Despite the slip-up, Rockstar is embarking on a critical marketing partnership with the gaming giant.
Rockstar Games has revealed new details about the PlayStation 5 version of GTA 6, but the company has not answered one big question that many players have in mind.
The hardware is one thing, but the software is just as important for an enjoyable user experience with a gaming handheld. MSI improved the software of the new Claw 8 EX AI+ significantly and the new quick settings menu in particular is very convincing.
TRT Monitor helps you manage testosterone replacement therapy by logging doses, tracking symptoms, and organizing blood tests in one place. Set custom schedules for injections, gels, or tablets, get smart reminders, and see clear trends that link timing to how you feel.
Export logs and labs to share with your clinic or doctor, and visualize testosterone, estrogen, cholesterol, and more with a privacy-focused design.
HYPE price drops near a key support zone where fading selling pressure collides with shrinking futures market activity. Will the altcoin resume its uptrend above $60?
South Africa and South Korea square off in Group A to close out the opening phase of the 2026 World Cup, with both sides fighting for a ticket to the knockout rounds.
The Group A of the 2026 World Cup comes to an end as South Africa face South Korea at Monterrey Stadium. This final group stage match serves as a definitive fixture for both nations as they battle to book a spot in the highly anticipated Round of 32.
Despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico on Matchday 2, South Korea remain in an excellent position to advance. Their opening-day 2-1 victory over Czechia means the Taegeuk Warriorscontrol their own destiny.
The path ahead is significantly steeper for South Africa. The Bafana Bafana have accumulated just one point in the group standings, courtesy of a dramatic, late equalizer against Czechia on Matchday 2. Consequently, South Africa face a non-negotiable must-win scenario to keep their World Cup journey alive.
Teboho Mokoena #4 of South Africa celebrates a goal vs Czech Republic. (Getty Images)
South Africa confirmed lineup
With a victory being the only avenue to secure a spot in the Round of 32, manager Hugo Broos is expected to field his absolute strongest XI to spearhead the attack and hunt for all three points.
Manager Hong Myung-bo faces late fitness tests on two key starters. Defender Kim Min-jae and midfielder Bae Jun-ho are both racing against the clock after picking up ankle knocks, meaning they could potentially start on the bench.
South Korea’s confirmed lineup: Kim Seung-gyu; Han-Beom Lee, Kim Min-jae, Gi-Hyuk Lee; Young-woo Seol, Paik Seung-ho, Hwang In-beom, Lee Tae-seok; Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan; Oh Hyeon-gyu.
Khuliso Mudau of South Africa and Hyeon-Gyu Oh of South Korea.
Czechia and Mexico square off in Group A to close out the opening phase of the 2026 World Cup, with the Europeans fighting for survival while the hosts look to maintain a perfect record.
The drama of Group A reaches its climax on the final matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage as Czechia face Mexico. This clash serves as a definitive, do-or-die fixture for the Europeans, who are desperately fighting to keep their knockout stage ambitions alive.
For Mexico, the match carries no real danger. The tournament co-hosts have already secured a safe passage into the Round of 32 and mathematically locked up the top spot in Group A, regardless of the outcome of this match or the parallel fixture between South Korea and South Africa.
Back-to-back victories in their opening matches against South Africa and South Korea allowed El Tri to secure the group crown early. However, the outlook is entirely different for Czechia.
The Europeans suffered a costly opening-day defeat to South Korea before fighting to a draw against South Africa on Matchday 2. Sitting in a precarious position, the Czechs have no choice but to hunt for all three points; a single point or another loss will leave them with an insufficient total to advance via the tournament’s third-place wild-card pool.
Ladislav Krejci of Czechia celebrates a goal vs South Korea. (Getty Images)
Czechia confirmed lineup
Faced with a non-negotiable must-win scenario, the Czech side is expected to roll out a highly aggressive tactical approach. Manager Miroslav Koubek looks poised to inject elite attacking quality into the starting squad by introducing Adam Hlozek from the opening whistle.
Czechia’s confirmed lineup: Matej Kovar; Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci; Vladimir Coufal, Lukas Cerv, Michal Sadilek, David Doudera; Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky; Adam Hlozek.
Mexico confirmed lineup
With the luxury of having the top spot completely locked up, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre is expected to implement notable squad rotations to preserve the physical fitness of his core stars while still fielding a formidable, highly competitive backbone.
Mexico’s confirmed lineup: Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Mateo Chavez; Luis Romo, Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora; Roberto Alvarado, Guillermo Martinez, Julián Quiñones.
Patrik Schick of Czech Republic and Joahn Vasquez of Mexico.
Eddie Hearn has offered his verdict on a clash between and , which has suddenly emerged as an unexpected possibility for later this year. WBO welterweight champion Haney took to social media earlier this week, claiming that Davis’ team has reached out in a somewhat bizarre turn of events. This follows the news of ‘Tank’ […]
Former undisputed light-heavyweight world champion is yet to fight since losing the 175lb throne, but the Russian-Canadian has one target in mind ahead of his return. Beterbiev became the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era when he claimed a historic majority-decision over perennial rival Dmitry Bivol back in October 2024. In their rematch, […]
Michelle Bond has lost her bid to dismiss criminal charges, with a federal judge setting her trial to begin on Nov. 9 after rejecting arguments tied to her husband Ryan Salame’s plea agreement. According to an order from Judge George…
Kalshi has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Illinois law that would require prediction market platforms offering sports event contracts to obtain state licenses before operating. According to a filing submitted Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the…
World has expanded access to AgentKit, a framework that has enabled verified users to connect AI agents to their digital identities and prove those agents represent real people rather than automated bot networks. According to World, the rollout comes as…
Kalshi has entered talks to raise fresh capital at a valuation of about $40 billion, an 82% jump from the $22 billion valuation it secured less than two months ago. According to a Financial Times report citing people familiar with…
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2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası D Grubu'nda Türkiye ile karşılaşacak ABD'de Christian Pulisic, ay-yıldızlılar karşısında forma giymeyi umduğunu ve hedeflerinin grubu galibiyetle tamamlamak olduğunu söyledi.
So now we know that GTA 6 will cost £69.99 for the Standard Edition, and £89.99 for the Ultimate Edition — we're in a brave new world of video game prices here, folks.
We're updating this page as different retailers start showing their pre-order pages — here's a quick list of search page links for now, but we'll put solid links in as they appear.
A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, June 24 (game #1109).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #1110) - today's words
(Image credit: New York Times)
Today's NYT Connections words are…
POLONIUM
CRANIUM
COMPACT
HOCKEY
CROQUETTE
TRACKPAD
LEAD
SQUASHED
MERCURY
DUCTILE
DENSE
MICROPHONE
MONITOR
FRANCIUM
PRINTER
COMPRESSED
NYT Connections today (game #1110) - hint #1 - group hints
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: PC extras
GREEN: Crunched up
BLUE: Toxic materials
PURPLE: Avian starters
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #1110) - hint #2 - group answers
What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
GREEN: TIGHTLY PACKED
BLUE: HAZARDOUS ELEMENTAL METALS
PURPLE: STARTING WITH BIRD HOMOPHONES
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #1110) - the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today's Connections, game #1110, are…
PURPLE: STARTING WITH BIRD HOMOPHONES CRANIUM, CROQUETTE, DUCTILE, HOCKEY
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
Of all the many COMPUTER PERIPHERALS that money can buy there is one that causes more stress and annoyance that anything else.
I speak of course of the PRINTER: a device that in my experience of going through the major brands will chose to not work when you need it most, run out of its ludicrously expensive ink at an alarming rate and develop faults that will take days to fix.
Anyway, I digress — today’s groups were all very gettable, although STARTING WITH BIRD HOMOPHONES eluded me, probably because my CRANIUM malfunctioned due to triggering the aforementioned printer frustrations.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, June 24, game #1109)
YELLOW: PROG BANDS GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, RUSH
BLUE: RED CHARACTERS CLIFFORD, DEADPOOL, KOOL-AID MAN, MR. KRABS
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, June 24 (game #1612).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,400 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #1613) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #1613) - hint #2 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.
Quordle today (game #1613) - hint #3 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, June 24 (game #843).
Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #844) - hint #1 - today's theme
What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?
• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Just relax
NYT Strands today (game #844) - hint #2 - clue words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
SPACIAL
HEART
TRUE
PAGE
MATES
GAPPY
NYT Strands today (game #844) - hint #3 - spangram letters
How many letters are in today's spangram?
• Spangram has 12 letters
NYT Strands today (game #844) - hint #4 - spangram position
What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?
First side: left, 4th row
Last side: right, 8th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #844) - the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today's Strands, game #844, are…
FACIAL
AROMATHERAPY
ACUPUNCTURE
MASSAGE
SPANGRAM: SPATREATMENT
My rating: Hard
My score: Perfect
Yesterday we were chilling, today we’re relaxing. I wonder if someone at Strands Towers wants a break?
Fortunately, after congratulating myself for getting “spacial” as a non-game word I realized that FACIAL was hiding in plain sight and that our search was all about words connected to SPATREATMENT.
When I was training for the London Marathon about a decade ago I was in a permanent state of pain and would get massages from someone whose technique veered closer to the brutal than the relaxing – in fact, many of his clients called him “the massage terrorist”.
To be honest, it put me off any kind of treatment, but the knots I tied myself in trying to unravel today’s search had me daydreaming of some rejuvenating therapy.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, June 24, game #843)
BEER
SELTZER
KOMBUCHA
JUICE
WATER
SODA
SPANGRAM: BEVERAGECOOLERS
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.
GEEKOM GeekBook M16 launches at $799 with MacBook-style design
Core Ultra 9 power pushes sustained 55W performance in a thin chassis
A 99.9Wh battery claims up to 24 hours of usage on paper
GEEKOM's GeekBook M16 is not trying to hide what it is inspired by — the chassis, the wallpaper, the ultra-thin bezels, and the centered webcam all speak directly to Apple's M3 MacBook Pro design.
The 16-inch laptop is built around Intel's Core Ultra 9 185H processor running 16 cores, 22 threads, and a 5.1GHz turbo boost, with GEEKOM's proprietary Dynamic Tuning Technology keeping it at a sustained 55W under load.
At $799, this notebook is an aggressive entry into a market that premium laptop makers have long treated as their own territory.
Hardware hosts a mix of strengths and tradeoffs
GEEKOM’s GeekBook M16 uses a 16-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio, reaching a 90% screen-to-body ratio, which helps give the panel a more modern and immersive look on a desk.
However, the 60Hz refresh rate stands out as a clear limitation, especially for users accustomed to smoother high-refresh displays.
The business laptop offers two storage configurations, including a PCIe Gen 4 2280 slot supporting up to 4TB and a PCIe Gen 4 2230 slot supporting up to 2TB.
The system comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and Intel Arc integrated graphics for general compute and light creative workloads.
For connectivity, it includes a 40Gbps USB4 port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, two USB-A 3.2 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 output.
Wireless support is handled through Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, while a 2MP 1080P webcam includes a physical privacy switch for added control.
On the security side, the laptop integrates TPM 2.0 and a fingerprint reader in the power button for system and biometric protection.
The device ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, alongside confirmed Linux compatibility for users who prefer alternative operating systems.
Power and endurance in one chassis
The battery is where GEEKOM makes its most attention-grabbing claim, and the numbers are genuinely difficult to ignore at this price point.
The GeekBook M16 carries a 99.9Wh cell — the absolute maximum battery capacity that commercial airlines permit passengers to bring on flights.
GEEKOM's intelligent power management technology claims up to 24 hours of Wi-Fi usage and approximately 20 hours of local video playback from a single charge.
A 100W GaN USB-C fast charger ships in the box, with the company claiming a 10-minute charge restores around 3 hours of productive runtime.
Thermal management falls to the IceBlade 3.0 cooling system, which uses dual fans and dual heat pipes working together efficiently.
Compared to its predecessor, the system increases air pressure by 50% and total airflow by 28%, keeping temperatures stable during extended and intensive workloads.
The CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminium chassis measures just 0.66 inches thin and weighs a reasonably portable 1.73kg across its full 355 x 250mm footprint.
Whether real-world battery and performance results match GEEKOM's claims is something only rigorous independent testing will ultimately confirm.
Preorders for the GeekBook M16 are now live on GEEKOM’s store with a $100 discount code (GKM16), bringing the price down to $799, while shipping is scheduled for late June.
Our senior printer editor Jim awarded this label printer a Highly Recommended badge, calling it “quick, quiet, and actually fun to use” — and it’s since become the label printer we recommend for small business owners and online sellers. At $72.19, it’s the best price we’ve seen.
For small business owners, online sellers, or anyone printing labels in any meaningful volume, the Munbyn RW403B is an easy recommendation from us.
Our top choice shipping label printer, testing out the RW403B was a joy. It's really simple to use and very effective. ★★★★⯪View Deal
In his full Munbyn RealWriter 403B review on TechRadar, Jim found it “printed reliably and quickly and very quietly too” across four different paper types, noting it “always applied my design in exactly the right place.” Setup took under ten minutes from opening the box, and the near-zero jam rate held up throughout his testing. That kind of consistency matters when you’re printing dozens of shipping labels before a dispatch deadline.
The reason the RW403B stands out from cheaper label printers is the Dynamic Auto-Calibration chip — a feature Munbyn introduced with this model that intelligently adjusts the paper detection sensor’s sensitivity in real time. Most budget label printers struggle with anything other than standard white labels: transparent labels, glittery stock, holographic finishes, and custom-shaped stickers tend to confuse the sensor and result in misaligned or wasted prints. The DAC chip eliminates 99.8% of those alignment errors, which means sellers using branded or specialty labels can trust the output without babysitting the printer through every roll.
The thermal technology itself is worth understanding if you’re switching from an inkjet. There’s no ink, no cartridges, and no running out mid-job. The printer works by applying heat to chemically treated thermal paper, which turns black in response — simple, reliable, and cheap to run. The RW403B handles label sizes from 1.57 to 4.25 inches wide, covering everything from tiny product tags and return labels to full 4×6 inch shipping labels. Print speed is rated at 72 labels per minute, which is fast enough to get through a batch of orders without the printer becoming a bottleneck.
Setup is as close to instant as a piece of hardware gets. Plug in, power on, load labels, download the app, and pair via Bluetooth — Jim was printing within ten minutes of opening the box. For anyone who’s spent an afternoon configuring a printer driver, that matters. And the Munbyn Print app gives you access to 2,000+ templates and 3,500+ design elements, which makes it genuinely useful beyond shipping labels — custom branding stickers, name tags, retail price tags, and gift labels all work well.
The build quality reflects the 970,000-label lifespan claim. The hinged body closes with a solid clunk, the three-button control panel is straightforward and feels durable, and the metal-reinforced construction gives it a reassuring weight for a relatively compact machine. Jim noted it as well-made in his review, and the
In our review, we found this dual-color thermal printer "printed quickly and reliably throughout the test, with no misprints or jams. The image quality is very good for a thermal printer." View Deal
This thermal label printer is capable of printing via USB or Bluetooth. It's relatively similar to the RW403B, although it boasts a different design while lacking the Dynamic Auto-Calibration for trickier custom prints. View Deal
This Bluetooth label printer is designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs running high-volume print-jobs. I'd still recommend the 403B, which we've tested, over this one, but it has its merits. View Deal
There are a number of Munbyn's 4x6in shipping label rolls on sale, but this pack stood out to me for being waterproof, oil-proof, and scratch-proof. View Deal
As AI data centers consume an ever-increasing amount of RAM chips, researchers are looking for cheaper, more scalable alternatives
imec research seen by many to be the answer, even as engineering challenges continue to exist
Two published studies using ferroelectric materials show capacitors essentially able to replicate modern DRAM functionality
It is no secret that AI has affected much of the world, with many welcoming the advent of a "smart" digital assistant, with others using it to speed up the more mundane tasks that previously required oversight.
On the flip side of the equation, some finding their jobs redundant, others being forced to upskill or pivot to different industries just to eke out a living in 2026.
There is however, one area which has been significantly impacted where the effect might have been understated so far: the PC hardware industry.
DRAM for data centers first
The reason the PC hardware industry (and, to a lesser degree, the smartphone and game console industries), or any industry that uses fast RAM and NAND flash for its core functionality, is affected is overwhelming demand in data centers.
With billions of dollars in buildouts and procurement budgets, the average consumer is unlikely to compete for memory with a data center being built by hyperscalers and with good reason: there is simply too much money at stake here.
The problem for data centers, however, is a different one: despite consuming nearly 70% of all memory produced in 2026, resulting in the worst memory supply crunch in the last 15 years, things are projected to only get worse, even as demand continues to grow unabated.
With memory giant Micron telling consumers to wait till 2028 before they can expect any relief in their segment, and SSDs heading down the same path, thanks to a similar situation when it comes to high-density NAND flash-based storage, AI data centers are also looking for a memory breakthrough that could allow for cheaper, faster memory in the near future to better handle their needs.
European chip research lab imec seems to be working on an answer, however. At the 2026 IEEE/JSAP symposium on VLSI Technology & Circuits, the event showcased two major advances that could enable new ferroelectric memory to become mainstream over the next decade, as it attempts to address the AI-centric memory shortage with a solution that better caters to data center consumers.
At the heart of the current breakthroughs is a ferroelectric capacitor that operates at low voltage, enabling a large number of write cycles and holding charge well, making it a potentially viable replacement for traditional DRAM-based memory.
The second is a transistor that they have managed to stack vertically, enabling a denser NAND-flash-style storage design while adding a back-gate modification to fix its memory-erasure issues.
FeRAM is not a new concept; first conceived in 1952, it holds massive promise, even as most researchers concur. It had, until recently, limited interest, but a world spending billions on AI data centers, with memory and storage increasingly scarce resources, has brought it back to the forefront, even if most of its gains still keep it limited to lab conditions.
“This work shows how imec’s multidisciplinary expertise, from materials science to advanced 3D integration, enables us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in memory technology," noted program director at imec, Maarten Rosmeulen. "We are exploring multiple paths toward the memory solutions that will be required to sustain the rapid growth of AI and data-intensive applications."
It must be noted that imec does not operate in a vacuum; It shares its research with hundreds of industry partners, including chip designer Nvidia, photolithography systems manufacturer ASML, and fab giant TSMC.
Other industrial partners include Intel, Samsung, Micron, Qualcomm, AMD, and Apple, indicating that its research could eventually be integrated into future memory offerings by multiple interested entities, including other hyperscalers.
Should imec's research solve the modern datacenter conundrum by offering a cheaper, denser memory module using different materials, it could very well spark a new AI-centric war for high-end storage and memory.
But for now, it seems to require a considerable amount of time before it is production-ready, with imec admitting it was "addressing remaining challenges" while reminding interested parties that the entire breakthrough was still a proof of concept and still in the research stage.
There are huge savings on Blink home security cameras this Amazon Prime Day, but don't rush to grab one just yet. Although basic features are included with Blink cameras — live view and two-way-talk — for anything more advanced you'll need a Blink subscription in addition to the cost of the camera itself, which adds up over time.
That's not the case with all home security cameras though, and here I've rounded up my top five Blink alternatives that give you local storage, plus features like AI facial-recognition, object-tracking, and pre-roll all without any extra payments.
1. Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K
Chris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris Price
The Baseus Security S2 isn't the only solar-powered security camera we've tested, but it's the only one with a photovoltaic panel that rotates around its body to follow the sun, ensuring it captures as much light as possible throughout the day. It looks strange, but in our tests, we found it worked brilliantly, noticeably extending the battery life.
During tests, the S2 produced very few false alerts. This not only prevents you from being bombarded with unnecessary phone notifications, it also means recording is triggered only by genuine events, extending the cam's battery life. Images are superbly detailed during the day, and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high-quality footage in the dark, too.
The Baseus S2 is also one of the most affordable subscription-free security cameras we've tested. The camera itself has a nice little Prime Day price cut, and the absence of fees for storage and advanced features mean it almost certainly works out cheaper overall.
If you're on a strict budget, take a look at the Baseus Security S1 instead. It's available for about half the price of the S2 and has the same rotating solar panel. However, it records at only 2K and has 8GB built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a microSD card.
A record-low Prime Day price for this feature-packed home security camera. It blew us away in our tests, and with no subscription fees to worry about, it's spectacular value.View Deal
The S2 Outdoor Camera 4K is currently out of stock in the UK, but you can snag the previous generation S1 for £33.99 right now. It has the same rotating solar panel, but has a maximum resolution of 2K rather than 4K.View Deal
2. Reolink Altas PT Ultra
Chris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris PriceChris Price
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra earned four stars in our review thanks to its crisp video recordings, pan-and-tilt functionality to cover an extra-wide area, and local storage for your video. Although it's somewhat bulky, it looks smart and didn't worry our neighbors unnecessarily (always a plus).
The camera can automatically track subjects such as people and animals, or you can pan and tilt it manually using the app, if there's something in particular that you want to keep an eye on. There's a pre-record option, too, similar to the one you'd get with a dash cam, which captures footage continuously in the background and saves the 10 seconds that were recorded before a trigger event.
You can store your videos to an SD card, or to an encrypted Reolink Home Hub. The Home Hub comes with 64GB storage, expandable with up to two 512GB SD cards, which should be more than enough. Cloud storage is available if you really want to pay for it, but there's really no need and all the standout features are available free of charge.
With an enormous $70 off for Prime Day, this is the cheapest the Altas PT Ultra has been this year and a great investment in your home security. There's a reason it won a TechRadar Choice award for best home security camera.View Deal
A discount of £57 is not to be sniffed at, and makes the Altas PT Ultra brilliant value in the UK as well. In fact, it's a record-low price for this feature-packed security camera, with no subscription fees necessary afterwards,View Deal
3. EZVIZ EP4 Peephole Door Viewer
FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture
This little camera threads through the peephole in your front door, giving you a wide-angle view of the area beyond in sharp 4K on an internal screen, and on your phone. It's a clever design that means there's no need to drill any holes, and is ideal if you live in an apartment and/or rent.
Installation is a piece of cake (I had it fitted and working within 10 minutes during my tests) and you'll receive alerts to your phone when motion is detected. This will trigger a 10-second video recording, which can be saved to an SD card in the display unit. The AI person detection works very well, but what impressed me most was the facial recognition. Just upload photos of friends and family, and you'll be notified when they arrive. Ideal if you want to be sure that the kids have got home safely, for example.
It doubles as a doorbell too, offering two-way talk and even a voice changer so you can stay anonymous if you prefer — all subscription-free.
The EP4 is currently only available in the UK, where Amazon has knocked a very generous £70 off the price for Prime Day. That's a surprising saving considering the camera only launched a few months ago.View Deal
The eufyCam 3 S330 is a full security system designed for large properties, and even businesses. It consists of a set of cameras (the starter kit includes two, and additional ones are available to purchase separately) plus a HomeBase unit that connects them all to one another, and to your home Wi-Fi network.
Your videos are stored within the HomeBase unit, which comes with 16GB of storage that you can expand up to a colossal 16TB by plugging in an external hard drive, so you don't need to pay for cloud storage and your data is safely saved indoors.
Although it's a 'prosumer' system partially aimed at businesses, we found it easy to install and set up for the average user. Each camera has a 135-degree field of view, and a bright floodlight that can be triggered by motion at night for full-color footage, and a top-mounted solar panel so you don't need to take them down for frequent charging. Subject detection is excellent (and available without a subscription), though on the standard settings it proved so sensitive that it sometimes also mistook a person's reflection for someone else in our tests, so it's worth taking some time to tinker with the settings.
Amazon has trimmed a huge $170 off the eufyCam 3 S330 starter kit, which includes the base station and two cameras. It's a great deal for mid-sized homes, and you can expand it later with extra cams if necessary.View Deal
There isn't a Prime Day deal on the full eufyCam 3 S330 system in the UK, which is a shame, but if you already have the base unit then you can snap up an additional camera for £60 off the list price, which is a steal.View Deal
5. Aqara Camera Hub G350
FutureFutureFutureFutureFuture
Don’t be fooled by this camera’s cute looks, complete with removable bunny ears. Despite looking like a gadget for kids, it’s actually a very advanced piece of kit with a motorized base which provides a 360-degree field of view with zero blind spots. This is paired with a dual lens setup that allows you to track a subject (human or animal) using the wide-angle lens or zoom in to an area of detail using the telephoto lens. A 9x hybrid zoom is provided which really does allow you to get close up to your subject with reasonable picture quality.
There's advanced subject-detection, but what really impressed our reviewer Chris Price was the AI-powered sound recognition which can identify noises like a dog barking or a baby crying, and send you notifications accordingly.
It also acts as a Zigbee hub and Matter controller, meaning it can serve as the heart of your smart home. All the key features are available subscription-free, and there's no need to pay for cloud storage; just slide in a microSD card and you can keep all your recordings safely at home. A few features are only available to HomeGuard members, such as AI video search, but only a couple.
This is the first time Amazon has cut the price of this mini indoor security camera, which captures super sharp 4K video and stores it locally without the need for a subscription. Just supply your own SD card.View Deal
In the UK? Good news — you get the same discount as shoppers in the US, with 15% off the G350 for Prime Day 2026. It's compatible will all the main smart home ecosystems, so it's a safe buy that'll fit right in.View Deal
South Korea have shown why they’re one of Asia's most dangerous sides, crushingthe Czech Republic in their opening World Cup 2026 match in Guadalajara andcoming agonizingly close to a qualification-clinching result against co-hosts Mexico. If not for a late error from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, the Taeguk Warriors would have been sitting at the top of the table.
Hong Myung-bo's side can set things right with a win, or even a draw, over South Africa. A loss, however, would leave their qualification hopes dependent on the result of Czechia vs Mexico. For South Africa, meanwhile, only a victory will keep their campaign alive. Currently ranked 61st in the world, Bafana Bafana have had a disappointing tournament so far, losing 2-0 to Mexico before a 1-1 draw against Czechia, saved only by a late penalty.
South Africa boss Hugo Broos will have to tweak his lineup as Teboho Mokoena – their only scorer of the tournament – is suspended after picking up his second yellow card against Czechia. However, Sphephelo Sithole is expected to return to the starting XI after serving his suspension following a red card in the opening game. South Korea, on the other hand, will once again rely on the likes of Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang In-beom to extend their stay in North America.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch South Africa vs South Korea for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea for free
South Africa vs South Korea is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch South Africa vs South Korea live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual South Africa vs South Korea stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
Watch your free World Cup stream without limits. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with global servers, so you can stream from anywhere with ease.
💰 60-day money-back guarantee 🔓 Unlocks World Cup streams
Don’t miss a second. Stream the World Cup from anywhere with total confidence.View Deal
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea in the US
US viewers can watch South Africa vs South Korea on FS1 and Telemundo (Spanish comms).
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch South Africa vs South Korea on Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock as well.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream South Africa vs South Korea for free on BBC iPlayer. Live coverage is also available on the BBC One TV channel.
You require a TV Licence and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you're abroad today.
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea in Australia
(Image credit: free)
South Africa vs South Korea will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN like Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea in Canada
(Image credit: Other)
In Canada, TSN will be broadcasting South Africa vs South Korea.
You can live stream via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
South Africa vs South Korea: Match Information
What time does South Africa vs South Korea start?
South Africa vs South Korea kicks-off at 2am BST / 11am AEST on Thursday, June 25. That's 9pm ET on Wednesday, June 24 in the US.
What are the squads for South Africa vs South Korea?
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk)
Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Monchengladbach), Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Cho Wi-je (Jeonbuk)
Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris St-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves)
Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besitkas), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland)
Group A Table
Position
Team
GD
Points
1
Mexico
3
6
2
South Korea
0
3
3
Czechia
-1
1
4
South Africa
-2
1
Can I watch South Africa vs South Korea on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Now, I’m a pretty big fan of Disney Parks — mainly Disney World, as it’s the closest to me — and I’m also a tech expert. So I do know that generally FuelRod, a popular battery pack sold on Amazon and at the parks, isn’t necessarily the best value, especially since it’s only 3,200mAh.
A FuelRod is a great choice for Disney World, because if it dies when you're at the park, you can swap it for free in one of the vending machines and get a fully charged one in return.
And of course, having back-up battery power with you is important at the House of Mouse, because you don't want your phone dying on you when you see a favorite character, or if you need to select a Lightning Lane in the app, or plenty of other reasons that you'd need your smartphone working at the park.
Today's best FuelRod Battery Pack deal
For Prime Day 2026, a single FuelRod battery pack is 25% off at just $26.24.View Deal
When I’m at the parks, a FuelRod comes in very clutch, as I can keep it plugged in and easily swap it at one of the vending machines. And yes, they’re in every park at Disney World in Orlando, FL, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Disney also maintains a full list of locations, and I’ve personally used them in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. You’ll also find them at many of the resorts across the property.
While 3,200mAh won’t win any awards for being the largest battery pack, the FuelRod is pretty compact and can be slid into a pocket or easily held in the same hand as a phone. I use it with my iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro Max with ease — with either of those, you won't get a full charge, but you'll get more than half. Mileage will vary based on your phone’s size, though.
I’ll be the first to admit you can also save on some larger-sized batteries during Prime Day; I've also linked to several below. But the fact that you can swap a FuelRod for a fully recharged one in the parks makes it essential for a trip there, and it’s priced a lot better for Prime Day.
While $26.24 for a single FuelRod is a pretty great Prime Day deal, Amazon’s also discounting a 2-pack to $44.99 (originally $59.99) and selling 3 of them for $56.24 (originally $74.99).
But if you want a different battery pack, here are some other options:
Belkin
Portable Charger Power Bank Usb C, 10000 Mah W/integrated Cable
Anker
Zolo Power Bank 20,000mah
Anker
Nano Portable Charger, 45w 10000mah With 2.3 Ft Retractable Cable
Day two of Prime Day has arrived, which means our team has had a full 24 hours to browse Amazon's deals, specifically its TV discounts. Our team of experts has hand-picked the best 65-inch Prime Day TV deals from Samsung, LG, TCL, Insignia, and Amazon's own Fire TV brand.
We've selected 65-inch models to highlight from Amazon's Prime Day sale because they're popular and always land on best-selling lists. You can find our best-rated 4K, QLED, and OLED TVs on sale for record-low prices today, with a wide range of features and prices starting at just $249.99.
Shop our full list below, and keep in mind that to take advantage of today's TV deals, you must be a Prime member. If you aren't already a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and gain access to today's sale.
Amazon's best 65-inch Prime Day TV deals
You can get the best-selling Insignia 65-inch F50 Series 4K TV for an incredible price of $249.99 — our cheapest 65-inch display. The Insignia F50 Series TV features 4K HD resolution, DTS Studio Sound, smart capabilities with Fire OS, and a voice remote with hands-free Alexa, so you can use your voice to control your TV.View Deal
This Prime Day deal takes the 65-inch Amazon Ember Omni Mini-LED TV down to a record-low price of $879.97. This TV delivers solid brightness and contrast, along with bold colors, and a ready-to-use, out-of-the-box sports mode that lets you watch sports with minimal setup. It also offers a robust selection of gaming features, including 4K, 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision support.View Deal
Just like the 55-inch, the largest Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV is at the lowest price ever for Prime Day 2026. Right now, the 65-inch is $899.99 and comes with access to over 2,000 pieces of artwork and a frame in the box.View Deal
Samsung's super-stylish The Frame TV is always a big Prime Day hit, and this is an excellent price for this size, with its smart separate connections box, lovely frame, and rich colors. And you get access to Samsung's impressive art selection, of course.View Deal
Samsung's 2025 model, The Frame Pro, is down to its lowest price yet for Prime Day. The Frame Pro enhances the impact of the popular lifestyle TV by replacing a standard QLED screen with a Neo QLED panel that incorporates mini-LEDs for a much better viewing experience, with far richer contrast. It also offers a higher refresh rate and comes with a Wireless One Connect box, so you can place your HDMI connections anywhere in the room. Still, it shows works of art when off and is finished with an anti-reflective coating.View Deal
The TCL QM7K is a feature-packed mini-LED TV that over-delivers for its price range. It has great picture quality and a ton of solid gaming features. While this discount may be small, it does take the 65-inch model down to a new record-low price of $749.99. View Deal
Samsung's S90F OLED TV earned five stars in our review, and the 65-inch model is on sale for its lowest price yet. The S90F OLED TV delivers an outstanding picture, thanks to quantum dot OLED technology and Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor. You're also getting extensive gaming features and Samsung's impressive Tizen operating system.
The LG C5 is the ultimate all-around TV, delivering excellent performance for movies, gaming, and sports with a full suite of features and superb picture quality. The 65-inch model has dropped to $1,199.99 at Amazon, and while this isn't a record-low, it's the cheapest it's been since February and an incredible Prime Day deal if you want a premium 65-inch OLED display.
The CEO of Samsara has hailed the benefits of AI in helping modernize and boost efficiency and productivity in the operations industry.
Speaking at the opening keynote of Samsara Beyond 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Sanjit Biswas laid out how the company is, “working together to build the future of operations”.
“These are industries that you can't read about in a book, or just visit a website…you have to put on your boots and go onsite,” he noted.
“Automate away the grind”
Biswas noted how Samsara’s customers are all facing the same challenges, namely the rising cost of fuel, caused by the war in the Middle East, put also the rising cost of doing business across the board, with rising maintenance costs also biting hard.
But technology was also proving a challenge in these more “hands-on” industries, he noted, with too many reports and disparate systems in conflict, leading to “data overload” as too many apps and distractions actually just annoy and frustrate workers.
To combat this, Biswas set out his idea of “automate away the grind” - using technology to give workers time back to focus on the really important tasks.
“We're entering a whole new age - the age of intelligence," he said, noting how Samsara wants to be, “taking operations to the next level”.
“We can collect tons and tones of data in the field,” he added, “and now we can use AI to find insights, and figure out what’s really going on…AI can now formulate plans, figure out tools, and really help you run your operation to take action on your behalf.”
(Image credit: Future / Mike Moore)
Biswas laid out a host of useful examples where AI could benefit frontline workers, such as automatically adjusting vehicle settings during extreme weather situations, monitoring usage of tools and equipment to help predict when maintenance is needed, and giving drivers more information on delivery situations/environments such as a new drop-off location.
To back this up, Samsara announced its new Agent Studio, specifically designed for companies in the physical operations sector, which lets customers utilize a range of pre-configured agents or build their own from scratch.
The company says that going forward, tasks such as managing paperwork, communicating with drivers, and working with vendors can now be automated with agents in minutes, freeing staff from hours of manual work each week
“Reducing risk for the frontline, increasing the efficiency of the operation, and really helping you digitally transform with this technology - that’s what we’re excited about today," Biswas concluded.
Czechia will take on co-hosts Mexico in their final World Cup 2026 group-stage match, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. To reach a first knockout stage since 1990, the Czechs realistically must win, while El Tri can experiment safe in the knowledge they have already won Group A.
Mexico have been clinical so far, beating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener before handing South Korea a clean 1-0 defeat last time out. Though Mexico have historically struggled against European opposition, winning just eight of 34 matches, their dominant record at the Azteca – six wins and two draws – will give them confidence. They've already won the group, meaning they get to stay at the Azteca for the last 32 and, if they get there, last 16. However, Javier Aguirre may choose to test his bench strength, which could be just what Czechia needs.
Czechia's tournament has been frustrating so far, marked by late costly mistakes. They held the lead in both of their matches but have just one point to show for it. That includes a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana, a game they should have won comfortably but were undone by an overly defensive approach and eventually conceded a late penalty. A win here, however, would take them to four points, which could be enough to secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Set pieces and finding Ladislav Krejci and Tomas Soucek's respective foreheads, feels vital.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Czechia vs Mexico for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Czechia vs Mexico for free
Czechia vs Mexico is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Czechia vs Mexico live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual Czechia vs Mexico stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
Watch your free World Cup stream without limits. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with global servers, so you can stream from anywhere with ease.
💰 60-day money-back guarantee 🔓 Unlocks World Cup streams
Don’t miss a second. Stream the World Cup from anywhere with total confidence.View Deal
How to watch Czechia vs Mexico in the US
US viewers can watch Czechia vs Mexico on Fox and Telemundo (Spanish comms).
Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranac (Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurasek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton), Jaroslav Zeleny (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)
Midfielders: Lukas Cerv (Viktoria Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Hradec Kralove), Lukas Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadilek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochurek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Pavel Sulc (Olympique Lyonnais), Denis Visinsky (Viktoria Plzen)
Forwards: Adam Hlozek (Hoffenheim), Tomas Chory (Slavia Prague), Mojmir Chytil (Slavia Prague), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (AZ)
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow)
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Ninja is one of the biggest names in kitchen appliances, and for good reason. Its products are thoughtfully designed, packed with genuinely useful features, and usually very reasonably priced as well. Devices like the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, Crispi glass air fryer, and Slushi ice cream maker are often copied, but so far we've not seen anything that works as well as the original.
If you're planning to upgrade your kitchen this summer, I've put together a list of five of the best Ninja appliances we've tested over the last couple of years, so you can pick something that will really work for you. All of these devices have been put through an extensive battery of hands-on tests in our reviewers' own kitchens, so you can be confident that they'll deliver great results in yours as well.
You'll also find today's best deals on every appliance right here, so you don't need to spend time hunting around for a good deal if you spot something you like. Ninja appliances often get some great price cuts for Amazon Prime Day, so this is an excellent time to pick one up.
1. Ninja Prestige DualBrew System
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I test over a dozen coffee makers a year, and this is one of my all-time favorites. The Ninja Prestige DualBrew System (known as the Ninja Espresso and Coffee Maker Barista System in the US) is a one-stop shop for all your coffee-making needs. On the right you have an espresso machine with an adjustable-height drip tray, which uses Nespresso Original style capsules to brew drinks in the size of your choice. I tested it with pods from a local coffee roaster, and they tasted amazing.
On the left, you have a fully-featured drip coffee maker, complete with a very effective drip-stop mechanism, smart hotplate to keep your brew warm without scalding it, a timer, and even a fold-out drip tray so you can place a travel cup underneath instead of the carafe (perfect for taking to work).
There's even a milk-frothing arm on the back, which you can fold out to make lattes and cappuccinos, though you'll need to heat the milk in the microwave first because it's not a steam wand. That's a minor quibble considering how much this machine has to offer.
The original Ninja Crispi was great — a portable air fryer that cooks your food inside re-sealable glass containers — but the Crispi Pro is even better. This model is designed to use in your kitchen, with dishwasher-safe glass dishes that slide inside, six cooking modes, and the ability to prepare up to 10 servings at once.
You can adjust the height of the base unit to suit the dish you're using, and the handles of the dishes stay cool so there's no need to fuss around with potholders or trivets. Whether you want to quickly cook some fries or roast an entire chicken, the Crispi Pro can handle it. It produced consistently great results during our tests, handling Mexican corn, tofu, homemade bagels, brussels sprouts, and dried apple with ease.
For us, the only downside is the size of the base unit, which is on the larger side, but that's not unreasonable considering how many hungry people this fryer can feed.
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4. Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
Future / Helen McCueFuture / Helen McCueFuture / Helen MCueVic HoodVic HoodFuture / Helen McCueFuture / Helen McCueFuture
Want an authentic BBQ taste, without the mess and hassle? The Ninja Woodfire is an electric grill that uses chips of real wood to infuse your food with delicious smoky flavors as it cooks. Different woods produce different results, and the Woodfire comes with a pack of various types so you can experiment and find your favorite.
Our reviewer Helen McCue gave the Ninja Woodfire a full five stars, saying "This electric outdoor grill offers the convenience and control of cooking on gas, combined with the smoky flavors of charcoal or wood barbecues."
It produces excellent results with traditional BBQ foods, including burgers, veggie skewers, corn and chicken, but offers a few surprises too. Like Ninja's air fryers, it has a bake mode that you can use to make tasty flatbreads, a loaf, or even brownies. It's not big enough to cater for a big party, but it's a great option if you don't have the space or the inclination to use a gas or charcoal grill.
No roundup of the best Ninja kitchen appliances would be complete without the Ninja Swirl by Creami. This clever machine produces delicious scoopable ice cream, just like the regular Creami, but as the name suggests it will also dispense creamy soft-serve right into the cone, tub, or bowl of your choice. There are 15 different settings to help you get exactly the right consistency, and you can have fun experimenting with different recipes (the r/ninjacreami subreddit is a great source of inspiration). Frozen yogurt and custard, sorbet, gelato, and even milkshakes are all on the menu.
As our reviewer Karen Freeman noted, you need to freeze your ingredients for 24 hours before you can begin processing them, so it's a good idea to keep some tubs prepared in the freezer so they're ready to go when you get an ice cream craving. When you get started, it only takes about 4-6 minutes to produce a tub of tasty dessert (to which you can add candy, cookies, or fruit if you like). Alternatively, you can process it again to turn it into soft serve. It's incredibly quick and easy.
One of the most significant changes in the last couple of decades has been the rise of social media and the way it's reshaped society. Mark Zuckerberg, who co-founded and launched Facebook – and now leads the technology conglomerate Meta – has played a key role in what he describes as an erosion of privacy.
Social media shifts
We were just months away from Mark Zuckerberg's first on-screen portrayal in The Social Network when he spoke about the story of Facebook so far at TechCrunch's Crunchies awards in January 2010.
Quote of the day
This article is part of TechRadar Pro's QOTD project to provide an insight into the minds of the brightest and most recognized figures in the technology industry today and in years gone by. Read the full series here.
During the interview, he spoke about the way that people's attitudes toward their own sense of privacy had shifted, and that with the tools available on the web – including his own platform – users were far more open and willing to share details about themselves.
He delivered these thoughts following criticism that Facebook had altered its architecture so that basic information, like your friends list, became publicly viewable by default – unless you consciously opted out.
The death of privacy
Zuckerberg, at the time, was attempting to reframe his platform's changes as ones that served users as it adapted to their behavior. But it's also fair to suggest that Facebook had also played a role in triggering behavioral shifts in its users in the first place.
Cynics would also suggest that the shift to opening up more data to public access paved the way for further monetization of user data. This would come in the form of Open Graph, which the company launched in May that same year.
People have continued to share their information online, but they aren't feeding simple algorithms or monetization portals, but AI models too.
On the other hand, the modern age has given rise to more encrypted services like WhatsApp, Signal and Discord, with mostly open platforms, like Facebook's previous incarnation, suffering from data collection scandals and privacy breaches.
Prime Day has arrived, running from June 23-26, and while LG’s 2026 OLEDs are now available, and there may be some offers around on those, there’s no better time to check out its 2025 lineup. All three of the mainstream 2025 models — the LG G5, LG C5 and LG B5 — featured among the best TVs of 2025, and now that their successors have arrived it’s only a matter of time before these TVs disappear. And with GTA 6 pre-orders live at midnight on June 25, there's no better time for an upgrade.
When it comes to picking which 2025 LG OLED is right for you, the first thing you’ll want to consider is your budget. With these TVs nearing the end of their lifespan, and Prime Day bringing around some excellent offers, this is your best chance to get a step-up model for less. LG’s OLEDs are among the best OLED TVs on the market, and while they’re good value at launch, events like Prime Day are where they shine.
But, which LG OLED is the best option? While the C5 has the best deal, the B5 or G5 may be what you're looking for. I’ve tested and used all three models throughout the past year, as they serve as our reference screens for 4K Blu-ray testing as part of the Blu-ray Bounty, and as a benchmark for comparisons. Here are my thoughts on each TV below.
LG G5
(Image credit: Future)
LG’s 2025 flagship is the LG G5. The most feature-packed model of the lineup, the G5 covers all the bases, delivering on all fronts with some of the best gaming features on the market — 4K 165Hz, full VRR support, HGiG, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming — with the performance to match. With the Alpha 11 Gen 2 AI Processor, general performance is smooth, with excellent response times that mean scrolling through menus is never a chore.
The G5’s picture quality is superb. It delivers rich, accurate colors regardless of what’s on screen. Whether it’s the staggeringly bright and vivid Wicked, or the more natural colors of The Wild Robot, its color reproduction is truly excellent. As an OLED, it delivers powerful contrast with deep, inky blacks and punchy highlights thanks to its new-found brightness, clocking in at 2,268 nits peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode. It’s much brighter than the C5 and B5, so those who watch TV in bright rooms may want to take note. Textures are crisp and after turning on TruMotion, motion is smooth for sports and fast paced movies. This is easily one of the best-looking TVs you can get.
The G5’s built-in audio is solid, and while it still won’t beat a soundbar, it’s got the best built-in sound of the three LG OLEDs. As it is the flagship model, it comes at a price and while there are some good deals around, it's the priciest of the three.
LG C5
(Image credit: Future)
The LG C5 serves as the mid-range model in the 2025 lineup, and strikes a nice middle ground between the flagship G5 and the budget B5. It houses the Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor, which delivers smooth performance and has plenty of settings options and picture tools should you want to adjust them, although I found it’s pretty accurate out of the box.
Gamers are well covered here, with 4K 144Hz, full VRR, HGiG, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming all supported. The C5 delivers razor-sharp performance, and sessions playing Battlefield V were not only smooth, but a ton of fun. Arguably just as good performance-wise as the G5, the C5 still holds the title for best gaming TV.
The C5’s picture quality is excellent. It delivers the deep, accurate black tones you want from an OLED, and with a new peak brightness (it hit a measured 1,180 nits HDR peak brightness in Filmmaker Mode) it delivers punchy highlights to create strong contrast that’s great for movies like The Batman. It also delivers dynamic, vibrant colors that pop on screen, making movies such as The Sound of Music look excellent, and textures are crisp and detail is refined with whatever’s on screen. It doesn’t have the brightness of the step-up G5, but it’s brighter than the B5, again hitting a nice midway point between the two, though it does have a somewhat reflective screen, as you’d expect from a glossy OLED.
While the C5’s built-in speakers are decent enough, it does benefit from a soundbar. Really though, this is the C5’s only downside. It ticks enough of the same boxes as the G5 to please OLED fans, and at a fraction of the price.
LG B5
(Image credit: Universal Pictures / Future)
The LG B5 is the most entry-level OLED in LG’s 2025 lineup, and while it may not have all the premium features and performance of the step-up G5 and C5, it still offers everything an OLED should, and is stacked with features.
In terms of picture quality, the B5 still delivers. It has the strong contrast you would want from an OLED, with deep blacks and solid highlights creating a dynamic range that looks fantastic for high-contrast movies like Alien: Romulus and Dark City. Its colors, while not as bold as its step-up siblings, are still rich and deep, meaning colorful movies like Wicked have plenty of pop on screen. Its motion is also excellent, making it a great TV for fast-paced action and sports. The B5 isn’t the brightest (clocking in at 668 nits peak HDR in Filmmaker), so people with bright rooms may want to take note, but really this is the B5’s only picture-related flaw.
The B5 also makes for an excellent gaming display. It doesn’t support higher refresh rates for PC gaming (144Hz, 165Hz and so on) but it does support 4K 120Hz across four HDMI 2.1 ports. There’s also full VRR support, and Dolby Vision gaming, HGiG and ALLM all feature. It has the same super-low 9.2ms input lag time as the more premium LG OLEDs, with performance feeling razor-sharp even when I was playing intense battle sequences in Battlefield V.
The B5’s main advantage, though, is giving access to OLED for a very affordable price. While it didn’t launch for much cheaper than the C5, the B5 has dropped to some seriously low prices, making it excellent value overall.
And the winner is…
While all three of these TVs are excellent, my Prime Day pick is the LG C5 (middle) (Image credit: Future)
The LG C5 covers all the bases, with OLED picture quality and razor-sharp performance for movies, sports and gaming. There's a reason it tops most of our best-of lists. The 55-inch model has dropped to £899 at Amazon, a new record-low price that's unreal for a 55-inch OLED of this calibre. Other highlight deals:
The LG C5 is the ultimate all-around TV, delivering excellent performance for movies, gaming and sports with a full suite of features and superb picture quality. The 65-inch model has dropped to $1,199.99 at Amazon and while this isn't a record-low, it's the cheapest it's been since February. View Deal
All three of LG’s 2025 OLEDs are great in their own way, and while it does come down to budget, my top pick of these three is the LG C5. It hits the sweet spot between the G5 and B5 in terms of picture quality, features and performance, and will tick the boxes for most people. The G5 may be brighter with bolder picture quality, but comes at a higher cost, while the B5 is on the dimmer side, so the C5 naturally slots itself in the middle.
In terms of Prime Day deals, the C5 also has the best offers, dropping to the most competitive prices of the three. While there are some great deals on the other two models to be had, the C5 is the star of Prime Day. If you’re torn between LG’s 2026 and 2025 TVs for Prime Day, I’d recommend the 2025 models all day, because you can get them for a seriously good price.
DÇ-2026-da qrup mərhələsinin III turuna start verilib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Qətər yığması B qrupunun son oyununda Bosniya və Herseqovinaya uduzub – 1:3. Bu nəticə ilə Qətər qrupda sonuncu olub və mundialla vidalaşıb.
Daha əvvəl Türkiyə, Haiti, Tunis, İordaniyanın mundialı tərk edəcəyi dəqiqləşib.
Top AI researchers Jonas Adler and Alexander Pritzel are leaving Google for Anthropic, following departures from top scientists Noam Shazeer and John Jumper.
Revenue quadrupled to $41.45 billion compared with the same period a year ago. The company's profit, meanwhile, rose from $1.88 billion to an incredible $28.2 billion year-over-year.
WrestleMania 42 is long in the rearview after a rollercoaster of a weekend in Las Vegas this past April. To close out WrestleMania Saturday, Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton, though not without criticism.
The feud between Rhodes and Orton was a long time coming; 20 years, to be exact, dating back to Rhodes' earliest years in the WWE. With such a rich history of lore and potential storylines to pull from between the two men, fans were none too pleased once celebrity involvement was added to the mix in the forms of Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll.
Speaking Wednesday on "The Ariel Helwani Show" while backstage at a WWE live event in Cardiff, Wales, Rhodes reflected on his most controversial WrestleMania appearance yet.
"I hope wrestling fans can understand that behind the scenes for me, it was probably the most proud I'd ever been of how I dealt with anything," Rhodes told Uncrowned. "It was probably the most calm I'd ever been on the day, and probably, even though my eye was shot afterward, it was probably the most calm I'd ever been leaving the ring. There were a lot of new factors. Companies change, directives change — that's part of every walk of life, every type of entertainment. I really just wanted to take a page out of the guys who had been mentors for me.
"I thought a lot about my dad, and I thought a lot about 'Hunter' [Paul 'Triple H' Levesque], and how they would deal with something that was unique. You're wrestling the guy who you've got almost 20 years of history with. But then there's this unbelievably bold Pat McAfee character with such a crossover appeal, and doing so great on ESPN. Then there's Jelly Roll, who was just coming off winning these Grammys.
"I just wanted to make it work for the night, and for everyone to feel that we had given them our best efforts," Rhodes continued. "I have been looking back at it. I may be thinking too internally about it, but internally, I was so proud because you're dealing with a lot of big names and potentially a lot of big egos. I wanted to do right again by the people who raised me in the business, and hey, I'm going to make this work, and not just make it work, I'm going to make it sing if I can."
Rhodes, 40, admitted there was a moment throughout the storyline where he lost his cool backstage and had an outburst of sorts. While Rhodes didn't specify exactly when the moment occurred, he said it was a reaction to him dropping an “F-bomb” on live TV.
"I knew right when I got to my bus — and when I say 'outburst,' it's just like me muttering some curse words like on the 'Christmas Story' [movie] and yelling, knocking over some water bottles a la Sami Zayn," Rhodes said. "Nothing too intense. But I remember getting to my bus and thinking, 'Yeah, you outgrew that.’ If you want a job in the wrestling space, nobody has a harder job than Triple H right now. There's never been a booker in the history of the business that has just been beloved and revered the entire time. Nobody has a harder job, and no one can do that job better than he can do it. It's obviously something that interests me, too.
"So I remember thinking when I got to the bus, I've outgrown that. I don't need to be having temper tantrums. I need to be helping provide solutions."
Ultimately, Rhodes knows he isn’t to blame for the storyline's divisive direction. The aforementioned WWE Chief Content Officer, Levesque, tends to take the brunt of any creative critique, though he too is beholden to outside forces within WWE’s parent company, TKO. Nonetheless, Rhodes believes Levesque has been a great leader since he took over the company in July 2022.
"It's a matter of getting everybody on the field and letting us do our thing,” Rhodes said of Levesque. “For somebody who's apparently very stressed out, which I never see, one thing he's big on: 'What do you think? What's your gut tell you?' That's one of the greatest gifts to be asked when you have the experience. I often always defer because I don't think I have a great gut when it comes to me personally as a wrestler. But the idea that, 'Hey, you have the experience. Not only that, can you go pull that guy aside? Can you talk to that girl over there? We need this to change, these details.’ I think he's a marvelous leader, and I think people will probably criticize any discussion where that's said because that's what happens.
"It's OK to criticize any product. We criticize it because we love it. But being here on the ground and being able to tell stories that we know where they're going — we're not getting really lost in the mud. There's always going to be criticism.
"There has never been a great booker," Rhodes continued. "Dusty Rhodes, Bill Watts, Vince McMahon, Eddie Graham — there's never been a great booker who wasn't greatly criticized. And I try to do right by [Levesque] in terms of, that's the one guy who ever called me 'QB1,' that when he said it, I got goosebumps, and then I walked out when my music hit and knew what it meant. It meant, ‘Cool, that's a great moment, but actually go be it, go do it,’ and that's where I'm at with it all."
Rhodes has been one of the more creatively talented minds of his generation, as highlighted by his run outside WWE following his departure from the company in 2016. After leaving he went on to help form AEW, where he was an executive vice president.
Cody Rhodes defends his Undisputed WWE Championship on Saturday against Gunther and Sami Zayn.
WWE via Getty Images
The thought of eventually retiring from professional wrestling in totality is tough to tackle for Rhodes. An eventual move into a more executive creative role within WWE is certainly interesting for “The American Nightmare," but whether or not he eventually takes a full plunge into that aspect of the business depends on various other interests.
"I would be lying to you if I said I didn't have an interest in it," Rhodes said. "It's just a matter of where the road takes me. I wanted my whole life to be WWE champion. My sister told me, 'Be careful what you wish for because you might get it.' I did, and now it's about, what's left on the table? ... I want to do more film. I want to do more TV. There's seats on the Georgia political scene that are open. Is that a road? Or is this the road? Staying with something I love so much.
"I don't know how I'd say bye to this. So, it's something I'm very interested in."
For the time being, Rhodes is a fixture not just in WWE, but in the entire professional wrestling world. But like all good things, they eventually come to an end.
With his 41st birthday around the corner on June 30, Rhodes isn't planning to overstay his welcome. Wrestling in his 50s isn't an option, he said. Over the next five years, we may see the last matches of Rhodes' storied career.
"I do think it does take a toll, at a certain point, and I don't think in 10 years I'll still be going," Rhodes said. "I think there will be another 'QB1' of WWE at that point. As far as in-ring competition, I don't think that's breaking news to anyone. Turning 41 in a week, and I feel the best I've ever felt as an athlete, but I do think in 10 years, I will no longer be wrestling bell to bell, no.
"Five years sounds good. Like, if I was to sign a new contract, maybe it would be for five years."
The United States Hockey League, the top junior hockey league in the U.S., announced two Arizona cities in its expansion on June 24.
Phoenix and Prescott Valley were among the six West Coast markets added for the USHL's 2027-28 season.
According to a USHL news release, incoming owners are scheduled to meet with USHL personnel in July to determine the necessary items for a 2027-28 launch, including venues, leases and team branding.
The USHL is responsible for developing most of the top talent in the U.S., as 21 players from the U.S. Olympic men's hockey team played in the league from ages 18 to 21. Many of the players in Arizona State's hockey program came from the USHL.
The league also added teams in California, including San Diego, Orange County, Northern California and Simi Valley. The USHL has not expanded since Madison joined in 2014, and is made up of 16 teams across Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
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The fans can’t contain themselves anymore! And why should they? Their team has just scored its first World Cup goal in an incredible 52 years.
Lenny Joseph struck for underdog Haiti, after the first two World Cup matches against Scotland and Brazil had passed without a goal of their own, making it 1-0 against Morocco in the 10th minute with a backheel finish.
An absolute highlight for the fans!
📸 Darrian Traynor - 2026 Getty Images
📸 Darrian Traynor - 2026 Getty Images
Haiti no longer has any chance of reaching the round of 16, though. Their elimination was already confirmed after the second group match. But after taking a 1-0 lead, the fans are unlikely to care about that for quite a while.
Liverpool Face Sporting Director Uncertainty After Hughes Report
Richard Hughes Exit Claim Raises Fresh Questions Around Liverpool Structure
Liverpool Face Another Off-Pitch Test
Liverpool’s summer has already carried the familiar weight of transition, ambition and uncertainty. Now, according to Sacha Tavolieri, the club may soon face another significant change behind the scenes, with sporting director Richard Hughes expected to leave after the summer transfer window.
The report claims Hughes has been in talks over a move to Al Hilal for months and is now expected to join the Saudi Pro League club. For Liverpool, that would represent more than the loss of an executive. It would raise questions about continuity, planning and the long-term shape of the club’s football operation.
Hughes arrived with a clear brief, to help rebuild Liverpool’s recruitment structure alongside Michael Edwards. His Bournemouth background, network and calm reputation made him a logical fit for Fenway Sports Group’s data-led model. Yet if this report proves accurate, his time at Anfield may become a short chapter rather than a defining era.
Al Hilal Link Carries Familiar Connections
There is logic in the reported destination. Al Hilal have already hired Simon Francis, Hughes’ former right-hand man at Bournemouth, and Tavolieri’s information suggests Hughes is now consulting his former assistant on Al Hilal’s transfer dealings.
That detail matters. Football recruitment is increasingly built on trusted relationships. Clubs do not simply buy players, they buy knowledge, process and networks. If Al Hilal are trying to build a sharper European-style recruitment structure, Hughes would be an obvious target.
Edwards Contract Adds Further Intrigue
Perhaps the more interesting detail is contractual. Hughes’ Liverpool deal expires in 12 months, as does that of FSG chief executive of football Michael Edwards. That timing gives this story extra force.
Liverpool have spent years trying to create a structure that is bigger than any individual. That was the lesson of the Jurgen Klopp era, no club should be dependent on one voice, one personality or one set of instincts. Still, leadership matters. If Hughes were to leave, Liverpool would need clarity quickly.
This summer window may therefore carry a double purpose. It must strengthen the squad, but it may also define Hughes’ Anfield legacy. If he leaves after helping deliver key deals, his exit will be seen differently than if Liverpool are left with unfinished work.
Squad Planning Cannot Drift
For supporters, the concern will be simple. Liverpool cannot afford drift. Recruitment at elite level is about timing, certainty and conviction. Delay costs money. Unclear leadership costs opportunities.
Hughes leaving for Al Hilal would not necessarily mean crisis. Liverpool have survived major departures before. Yet it would sharpen scrutiny on FSG’s wider plan. Who replaces him? Does Edwards remain? Is the structure stable enough to keep moving?
That is the real story here. Not simply that Saudi football may take another significant figure from European football, but that Liverpool, at a crucial moment, may need to prove their modern structure is as resilient as they claim.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report is unsettling because it lands at exactly the wrong moment. Supporters can accept executives leaving, football moves quickly, and no one stays forever. What fans find harder to accept is uncertainty around the people making the biggest football decisions.
Richard Hughes has not been at Liverpool long enough to be judged with total certainty. Some fans will ask what he has really delivered. Others will point out that sporting directors do much of their work months before anything becomes public. The truth probably sits somewhere in the middle.
The Al Hilal angle also feels significant. Saudi clubs are no longer only chasing players at the end of their careers. They are chasing infrastructure, knowledge and credibility. If they want Hughes, that says something about how his work is viewed inside the game.
Liverpool’s issue is succession. If Hughes goes and Edwards also has only 12 months left, then FSG must communicate stability through actions. That means smart recruitment, clear contract decisions and no sense that the club is improvising.
Fans will not panic if Liverpool act decisively. They will panic if this becomes another example of uncertainty at the top. This summer already feels important on the pitch. Now, it may prove just as important off it.
After taking official visits to Cal, Washington and Florida State, the four-star defensive lineman from Poplarville (Miss.) has committed to the Seminoles, giving Mike Norvell another significant addition to the 2027 recruiting class.
Ranked No. 125 in the Rivals Industry Ranking, LeJeune considered all three finalists seriously, but the Seminoles had recruited LeJeune relentlessly since extending an offer in September 2024.
It paid off.
By the time he made his decision, Tallahassee had become a familiar place. LeJeune estimated he had visited Florida State close to 10 times and developed deep relationships throughout the building.
“My best relationships would have to be with Coach Knighton, Coach Norvell, Coach White and Coach Odell Haggins made a big impact on my decision,” LeJeune told Rivals.
Those connections, however, only reinforced what LeJeune already felt.
“I’ve been praying about it,” he said. “I wanted to go where my heart wanted me to be and where I wanted to play football, regardless of NIL money or anything like that. That was Florida State.”
That mindset became the foundation of his commitment.
Florida State’s history and championship pedigree appealed to him from the beginning, but LeJeune also believes brighter days are ahead under Norvell.
“I have faith,” he said. “They’ve got a good receiving corps, great running backs and talented players. I truly believe they’re going to have a good team. The defense will be better, and Coach Norvell knows how to win.”
He also appreciated Norvell’s recruiting approach.
“One thing he always says is, ‘I want to coach you,’” LeJeune explained. “He doesn’t negative recruit or talk bad about other schools. That’s why I like him so much. He is a great coach, he was a big part of my recruitment and I just love who he is.”
LeJeune acknowledged that Cal made a serious late push and forced him to think carefully about the decision.
“Cal came in, and it was really the strongest battle between Cal and Florida State,” he said. “But when I think about Florida State, it gives me the most peace. I prayed about it, and that’s where my heart kept leading me.”
In the end, three key factors sealed the decision.
“The tradition of Florida State, the culture and the belief that they’re going to be back,” LeJeune said. “As Coach Odell Haggins told me, there’s only one way — and that’s up.
“I want my family to be able to come see me play too. My family is down there, so that means a lot to me.”
PITTSBURGH – The Pitt football team will be represented by coach Pat Narduzzi and three standout student-athletes at the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff, which will be held July 15-17 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Joining Narduzzi for the annual preseason media event are quarterback Mason Heintschel, linebacker Braylan Lovelace and offensive lineman Ryan Baer.
The ACC Football Kickoff annually serves as the league's premier preseason media event, bringing together coaches, student-athletes and media members from across the conference to preview the upcoming season.
The ACC Network will once again provide wall-to-wall coverage of the event, broadcasting live each day.
The Panthers – along with California, Duke, North Carolina, Southern Methodist and Wake Forest – will participate July 17. Additional programming and coverage surrounding Pitt's appearance at the three-day event will be announced at a later date.
Recent Bishop McCort Catholic High School graduate Bo Bassett was named MaxPreps Pennsylvania male athlete of the year.
Ranked as the nation's No. 1 pound-for-pound wrestler by Flo Wrestling, Bassett completed his high school career without a loss at 170-0. He also became the youngest freestyle wrestling world champion in history in 2021.
Bassett, a Virginia Tech signee, went 44-0 with 35 technical falls as a senior. He earned his third PIAA Class 2A title. Bassett concluded his career with 111 technical falls and 44 pins. His 170 wins without a loss is a state record. He earned the Junior Dan Hodge Trophy as the top high school wrestler in 2025-26.
The St. Francis University women's volleyball program has quietly built steady momentum in recent years, stringing together three consecutive winning seasons as the program positions itself for its next chapter in the Division III era.
Coach Sara Spielvogel, now entering her 11th season in Loretto, has put together a schedule that will challenge her young roster.
The Red Wolves open the season in New York at the SUNY Morrisville Mustang Tournament Sept. 4-5. They will compete against four New York schools, providing a strong early season measuring stick.
The September calendar also includes road trips to Elizabethtown College, Penn State Altoona and Notre Dame of Maryland. Conference play begins Sept. 23 with a trip to Waynesburg.
Spielvogel's team will return to Loretto for its home opener Sept. 26 against Grove City. The match is also Family Weekend at St. Francis. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m., following the Red Wolves football home opener.
Grove City won the 2025 Presidents' Athletic Conference championship, its first since 2021. The Wolverines entered the tournament as the fourth seed out of the North Division and went on the road to defeat top-seeded Hiram in the title match. Grove City then advanced to the NCAA Division III tournament, where it fell to Juniata in the first round.
"The upcoming season is all about competitive learning," Spielvogel said. "We are in a new conference with new opponents. Our goals are to learn and grow with every practice and every match while still competing at a high level."
St. Francis returns three players from the team that reached the 2025 NEC championship match in Ava Holden, Elsa Richards and Alexandra Sappia.
Women's volleyball in the PAC was highly competitive in 2025. Three schools recorded 20 or more wins, including Grove City, Westminster and Hiram.
St. Francis will be on the road for two of those matchups, Oct. 10 at Westminster and Oct. 31 at Hiram. The Terriers went 26-3 overall and 15-1 in the PAC before losing the championship match.
Conference play comes to a close Oct. 24 when St. Vincent travels to Loretto.
As it transitions to Division III, St. Francis cannot compete in the postseason during the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Red Wolves will wrap up the regular season with a match at Pitt-Greensburg.
The 2026 roster includes Central Cambria graduate Allie Dziabo and Conemaugh Township product Madison Roman.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Shortstop Landen Rozich joined the Johnstown Mill Rats a week ago, following his West Chester University baseball team’s amazing run to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship final series.
Coming off a strong freshman season with the national runner-up Golden Rams, Rozich needed time to adjust to the Prospect League.
“Last week, it was a little hard for me to get on board and I had a tough week,” Rozich said after collecting three hits, including a three-run homer and five RBIs, in the Mill Rats’ 13-9 victory over the first-place Lafayette Aviators Tuesday.
“I just gave up that (memory of) last week and just came up and swung the bat by doing a good thing and put a ball over the fence.”
Rozich’s three-run blast cleared the wall in left-center field, capping a seven-run bottom of the first inning that pumped up a Sargent’s Stadium at the Point crowd of 516.
“It means a lot for us getting back into the win column after a tough last week,” Rozich said.
“I got here last Monday and we left early Tuesday morning for the road trip. It’s hard. It’s a lot of traveling. I got used to it quick.”
Gavin Smith, Ty Marsh
Lafayette Aviators shortstop Gavin Smith (left) applies a late tag as Johnstown Mill Rats’ Ty Marsh slides safely into second base on a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning of a Prospect League game at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
This past week, the Aviators (17-7) swept three games against visiting Johnstown (13-11).
The teams combined on 26 hits and 22 runs in Tuesday’s 3 hour, 4-minute contest. The teams meet again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sargent’s Stadium.
“We lost three to them last week,” said Mill Rats first baseman Caleb Smith, who had three singles and drove in three runs in Tuesday’s win.
“We knew they were coming here, and we needed to win.
“We need to win both, really.
“We stayed focused, had a little more intensity to us and it paid off.”
The Mill Rats sent 10 batters to the plate in each of the first two innings and built what appeared to be a comfortable 11-1 advantage.
Landen Rozich, Cole Kuszak
The Johnstown Mill Rats’ Landen Rozich (right) is congratulated by teammate Cole Kuszak after hitting a three-run home-run in the bottom of the first inning of a Prospect League game at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point in Johnstown, PA., Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
“We did our scouting report on the guy throwing and we knew he didn’t fill it up, so we were just diligent at the plate and stayed patient,” Smith said of Lafayette left-handed starter Tro Fellings. “Then, when it was over the plate, we just banged it.”
Rozich ripped a no-doubt, three-run homer over the wall in left-center field to cap the seven-run, first-inning barrage.
The 386-foot blast put No. 9 hitter Rozich on track for a big night, as he reached base four times. It also continued a banner year for him.
A freshman this past season, Rozich started 49 games at shortstop on a 48-win West Chester team that finished second to University of Tampa in the Division II final series in Cary, North Carolina.
He batted .266 with 15 extra-base hits, including four homers during his college season.
On the mound, Rozich went 3-1 with five saves and a 1.95 ERA in relief.
“It was awesome,” Rozich said of the World Series appearance.
“It was one of the best memories I’m going to keep. I love all those guys so much. Hopefully, we can get back there next year.”
The Mill Rats hope some of Rozich’s Golden Rams magic settles in across the state.
He had plenty of company Tuesday, as Johnstown’s Caleb Rey also had a two-run single and Smith singled in a run in the first-inning rally.
In the second, Smith hit a two-run single, and Rozich singled to drive in a run.
Brock Budacki hit a solo homer in the third inning, and the Mill Rats catcher doubled and scored on Rozich’s infield single in the fifth.
Lafayette tallied single runs in the first and fifth innings, and the Aviators posted three runs apiece in the third and seventh to close within 13-8.
Lafayette’s Zach Pelletier singled in a run in the fifth and had a run-scoring double in the seventh. Gavin Smith drove in a run with a double off the brick wall in the eighth to make it 13-9. Sage Adams had two doubles for the Aviators.
“We held on. It gives us a lot of momentum going into (Wednesday),” Caleb Smith said.
Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter @Masty81.
Main Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Inside Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The public feud between ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is showing no signs of slowing down, with Brown again publicly calling out Smith and his employer.
Brown made the comments during the annual Cannes Lions powwow in France. He was responding to criticism from Smith after referring to the 2025-26 season as “his favorite” despite star Jayson Tatum missing most of the season and the Celtics being on the wrong side of an early playoff exit.
“ESPN is unethical, and Stephen A. Smith is the head face of that, but the organization (and) the players, they were all in agreeance,” Brown said. “They all knew what I meant by that. Our team was basically salary dumped. We lost a lot of players.”
Brown going after Smith is no surprise because the two have been at it since the end of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. There, Smith took exception to Brown blaming the refs after the Celtics blew a 3-1 first-round lead to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“One of the things we not gonna do, bro, is we not gonna let you sit around and act like you a victim,” Smith said on First Take. “We ain’t gonna do that. We ain’t letting Jaylen Brown get away with that.”
Smith went on to criticize Brown over comments he made about doubters making him a better player. Smith argued that Brown had not really faced doubters and was instead widely celebrated for his role in leading the Celtics to a No. 2 seed.
Brown’s comments at Cannes were his first opportunity to publicly respond to Smith’s latest remarks.
Brown is far from the first person to complain about ESPN’s control over popular sports narratives, especially in the NFL and NBA. Even former ESPN employees, like Merril Hoge, have criticized ESPN’s “embrace debate” mentality.
In Brown’s specific case, it seems he did not appreciate how underrated the Celtics were entering this season, even after the “salary dump” of stars like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Though, if Brown really wants the sports narrative to not run through ESPN, publicly calling out ESPN and Stephen A. Smith is unlikely to accomplish that. As always, there will be interested parties tuning into First Take tomorrow to see how Smith responds.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 19: Griffin Jax #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, June 19, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) looks on from the dugout during the ninth inning between Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (34-45) vs. New York Yankees (47-31)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Pinstripe Alley Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (3-3, 3.02 ERA) vs. LHP Ryan Weathers (2-5, 4.13 ERA)
The Indiana Fever (10-7) look to complete a two-game homecourt sweep of the Phoenix Mercury (5-13) when they meet for the second straight game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday night.
Phoenix Mercury guard Shay Ciezki (5) searches to pass the ball Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77.
Indiana came back from an early 13-point deficit to lead by as much as 21 in an 86-77 win over the Mercury on Monday night. Caitlin Clark went for 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell scored 22 points and Monique Billings finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Fever.
The Mercury led 19-6 at the end of the first quarter before Indiana came back to tie the game at halftime and surge ahead after the break. Kahleah Copper paced Phoenix with 20 points before fouling out and Alyssa Thomas finished with 19 points and nine assists in the loss.
Clark, listed as a game-time decision with a back issue, leads the Fever with averages of 21.3 points and 8.2 assists while Mitchell gets 20.9 points per game. Aliyah Boston posts 16.6 points and 8.6 rebounds a night as well. Copper scores an average of 19.2 points for Phoenix while Thomas puts up 14.1 points and 8.4 assists per game. Natasha Mack grabs 8.3 boards an outing and is a game-time call with a foot ailment.
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DENVER (AP) — Tyler Freeman's sacrifice bunt in the eighth inning drove in the go-ahead run, Cole Carrigg had three RBIs and the Colorado Rockies rallied past the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Wednesday.
After pinch-hitter Mickey Moniak and Willi Castro singled off Justin Slaten (0-4) and put runners on first and third with the game tied at 6, Freeman put down a bunt along the first-base line that scored Moniak to put the Rockies up. Carrigg capped the scoring with an RBI double.
Antonio Senzatela (8-0) struck out two in two perfect innings and Jimmy Herget picked up his second save with a hitless ninth. Rockies starter Kyle Freeland allowed six runs and 11 hits as Colorado fell behind 3-0 after two innings and 6-3 after five.
Carrigg, Jake McCarthy and Troy Johnston each hit RBI singles during the Rockies' three-run seventh inning to tie it at 6.
Connor Wong hit his first home run since Sept. 8, 2024, for the Red Sox in the second. Andruw Monasterio's homer in the fourth gave Boston a 5-2 lead. Willson Contreras and Anthony Seigler both hit one-run doubles for Boston, which hasn't won back-to-back series since April 6-12.
TJ Rumfield opened Colorado's scoring in the third with an RBI double and Carrigg drove in his first run of the game on a forceout. Freeman's RBI single in the fourth pulled the Rockies within two runs.
Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin left in the third after suffering a left pinkie subluxation while sliding into first base.
Boston starter Ranger Suarez allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits with nine strikeouts and one walk in six innings.
Up next
Red Sox: Had not announced a starter for their game against the Yankees on Thursday.
Rockies: RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (8-4, 4.31 ERA) takes the mound for the Rockies in a series opener against the Twins in Minnesota on Friday.
Travis Etienne Jr. is getting more respect from his peers entering his first season with the New Orleans Saints. The 27-year-old running back was ranked No. 96 on the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2026, a player-voted list that ranks the league's most respected talent.
For Etienne, it's the first time that he's been recognized as one of the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2026 — and it proves that he's one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the league. The Saints signed him this offseason to give Kellen Moore's offense another playmaker who can hurt defenses not just as a runner, but also as a receiver.
“Travis is a Swiss Army knife,” Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars said. “He’s kind of under-assuming. You don’t expect him to be that fast. You don’t expect him to be that quick.”
That same quickness should give the Saints another layer offensively. Etienne doesn't need much space to create a big play, and his ability to make defenders miss gives the Saints another player who can change the game.
“As a running back, he improves each and every year, and you can just see it on film,” Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter said.
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Robert Hainsey also praised what Etienne brings beyond the field. The veteran center mentioned both Etienne's explosiveness and how he fits in a locker room.
“Such a lovable guy,” Hainsey said. “He’s been explosive all over the field. He’s a huge weapon and a great, great teammate to have.”
The ranking at No. 96 shows that players around the league view him as one of the NFL's most dangerous running backs. Now, he'll have a chance to prove it in a new offense with the Saints.
An unfortunate challenge gone wrong at the 2026 World Cup has resulted in a five-match ban for Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo, whose tackle from behind broke the leg of Canada's Ismaël Koné during the teams' group-stage match last week.
In the moment, an immediately remorseful Madibo was shown a red card. Just about a week later, on Wednesday, FIFA's disciplinary committee imposed the suspension for serious foul play, a decision that’s subject to appeal.
Recently, the players were even photographed embracing:
Qatar’s Assim Madibo, the player who broke Ismaël Koné’s leg stuck around Vancouver to spend time with Koné.
“He was very affected for his injury, never he was intentional. All of you know Madibo, and was a very clear accident, only to remark this, and to wish him all the best”… pic.twitter.com/cwI7qzewO3
Because of the red card he received, Madibo, 29, was already sidelined for Qatar’s 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Had Qatar advanced to the knockout round, Madibo’s suspension would have applied to the country’s remaining World Cup matches.
Since Qatar is at the basement of the Group B standings and won’t play again in this year’s tournament, Madibo’s entire five-match ban will roll over beyond the tournament.
The incident occurred in the second half of Canada’s 6-0 victory last Thursday. The gut-wrenching sight put a damper on the co-hosts’ first-ever World Cup win.
Koné, a 24-year-old midfielder for Sassuolo, has successfully undergone surgery, which, according to The Associated Press, repaired the broken tibia and fibula in his left leg.
While significant, Madibo’s punishment isn’t the most severe FIFA has administered in World Cup history. Notably, during the 2014 iteration of the tournament in Brazil, Uruguay striker Luis Suárez was hit with a nine-match suspension, plus banned from all soccer activity for four months, after he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Atalanta Ready to Outbid Napoli as Sarri Plots Reunion With Lazio Pupil
Former Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has asked Atalanta to reunite him with Mario Gila, who has been negotiating a transfer to Napoli.
Mario Gila Set to Leave Lazio
With only one year left on his contract and no hope of a renewal, the 25-year-old defender is seemingly on his way out of Formelllo. The Spaniard reportedly has an agreement with Napoli on a five-year contract and a €3 million net salary per season, but the two clubs have yet to strike a deal.
Napoli Have Yet to Find an Agreement with Lazio
The Biancocelesti will have to share the profit with Gila’s former club, Real Madrid, who have a 50% sell-on fee, so Claudio Lotito has set his asking price at €25-30 million. On the other hand, the Partenopei started with a €15 million offer, and they’re trying to bridge the gap by adding Lorenzo Lucca to the package, or even Rafa Marin.
Atalanta Enter the Fray for Gila
While Napoli are struggling to find a breakthrough in their negotiations with Lazio, other suitors could seize the opportunity. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Atalanta have entered the race for Gila, who is highly-admired by their new head coach, Sarri. The transfer market expert reveals that the Orobici have already launched a thorough enquiry followed by a €20 million bid.
While Atalanta’s offer remains lower than the price tag set by Lotito, it is higher than Napoli’s. It remains to be seen if La Dea will manage to overtake the Partenopei, or if Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club will respond by raising their offer in the coming hours.
🤯 Stunning Haiti: ahead against Morocco! Record goal 🧮
Incredible scenes at Atlanta Stadium: Haiti take the lead against Morocco in the 10th minute with a goal from Joseph: the 25-year-old Ferencvaros striker had only come on late in the first two matches.
But the real credit for the goal goes to Duverne (the 28-year-old Gent defender): Haiti’s full-back gets on the end of a pass out wide and fires in a low cross that Joseph turns in. His shot is fortunate — in fact, it could almost go down as an own goal: the effort hits Bounou on the back after he had come out and completely missed the cross.
With this goal, Lenny Joseph becomes the second Haitian goalscorer at the World Cup; the first and, until now, only one was Emmanuel Sanon, who scored twice at the 1974 World Cup against Italy and Argentina.
You can say this for Brandon Aiyuk, he has at least been clear about his wishes.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver continued his campaign for a way out of the team, and onto the Washington Commanders, on Wednesday with a series of posts on his Instagram story. They began with a caption reading “I’m a lover I ain’t with the hating,” a selfie with Future’s “Unconditional Love” playing and a picture of Deion Sanders in a Washington uniform.
His next posts featured a football with a Commanders logo and the following captions:
“The best sport in the world The best league in the world n the best team in the world”
“And I almost forgot.. The best WR in the world”
It’s not hard to read between the lines there.
Aiyuk proceeded to post a video in which he basically challenged the Niners to cut him so he can move to the Commanders:
“And if I’m crazy or if I’m capping, tell them boys cut me today and I’ll sign with the Commanders tomorrow and we’ll see who’s capping.”
Smith, who is available to be activated, has not made the progress the Dodgers hoped for, extending what was supposed to be a short absence into multiple weeks.
He did not travel with the Dodgers on the road trip to Minnesota and, in fact, has stopped baseball activities, according to manager Dave Roberts. Just last week, Smith was doing workouts.
“He feels OK, not great,” Roberts said back on June 19th. “We’re just trying to make sure that we don’t have a setback when he comes back.”
Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In fact, Smith underwent a scan, and the Dodgers found something in his neck, but it was described as minor.
The catcher took an injection in his neck to minimize the pain, but seemingly, the feeling is still there, and his status going forward remains unclear.
When can Will Smith return?
Dave Roberts made it clear that Smith will not return, at least while the team is on the road. Their current road trip ends on July 2nd after finishing up their series against the Twins, followed by stops in San Diego and Sacramento.
This will give him a full week to resume baseball activities and look good enough to be activated when the Dodgers host the Padres on July 2.
May 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) runs after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Luckily, the Dodgers are getting back Dalton Rushing after he went down with a possible concussion following the end of a swing, catching him on the head.
Chuckie Robinson has started to hit well, with two knocks on Tuesday, and looks to be gelling well with the pitching staff as well.
ANDERSON — After a one-year hiatus, the Anderson Soap Box Derby will return this weekend at Derby Downs.
Terry Taylor revived the Soap Box Derby in 2018 after no competition took place for several years.
Sherrie Boards, a member of the Anderson Soap Box Derby Committee, said last week that there were 20 entrants for the derby that will take place Saturday at 9 a.m.
Boards said the Anderson Soap Box Derby Committee is committed to honoring Taylor by keeping his community service vision alive.
Anderson hosted a derby every year until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Taylor revived the annual event in 2023 and 2024. He passed away in 2025.
The derby will consist of racing, a car show, a Dan’s Fish Fry, vendors, and bounce houses.
Recently at the Annual Black Expo Luncheon, Aubre Walker was awarded the Anderson Soap Box Derby scholarship.
Ever since the Soap Box Derby started in 1934, Anderson has sent champions to the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio. Over the years, the city has seen six young people return as national champions.
Anderson’s first national champion was Maurice Bale Jr. in 1935, the second year of the competition.
Since then, Terry and Barney Townsend won national titles in 1957 and 1959.
The city had two champions crowned in Akron in 2000 when Derek Etherington won the Super Stock title and Cody Butler captured the Masters title.
Jeremiyah Love (4) practices during Cardinals minicamp on June 9, 2026, in Tempe. | Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Arizona Cardinals have made five first round picks in the Monti Ossenfort era and the question simply becomes, which of the five is under the most pressure?
For me the answer is easy, but I know many are going to disagree… Jeremiyah Love.
Now first I want to emphasize that this is not fair at all for the rookie, but this is what happens when you make a pick that doesn’t make sense for your timeline, you need that player to save your job.
That is kind of what Monti needs this year from Love, he needs it to be a year like few other rookie running backs have had. The reason I say that? If Love is putting up big numbers, especially rushing numbers, the Cardinals are probably good, or at least competitive.
Isaiah Evans may not have been selected in the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday night, but he certainly dressed like he belongs in the league.
Evans came to New York with a specially curated outfit that he believes is the most expensive in NBA Draft history. While many draft prospects focus on their suits for the night, it’s Evans’ accessories that make his outfit stand out from the rest.
Evans spent two years at Duke before deciding to enter the draft, and he wanted to dress for the moment. While he never heard his name called in the first round, Evans still made an impression along with the rest of the draft class.
Here’s how Evans produced the most expensive outfit in NBA Draft history.
Duke alum Isaiah Evans wears most expensive outfit in NBA Draft history
At the NBA Draft on Friday night, Duke star Isaiah Evans put together an expensive outfit just for the special night. Not only did Evans find a suit just for the night, he also found some expensive accessories to go along with the suit.
In fact, Evans worked with Jason of Beverley Hills to produce what the jeweler believes is the most expensive outfit in NBA Draft history.
"I've been doing this for 22 years, and you're so used to a lot of NBA draftees getting drafted and wearing big medallions with their initials on in and big earrings," Jason told the New York Post. "I think what we wanted to do was to bring a little bit of a different energy to the draft with Isaiah, and we sat down with him months ago, and we had this vision of bringing the Met Gala to the NBA draft. I wanted it to have a very royal vibe to it...it’s unique and timeless."
Evans wore a suit that he specifically got for the NBA draft. The 20-year-old work a navy blue, striped, double-breasted suit with a matching shirt underneath.
Evans' expensive outfit is largely due to a few diamond-heavy accessories. Evans wore a brooch which cost $3 million and also brought with him a wallet chain that cost about another $1 million.
Isaiah Evans is wearing the most expensive jewelry fit in NBA Draft history tonight. 🥶
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 23, 2026
According to the New York Post, Evans' broach has a 45-carat pigeon blood ruby at its center with another six karats of baroque-shaped white diamonds.
"There's never been a brooch that's made at this level for any NBA draft history," Jason of Beverley Hills said. "And then on top of that, we went with a wallet chain that has over 170 carats of diamonds."
Why did Isaiah Evans fall out of first round?
Evans was perhaps the highest-profile player not taken in the first round, as the Duke guard did not hear his name called on the first night. Evans is a strong shooter, but NBA teams may be concerned that he doesn’t have enough ability to create on his own offensively.
Additionally, although Evans has length at 6-6, he is of slighter build and needs to add more muscle at the next level to counter stronger opponents.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty completed his rehab start Tuesday, June 23, with Double-A Erie and remains on track to return to the Tigers for Sunday's finale of a four-game series against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park.
"We have 'To Be Determined' listed for Sunday," Hinch said before Wednesday's finale of a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. "I can wink. I can hint. I can put it in pencil. It's not in pen. Clearly, it's something that we're considering as we get closer to the weekend."
Flaherty hasn't pitched for the Tigers since June 12, when he suffered a left ankle injury.
In Tuesday's rehab start, Flaherty allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts across 5⅔ innings, throwing 83 pitches.
"Pretty smooth," Flaherty said.
"You want to feel good after dealing with some stuff," Flaherty said before Wednesday's game. "You want to go out and execute no matter the situation or circumstances. I did the little things well of getting ahead and working from there. That was probably the biggest thing."
The Tigers have three of four starters locked in for the upcoming series against the Astros: right-hander Troy Melton on Thursday, right-hander Keider Montero on Friday and left-hander Framber Valdez on Saturday.
Expect Flaherty in Sunday's finale.
"We got pretty much everything accomplished that we wanted to," Hinch said, "meaning we kept his pitch count pretty high, and he got out for a sixth inning and reported that he felt really good. His stuff was in the normal range of what we would expect. We'll continue his progression to hopefully coming back."
Jack Flaherty looking sharp in his first rehab appearance for the @erie_seawolves 👀
Right-hander Jack Flaherty completed his rehab start Tuesday, June 23, with Double-A Erie and remains on track to return to the Tigers for Sunday's finale of a four-game series against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park.
"We have 'To Be Determined' listed for Sunday," Hinch said before Wednesday's finale of a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. "I can wink. I can hint. I can put it in pencil. It's not in pen. Clearly, it's something that we're considering as we get closer to the weekend."
Flaherty hasn't pitched for the Tigers since June 12, when he suffered a left ankle injury.
In Tuesday's rehab start, Flaherty allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts across 5⅔ innings, throwing 83 pitches.
"Pretty smooth," Flaherty said.
"You want to feel good after dealing with some stuff," Flaherty said before Wednesday's game. "You want to go out and execute no matter the situation or circumstances. I did the little things well of getting ahead and working from there. That was probably the biggest thing."
The Tigers have three of four starters locked in for the upcoming series against the Astros: right-hander Troy Melton on Thursday, right-hander Keider Montero on Friday and left-hander Framber Valdez on Saturday.
Expect Flaherty in Sunday's finale.
"We got pretty much everything accomplished that we wanted to," Hinch said, "meaning we kept his pitch count pretty high, and he got out for a sixth inning and reported that he felt really good. His stuff was in the normal range of what we would expect. We'll continue his progression to hopefully coming back."
Jack Flaherty looking sharp in his first rehab appearance for the @erie_seawolves 👀
Right-hander Jack Flaherty completed his rehab start Tuesday, June 23, with Double-A Erie and remains on track to return to the Tigers for Sunday's finale of a four-game series against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park.
"We have 'To Be Determined' listed for Sunday," Hinch said before Wednesday's finale of a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. "I can wink. I can hint. I can put it in pencil. It's not in pen. Clearly, it's something that we're considering as we get closer to the weekend."
Flaherty hasn't pitched for the Tigers since June 12, when he suffered a left ankle injury.
In Tuesday's rehab start, Flaherty allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts across 5⅔ innings, throwing 83 pitches.
"Pretty smooth," Flaherty said.
"You want to feel good after dealing with some stuff," Flaherty said before Wednesday's game. "You want to go out and execute no matter the situation or circumstances. I did the little things well of getting ahead and working from there. That was probably the biggest thing."
The Tigers have three of four starters locked in for the upcoming series against the Astros: right-hander Troy Melton on Thursday, right-hander Keider Montero on Friday and left-hander Framber Valdez on Saturday.
Expect Flaherty in Sunday's finale.
"We got pretty much everything accomplished that we wanted to," Hinch said, "meaning we kept his pitch count pretty high, and he got out for a sixth inning and reported that he felt really good. His stuff was in the normal range of what we would expect. We'll continue his progression to hopefully coming back."
Jack Flaherty looking sharp in his first rehab appearance for the @erie_seawolves 👀
These are how Sporting News grades each of the Mavs' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 9: Morez Johnson Jr. - C
He reunites with Dusty May, but was he even the best Michigan player available at this spot? Johnson is an impactful player in the frontcourt, but it'll be interesting to see how he fits with Cooper Flagg. He'll have to be defensively impactful to reach his ceiling.
Round 1, Pick 30: Koa Peat - traded
Peat ends up being traded. The Mavs end up with the guy taken 25th, Sergio De Larrea out of Spain. He'll likely be stashed, but in the long run, he's a great shooter.
Round 2, Pick 48: Tobi Lawal - B+
An athletic freak, he could have a dunk contest with Cooper Flagg. If he gets his skills going, he can be an impact bench piece.
Dallas Mavericks NBA Draft updates, trades
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The Mavs traded the 30th pick, Koa Peat, for the 25th pick, Sergio De Larrea from the Knicks.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
DENVER, CO - JUNE 24: Tyler Freeman #2 of the Colorado Rockies hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field on June 24, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Playing from behind for the majority of the game, the Colorado Rockies stunned the Boston Red Sox with a late-game rally against the bullpen to secure an 8-6 victory and the series win. Contributions from top to bottom underlined yet another gutsy win for Colorado.
Freeland grinds out another start
Coming off what was arguably his best start of the season last time out, Kyle Freeland once again found himself having to grind out a start at Coors Field.
The Red Sox came out swinging against Freeland despite him looking comfortable on the mound with his command. Nate Eaton led off the game by flying out to right field. Ceddanne Rafaela then popped up a cutter to behind first base that deflected off the glove of Willi Castro, resulting in a triple. Freeland recovered to get Wilyer Abreu to ground out to second base with the infield playing in, but then allowed an RBI double to Willson Contreras to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.
The aggression continued in the second inning as Anthony Seigler laced a single on the first pitch and two batters later, Connor Wong launched his first home run on a first-pitch knuckle-curve to make it 3-0 Red Sox. In the fourth inning, Andrew Monasterio launched a third-pitch knuckle-curve offering to left field for a home run to extend the lead and Rafaela later delivered an RBI single for the Red Sox’s fifth run of the game. In the fifth inning, Marcelo Mayer and Seigler delivered back-to-back doubles for their sixth run of the game.
Through five innings, Freeland had thrown around 70 pitches, but Boston already had 10 hits against him. He departed after the sixth inning, having allowed six runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and a walk. He threw just 81 pitches, 61 of which were strikes. He also generated 11 swing and misses, but the Red Sox just found plenty of success when making contact.
“The name of the game here at Coors is to hang with it when things don’t go your way,” said manager Warren Schaeffer. “‘Free’ completed like crazy. But at the end of the day, he gave us six innings, and we were still in the ball game.”
Rockies 3rd inning
The Rockies showed some life in the third inning as they chipped away at the deficit and made it a 3-2 game heading into the fourth inning. Kyle Karros got on board thanks to a throwing error to kick things off. Castro then grounded into a fielder’s choice force out to replace Karros at first. Tyler Freeman then chipped in a single to put men on first and second, setting up Rumfield’s RBI double to get the Rockies on the board.
Hunter Goodman then drew a walk to load the bases with one out to allow Cole Carrigg an opportunity to swing the game in the Rockies’ favor. Carrigg connected on a 90 mph sinker on the outside corner, shooting a line drive to right field that turned into a funky play. Abreu was in the perfect position to make the catch, but the ball just popped out of his glove. Freeman scored on what was deemed a sacrifice fly for Carrigg, but Goodman was thrown out at second. Unfortunately, the Rockies couldn’t add on as Jake McCarthy grounded out to end the inning.
Colorado responded to Boston’s two runs in the top of the fourth by stringing together three straight singles in the bottom half of the inning from Karros, Castro, and Freeman, who collected the RBI. However, the Rockies couldn’t figure out much else against Ranger Suarez. The lefty delivered another excellent outing against the Rockies and at Coors Field as he retired the final seven batters in order after Freeman’s single.
The Rockies chipped away early and managed seven hits against him, but he collected nine strikeouts against just one walk while registering 13 swing and misses. He threw 68 of his 102 pitches for strikes, utilizing his command to keep the Rockies’ lineup off balance and limit them to softly hit singles.
Attack on the bullpen
Once Suarez left the game, the Rockies rejoiced as the hard-throwing right-handed reliever Tyron Guerrero entered the game in the seventh inning.
After getting Castro to strike out, Guerrero plunked Freeman with a pitch and then got Rumfield to fly out. The Rockies then got a gift when Mayer botched a ground ball from Goodman that would have ended the inning, putting two on base. Carrigg and McCarthy both delivered RBI singles to make it a 6-5 game.
Troy Johnston was then called upon to pinch-hit, which prompted Boston to bring in the lefty Danny Coulombe to face him. On a 90 mph sinker left over the middle of the plate, Johnston shot the ball back up the middle for a single to score Carrigg and tie the game 6-6. With a chance to take the lead, Tovar grounded out to end the inning.
The Rockies kept up the attack mentality in the bottom of the eighth against reliever Justin Slaten. Three pitches into the inning, Mickey Moniak had a pinch-hit single and advanced to third on a single from Castro that deflected off the second baseman. Freeman then dropped a bunt that allowed Moniak to score the go-ahead run as the Red Sox only had a play at first base.
Rumfield followed with a single to put runners on the corners, followed by a lineout from Goodman for the second out of the inning. Facing yet another big scoring opportunity, Carrigg laced a ball into the right field gap for a hustle double to drive in his third RBI of the game and give the Rockies the 8-6 lead.
Having scored just three runs on seven hits through the first six innings, the Rockies had five runs on seven hits in the seventh and eighth innings. They ended up with 14 hits in total, while striking out 11 times against one walk. Four hitters ended up with two hits, while Castro had three.
Senza settles the ship
After not working for a few days, the Rockies turned to Antonio Senzatela in the seventh inning with the 6-3 deficit. Senzatela ended up being exactly who they needed as he blazed through two perfect innings on 33 pitches, striking out two, en route to collecting his eighth win of the season.
Jimmy Herget then delivered a perfect ninth to seal the series victory and his second save of the year.
Up next
The Rockies are off on Thursday as they kick off a new road trip on Friday. Their first stop will be in the Twin Cities as they face off against the Minnesota Twins. Tomoyuki Sugano (8-4, 4.31 ERA) will make the start for the Rockies, while Minnesota will send out Taj Bradley (6-3, 4.11 ERA).
West Ham Midfielder Emerges as Key Spurs Target Following Tonali Setback
Tottenham Turn to Mateus Fernandes After Tonali Setback
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment drive has gathered momentum, and the latest developments suggest the club are determined to strengthen the heart of their midfield before the new campaign begins.
According to reporting from BBC Sport, Spurs have accelerated their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes after failing to land Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali. It is a move that highlights both ambition and pragmatism, with Roberto De Zerbi eager to add technical quality and energy to his evolving squad.
Midfield Priority Emerges
The pursuit of Tonali demonstrated Tottenham’s willingness to compete for elite talent. BBC Sport reports that Spurs submitted an offer worth around £80m for the Italy international, only for Newcastle to reject the proposal.
Photo IMAGO
Tonali remains highly valued at St James’ Park. The midfielder recently signed a new contract and still has four years remaining on his deal. Newcastle’s commitment to the player has been strengthened following his return from a 10 month suspension for breaches of the Football Association’s betting regulations.
While Tonali appears unavailable, Tottenham have wasted little time identifying alternatives.
Fernandes has emerged as the club’s primary midfield target, with talks reportedly ongoing and progressing positively. Sources cited by BBC Sport indicate there is growing optimism within Tottenham that an agreement can eventually be reached.
Fernandes Fits De Zerbi Vision
At 21 years old, Fernandes represents exactly the type of player many modern clubs are searching for. Young enough to develop further, experienced enough to make an immediate impact, and technically gifted enough to thrive in possession-based systems.
West Ham are believed to value the Portugal international at around £80m, a figure that reflects both his importance and potential. Interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain further underlines the growing reputation Fernandes has built over recent seasons.
For De Zerbi, the attraction is obvious. His teams have traditionally relied on midfielders capable of receiving possession under pressure, progressing the ball quickly, and controlling matches through intelligent movement.
Fernandes appears well suited to those demands.
Busy Summer Continues
Tottenham have already been among the Premier League’s most active clubs this summer.
The arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke have strengthened defensive options, while Martin Dubravka is expected to arrive on a free transfer following the expiration of his Burnley contract.
Those additions suggest a clear strategy. Spurs are attempting to build a squad capable of competing consistently across multiple competitions, while also providing De Zerbi with players suited to his preferred style of football.
Adding Fernandes would arguably represent their most significant statement yet.
Financial Questions Remain
The biggest challenge may still be convincing West Ham to sell.
An £80m valuation places Fernandes among the most expensive midfielders in Europe, and negotiations at that level rarely progress smoothly. Tottenham will need to decide whether they view the Portuguese international as a transformational signing worth that investment.
What appears clear is that De Zerbi wants another top-class midfielder. After missing out on Tonali, Fernandes has quickly become the focus of Tottenham’s attention.
With talks progressing and optimism growing, this story may have several chapters still to come.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this feels like a logical pivot rather than a disappointment.
Tonali would have been a marquee signing, but Newcastle were always likely to resist. Fernandes arguably makes more sense when considering age profile, development potential and long-term value. At 21, he could become a cornerstone of De Zerbi’s midfield for years rather than arriving as a finished product.
There will naturally be concerns about the reported £80m valuation. That is a substantial fee for a player still developing, and Spurs supporters have seen expensive transfers carry significant pressure before. However, elite midfielders rarely come cheaply, particularly when Premier League rivals and European giants are monitoring the same player.
What should encourage Tottenham fans is the broader strategy. The club appear to be identifying players who fit a specific footballing identity rather than simply chasing big names. De Zerbi’s teams have always relied on technically secure midfielders, and Fernandes appears capable of thriving in that environment.
The defensive recruitment has already been extensive, with Robertson, Senesi and Van Hecke arriving. Midfield was arguably the next major area requiring reinforcement.
If Tottenham can secure Fernandes, supporters may view this as another sign that the club are building a squad tailored to their manager rather than assembling a collection of individual talents. That approach often provides the strongest foundations for long-term success.
The Brooklyn Nets had one of the craziest first rounds ever last year, when they made five first-round picks.
The 2026 NBA Draft gets underway Tuesday night, and the Nets probably won't match that, but they'll still be busy, and it's still crucial to their future.
Unlike the New York Knicks, who are NBA champions, the Nets have a long way to go.
In this strong draft class, the Nets have to be thinking they can get a key piece or two for their future.
Below, we'll keep track of what the Nets do during this draft.
Note that the No. 28 pick will be announced as Minnesota's, but it's coming to Brooklyn in the Julius Randle trade.
Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft grades
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These are how Sporting News grades each of the Nets' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 6: Mikel Brown Jr. - A-
The Nets could've taken another point guard, but Brown was the top one in his class, and he's got immense upside, including the NBA's much-needed 3-point shooting ability. The only risk here is a back injury. If Brown is healthy, he's a star.
Round 1, Pick 28: Joshua Jefferson - B
Jefferson is about as solid a 'B' as can be. He does a little bit of everything. He's a sturdy frontcourt player who can also handle the ball. He had multiple triple-doubles at Iowa State, and he'll bring talent all over the floor to the league.
Round 2, Pick 43:
Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Nets get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
These are how Sporting News grades each of the Celtics' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 27: Chris Cenac Jr. - B+
A lanky frontcourt player who can really shoot it, Cenac was a top-10 player in his class. He didn't quite shine at Houston, but he's got great offensive upside.
Round 2, Pick 40:
Boston Celtics NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Celtics get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
Penn State may be known for producing linebackers built for the next level, but the tight end pipeline of the past decade continues to shine in the NF L. Going into the 2026 season, one former Nittany Lion standout will have a new contract under his belt. That would be Brenton Strange, who has agreed on a contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Strange signed a three-year extension with the Jaguars valued at $48 million. As noted by Pelissero, that includes a $25 million in guaranteed money.
The Jaguars and standout TE Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a 3 year extension worth up to $48M, with $25M guaranteed per his agents Jim Ivler, JR Roggio, and Jon Perzley @SPORTSTARSNYCpic.twitter.com/c0hKrVqP63
By signing his contract extension, Strange will avoid dealing with unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2026 NFL season. Strange was entering the final year of his rookie contract with Jacksonville.
Strange was a second-round draft pick of the Jaguars in the 2023 NFL draft. In 43 career games, Strange has accounted for 91 receptions for 986 yards and 6 touchdowns. Strange has become a fixture in the Jaguars' offense with 22 starts over the past two seasons, including 12 starts in the 2025 season.
Strange played for Penn State from 2019 through 2022. In his time in a Penn State uniform, Strange was usually the secondary tight end, but he finished his career with 70 receptions for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite relatively lacking college stats, Strange proved to be a valuable draft prospect going into the 2023 NFL draft.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Riley Tiernan #33 of the Angel City FC during warm up before the game against the North Carolina Courage at BMO Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
With the National Women’s Soccer League paused for the international window, it is a fitting moment to check in on the Scarlet Knight footprint in America’s top women’s professional soccer league. Rutgers women’s soccer has spent the last decade quietly building a professional pipeline that few programs in its conference can match, and the 2026 NWSL campaign has three Scarlet Knight alumni carrying the torch across three different teams and three different career stages. These are second year forward Riley Tiernan with Angel City FC in Los Angeles, veteran goalkeeper Casey Murphy with the league’s newest expansion side, Boston Legacy FC, and second-year defender Emily Mason with the Seattle Reign. Different positions, different time zones, and different cities, yet, the thread ties back to a single field in Piscataway. Here is how each of them is faring across the season’s opening half.
Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
Tiernan, a Voorhees, N.J. native, has wasted no time getting her 2026 account open. The Scarlet Knight career-assists record holder, with 34 helpers to go with 38 goals across four years on the Banks, scored her first goal of the season on March 30 in Angel City FC’s opener against the Houston Dash, a game-winner that gave the second year forward her first NWSL marker since last summer. It was the latest chapter in a professional career that already produced one of the most decorated rookie campaigns in the league with a 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Month nod for April after a stretch of five goals in five matches, and a two-year contract with an option for 2027 that she earned the hard way after the NWSL eliminated its college draft.
The 2026 version of Tiernan looks like an evolution of the 2025 model, with fewer of the surprise-attack moments that defined her rookie year, more of the field-stretching forward play that drew double teams to her at Yurcak Field. A four-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region pick and four-time All-Big Ten honoree at Rutgers, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2021, she helped lead the Scarlet Knights to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, two Big Ten Tournament Championship Game appearances, and an undefeated Big Ten title in 2021, the first in Rutgers Athletics history, on the way to the College Cup that fall. The relentless motor that defined her college game has been translated cleanly, so has the production.
Casey Murphy (Boston Legacy FC)
Murphy’s 2026 may be the most consequential of the three. The Bridgewater, N.J. native and Bridgewater-Raritan product is the No. 1 goalkeeper for Boston Legacy FC, the NWSL’s new expansion club that launched its inaugural campaign this spring. She signed with Boston in December through the 2029 season, a five-year commitment with a mutual option for 2030, after declining to re-sign with the North Carolina Courage, where she had been the starter since the 2021 season.
Murphy arrived at Boston with a résumé few keepers in the league can match. She is a 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist and has been a regular call-up to the senior USWNT since her debut in November 2021. Her Rutgers credentials remain among the best in program history at any position as a two-time Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, two-time All-American, and a 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Her 45 career shutouts are the program’s all-time record and the second-most in Big Ten history. She was awarded the Female Big Ten Medal of Honor in May 2018.
The 2026 Boston Legacy season has put her in plenty of high-leverage moments early. On March 21, she read and rejected a penalty kick from former North Carolina teammate Malia Berkely, the kind of save that travels well on highlight reels and that the new Boston franchise will need plenty more of as it builds its identity in an established league. Murphy was originally selected 13th overall by Sky Blue FC, the New Jersey franchise that is now NJ/NY Gotham FC, in the 2018 NWSL Draft, but elected to sign with Montpellier HSC in France’s top flight first. The Boston move puts her back in the Northeast for the first time in her professional career.
Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC)
Mason, of Flemington, N.J., has spent the last 18 months proving the kind of point clubs hope they get when they take a chance on a developmental signing. The 22-year-old defender became Seattle Reign FC’s first college signing in January 2025 after the NWSL eliminated its draft, signing on the same day she was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team Futures Camp. Her rookie season was a slow-burning success with 10 appearances, two starts, 249 minutes, but the underlying numbers were eye-catching. According to FotMob, she finished her debut campaign tied for first in the NWSL in interceptions per 90 minutes with 3.3 and blocks per 90 with 1.4. This kind of production was rare enough that the Reign extended her contract through 2026 last August with a mutual option for the 2027 season.
In 2026, she has gone from defensive substitute to fixture. Through the first five matches of Seattle’s season, Mason started in a backline rotation with Sofia Huerta, Phoebe McClernon and Madison Curry that head coach Laura Harvey kept consistent across all five lineups, a level of trust in a second-year defender that the Reign typically reserve for proven veterans. Her positional flexibility has given Harvey options to experiment with formations while keeping a Rutgers product on the field. Mason has been called up to U-23 USWNT camps in recent windows and has the kind of youth international experience that suggests she may not be far from senior consideration.
The 2026 NWSL regular season resumes after the international window and runs through the late summer before its playoffs, with the championship match scheduled for November. Three Rutgers alumni will be on rosters when the league restarts. The pipeline from Yurcak Field is not just open, it’s continuing to pump out incredibly strong talent.
Midway through last season, the Atlanta Hawks traded away Trae Young, which has them moving in a new direction into this offseason.
That brings proceedings to the 2026 NBA Draft, which begins Tuesday night and is the next chance for the Hawks to get better.
Atlanta also will benefit from the Derik Queen trade a year ago, when the Pelicans moved up to take Queen but gave the Hawks their 2026 first-round pick.
The Hawks have been involved in trade rumors, too, so it's not a given that they'll keep their initial pick positioning throughout the action.
It'll be worth following, and we'll have all the Hawks updates below.
Atlanta Hawks draft picks 2026
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Who did the Hawks draft?
The Hawks are making these picks:
Round 1, Pick 8: Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Round 1, Pick 23: Zuby Ejiofor (St. John's)
Round 2, Pick 57:
Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft grades
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These are how Sporting News grades each of the Hawks' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 8: Kingston Flemings - B+
A few of the other point guards were already off the board, and it was basically Flemings or Brayden Burries. Flemings is small, and runs a tiny risk of having some of Trae Young's deficiencies. But he's also got immense upside, and he was the right pick at this spot.
Round 1, Pick 23: Zuby Ejiofor - C
Ejiofor was very effective at St. John's, but it's not obvious that his frontcourt game will translate to the NBA. Defense will have to be his calling card. This might've been a reach.
Round 2, Pick 57:
Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Hawks get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
The Charlotte Hornets have a promising core, and the 2026 NBA Draft is a chance to add to it.
In the second half of the 2025-26 season, they were one of the NBA's most dangerous teams, in large part thanks to a potent offense.
The Hornets will be hoping to play like that right from the outset in 2026-27 and beyond, and they can help that cause by nailing their picks in the draft.
This is viewed as a high-end draft class, and so the Hornets, like many other teams, have a chance to get better.
The action gets underway with the first round on Tuesday night.
Below, we'll be keeping track of anything the Hornets get up to.
These are how Sporting News grades each of the Hornets' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 14: Hannes Steinbach - B
A fascinating talent and fit here. Charlotte could've gone a lot of different ways here, but getting size and skill at the end of the lottery isn't a bad outcome.
Round 1, Pick 18: Christian Anderson - B+
Anderson is a great shooter, and he'll form a great combo on the wing with Kon Knueppel. Neither Steinbach nor Anderson are household names, but they both can be solid NBA contributors.
Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Hornets get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
The Memphis Grizzlies are trending toward an entirely new era. They've already traded away Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant could be gone soon.
Once that trio has all been moved on from, Memphis will officially be trying to win games with a new core, one that will get a boost in the 2026 NBA Draft.
This is considered a high-end draft class, particularly near the top, and that will be a big benefit for Memphis coming off a rough season.
It's also worth paying attention during the draft's first night on Tuesday, because it wouldn't be shocking if Ja Morant was moved during the proceedings.
Regardless of what happens, we'll keep track of all the Grizzlies action below.
Note that the 21st pick will wear a Pistons hat but is actually coming to Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies NBA Draft grades
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These are how Sporting News grades each of the Grizzlies' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 3: Cameron Boozer - A
This was the perfect pick. AJ Dybantsa went first, Darryn Peterson went second, and the Grizzlies got the most mature basketball player in this draft at the third pick. Boozer might not have the same athletic upside, but he's going to be a surefire high-end contributor for the next decade.
Round 1, Pick 16: Bennett Stirtz - traded
Stirtz is going to Oklahoma City for a couple second-round picks and the 17th pick.
Round 1, Pick 17: Ebuka Okorie - traded
Memphis traded down to this spot, then traded down again. Detroit moves up from 21 by paying three second-round picks to draft Okorie.
Round 1, Pick 21: Karim Lopez - B+
He was projected by many to be a lottery pick. The Grizzlies trade down twice, pick up five second-round picks in the process, and get a talented frontcourt player from the international ranks.
Round 2, Pick 32:
Memphis Grizzlies NBA Draft updates, trades
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The Grizzlies took Bennett Stirtz with the No. 16 overall pick, but only kind of. He's going to the Thunder for two second-round picks and the 17th pick.
They then traded down from 17 to 21 to the Pistons, who took Ebuka Okorie -- and the Grizzlies got three more second-round picks out of it.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is in line to have another big season in 2026, but his value in fantasy football leagues may tell another story.
Darnold is coming off of his second straight 4,000-yard season with another strong offensive unit around him heading into the 2026 season. The USC product is in an ideal situation to have another prolific year in 2026, and perhaps his best one yet, making his outlook in fantasy football one of great importance for team managers seeking a gunslinging QB.
According to ESPN Fantasy Football in their projections for the 2026 fantasy football season, Darnold forecasts to record 4,012 passing yards with a 24-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio, as well as 125 rushing yards and a rushing TD on his way to 242.27 fantasy points.
Due to his rushing stats, Darnold likely won’t be a top-10 quarterback in PPR leagues in accordance with the way he played in 2025 as one of the best players at the position. The Seahawks are also not a pass-heavy offense, as they finished with the fourth-fewest passing attempts among all teams in 2025 with 481, but may lean on the aerial attack early in the year depending on the state of their ground game.
Nevertheless, for team managers looking for a QB with a track record of producing volume yardage in the passing game, as well as a team structure that will enable him to succeed, Darnold will be a strong option to select in drafts as a QB2 for leagues with two starting quarterbacks, and an elite bench option for leagues that are not as deep or feature one starting QB.
These are how Sporting News grades each of the Warriors' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 11: Yaxel Lendeborg - B+
Lendeborg may not have the upside of Nate Ament, but he's ready to play in the NBA right now. He can do a little bit of everything, and he'll help the Warriors win games immediately.
Round 2, Pick 54:
Golden State Warriors NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Warriors get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't quite pull off a repeat NBA championship, but that doesn't dampen the future much.
OKC has incredible young talent and a boatload of draft picks, too. The future is bright.
That future takes a step forward this week with the NBA Draft.
The first round is Tuesday night, and the second round is Wednesday night, and the Thunder certainly seem likely to make a good pick or two along the way.
The Chicago Bulls have spent a lot of time in mediocrity in recent years.
One of the best ways to fix that is to nail NBA Draft picks, and the 2026 edition is getting underway with the Bulls aiming to add a big piece to their roster.
This is viewed as a high-end draft class, particularly near the top of the board. The hope in Chicago is that the Bulls will be ready to take advantage.
The first round is scheduled for Tuesday night, with the second round to follow on Wednesday.
We'll be keeping track of everything the Bulls do below.
These are how Sporting News grades each of the Bulls' draft picks:
Round 1, Pick 4: Caleb Wilson - B+
The Bulls would've loved one of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer to slide to them, but Wilson is a great consolation prize. He'll have to get his outside shot in line, and he aligns positionally a bit too much with Matas Buzelis, but this was the right pick.
Round 1, Pick 15: Dailyn Swain - B
Swain was a late riser in this class, but he does a lot of things well on the wing. He's a solid, winning type selection for the Bulls. His upside might not be huge, but his skillset will work.
Round 2, Pick 38:
Round 2, Pick 56:
Chicago Bulls NBA Draft updates, trades
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If the Bulls get involved in any action on draft night, we'll have details here.
When is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft begins with the first round on Tuesday, June 23.
Another offseason, and there is another Tight End University. Current NFL tight ends George Kittle and Travis Kelce, along with retired NFL tight end Greg Olsen founded the event, now in its sixth year, "a three-day offseason event dedicated to collaboration, film review, drills, recovery and more at Vanderbilt University for players of the position."
Trey McBride, arguably the best tight end in the NFL, was in attendance again representing the Cardinals, and so was fellow Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins.
The Cardinals shared a photo of both on social media.
McBride has had consecutive 100-reception seasons and finished second in the NFL in receptions in 2025. Higgins enters the final year of his contract, so he will be looking to put up more numbers. He had 30 catches for 301 yards.
It is good to see both of them there with other tight ends around the league. It shows both that they want to be around them and that they are relevant enough to get invited (we knew that McBride was going to be there already as he has gone multiple years).
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Caitlin Clark has become one of the WNBA's biggest trendsetters long before tipoff. Whether it's tunnel fits, designer sneakers or casual game-day looks, fans eagerly wait to see what the Indiana Fever superstar is wearing before every game. Wednesday night was no different.
As the Fever prepared to host the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clark arrived wearing a cropped U.S. Men's National Team shirt that showed off her toned midsection, pairing it with loose-fitting navy pants and white tennis shoes. It didn't take long for the Fever's social media post to begin making the rounds online.
Caitlin Clark brings USMNT spirit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Clark's outfit wasn't just another pregame fashion statement. The cropped USMNT shirt also doubled as a show of support for the United States men's soccer team, which is currently competing on home soil during the FIFA World Cup.
The look fit right in with the growing crossover between basketball and soccer, as athletes across multiple sports have been spotted supporting the national team throughout the tournament. For Clark, it was another reminder that her pregame arrivals have become an event of their own.
Over the past two seasons, nearly every Fever tunnel walk has generated discussion, whether because of a bold outfit choice or simply because fans want another glimpse of one of the most recognizable athletes in sports.
The fashion buzz comes as Clark continues playing some of her best basketball of the season. The Fever guard entered Wednesday averaging 21.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.2 assists while climbing near the top of the WNBA MVP conversation. She's also riding an impressive stretch offensively, scoring at least 21 points in six consecutive games.
That run included a 24-point, nine-assist performance against the Mercury earlier this week, helping Indiana earn an 86-77 victory. Clark was also cleared to play Wednesday after shedding her usual probable designation tied to back management.
Fever looking to keep climbing
Indiana entered Wednesday's matchup at 10-7, sitting third in the Eastern Conference and continuing to build momentum after an up-and-down start to the season. With Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell leading the way, the Fever have positioned themselves as one of the WNBA's most dangerous teams entering the second half of the year.
Before she had a chance to add another highlight on the court, though, Clark already had fans talking. This time, it wasn't because of a deep three-pointer or a pinpoint pass.
It was because of a cropped USMNT shirt, a confident tunnel walk and another pregame look that quickly caught the attention of Fever fans across social media.
'This Is Big' -- NFL Podcaster Reacts to Dianna Russini Working As 'Unofficial Advisor' for Mike Vrabel During Job Search
Dianna Russini’s alleged relationship with Mike Vrabel is making headlines once again after her former employer published a lengthy article on Wednesday morning.
The New York Times’ article detailed the scandal with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, which exploded when photos of the pair were published by Page Six in early April.
Dianna Russini Aided Mike Vrabel’s Job Search
The New York Times’ article written by Katherine Rosman and Ken Belson reveals that Russini served as an “unofficial advisor” to Vrabel during his job search. After the Tennessee Titans fired Vrabel in January 2024, he served as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 NFL season, and then was hired by the Patriots last offseason.
The article notes that this was a clear conflict of interest for Russini.
“The Athletic’s editorial guidelines include language addressing relationships between its journalists and the people they cover,” the article reads. “Under a section titled ‘Transparency,’ the publication says reporters ‘should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal those sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible.'”
A Times spokesperson revealed that as part of The Athletic’s investigation into Russini, they are looking into a 4,400-word article that was written by Zack Rosenblatt but that Russini “helped broker” after “arranging breakfest for the three of them.”
NFL podcaster Tony Farmer reacted to this revelation that Russini was working as Vrabel’s “unofficial advisor,” noting that she essentially got The Athletic to write a puff piece about the head coach to help him secure a new job.
“This article said Russini was working as an unofficial advisor for Vrabel,” Farmer said. “Zack Rosenblatt wrote an article on Jan. 25 titled, ‘Inside Mike Vrabel’s Off Year.’ … Why didn’t Dianna Russini write that article? The Athletic is interested in that article.
“If Dianna Russini’s friend says that she was working as an advisor for Mike Vrabel, if she organized this article, I think there might be a connection. This is big… NFL reporter helping a coach get a job? That’s odd. Russini brokered the connection between Vrabel and Rosenblatt. Was that part of her unofficial advisor role? Wow!”
He also added in his tweet: “Did Russini arrange the Rosenblatt interview to help Mike Vrabel’s job search? I now believe that is a major question the Athletic is looking into… Was there a media campaign led by Russini to help Mike Vrabel’s employment?”
After six seasons in charge of the Titans, Vrabel was fired in January 2024 after a woeful 6-11 record. After not getting a head coaching gig, Vrabel signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant.
In January 2025, he was hired to replace Jerod Mayo as the Patriots’ head coach. He led New England to a 14-3 record, a 10-win improvement that was tied for the biggest single-season improvement in NFL history. Then, he helped the Patriots win their first playoff game since 2018 and advance to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
Rosman and Belson noted that Russini “operated in a sports-media landscape where traditional journalistic lines could be blurry,” while pointing to an incident where she called an NFL head coach during a traffic stop to get out of a ticket. The Athletic described this as “unacceptable conduct.”
Russini ultimately resigned from her $800,000 job at The Athletic in the aftermath of the scandal. The Athletic is still investigating Russini, and it remains to be seen if their findings will be made public.
Last season, the Lions’ defense was one of the weaker aspects of their team. They dealt with numerous injuries, a first-time defensive coordinator, and inconsistent play from several starters. If the Detroit Lions can remain healthy all season long, I believe they could finish with a top-10 defense.
The biggest factor in all of this is likely the health of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. If both players can return and play the way they did at the beginning of last season, that will give Detroit a major boost. Another beneficial factor is that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will be heading into his second season instead of his first. Sheppard will have a better understanding of the defense’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to build a more effective unit.
The addition of Drew Petzing, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator, could also benefit the defense. Having a stronger offensive coordinator than John Morton should provide Sheppard with better competition during practice and help prepare the defense for opposing offenses.
Detroit will also head into the season with one of the easier schedules in the NFL, facing teams like the Jets, Titans, and Cardinals, all of which were bottom-five teams last year. The Lions also bolstered their defense through the draft and free agency.
Two starters left this offseason in Alex Anzalone and Amik Robertson. Detroit quickly replaced Robertson with Roger McCreary, who some might say is actually an upgrade. Anzalone’s departure will hurt, but not as much as fans expect. His play slowed down quite a bit last season. The Lions re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez and drafted Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round. Both will compete for Anzalones spot at linebacker.
One of the biggest positional needs was defensive end. Although the Lions have Aidan Hutchinson, they needed someone on the opposite side. Al-Quadin Muhammad was solid for Detroit, but he wasn’t everything the Lions were looking for, and they let him walk in free agency. In comes veteran edge rusher DJ Wonnum, who has spent six seasons in the NFL and posted two seasons with eight sacks.
Another addition was edge rusher Derrick Moore, whom Detroit selected in the second round. The Lions also added former first-round pick Payton Turner, who has had a slow and injury-plagued start to his career.
While Branch is sidelined, the Lions added two safeties who could step up in his absence: Chuck Clark and Christian Izien. Clark should be a great veteran addition, while Izien is younger and has more room to grow.
Overall, Detroit added eight free agents and drafted five defensive players. If the roster can stay healthy, there is a legitimate path for this defense to finish as a top-10 unit—or even better.
When TechPowerUp spoke to AMD's Chief Software Officer and Senior Director of Software earlier in June, the executives made bold claims about the quality of its new FSR 4.1 implementation coming to older RDNA 3 GPUs, stating that, despite underlying technical differences, the actual output would have the same quality as it does on RDNA 4 GPUs. There was, however, little discussion about a potential performance hit from the upscaling tech, although it seems as though that discussion may not have been necessary at all, according to testing that has shown up on r/radeon on Reddit.
Based on the testing by the redditor, who tested AMD's FSR 4.1 in Cyberpunk 2077 on an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX at 3840 × 2160p resolution, high settings, and with Ray Tracing on and Ray-Traced Lighting set to Ultra, the performance improvements can be as high as 100% compared to testing conducted without the tech enabled. In benchmark screenshots shared by the redditor, the RDNA 3 GPU managed to get a 49.82 FPS average (43.46 minimum and 60.51 maximum) with FSR 4 set to Balanced and 60.81 FPS average (52.94 minimum and 73.03 minimum) with FSR 4 set to Performance. While there are no results posted, the tester claims in a follow-up comment that performance went "from 24~FPS at native to 50~FPS with FSR 4 Balanced and 61~FPS with FSR 4 Performance." These tests were conducted on a Windows 11 Pro installation with an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X CPU and 128 GB of RAM, which is an unconventional setup for gaming, and it may ultimately mean that gaming performance could be higher with a more gaming-focused PC build. As the updated FSR version rolls out to older hardware, we will likely see more tests on other hardware tease out the true performance and image quality benefits, but a ~100% performance uplift is promising, especially for gaming handhelds on Radeon 780M iGPUs, for example.
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced today that the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 is now available for purchase from ASUS and partner retailers. Built for gamers, creators, developers, and power users, the refreshed flagship pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, delivering up to 320 W of sustained maximum total system power for demanding gaming, creative, and AI workloads.
The Strix SCAR 18 also features a ROG Nebula HDR Display with the world's first 18-inch 4K 240 Hz mini-LED laptop panel, bringing sharp detail, high refresh rates, and vivid HDR to a desktop-replacement form factor. Tool-less access, ROG Q-Latch SSD bays, and signature Aura RGB lighting round our flagship design that's built for performance today and upgrades tomorrow.
Qualcomm Dragonfly brings a robust platform of AI Compute accelerators, CPUs, breakthrough technologies, networking, & custom-silicon under one roof. Enter The Dragon - Qualcomm's New Dragonfly Brand Is Primed For AI, Offering A Full-Stack Datacenter Portfolio, Encompassing Connectivity, CPU, and AI Accelerators The Computex 2026 teaser of the Dragonfly brand is now being officially unveiled as a full-stack data center ecosystem, driving next-generation AI and general-purpose compute. In our previous posts, we talked about the Dragonfly C1000 CPU and the Dragonfly HBC memory solution. Now, we will look at what the initiative has on offer beyond those two technologies, and […]
Qualcomm has introduced its first-ever CPU designed for Data Centers, the Dragonfly C1000, which leverages the Oryon architecture. Qualcomm Enters The Agentic AI CPU Race With Dragonfly C1000 Chip, Oryon-Based With Over 5 GHz Clocks, Over 250 Cores, & Aims To Achieve Single-Core Leadership One of the biggest announcements by Qualcomm today was its first release of a CPU for the data center segment, called the Dragonfly C1000. This is a chip purpose-built for Agentic AI & General-Purpose workloads, delivering best-in-class power efficiency and TCO. As per Qualcomm, the Dragonfly C1000 is based on a custom-designed Oryon core architecture that […]
Qualcomm is unveiling its breakthrough for the AI data center market called HBC (High-Bandwidth Compute), to break the memory wall. Qualcomm's HBC Is A Memory Accelerator That Is Stacked Under DRAM, Offering A Major Boost Versus Standard SRAM & HBM Configurations At its Investors Day 2026, Qualcomm unveiled HBC under its Dragonfly brand, an innovative technology that aims to offer a major boost in memory capacity and bandwidth. The HBC architecture deploys a purpose-built & near-memory solution that bonds compute with boosted memory bandwidth in a 3D stacked chip design. With this, Qualcomm aims to solve the memory bottlenecks that […]
Deal | Amazon Prime Day has brought two of Casio's most capable Pro Trek outdoor watches down to their lowest prices yet. The solar-powered PRW3510Y-8 and titanium-equipped PRW3500T-7 both feature Triple Sensor tech with an altimeter, barometer, and digital compass.
Deal | Both the iPad mini (A17 Pro) and the 11-inch iPad Air (M4) have received sizeable discounts as part of Amazon Prime Day. The deals are a timely opportunity amid warnings of potential Apple price increases.
8BitDo has announced a pro version of its Arcade Controller. The new Arcade Controller Pro has a compact layout, a display, and compatibility with Windows and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 systems.
Digital Foundry thinks that screenshots on the Rockstar Games site weren’t captured on consoles. With abundant ray-traced reflections, the PS5 and Xbox would struggle to match their quality. The studio hasn’t announced a GTA 6 PC release date, but this version could be the source of the media.
Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk'un yabancı kuralı çıkışı Türk futbolunda devrim yaratıyor! TFF, tartışmalı 10+4 kuralını çöpe atarak alt yapı odaklı yepyeni bir sisteme geçiyor. Üzerine çalışmaya başlanan yeni taslağa göre; yabancı sınırı kalkıyor ancak ilk 11'de en az 30 dakika oynama zorunluluğu olan alt yapı patentli oyuncular dönemi başlıyor.
Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk’un "Türk genci yetiştireyim okey ama yabancı genci neden yetiştireyim?" çıkışı, Türk futbolunda taşları yerinden oynatıyor. TFF, kulüplerin de talepleri doğrultusunda tartışmalı +4 kuralını tamamen kaldırmaya ve yabancı kuralını sil baştan düzenlemeye hazırlanıyor.
EN AZ 2 SEZON ALT YAPIDA OYNAYACAK
Üzerinde çalışılan yeni formüle göre, takımların kadroda bulundurabileceği 14 yabancı (ya da sınırsız) oyuncu için herhangi bir yaş sınırı uygulanmayacak. Ancak TFF, kulüpleri doğrudan kendi öz kaynaklarına yönlendirecek çok katı alt yapı zorunlulukları getirmeyi planlıyor. Bir oyuncunun bu statüde sayılabilmesi için ise en az 2 sezon kulübün alt yapısında forma giymiş olması gerekecek.
EN AZ 30 DAKİKA KALMA KURALI
Yeni taslağın en radikal kararı ilk 11'e yönelik olacak. Teknik direktörler, yaşına bakılmaksızın en az 1 ya da 2 alt yapı çıkışlı oyuncuyu (yabancı da olabilir) ilk 11'de başlatmak ya da süre vermek zorunda kalacak.
Üstelik bu oyuncular için "en az 30 dakika sahada kalma" gibi bir süre sınırı getirilmesi de masadaki güçlü seçenekler arasında yer alıyor.
MAÇ KADROSUNDA 4 YA DA 5 GENÇ
Kadrodaki alt yapı ambargosu bununla da bitmiyor. Maç günü belirlenen 18 kişilik kadroda en az 4 veya 5, TFF'ye bildirilen 28 kişilik geniş lig kadrosunda ise en az 8 veya 9 alt yapı çıkışlı futbolcu bulundurulması zorunlu hale gelecek.
Kulüpler, belirlenen bu alt yapı kontenjanlarını dolduramadıkları takdirde yerlerine başka transfer yazamayacak; 18 ve 28 kişilik kadrolar eksik kalacak.
Milli takımın golcü krizini çözecek tarihi operasyon Güney Amerika'da başlıyor! TFF, Osmanlı döneminde Latin Amerika'ya göç eden ve "El Turco" olarak bilinen ailelerin torunlarını milli takıma kazandırmak için harekete geçti. FIFA'nın esnettiği "büyükanne/büyükbaba" ve milli takım değiştirme kurallarını arkasına alan scout ekipleri; Arjantin, Brezilya ve Şili gibi ülkelerde soy ağacı avına çıkarak Ay-Yıldızlı formayı giydirebileceği gizli yetenekleri arayacak.
TFF, milli takımdaki santrfor sıkıntısını kökten çözmek için gözünü Güney Amerika’ya çevirdi. Osmanlı Devleti döneminde bugünkü Türkiye topraklarından Latin Amerika ülkelerine göç eden ve bölgede "El Turco" olarak anılan ailelerin torunları için kıta genelinde geniş çaplı bir tarama programı başlatıldı.
OSMANLI PASAPORTU İLE GİTTİLER
Bu dev araştırmanın yasal zeminini ise FIFA’nın "Büyükanne/Büyükbaba" kuralı oluşturuyor. FIFA statülerine göre bir futbolcu, dedesi veya anneannesi/babaannesinin doğduğu ülkenin milli takımında oynama hakkına sahip.
TFF, Güney Amerika'da parlayan genç yeteneklerin Osmanlı pasaportu taşıyan atalarını ve nüfus kayıtlarını belgeleyerek bu oyuncuları Türk vatandaşlığına geçirmeyi hedefliyor.
FIFA ÇOK FAZLA KOLAYLIK SAĞLAYACAK
Süreci hızlandıran bir diğer kritik faktör, FIFA’nın yakın dönemde esnettiği milli takım değiştirme kuralları. Yeni yönetmeliğe göre bir oyuncu, başka bir ülkenin A milli takımında 21 yaşın altındayken en fazla 3 resmi maça çıkmış olsa bile, üzerinden 3 yıl geçmiş olması şartıyla milli takım tercihini değiştirebiliyor.
Bu esneklik, Arjantin, Kolombiya, Uruguay, Brezilya veya Şili gibi ülkelerin alt yaş kategorilerinde oynamış ancak A takımda kalıcı olamamış potansiyelli santrforların önünü açıyor.
YETENEK HAVUZU GENİŞLETİLECEK
Kısa süre içinde scout ekiplerinin Güney Amerika’ya çıkarma yapması ve yerel kulüplerin altyapılarında "El Turco" kökenli oyuncuların soy ağaçlarını incelemeye alması bekleniyor.
TFF, bu rafine stratejiyle hem milli takımın gol yollarındaki rekabeti artırmayı hem de dünya futbolunun yetenek havuzundan gizli kalmış Türk değerleri çıkarmayı amaçlıyor.
Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörlüğü görevinden istifa eden Sergen Yalçın'ın eski takım arkadaşlarına yönelik "Kalleşler" çıkışı gündeme bomba gibi düştü! Nihat Kahveci'nin "Bahaneyi bırak yemek yap" eleştirisinden Tümer Metin, Sinan Engin ve Ali Gültiken'i içine aldığı tahmin edilen sert salvolara nasıl cevaplar gelecek?
Beşiktaş eski Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın’ın ekranlarda yaptığı salvolar gündem oldu. Eski takım arkadaşlarına sert tepki gösteren Yalçın çok sert ifadeler kullandı:
- Dünyadan haberleri yok ama sürekli bel altı vurmaya çalışıyorlar.
-Ayıp, utanın. Gündeme gelmek ve kulüpte görev almak için herkesi eleştiriyorlar. Tabir yerindeyse kalleşler bunlar.
Yalçın'ı bu denli öfkelendiren süreç ise ekranlarda dile getirilen çok spesifik ve sert iddialara dayanıyor.
EN SERT TEPKİ NİHAT KAHVECİ'DEN
Yalçın'ın hedef aldığı isimlerden birisi Nihat Kahveci olabilir. Kahveci, Yalçın’ın kadro yetersizliğine vurgu yapan açıklamalarını hedef alarak, "Bahaneleri bırakıp eldeki malzemeden yemek yapacaksın" demiş ve Cerny’nin yedek bırakılmasını hocanın kişisel kaprisine bağlamıştı.
GÖREV ALMAK İSTEYEN SİNAN ENGİN Mİ?
Sinan Engin ise durumu bir adım ileri taşıyarak Beşiktaş’ın deneme tahtasına çevrildiğini iddia etti. "Beşiktaş'a güçlü bir futbol aklı, düzeni sağlayacak bir abi lazım" diyerek yönetimsel boşluklara dikkat çekmesi, Sergen Yalçın’ın "görev almak için yapıyorlar" tepkisinin ana nedeni olabilir.
TÜMER METİN "ÇAKILI KALDI" DEDİ
TV8.5 ekranlarında taktiksel analize odaklanan Tümer Metin ise Yalçın’ın şampiyon olduğu dönemdeki futbol aklında çakılı kaldığını iddia etti.
Modern futbolun sadece motivasyonla yürümeyeceğini vurgulayan Metin, sahada hiçbir hücum ve savunma setinin olmadığını, faturanın doğrudan teknik direktöre kesilmesi gerektiğini ifade etti.
ALİ GÜLTİKEN DE OLABİLİR
TRT Spor’da Ali Gültiken ise kriz yönetimine odaklandı. Sergen Yalçın’ın "Bu sezondan bir şey beklemeyin" şeklindeki havlu atan açıklamalarının Beşiktaş’ın büyüklüğüne yakışmadığını savundu. Kararların fevri alındığını ve oyuncuların kolayca değersizleştirildiğini söyledi.
Beşiktaş'ta kale transferi tam bir taktiksel kördüğüme döndü! Siyah-beyazlıların listesindeki 7 yabancı kaleci adayının; saf çizgi kalecisinden oyun kurucuya, genç potansiyelden tecrübeli panzerlere kadar tamamen zıt ekollerden gelmesi, yönetimde net bir vizyon ve sistem planı olmadığını gözler önüne seriyor.
Beşiktaş’ta kale transferi tam bir kördüğüme döndü. Siyah-beyazlı yönetimin scout ekibi ve transfer komitesiyle birlikte tam 7 farklı yabancı kaleciyi gündemine aldığı iddia ediliyor. Ancak listeyi oluşturan isimlerin oyun karakterleri, yaşları ve geldikleri ekoller arasındaki uçurum, "Beşiktaş aslında nasıl bir kaleci arıyor?" sorusunu beraberinde getiriyor. Net bir transfer stratejisinin olmaması taraftarı tedirgin ediyor.
SAF ÇİZGİ KALECİLERİ
Gündemdeki adayların birbirine taban tabana zıt profilleri dikkat çekiyor. Bir yanda geleneksel İtalyan ekolünün saf çizgi kalecileri Alex Meret ve Elia Caprile var; refleksleri kusursuz ama ayakları zayıf. Diğer yanda ise modern futbolun aradığı, ayağı bir orta saha kadar temiz olan ama uzaktan şutlarda zaaf yaşayan İspanyol Kepa Arrizabalaga listede yer alıyor. Siyah-beyazlıların çizgi kalecisi mi yoksa geriden oyun kuran bir "oyun kurucu" mu istediği henüz meçhul.
POTANSİYEL KUMAR ADAYLAR
Adaylar arasındaki tecrübe ve potansiyel dengesi de büyük bir tezat oluşturuyor. Avrupa'da adından söz ettiren, patlayıcı gücü yüksek genç Fransız Lucas Chevalier ve sakatlıklarla boğuşan Güney Amerikalı Gabriel Brazão "potansiyel" kumarı olarak masada duruyor. Buna karşın Bayern patentli dev panzer Alexander Nübel ve Serie A'da rüştünü ispatlamış Michele Di Gregorio gibi ne yapacağı belli, elit ve ağır isimler de aynı listede yarışıyor.
TAKTİSLER BİR PLAN YOK GİBİ
Kısacası Beşiktaş transfer komitesi, taktiksel bir plana veya teknik direktörün oyun felsefesine göre kaleci seçmiyor; adeta pazarda boşa çıkan ya da kiralık listesine konan her elit eldivene kanca atıyor gibi.
"Yabancı olsun, çamurdan olsun" mantığıyla yürütülen bu operasyon, siyah-beyazlıların kaleyi kime emanet edeceği konusundaki vizyonsuzluğunu ve kararsızlığını gözler önüne seriyor.
Fenerbahçe'nin Real Sociedad forması giyen İspanyol golcü Mikel Oyarzabal için yaptığı 25 milyon Euro'luk dev hamle, oyuncunun şoke eden yanıtıyla duvara tosladı. Yönetim kurulunda buruk gülüşmelere neden olan o cevap Türk futbolunun acı gerçeğini bir kez daha kanıtladı.
Fenerbahçe yönetimi, İspanya milli takımının golcüsü Mikel Oyarzabal’ı kadrosuna katmak için menajeriyle masaya oturdu. Sarı-lacivertliler, Real Sociedad’a bonservis bedeli olarak 25 milyon Euro ödemeye hazır olduklarını iletti. Oyuncu tarafına ise transferi bitirmek adına son derece yüksek ve tatmin edici bir bütçe ayırdıklarını net bir şekilde bildirdi. Maaş talepleri soruldu.
"BİLE" DEDİĞİ RAKAM ZATEN NORMAL
Teklifin ardından oyuncusuyla bir araya gelen menajerin yönetime geri dönüşü ise adeta soğuk duş etkisi yarattı. Oyarzabal’ın Türkiye’ye gelme fikrine yaklaşımı oldukça trajikomikti. İspanyol yıldız, menajeri aracılığıyla Fenerbahçe’ye, "10 milyon Euro bile verseniz gelmem" diyerek kapıları kesin bir dille kapattı.
TÜRK FUTBOLUNUN ACI VEREN DURUMU
Real Sociedad’da yıllık net 3.8 milyon Euro kazanan Oyarzabal’ın paradan ziyade kariyer odaklı bu katı duruşu, Başkan Aziz Yıldırım ve transfer komitesini şoke etti.
Yönetim toplantısında masaya gelen bu net ve çarpıcı yanıt, yöneticiler arasında buruk bir gülüşmeye neden olurken, Türk futbolunun uluslararası arenadaki acı durumunu da bir kez daha gözler önüne serdi.
SÖRLOTH BİLE 15 MİLYON EURO İSTİYOR
Yaşanan bu Oyarzabal krizi, Süper Lig’e yıldız futbolcu getirmenin sadece bütçeyle çözülemeyeceğini gösterdi.
Nitekim mevcut transfer piyasasında Serhou Guirassy nakit 12 milyon Euro, Mason Greenwood nakit 15 milyon Euro, Alexander Sörloth nakit 15 milyon Euro ve Yıldırım'ın "pehlivan"a benzettiği Lukaku bile yıllık 10 milyon Euro net maaş talep ederken; Oyarzabal'ın "bile" dediği rakam yöneticileri kara kara düşündürdü.
Dünya Kupası'ndaki performansıyla göz dolduran İsviçreli yıldız Rubén Vargas'ı kadrosuna katmak isteyen Trabzonspor, oyuncunun geçmişteki ciddi sakatlık raporları nedeniyle frene bastı. Sevilla ise kulübe nefes aldıracak bu milyon euro'luk satış için bordo-mavililerin şüphelerini gidermesini dört gözle bekliyor.
Trabzonspor, Sevilla forması giyen İsviçreli kanat oyuncusu Rubén Vargas’ı yeni sportif projesinin temel taşı yapmak istiyor. Dünya Kupası'nda sergilediği muhteşem performansla dikkatleri üzerine çeken yetenekli futbolcu, Katar ve Bosna-Hersek maçlarında attığı goller ve yaptığı asistlerle turnuvanın kilit isimlerinden biri haline geldi. Oyuncunun uluslararası arenadaki bu yükselişi, piyasa değerini de hızla artırıyor.
SAKATLIKLARI GÖZ KORKUTUYOR
Ancak bordo-mavili kulüp, İsviçreli oyuncunun teknik kalitesini takdir etse de resmi bir mali teklif yapmadan önce temkinli davranmayı tercih ediyor.
Estadio Deportivo kaynaklarına göre, transferin önündeki en büyük engel oyuncunun geçmişteki sağlık sorunları. Trabzonspor yönetimi, Vargas'ın Endülüs ekibindeki ilk aylarında uyluk sakatlığı nedeniyle 8 maç kaçırmasını ve geçtiğimiz sezon Kasım ayından Mart ayına kadar sahalardan uzak kalmasına yol açan ciddi sakatlık geçmişini yakından inceliyor.
SEVILLA SATMAYA DÜNDEN RAZI
Sevilla tarafında ise sportif direktör José Ignacio Navarro ve teknik direktör Luis García Plaza, bu satışı finansal bir kurtuluş olarak görüyor.
Mali bir yeniden yapılanma sürecinde olan İspanyol kulübü, Vargas’ın satışından gelecek milyon euroluk bütçe oksijeniyle rahatlamayı hedefliyor.
DÜNYA KUPASI SONUNA KADAR
Sonuç olarak Trabzonspor, milyonlarca euro'luk bu büyük yatırımı riske atmamak adına acele etmeme kararı aldı. Türk kulübü, İsviçreli oyuncunun fiziksel durumunun tamamen güvenilir olduğundan emin olmak için turnuvanın sonuna kadar bekleyecek. Vargas'ın turnuvayı sorunsuz tamamlaması halinde, resmi teklifin Eduardo Dato'daki kulüp ofislerine iletilmesi bekleniyor.
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A Manhattan judge ordered that Michelle Bond’s criminal trial start in November after he denied a motion to dismiss the indictment based on claims that prosecutors misled her husband over her charges.
Blockchain.com launched a Brazil-focused payments platform for businesses, while KuCoin expanded integrations with banking and mobile-money networks across Mexico, Bangladesh and Zambia.
American Cruise Lines’ ship the American Patriot made its Milwaukee debut. The 130-guest ship which entered service last year arrived at Pier Wisconsin on June 24 at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to depart the following day at 2 p.m. The city’s Mayor Cavalier Johnson welcomed the cruise line to the city as it kicks off its inaugural Great Lakes itineraries, according to a statement by the Port of Milwaukee. Milwaukee will be a turnaround port during two of...
Born and raised in Colombia, star forward Julián Quiñones is now a crucial weapon for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, where he has established himself as an undisputed starter under manager Javier Aguirre.
As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico are eager to put together a deep, historic run on home soil in front of their passionate fans. To achieve that, El Tri are relying heavily on dynamic forward Julián Quiñones to spearhead the team’s attack.
Despite becoming a central figure for the Mexican national team, Quiñones’ backstory is highly unique. The striker was not born in Mexico; instead, he was born and raised in Magüí Payán, Colombia, spending his childhood there before moving to Mexican soil to jumpstart his professional career.
In 2015, at just 18 years old, Quiñones signed with Liga MX giants Tigres UANL. Mexico quickly became his second home. Over the next eight years, the forward bounced between various Mexican clubs—including Venados, Lobos BUAP, and a historic back-to-back championship run with Atlas—before cementing his superstar status with Club América.
Having lived, worked, and excelled in the country continuously for nearly a decade, Quiñones officially checked all the legal boxes to seek Mexican citizenship. In October 2023, he received his naturalization papers, officially making him a Mexican citizen.
Julian Quinones #16 of Mexico celebrates a goal vs South Africa at the 2026 World Cup. (Getty Images)
Quiñones earned his lock-solid spot on Javier Aguirre’s World Cup roster for one very concrete reason: his blistering goalscoring form. The forward closed out the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season with an astonishing 33 goals in 31 matches for Al-Qadsiah, a spectacular tally that saw him win the Golden Boot ahead of elite world-class stars like Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
How did Quiñones become eligible for Mexico?
Under FIFA’s eligibility rules, holding a country’s passport is not always enough to represent them internationally. A player must also meet specific criteria regarding residency or lineage, and they cannot have played in a competitive, senior-level international match for another country.
Quiñones fit the bill perfectly. Because he lived in Mexico continuously for more than five years after turning 18 and never made a competitive appearance for Colombia’s senior national team, he cleared every FIFA hurdle required to change his international allegiance.
Quiñones rejected playing for Colombia
In the summer of 2023, the Colombian Football Federation reached out to Quiñones regarding a potential call-up to their senior squad. While the forward initially considered representing his birth country, he ultimately chose to commit his international future to Mexico—a decision he made as a profound token of gratitude to the country that gave him everything as a player.
Brazil won 3-0 over Scotland to win Group C of the 2026 World Cup with a brace from Vinicius as Neymar returned to action.
The final matches in 2026 World Cup Group C set the table, with Brazil finishing first after a 3-0 victory over Scotland, thanks to two goals from Vinicius as Neymar returned from a muscle injury. Morocco finished second, while Scotland waits to be among the best third-placed teams.
In the first half, Scotland controlled possession but could not create danger. This control often led to mistakes that made the match easier for Brazil, with Rayan intercepting a pass to leave Vinicius with a clear goal. Right before halftime, Vinicius scored again with a header after a mistimed play by the goalkeeper.
There was not much action in the second half because Brazil preferred to conserve energy. Scotland needed to reduce the goal difference but could not do enough, despite some crosses aimed at Scott McTominay that were saved by Alisson. Matheus Cunha decided the match with a goal before being substituted in the 76th minute for Neymar, who debuted in this competition after being sidelined.
With Scotland as its last rival in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is eager to reach the top of the table with a positive result.
Brazil is facing Scotland this Wednesday, June 24th, for Matchday 3 of Group C at the 2026 World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. With the top spot still up for grabs, a positive result will ensure the Canarinha finishes at the summit of the group stage.
A 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament opener and a dominant 3-0 win against Haiti have left Brazil at the top of the group with four points. Morocco sits in second place with the same number of points but an inferior goal difference, while Scotland sits in third with three points and Haiti has yet to collect one.
Since their 2002 triumph, Brazil has failed to reclaim the World Cup title. However, the appointment of head coach Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025 has reignited fans’ hopes for a historic Hexacampeao after years of soccer and institutional instability within the CBF.
How Brazil’s win impacts the Group C standings
If Brazil secures all three points against Scotland, the South American powerhouse will reach seven points in the group phase. Backed by a strong goal difference, the Canarinha would be in a prime position to claim first place.
Endrick #19 of Brazil after the Haiti game.
If Morocco wins its simultaneous game against Haiti, they will tie Brazil at seven points, meaning the top spot will be decided by goal difference and total goals scored. However, if Morocco fails to win, Ancelotti’s side will claim the top spot outright.
How Brazil’s draw impacts the Group C standings
If they share the points with Scotland, Brazil will finish the group stage with five points. This result would guarantee them a spot in the Round of 32, though winning the group would no longer be entirely in their hands.
An eventual Morocco victory over Haiti would push the African side to seven points, dropping Brazil to second place. However, if Morocco also draws or loses, Brazil’s superior goal difference will keep them at the top of the group.
How Brazil’s loss impacts the Group C standings
A defeat against Scotland would leave Brazil frozen at four points in the standings. While they would still be safely through to the Round of 32, the top spot would be out of reach, and their final placement would depend on the other group match.
A win or draw for Morocco against Haiti would drop Brazil to third place in the group, though they would still advance as one of the top third-place teams due to their goal difference. If Haiti pulls off a shock win over Morocco, Brazil could hold onto second place based on goal difference tie-breakers.
Both Canada and Switzerland have made a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup. Despite suffering a defeat, Jesse Marsch’s team managed to qualify for the Round of 32 on goal difference. As a result, they already have potential opponents and venues for their upcoming match.
Canada and Switzerland have secured their future at the 2026 World Cup, booking their place in the Round of 32. Although Jesse Marsch’s team suffered a defeat against Murat Yakin’s team, they secured their spot thanks to their goal difference. As a result, the Group B standings are now fully determined, allowing both national teams to have an idea of who their potential opponents could be and the venues where they will play.
Under Murat Yakin, Switzerland have managed to regain their strong competitiveness, relying on an attacking style that is often very effective in front of goal. Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi presence in midfield was completely decisive, distributing play to Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo, who made the difference with their pace and scoring power. With Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi in defense, they contained opposing attacks.
Despite their defeat, Canada delivered a highly competitive performance, with Jonathan David and Nathan-Dylan Saliba standing out in impressive fashion. However, they lost control of the midfield and were notably outplayed in that area. In addition, they struggled significantly against counterattacks, where the spaces left by their high press became quite evident. Despite this, they have managed to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
Group B Full Standings: Latest Rankings Revealed
Switzerland managed to demonstrate their favoritism in Group B of the 2026 World Cup, securing two key victories that earned them first place. Canada managed to secure second place, with their victory and draw proving enough thanks to goal difference. Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a key win and a draw, but goal difference did not work in their favor. Finally, Qatar disappointed, managing only one point in the tournament.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland shoots while Derek Cornelius #13 of Canada.
Points
Goal Difference
1. Switzerland
7
+4
2. Canada
4
+5
3. Bosnia Herzegovina
4
-1
4. Qatar
1
-8
Round of 32 venues and potential opponents for Switzerland, Canada
As the leaders of Group B, Switzerland would face the third-placed team from Group G, which is currently between Iran and Belgium, depending on the upcoming results. They would have a few days to prepare for that match, as the clash is scheduled for Friday, July 3, at BC Place in Vancouver. With this in mind, they would have a chance to reach the Round of 16 for a fourth consecutive time.
Canada have already made history at the World Cup. For the first time in their history, they will play in the knockout stage of the tournament, facing the second-placed team from Group A, which is currently between South Korea and the Czech Republic. Unlike Switzerland, they do not have as much time to prepare for their match, as it is scheduled for June 28 at Los Angeles Stadium.
Cyle Larin #9 of Canada celebrates and Ruben Vargas #17 of Switzerland celebrates.
South Africa and South Korea are scheduled to meet in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here's everything you need to know to watch this clash live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch South Africa vs South Korea on US television and via legal streaming:
South Africa enters this crucial Group A finale with their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. Currently winless after seven consecutive matches across all competitions, the Bafana Bafana must secure a victory to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stages. Despite their poor run of form, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their last outing provided a much-needed morale boost, proving they can compete on this stage when everything clicks.
For South Korea, the path to the next round is much clearer. A single point from this match will be enough to secure second place in the group and a spot in the round of 16. After a tough 1-0 loss to Mexico, the Taegeuk Warriors are eager to bounce back and finish the group stage on a high note. With a significant advantage in experience and quality, they will look to control the tempo and capitalize on South Africa‘s desperation.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The tournament trajectories of these two nations could not be more different. South Africa has struggled to create consistent offensive pressure, recording just 0.67 expected goals (xG) from open play in their first two matches. Their draw with Czechia was a step in the right direction, but they remain a team searching for an identity in the final third. In contrast, South Korea has demonstrated a potent attack, creating numerous high-quality chances, including an impressive 2.30 xG against Czechia.
The tactical battle will likely be decided by South Africa‘s approach. Needing a win, they will be forced to abandon their typically pragmatic and slow build-up play, pushing numbers forward to break down the Korean defense. This aggressive posture will inevitably leave them vulnerable at the back. South Korea, a team comfortable in possession and lethal on the counter-attack, is perfectly equipped to exploit the open space and punish any defensive lapses.
Motivation is crystal clear for both sides. For South Africa, it is a straightforward do-or-die scenario; only three points will give them a chance to advance. This urgency will define their game plan. South Korea can afford to be more patient, knowing a draw is sufficient. This psychological edge allows them to absorb pressure and wait for the perfect moment to strike, making them a dangerous opponent in this high-stakes encounter.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
This Group A clash marks a historic moment, as it is the first-ever meeting between South Africa and South Korea in any competition, official or friendly. With no prior history to draw upon, both teams will be entering uncharted territory, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the match. This lack of familiarity means that in-game adjustments and tactical flexibility will be paramount.
While they have never faced each other, their records against continental counterparts offer some insight. South Africa has only played one match against an Asian opponent in the tournament’s history, a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia back in 1998. South Korea has a mixed record against African teams, with one win, one draw, and two losses. Their most recent encounter was a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Ghana during the 2022 competition.
Recent defensive records point to potential openings for attackers. South Africa has conceded at least one goal in nine of its last ten matches, highlighting a persistent vulnerability. Meanwhile, South Korea has shown a consistent ability to find the net, scoring over 1.5 goals in four of their last nine games. With South Korea’s xGF (Expected Goals For) at 1.60 per match and South Africa‘s xGA (Expected Goals Against) at 1.24, the data suggests the Korean attack will find opportunities to score.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Team selection will be a major factor, with South Africa facing significant absences while South Korea approaches the match at nearly full strength.
South Africa‘s challenge is made steeper by key suspensions. Teboho Mokoena, the scorer of their only goal in the tournament, is out after accumulating too many yellow cards. He is joined on the sidelines by Themba Zwane, who is also suspended. However, Sphephelo Sithole is available again and could return to the midfield to provide some stability.
South Korea, on the other hand, is expected to field its strongest possible lineup. Key playmakers Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in are projected to return to the starting eleven after being substituted early in the previous match. Their presence from the first whistle will provide a massive boost to the team’s creative and attacking firepower.
South Africa Projected XI (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Adams; Maseko, Appollis, Rayners. This lineup will be tested without the creative influence of Mokoena. The responsibility will fall on the midfield trio to control the tempo and create chances for the forward line, which will need to be clinical to make an impact.
South Korea Projected XI (3-4-2-1): S. Kim; H. Lee, M. J. Kim, G. Lee; M. H. Kim, Hwang, Paik, Seol; K. Lee, J. Lee; Son. With Son Heung-min leading the line, South Korea‘s attack poses a formidable threat. His ability to create and finish chances, supported by the dynamic Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung, will be central to their game plan of exploiting the space left by an attacking South African side.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the SouthAfrica vs South Korea match on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
A subscription to Fubo also gives you access to a host of other soccer competitions. You can stream top leagues and tournaments from around the world, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
The service is available for a competitive price of $14.99 per month. This subscription provides comprehensive coverage of the tournament and much more, offering excellent value for soccer fans.
Beyond soccer, the platform also features a deep library of movies, TV shows, and other live sports. It is a complete entertainment package for the entire household.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Czechia will face off against Mexico in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s all the information you need to watch this exciting clash live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Czechia vs Mexico on US television and via legal streaming:
For Czechia, this final group stage match is a do-or-die scenario. With only one point from their first two games, nothing less than a victory will keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds alive. The team has shown flashes of tactical strength, particularly from set-pieces, but has struggled to create consistent chances from open play, creating a sense of urgency as they face the group leaders.
Mexico, on the other hand, enters this clash with the pressure off. Having already secured the top spot in Group A with two wins, the co-hosts are guaranteed to advance. While their performances have been more functional than flashy, their defense has been impenetrable. The key question is whether they will maintain their intensity in front of a passionate home crowd at Estadio Azteca or rotate the squad ahead of the Round of 32.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The tournament trajectories of these two nations could not be more different. Mexico has navigated the group stage with professional efficiency, grinding out wins against South Africa and South Korea to become the first team to qualify for the next round. Their success has been built on a rock-solid defense that is yet to concede a goal.
In contrast, Czechia is on the brink of elimination after a loss to South Korea and a frustrating draw with South Africa. Their attack has been heavily reliant on set-pieces, from which they have generated a significant portion of their scoring opportunities. The tactical battle will pit Czechia‘s desperate, physical approach against Mexico‘s organized and disciplined defensive shape.
Motivation will be the defining factor in this encounter. Czechia must throw caution to the wind and commit players forward in search of a winning goal. For Mexico, the primary motivation is to maintain momentum and put on a show for their home fans, but manager Javier Aguirre also has the strategic incentive to rest key players and avoid injuries or suspensions before the high-stakes knockout matches begin.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, these two teams have very little shared history, having met only once before on the world’s biggest stage. That single encounter took place at the 1962 tournament, where Mexico defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1, marking El Tri‘s first-ever victory against a European nation in the competition.
Looking at their records against similar opponents, Czechia (including its history as Czechoslovakia) has a perfect record against CONCACAF nations in the tournament, winning both previous matchups. Mexico, however, has often struggled against European sides, winning just nine of their 35 historical fixtures, alongside 10 draws and 16 losses.
A critical trend for Mexico is their remarkable defensive record; they have not conceded a first-half goal in their last 13 tournament matches. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel has been a standout, keeping clean sheets in his first two games. For Czechia, the most significant trend is their threat from dead-ball situations, as they have scored two of the three goals originating from throw-ins at the 2026 tournament.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Czechia is dealing with a significant injury blow, while Mexico is expected to make wholesale changes to its starting eleven.
The Czechs will likely be without fullback David Jurasek for the remainder of the tournament after he sustained a muscle injury. Alexander Sojka is expected to deputize on the left flank in a must-win game that will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
With qualification and top spot secured, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre is widely expected to rotate his squad heavily. This provides an opportunity for fringe players to impress and for key starters like Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez to get valuable rest ahead of the knockout rounds.
This lineup leverages the wing-backs to provide width and deliver crosses, while the formidable midfield trio led by Tomas Soucek aims to control the center of the park. The attacking partnership of Patrik Schick and Adam Hlozel will be crucial to breaking down Mexico’s stern defense.
This projected lineup reflects a heavily rotated side, giving valuable minutes to players who have been on the bench. It still features a strong defensive core, with a single holding midfielder tasked with shielding the backline while allowing the four attacking midfielders the freedom to create chances for the lone striker.
More details on how to watch
You can watch Czechia vs Mexico on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including desktops, smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
In addition to the 2026 tournament matches, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can stream leagues like Liga MX, LaLiga, and major cup tournaments from around the world.
A subscription to Fubo costs $14.99 per month. This gives you access to every single match of the tournament live and on-demand.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Facing Scotland for the last 2026 World Cup game of Group C, Neymar has been left out of Brazil's starting XI.
Neymar became one of the biggest talking points in Carlo Ancelotti’s roster selection for the 2026 World Cup as fans anxiously awaited the return of the top scorer in Brazil national team history. However, for this final group stage match against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, he has been left out of the starting lineup.
Neymar will start on the bench due to a tactical decision by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite being fully fit and ready to log his first minutes in this tournament, the Italian manager has opted to stick with Vinicius Junior on the left wing and Lucas Paqueta as the attacking midfielder behind the striker.
Nevertheless, this match against Scotland marks the first time Neymar is actually available to play. He missed the first two group matches against Morocco and Haiti entirely while finishing his recovery from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
Now, Neymar has returned to full training with the group, and Ancelotti confirmed that the superstar is highly likely to see the pitch. “Neymar is available, he trained well and prepared for the match. He can play, just like the others. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, he has a lot of quality and can help the team,” he said on Tuesday’s press conference.
Manhã de trabalho em Nova Jersey! 🇧🇷🔥
Seguimos na preparação para os próximos desafios na Copa do Mundo de 2026. #BateNoPeito
Even while watching from the sidelines during the opening matches, Neymar consistently demonstrated the leadership qualities that prompted Ancelotti to call him up: “Neymar’s attitude over these past few days has been very good. He knows his teammates very well, he has worked hard and has tried to recover as quickly as possible. He brings experience, knowledge of the game, and helps out even when he isn’t playing. I am very happy with him.”
When was Neymar’s last game with Brazil?
Following an iconic era of Brazilian legends like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo, Neymar emerged as the next generational superstar for the Canarinha. While he has already surpassed Pelé as the nation’s all-time top goalscorer, the former Barcelona star has faced an uphill battle just to get back on the pitch for his country.
Neymar’s last official appearance for Brazil came nearly three years ago on October 17, 2023, during a 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay in Montevideo. On that fateful night, the forward suffered a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee, a devastating injury that sidelined him for over a year.
In February 2025, Neymar made a high-profile return to his boyhood club Santos to begin building up his fitness specifically for this tournament. While he was expected to feature heavily after Ancelotti took over the national team in May 2025, minor fitness setbacks extended his international absence until this very moment in North America.
Mexico face off against Czechia on Matchday 3 of Group A at the 2026 World Cup, having already booked their ticket to the Round of 32.
The 2026 World Cup group stage is reaching its dramatic conclusion, and in Group A, Mexico are set to face Czechia in a high-stakes clash that means everything to the Europeans’ knockout stage dreams.
The tournament co-hosts enter this final group match with their spot in the Round of 32 completely locked up, courtesy of an opening-day victory over South Africa and a decisive Matchday 2 win against South Korea.
Because the tournament’s primary tiebreaker is head-to-head record, Mexico are mathematically guaranteed the top spot in the group. Even if El Tri fall to Czechia and South Korea thrash South Africa, the Asians cannot overtake Mexico due to their head-to-head disadvantage.
For Czechia, the outlook is entirely different. The Europeans are in desperate need of a victory to keep their World Cup alive. A win could potentially vault them into second place if South Korea drop points, or at the very least, put them in a prime position to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams.
Luis Romo #7 of Mexico celebrates with teammates after scoring vs South Korea. (Getty Images)
What happens if Mexico beat Czechia?
A victory for Mexico would wrap up a perfect, nine-point group stage performance. However, it won’t alter their tournament path, as El Tri secured the top spot on Matchday 2.
The Mexican national team will play their Round of 32 matchup on June 30, squaring off against one of the wild-card third-place finishers emerging from Groups C, E, F, H, or I.
What happens if Mexico and Czechia draw?
If the match ends in a stalemate, Mexico will close out the group stage with seven points. On the flip side, a single point would leave Czechia with a total of two points—officially eliminating them from the tournament, as two points will not be enough to advance via the third-place wild-card pool.
What happens if Mexico lose to Czechia?
A surprise defeat would do zero damage to Mexico’s standing since they have already clinched first place. It would, however, throw a massive lifeline to Czechia.
A victory would allow the Czechs to finish second if South Africa manage a favorable result against South Korea, or give them a fighting chance to sneak into the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-place teams.
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Fight fans are keen to see challenge for the undisputed light-heavyweight world title, and ‘The Mexican Monster’ has named his issue with the style of his 175lb rival. Benavidez moved up to the light-heavyweight scene back in 2024 and was soon elevated to WBC world champion following a triumph over Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC […]
Sergen Yalçın, Beşiktaş döneminde Robert Lewandowski transferini yaş ve maliyet gerekçesiyle veto ettiğini açıklarken, Fatih Terim ve Arda Turan hakkında da dikkat çeken değerlendirmelerde bulundu.
2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası B Grubu'nda İsviçre, Kanada'yı 2-1; Bosna Hersek ise Katar'ı 3-1 mağlup etti. İsviçre lider, Kanada ikinci olarak son 32 turuna yükselirken, Bosna Hersek en iyi üçüncüler şansını sürdürdü, Katar ise elendi.
Beşiktaş İkinci Hakan Daltaban, Beşiktaş'ta stat kapasitesinin yaklaşık 4 bin kişi artırılacağını ve çalışmaların sezon içinde tamamlanacağını açıkladı.
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The savings are significant, but the real reason to buy this is the package itself: RTX 5090, Core Ultra 9 285K, HP’s patented Cryo Chamber cooling, and a system designed from the ground up to sustain flagship performance for years.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel’s current flagship desktop processor that makes a real difference in video production, 3D rendering, software compilation, and AI workloads. It even includes Intel’s NPU, qualifying the OMEN 45L as an AI PC for Windows 11 Copilot+ features.
Today's top computer deal
This is HP’s flagship desktop done properly. The Core Ultra 9 285K runs up to 5.7GHz across 24 cores, the RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 is the fastest consumer GPU on the market, and HP’s patented Cryo Chamber keeps everything cool under sustained load without the noise of a poorly designed system. 32GB Kingston FURY DDR5-5600 RAM (upgradeable), 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt 4, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Home. The chassis has a built-in LCD display that you can customize with images and GIFs. Backed by HP’s warranty and support network.View Deal
The RTX 5090 desktop GPU in this machine is the full-fat desktop version — not the mobile variant found in laptops. With 32GB of GDDR7 memory and the complete GB202 die, it has meaningfully more CUDA cores and higher clock speeds than the laptop RTX 5090.
HP’s patented Cryo Chamber is the key differentiator in the 45L chassis. Unlike most pre-built towers that use a standard air cooler or a third-party AIO bolted onto a standard case, the Cryo Chamber is purpose-built for this chassis — it uses a dedicated cooling chamber that physically isolates the CPU and its heat management from the rest of the components. The result is consistent temperatures during sustained workloads without the fans having to ramp to uncomfortable levels. Multiple reviewers across the GT22 generation have specifically called out thermal management as a standout strength.
The built-in LCD display panel inside the chassis is a characterful touch. You can load it with custom images, GIFs, or system monitoring readouts, and it’s one of those details that HP has executed better than most — it feels like a premium extra rather than a gimmick. The overall chassis design is clean and understated compared to some more overtly aggressive gaming PC aesthetics, which makes it a better fit for a living room or shared space.
Connectivity covers the practical bases: Thunderbolt 4 at 40 Gbps on the rear, 2.5 GbE wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E wireless, and a front panel with USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports for quick peripheral access. One honest caveat from reviewers: this configuration ships with 1TB SSD, which is tight for a high-end gaming machine given modern game install sizes — adding a second NVMe drive early is a sensible first upgrade, though note that accessing the second M.2 slot requires removing the GPU.
Also consider
This is the pre-built for someone who wants to sit down and start the same day it arrives, without spending a weekend sourcing parts. It’s got the RTX 5070 — Nvidia’s latest generation GPU with 12GB of fast GDDR7 memory and DLSS 4 support — paired with a capable Intel Core i5-14400F, 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. The chassis has a dedicated RGB CPU air cooler and four-fan airflow system, an 80+ Gold certified PSU, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 Home pre-installed. All standard off-the-shelf components, so upgrading storage, RAM, or the GPU down the road is straightforward.View Deal
Warhammer 11th Edition has arrived with the Armageddon launch box, and although a new edition seems like the perfect way into the hobby, it's a daunting prospect. What do you need to build your models? What do you need to play the game? I've tried to make it easy for you by scouring Amazon for some Prime Day deals to get started.
I've found deals on paints, brushes, Citadel plastic glue, gaming accessories and some models to complement the main starter set, whether you pick the bestial orks or the dogmatic Space Marines.
Obviously the Armageddon 11th Edition launch box set including 23 Space marines, 38 orks & rulebooks is the big-ticket item with $50 off, but I'd also recommend the Infernus Marines & Paints Set, which comes with starter paints and a paintbrush. It's good value although there's no discount: it's a gentler introduction to the build and paint side of things, and easier on your wallet, too. I've also recommended cheaper, well-known brands like Army Painter to save you money.
Check out the deals below, or visit our Amazon Prime Day US live blog for more deals as we find them.
Interestingly, reMarkable discontinued the reMarkable 2 following the launch of the Paper Pure in May, so the former tablet can no longer be bought from reMarkable directly. Does that mean eagle-eyed shoppers are flocking to buy the reMarkable 2 because it’s their last chance to do so, or because it genuinely represents better value than the newer Paper Pure? The answer is complicated.
Let’s start with the key differences between the two tablets, as explained to me by Jon Dalvang, VP, Head of Paper Tablet Product Management at reMarkable, in a recent interview. “We always put a lot of effort into making our displays feel as close to paper as possible, and we’ve taken that one step further with the Paper Pure,” Dalvang said. “It's got 20% better contrast than the reMarkable 2, while navigation, opening and closing documents, and swiping pages is also up to twice as fast.”
Beyond its display, the Paper Pure is a full 43g lighter than the reMarkable 2, it’s got more internal storage (32GB), and its battery lasts 33% longer too.
“It's not a direct replacement of the reMarkable 2,” Dalvang clarified, “but it's an intentional take on trying to reach an entry point for a broader mass market.”
reMarkable
Paper Pure
The Paper Pure comes with a Marker as standard, but for an additional £40, you can get the Marker Plus (which has a built-in eraser) and a Sleeve Folio.
So to recap: the Paper Pure is faster, lighter, and longer-lasting than the reMarkable 2, and it comes with four times as much internal storage. On paper (if you’ll pardon the pun), it’s the superior device, and it’s only £20 more expensive at the time of writing.
There is, however, a clear difference in the way writing feels on both devices. As my colleague, Steve Clark, explains in his reMarkable Paper Pure review: “Using the reMarkable 2 feels very soft, like using a thick pencil or felt tip on the first page of a new Moleskine notebook. The Paper Pro Move [reMarkable’s top-end portable model] feels firmer but smoother, as if writing with a biro on the last few pages of a well-worn legal pad. And since the Paper Pure uses the same active stylus and textured glass cover lens display as the Pro and Pro Move, it falls into the latter camp.”
The reMarkable 2Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadarThe reMarkable Paper PureFuture
Steve adds: “Personally, I loved the tactile feedback of the reMarkable 2 — for what it’s worth, I still prefer the softer writing of the older device compared to the firmer but smoother one found on the Paper Pro and Paper Pure series.” And that might be the reason why so many buyers are flocking to the cheaper-than-ever reMarkable 2, rather than paying a few extra pounds for the newer Paper Pure.
To be clear: the writing experience on the Paper Pure is not bad by any stretch. In fact, the opposite is true (“after 10 minutes with the Paper Pure, I found myself enjoying this new writing style,” Steve notes in his review). Throw in its superior physical characteristics, and I’d say the Paper Pure is the better option for most people.
But it’s clear that the reMarkable 2 still offers compelling value six years after its launch. It’s a little heavier and a little slower to navigate, but these shortcomings aren’t deal-breakers when the core writing experience remains so great — especially for £339.99.
“The Paper Pure is the reMarkable 3 — or perhaps the reMarkable 2.5 — in all but name,” Steve notes in his review. “The Paper Pure is faster, with a better processor and double the memory. However, it’s otherwise largely the same experience.”
Every single one of Apple’s latest tablets is currently on sale at Amazon in both the US and UK (yes, really), and very few of these iPad deals are locked behind the Prime-only paywall. So whether you’re after a top-end iPad Pro or a pocket-friendly iPad mini, this week is the perfect time to snag a cut-price Apple slate.
Here are Amazon’s current iPad deals in full (which I’ve cross-referenced against local retailers in the US and UK):
So, which model should you buy? We’ve got a dedicated guide to the best iPads elsewhere on TechRadar, but in this section, I’ll give you a quick run-down of which iPads to consider, and which to avoid, depending on your use case.
If you’re looking for an iPad for streaming movies, scrolling social media, and FaceTiming family and friends, the iPad 11-inch (2025) is the way to go.
The iPad 11-inch (2025), aka the iPad A16 (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)
This is Apple's most basic iPad, but its 11-inch LED display and capable A16 chipset make it as good as any other tablet in its price range for casual movie-watching and light gaming. Seriously: if you’re just planning on using your iPad for Netflix, you don’t need to go above and beyond the iPad 11-inch (2025) — especially when it’s available for just $299 / £310.
The smaller iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) actually has a more powerful chipset than the base model, as well as Apple Intelligence compatibility, but you won’t benefit from these features unless you’re planning on demanding more from your iPad than streaming and light gaming. And if that is you, then I’d recommend looking towards the new iPad Air instead.
The iPad Air 13-inch (2026), aka the iPad Air M4 (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)
The iPad Air 13-inch (2026) hits the sweet spot between value and performance. Its MacBook-level M4 chipset means it can power through productivity-focused applications with ease, it’s compatible with Apple Intelligence, and it also boasts a tidy 12GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
Those three features make it a better tool for college students and office workers than the iPad 11-inch (2025), and it’s available in two more work-friendly sizes than the 8.3-inch iPad mini. In other words, if you want to draw up documents, create presentations, and edit photos, get the iPad Air.
As for the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025), you should only be considering this freakishly powerful product if you’re a digital artist or full-time video editor.
The iPad Pro 11-inch (2025), aka the iPad Pro M5 (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
It’s got the best display of any tablet on the market (it’s a 120Hz OLED, as opposed to a 60Hz LED), as well as the most powerful chipset in the Apple M5. The latter means the iPad Pro can tackle 3D modeling and advanced video rendering, where other iPads can’t, but if you’re not planning on doing either of those things, then this tablet is probably overkill — even at Amazon’s $899 / £944 deal price.
As for which models could get replaced this year, Apple is reportedly planning on releasing an Apple Intelligence-compatible base model and an OLED-equipped iPad mini in 2026. Neither will be anywhere near as cheap as their respective predecessors are currently, but if you’d rather have AI capabilities on your movie-watching tablet or a smaller iPad with an OLED display, then they may be worth waiting for.
It's finally Amazon Prime Day, and I've already spotted some sensational deals on all kinds of tech, from Dolby Atmos soundbars to compact clothes steamers. But arguably some of the most impressive offers I've seen so far are on Bose Bluetooth speakers — with some huge savings available on the brand's absolute best.
I'm a Senior Reviews Writer here at TechRadar, and I've spent years testing audio gear, including a large number of Bose Bluetooth speakers. And so, I've created a list of my 3 favorites — all of which I've tested personally and are on sale for Prime Day.
Today's best Bose Bluetooth speaker deals in the US
I use the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 at home, and I love its clear, well-balanced sound, amazing waterproofing, and gorgeous design. It's also easy to customize in the Bose app, which offers EQ settings, a programmable shortcut button, and more.View Deal
This is a spectacular deal on Bose's great mid-weight speaker. It offers detailed, well-rounded sound, a highly robust build, and can be purchased in a range of funky colors. Don't miss out on this huge discount on one of my favorites from Bose.View Deal
It might be expensive compared to other Bluetooth speakers you can get, but if you want huge, punchy sound, this is the party speaker you should reach for. It will even charge your handheld devices for you thanks to its two-way USB-C port. Bose wraps up excellent sound quality and an enjoyable user experience in an attractive, outdoor-friendly package.View Deal
Today's best Bose Bluetooth speaker deals in the UK
This compact, portable Bose speaker delivers big sound, excellent waterproofing, and a raft of handy features, including a customizable shortcut button, built-in EQ controls and reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. You can also pair two for stereo sound or use the dedicated Party Mode to make it louder. View Deal
Bose's middleweight speaker is a favorite of mine, with an attractive look, fun color options, exceptional all-round sound, and a super-durable build. It doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK right now, but it's well-priced for the quality you get in return.View Deal
Bose's brilliant, commanding party speaker is available at a massively cut price, and I couldn't recommend it enough. It has incredible bass output, aptX Adaptive support, and an ultra-rugged build that's ideal for taking on the go. Talk about an all-rounder!View Deal
This year's Prime Day dates come at just the right time, the week before the 4th of July. As we all know, this year's 4th of July celebrations will be bigger than ever as we mark the country's Semiquincentennial (the 250th birthday).
If you're planning a 4th of July get-together or BBQ, Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to stock up and save. You can find deals on 4th of July party supplies, such as patriotic decorations and paper goods. I've also found discounts on best-selling grills and accessories, as well as outdoor party must-haves like coolers and waterproof speakers from brands like JBL and Bose.
Shop my full 4th of July must-haves below, as well as links to Amazon's most popular Prime Day deals. Keep in mind that you must be a Prime member to shop for today's offers. If you aren't already a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial.
Microsoft has cut the price of last year's Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch models
The freshly introduced entry-level models have 8GB of RAM and provide some relief from recent major price hikes
This isn't a compromise that some people are happy about, and they're arguing that 8GB isn't enough for a laptop these days
Microsoft has given us some more affordable Surface devices, models that are back under a grand in the US due to price cuts – but there's a catch, and that's the compromise made to achieve this pricing.
Windows Central reports that Microsoft's chosen tactic here is to push out new variants of the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch from last year with just 8GB of RAM to cut the cost. Previously, the baseline models had 16GB of system memory.
These new 8GB versions are priced at $849 for the Surface Pro and $949 in the case of the Surface Laptop on the Microsoft store in the US.
Note that there aren't fresh 8GB models for the recently introduced new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, which remain with a 16GB loadout at the entry-level.
The new prices for last year's models follow major price hikes for those devices in April 2026. The Surface Pro 12-inch (with 16GB of RAM) was jacked up to $1,049 in the US, whereas previously it started at $799. And the Surface Laptop 13-inch rose to $1,149 versus the original base MSRP of $899.
Analysis: A Neo approach some are questioning
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
While the new prices are a fair old drop down from the painful hikes that happened a couple of months back, Microsoft has sacrificed half the system RAM to get that reduction. This means these Surface devices are no longer Copilot+ PCs with exclusive AI features, as 16GB of RAM is required for that (although not everyone will miss these AI trimmings).
What else is a bit of a downer here is that the new low prices for half the RAM loadout are still $50 more than the original MSRPs for these Surface products back at launch, when they packed 16GB of RAM.
The other potential aggravation for would-be buyers here is the worry over whether 8GB of RAM is enough these days, a concern that looms ever larger. I've written about this in the recent past, and while yes, you can get by on 8GB for everyday computing duties, I am worried about how future-proofing is going to pan out for Windows 11 laptops (or indeed MacBooks, by which I mean the Neo with 8GB).
Okay, granted, Microsoft is working to make Windows 11 more performant in general, and to ensure the OS is happier with a low allocation of RAM like 8GB — and it is low these days, if you were in any doubt — but what about in five years? I don't know about you, but I expect my laptop to last half a decade, if not longer, and a non-upgradable 8GB is, I fear, going to feel wonky before too long.
Still, I take the point that the option for a more affordable Surface is good to have, and more choice is good — plus that 8GB may remain tenable for longer than you expect if you're sticking to basic computing tasks.
As Windows Central's Zac Bowden points out on X: "Microsoft tells me that it's working behind the scenes to optimize Windows 11 to run better on 8GB RAM, and these devices will be more than capable enough for day-to-day productivity workflows, internet browsing, and media consumption tasks."
Other people are a lot more doubtful, though, as you can see in the replies on that thread, which range from: "8GB of RAM in Windows isn't going to run well regardless of optimizations. You can't stop modern software bloat" to the far more blunt: "8GB RAM in 2026 is a scam."
Amerika Birləşmiş Ştatları (ABŞ), Kanada və Meksikada təşkil edilmiş futbol üzrə sayca 23-cü dünya çempionatı (DÇ-2026) davam edir.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu gün qrup mərhələsində sonuncu tura start verilib.
İlk olaraq B qrupunda mübarizəyə yekun vurulub. İsveçrə millisi Kanada ilə, Bosniya və Herseqovina yığması isə Qətərlə üz-üzə gəlib.
İsveçrə millisi Vankuverdə qarşılaşdığı Kanadanı 2:1 hesabıyla məğlub edib. Qalib komandanın qollarını Ruben Varqas və Joan Manzambi vurublar. Meydan sahiblərinin heyətində isə Promis Akinpelu təsəlli qoluna imza atıb.
Bosniya və Herseqovina isə Sietldə (Vaşinqton, ABŞ) Qətər millisinə qalib gəlib – 3:1. Bosniyalıların heyətində Kərim Alaybeqoviç və Ermin Mahmiç hərəyə bir dəfə fərqləniblər. Həmçinin, Mahmud Abunada 34-cü dəqiqədə topu öz qapısına göndərib. Qətərin tək qolu isə Həsən Əl-Haydosun aktivinə yazılıb.
Beləliklə, İsveçrə B qrupunu 7 xalla lider tamamlayıb. Kanada 4 xalla ikinci olub. Bosniya və Herseqovina da 4 xal toplamasına rəğmən, 3-cü yerlə kifayətlənib. Qətər yığması isə 1 xalla sonuncu yeri tutaraq mübarizəni dayandırıb.
DÇ-2026 B qrupu 24 iyun
Bosniya və Herseqovina – Qətər 3:1 Qollar: Kərim Alaybeqoviç, 29. Mahmud Abunada, 34-öz qapısına. Ermin Mahmiç, 80 – Həsən Əl-Haydos, 42.
İsveçrə – Kanada 2:1 Qollar: Ruben Varqas, 46. Joan Manzambi, 57 – Promise David, 76.
Xallar: İsveçrə 7. Kanada – 4. Bosniya və Herseqovina – 4. Qətər – 1.
Bu gün mundialda daha 3 qrupda mübarizəyə yekun vurulacaq. A, C və E qruplarında bütün suallara aydınlıq gələcək. Baş tutacaq oyunların siyahısını və qruplardakı son durumu təqdim edirik:
25 iyun
C qrupu 02:00. Mərakeş – Haiti 02:00. Şotlandiya – Braziliya
Xallar: Braziliya – 4. Mərakeş – 4. Şotlandiya – 3. Haiti – 0.
A qrupu 05:00. Çexiya – Meksika 05:00. CAR – Cənubi Koreya
Xallar: Meksika – 6. Cənubi Koreya – 3. Çexiya – 1. CAR – 1.
E qrupu 00:00. Kurasao – Kot-d’İvuar 00:00. Ekvador – Almaniya
According to a new site, 24% of the most popular websites in the world don't offer support for passkeys, which are considered the most secure way to log in to apps and services.
Kerim Alajbegovic has been linked with potential Serie A moves to Atalanta and Roma, so he showed what he can do with a stunning goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.
The teenager is not set to reach his 19th birthday until September, but is already a sensation on the global football stage.
Alajbegovic stunner lights up World Cup
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Kerim Alajbegovic #19 of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
He dribbled past two Qatar players and then smashed a screamer into the net from well outside the penalty area, giving Bosnia and Herzegovina the lead in this evening’s Group B game.
Bayer Leverkusen allowed the player to flourish in their youth academy, then sent him to RB Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals with four assists in 44 competitive games this season.
The Germans activated their buy-back option for €8m, but Alajbegovic is not expected to remain, as he is reportedly eager for a Serie A move.
1 – Kerim Alajbegovic (18 Jahre, 276 Tage) ist der jüngste Spieler mit einem Tor von außerhalb des Strafraums bei einer FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft seit detaillierter Datenerfassung 1966.
Er löste damit Kylian Mbappé ab (19 Jahre, 207 Tage bei der WM 2018).
Fiorentina are in negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Spanish left-back Hugo Bueno, claims transfer pundit Matteo Moretto.
The 23-year-old has been in the Wolves academy since 2019 and had a loan spell in the Netherlands with Feyenoord in the 2024-25 campaign.
He made 38 competitive appearances for the club this season, contributing a goal and two assists.
Hugo Bueno option for Fiorentina
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Hugo Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers passes the ball under pressure from Timothy Castagne of Fulham during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham at Molineux on May 17, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Transfer expert Moretto, who works with Fabrizio Romano, stated on X that Fiorentina were in talks for the player.
It would not be the first time that Fiorentina have cast their eye over the Premier League for reinforcements, as they brought in Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur and Jack Harrison from Leeds United.
Bueno would be a replacement at left-back for Fabiano Parisi, who is going to be out of action for several months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
They do have others for the role, including Robin Gosens, Niccolò Fortini and the impressive Luis Balbo.
Multiple reports suggest Juventus will sell Fabio Miretti, but Bologna and Villarreal are not close to agreeing a €14m transfer fee for the midfielder.
The player turns 23 in August and came up through their youth academy, so any sale would represent practically pure profit.
The Bianconeri need to make a big sale by June 30 to balance the books, especially after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Miretti on the market for Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Fabio Miretti of Juventus FC is challenged by Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
On top of the fee, there is also disagreement over the formula of the transfer, whether a loan with option or obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, or a permanent move.
Another club believed to be interested in the Italy international is Villarreal, but he would prefer to remain in Serie A, while Fiorentina are also keeping a close eye on developments.
Serena Williams of the US (L) speaks with Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka after victory during their women's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 14, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
AFP via Getty Images
When Serena Williams accepted a wildcard to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon, her return to tennis felt more like a novelty and a well-received jolt to the game. Now that she’s entering the Wimbledon singles draw, Serena’s legacy and the credibility of women’s tennis are up for debate.
Will Serena’s return reveal more about her excellence, or overshadow Aryna Sabalenka's dominance?
If a 44-year-old mother of two who hasn’t played a singles match in four years can defeat players young enough to be her daughter, what does that say about the quality of women's tennis?
During a press conference at the French Open, Sabalenka welcomed the news about Serena’s return to doubles and possibly singles at Wimbledon.
“Yeah, I mean, that’s fun, that’s cool. She has a really cool personality. She’s fun, and she’s a legend. It’s inspiring to see," said Sabalenka. "I’m actually excited to see her play and probably face her, so it's very cool. It's very good news for tennis."
Sabalenka will arrive at Wimbledon having been the top-ranked player on the WTA Tour for more than 85 consecutive weeks. After failing to return to the French Open finals and with semifinal points to defend at Wimbledon, Sabalenka's No. 1 ranking is in jeopardy. Her legacy could take a hit, too.
Despite maintaining a grip on No. 1, Sabalenka has yet to distance herself from the field. She’s tied with Naomi Osaka with four Major titles and trails Iga Swiatek, who has five Grand Slam titles, including wins on grass, clay and hard courts.
Meanwhile, Serena has little to lose. If she gets bounced in the first round, she’s 44 and hasn’t played in four years. Her status doesn’t change. She remains the GOAT. Returning to tennis is a win-win for her. If Serena advances to the second week, it elevates her standing and diminishes Sabalenka's.
Sabalenka turned 28 in May. In an era when women are playing professional tennis in their late 30s and returning from maternity leave, Sabalenka’s career is far from over. Yet, with Serena back in the mix, the comparisons and questions are coming. Could Sabalenka ever reach GOAT status? Is she playing in a weak era? How would peak Serena perform against today's competition?
Serena And Sabalenka At Grand Slams
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Serena Williams poses with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the Women's Singles Final against Venus Williams of the United States on day 13 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Serena’s 23 Major titles are the most by any female player in the Open Era. Sabalenka has four, all on hard courts.
By Spring 2009, Serena, then 27, had won 9 Grand Slam singles titles. This included wins on every surface. Sabalenka has reached the final of every Major except Wimbledon.
Consecutive Weeks Serena And Sabalenka Spent At No. 1
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA NOVEMBER 1:Aryna Sabalenka poses with the WTA Chris Evert World No. 1 trophy after securing the year-end WTA top ranking, during a ceremony on Day 1 of the WTA Finals Riyadh at King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 1, 2025. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
In April, Sabalenka passed Martina Hingis (80) to climb to the Top 10 of consecutive weeks at No. 1 list. If she leaves Wimbledon, still ranked No. 1, Sabalenka could climb to No. 9. She’d still need nearly 100 more consecutive at No. 1 to catch Serena and Steffi Graf.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 01: Serena Williams of the United States serves to Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during their women's singles fourth round match on Day Eight of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Even before Williams signed with Nike, she wore iconic custom tennis outfits. Her 2002 Puma catsuit landed in a museum. Sabalenka loves fashion on and off the court, but has yet to land the type of custom kits that Osaka has.
"Maybe we should just start messaging Nike on Instagram and like putting some pressure on, but let’s wait for 2027 because that year is going to be sick," she said.
Sabalenka finally got her wish at the French Open when she wore a different, but not exclusive, kit. Bling is more her thing. Sabalenka routinely walks on the court with more than $200,000 dangling from her neck.
Despite efforts to brand herself as a fashionista, Sabalenka hasn’t had much impact on tennis style.
Serena and Sabalenka’s Success On Grass
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Serena Williams with the winners trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber in the women's final of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 09, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
WireImage
When it comes to grass-court success, Sabalenka is no match for Serena. Few women are. Graf also has seven. Navratilova is the only player in the Open Era with more Wimbledon singles titles (9) than Serena.
Sabalenka reached the semifinals three times but has yet to reach the final at Wimbledon.
"I am a little concerned about Sabalenka, to be honest with you," said ESPN commentator and former pro Mary Joe Fernandez during an online press conference. "Because she was coming in playing really well, and I feel like her game translates to all the surfaces, and it should translate to the grass, with you know, how powerful she hits the ball, and she's got a weapon in the serve and weapon the returns."
Fernandez is less concerned about Serena's chances at Wimbledon.
“But Serena, at first, I kind of question why she would come back on the grass, because I think it's a tough surface, you know, right away to do well on," said Fernandez. “But I guess that’s where she feels at home. She's won it seven times.”
Serena is 98-14 at Wimbledon. She’s reached the final 11 times, including twice after returning from maternity leave. She also has six Wimbledon doubles titles. She and Venus are 6-0 in doubles finals at Wimbledon. They also won a gold medal on the grass at Wimbledon during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Earlier this month, when Serena returned to doubles at the Queen's Club Championships, she told reporters, "I don't need to win." However, now that she's playing singles, she won't be able to avoid being compared to her contemporaries, no matter their age.
Serena went 1-1 against Graf in the brief time they were both on the tour. Graf retired in 1999. Had she returned 10 years after retirement, age 40, Graf would have landed during the resurgence of Serena’s career. That didn’t happen, so tennis fans are left to speculate.
Serena’s return will provide evidence, even if only anecdotal, as to how bygone and present eras compare. If Sabalenka is the standard-bearer of today’s WTA, Serena might serve as a barometer of the state of the game.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Coming off the best season of his career, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed a three-year extension.
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed a three-year extension to remain with the Atlanta Falcons, worth $54 million, with $36 million guaranteed. During the 2025 season, Pitts caught 88 passes for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns. The best season of his career came at a time of crossroads when the Falcons weren't sure if it was time to move on from Pitts, who was drafted as a "generational type of talent," who hadn't lived up to expectations yet.
ESPN sources: TE Kyle Pitts and the Atlanta Falcons reached agreement today on a three-year, $54 million contract that includes $36 million fully guaranteed. It is the largest three-year contract for a tight end in NFL history. David Mulugheta of Athletes First and Andre Odom… pic.twitter.com/PYEEMRs8xa
The deal will make Pitts the third-highest-paid tight end in per-year average behind George Kittle ($19.1 mill) and Trey McBride($19 mill).
The Falcons have already locked in Drake London as well, on a 4-year, $141.05 mill contract. Now, the Falcons will look to extend All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson next.
As Norway excels in its first World Cup appearance since 1998, a wave of false claims about the team's eating habits is also capturing online attention. These allegations specifically target the quality of American food, suggesting the Norwegians distrust it to such an extent that they brought provisions from home to avoid local fare.
Norway excels in its first World Cup appearance since 1998 (Getty Images)
The Norwegian team is currently based in Greensboro, North Carolina, throughout the 2026 tournament, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. While it is true the team shipped certain products from Norway for the World Cup, the underlying reason has absolutely nothing to do with concerns about food quality.
CLAIM: The Norwegian men's national soccer team brought its own food to the 2026 World Cup because it doesn't trust the quality of food in the U.S.
THE FACTS: This is false. The team brought some products from Norway to maintain consistency in players' diets and provide a taste of home, according to its head chef Aron Espeland. Other ingredients have been sourced locally. Nutrition experts say that such a practice is common among elite athletes who play internationally.
“When athletes are competing at the highest level, consistency is important,” Espeland said. “The players are used to certain products and flavors, and familiar foods can contribute both to nutrition and overall well-being during a demanding competition.”
He continued: “Overall, the experience of cooking for the team in the U.S. has been excellent. We have had access to high-quality local ingredients, and our approach has been to combine those with a selection of Norwegian products that help create continuity and a sense of home for the players during the tournament.”
Many of the claims spreading online say the team brought in 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of food from Norway for the World Cup. Espeland confirmed that the amount is actually about 580 kilograms (1,276 pounds). That consists of 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of Norwegian salmon and trout, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of halibut, 80 kilograms (176 pounds) of Norwegian brown cheese, and 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of Jarlsberg cheese.
The team, whose support staff includes three chefs, did not bring oranges from Norway, despite social media posts claiming otherwise. Espeland said that players are served freshly squeezed orange juice every morning, made from oranges sourced locally in the U.S.
Plenty of other teams travel with their own chef and have taken their own food to past World Cups. For example, Argentina and Uruguay each brought thousands of pounds of meat to Qatar in 2022. The U.S. squad traveled to Brazil in 2014 with oatmeal, Cheerios, peanut butter and A1 Steak Sauce.
Such practices are not unusual for elite athletes who compete in different countries, according to experts. The reasons include maintaining routine and consistency, reducing risk of adverse reactions, providing cultural familiarity and accommodating personal preferences.
“Interpreting this practice as a lack of trust in the host nation’s food system misunderstands the purpose of high-performance nutrition,” said Rafaela G. Feresin, an associate professor of nutrition at Georgia State University. “The goal is not to evaluate local food quality; it is to eliminate unnecessary variability during competition. Bringing a chef and familiar ingredients to a major tournament is standard, performance-driven logistics.”
Amy Goodson, a sports dietitian who has worked with professional teams including the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, explained that bringing food to international competitions is more about “control, consistency, and performance” rather than distrust.
“Nutrition is a performance variable at the World Cup level,” she said. “These athletes train, travel, and compete with elite intensity, often multiple times in a short window, while managing weather and time zone changes. What they eat directly impacts energy availability, hydration status, recovery, immune function, and even decision-making on the field. When margins are razor thin, fueling consistency becomes critical.” ___
June 19, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.; Scotland’s Grant Hanley and Andy Robertson react after the match. Mandatory Credit: David Butler Ii-Imagn Images
Even a draw against Brazil on Wednesday may be sufficient to secure Scotland a place in the last 32 of the World Cup 2026. The two teams collide at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Brazil sitting top of Group C on goal difference while Scotland is third and in desperate need of a point if it’s to stand a chance of advancing.
Plainly put, three points are unlucky to be enough to snag one of the eight best third-place finisher spots that will open a route to the knockout stages. Therefore, Steve Clarke’s side needs to put in the performance of a lifetime to at least draw against Brazil and stand a chance at progressing.
Scotland has never beaten Brazil at a World Cup in four attempts, with its best result a 0-0 draw at the 1974 tournament. The Tartan Army went close when they last met in the competition back in 1998, only for Brazil to seal a 2-1 win, with the South Americans having won the last six showdowns between these teams.
Neymar should be fit and available for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after missing their first two group games, though Raphinha looks set to miss out after suffering an injury in the 3-0 win over Haiti. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney looks to have shaken off the injury he sustained in the defeat to Morocco, as Clarke appears to have a clean bill of health.
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To qualify for the last 32 for the first time Steve Clarke’s side need a draw, or at the very least to avoid a heavy defeat, after their feelgood 1-0 win over Haiti was cancelled out by a 1-0 reverse at the hands of 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
A win over five-time champions Brazil would guarantee a top-two finish in Group C and automatic progression, while a draw would most likely be enough to finish in the top three.
Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opener before sweeping aside Haiti 3-0.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Scotland v Brazil?
Scotland face Brazil at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday 24 June, with kick-off at 11pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 10pm BST.
Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vini Jr.
What do Scotland need to qualify?
Let’s get the most optimistic but clear-cut scenario out of the way first. If Scotland beat Brazil, they’re into the knockouts, possibly as group winners if Morocco fail to beat Haiti. Dream big, Tartan Army.
A draw would almost certainly be enough for Scotland to qualify, as it would take them to the elusive four-point mark. This should put them among the eight best third-placed teams, who will progress to the round of 32 along with all top-two group finishers.
While three points and a positive goal difference is likely to be enough, four points is extremely likely to be enough, but Scotland would need to wait until later in the tournament for this to be confirmed; with several teams putting together a run of draws, there could be a number of teams in third with four points.
If Scotland lose, their World Cup fate will be in the balance. The good news for Scotland is they only lost 1-0 to Morocco. If they repeat the trick against Brazil and only lose by a one-goal margin, they will finish the group stage on three points and with a goal difference of -1. Based on previous editions of the European Championships that could be good enough to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. But they would be right on the fence.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Nelly Korda of the United States acknowledges the crowd after a putt on the seventh green during the second round of The Chevron Championship 2026 at Memorial Park Golf Course on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHASKA, Minn. — Hazeltine National Golf Club takes center stage this week as the host of the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, with much of the spotlight fixed on Nelly Korda and her pursuit of history.
The world No. 1 arrives in Minnesota seeking her third consecutive major championship, adding yet another chapter to what has already been a dominant 2026 campaign. Korda has won four times this season, including the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January, the Chevron Championship in April, the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba in May, and the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this month.
Only two women in golf history have won three consecutive majors in a single season: Inbee Park in 2013 and Babe Zaharias in 1950. Korda now stands one victory away from joining that exclusive company.
The stakes extend well beyond another major title. Korda also has an opportunity to secure the career Grand Slam while moving one step closer to immortality in the LPGA Hall of Fame. Widely regarded as one of the most difficult halls of fame in sports to enter, the LPGA Hall requires 27 points for induction. Korda currently sits two points shy of that mark, meaning a fifth career major championship worth two points, would secure her place among the game's all-time greats.
The setup at Hazeltine appears tailor-made for Korda's strengths. Stretching to nearly 6,800 yards and featuring rough that is expected to be only modestly more penal than a typical LPGA Tour stop, the course should reward players with length off the tee and elite ball-striking—two areas where Korda consistently excels.
With history, a career Grand Slam, and a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame all potentially within reach, the world's top-ranked player enters the week carrying enormous expectations. If Korda delivers once again, Hazeltine could become the site of one of the most significant victories of her already remarkable career.
How to Watch
Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel),6 p.m.-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel),6 p.m.-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - Noon ET (NBC Sports Network), Noon-3 p.m. ET (NBC), 3-5 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET (NBC Sports Network), 1-4 p.m. ET (NBC)
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
The Denver Nuggets were supposed to have an uneventful first night of the NBA Draft. Armed with the No. 26 overall pick, ahead of a pivotal summer where they will try to retool around a trimmer Nikola Jokić, no one expected much of any draft night fireworks for the NBA's resident Colorado team. It was supposed to be a quiet night.
And when the Nuggets traded out of the first round for a small horde of second-round draft selections, it seemed like a quiet Denver night was exactly what we were going to get. Uh, we were wrong on this front, to say the least.
When ESPN footage panned to the Nuggets' draft room after they traded their pick, we saw Denver owner Josh Kroenke standing in front of his employees as a few clapped. Based on contextual body language from the clip, it appeared that Kroenke wasn't very happy. But it's unclear why:
Josh Kroenke clearly upset in the Denver Nuggets war room during the NBA Draft pic.twitter.com/RYT3BO22qg
If I had to guess, Kroenke miming a clapping motion after seeing some Nuggets folks clap for trading away a draft selection is probably the answer here. I would guess that he wasn't happy about Denver's decision not to take a player in the first round. That, in itself, would be another can of worms, suggesting Kroenke and his front office aren't on the same page and that he might not be delegating to the qualified people he hired as much as he should.
Perhaps Kroenke addresses this viral moment in the coming days. It might be the only way to truly downplay what looks like awful optics for the Nuggets organization right now.
COLUMBUS — The Ohio State University national championship-winning football coach Jim Tressel is set to be enshrined on the C-Deck Ring of Honor at Ohio Stadium Sept. 5.
The Buckeyes host Ball State in their season opener at 12:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on BTN.
Tressel becomes the third coach to be honored at Ohio Stadium, joining Paul Brown (1941–43) and Woody Hayes (1951–78).
He also becomes the first person added to the Ring of Honor since 2014, when one of his quarterbacks and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith was placed on the C-Deck.
Tressel took over in 2001 and continued Ohio State’s legacy as a perennial national contender.
During his tenure, the Buckeyes won at least 10 games in six seasons and reached the BCS Title Game three times, winning the national championship in the 2002 season.
That signature year featured an undefeated 14–0 run, as Ohio State downed top-ranked Miami 31–24 in double overtime for the national title.
Ohio State also played in the BCS National Championship Game twice more during his tenure (2006, 2007).
Across his decade leading the Buckeyes, Ohio State made a bowl each season and played in eight BCS games.
Tressel’s Ohio State teams went 9–1 against Michigan, including a 2010 game that was later vacated by the NCAA.
In addition to Smith’s Heisman Trophy during Tressel’s tenure, he coached 67 NFL Draft picks, including 14 first-round selections, 57 first team All-Big Ten selections, 24 first team All-America selections, and eight Academic All-Americans.
After leading Ohio State to one of the most successful eras in program history, Tressel was President of Youngstown State University, and has served as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio since 2025.
Through the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, he continues to do what he has always done best — coach young people to become stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally so they can reach their full potential.
The Crimson Tide are joined by California and Oregon as finalists for Stepp, per Fawcett. Stepp is also reportedly set to make a commitment decision between the three programs July 1.
At the moment, Stepp is currently considered as the nation's No. 49 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, as well as the No. 7 cornerback nationally, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. Rated as a four-star recruit, Stepp is also ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the state of Nevada where he attends national powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School.
Alabama's 2027 class currently consists of 11 total commitments. One of those is a cornerback in Darrius White, a three-star prospect out of Creekside High School in Georgia.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Elijah Sarratt’s early work in Baltimore has already included moments that matter when it comes to earning trust in an NFL offense. For young receivers, every rep with the starting quarterback carries weight, especially in a system that demands precision. Appearing on The Lounge Podcast, Sarratt broke down one of his early standout reps and what it meant in terms of building rhythm with the offense
“It was kind of just a pylon route speaking on coach Deck’s detail oriented again he told me my angle should have been higher on it which he he’s right.”
Sarratt also acknowledged the importance of executing when opportunities come, adding, “I just want to be where I’m supposed to be, where I need to be, so he’s not worried about whether Elijah is going to be able to be right here on this play.” That mindset is exactly what coaches want from a rookie trying to carve out a role early.
Each rep with Lamar Jackson is part of a larger evaluation process, and consistency matters more than occasional highlight moments. Sarratt understands that building trust is about being in the right spot repeatedly, not just making one play.
If he continues stacking clean reps, he gives himself a real chance to earn more opportunities as the season approaches.
The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee has proposed a new college football transfer portal window among other changes to the calendar. It would change the notification-of-transfer period to a 10-day window on the first business day after Jan. 1.
Under the current model, the notification-of-transfer window is a 15-day period that runs from Jan. 2-16. The timing is after the New Year’s Six bowl games, including quarterfinal matchups during the College Football Playoff.
The FBS Oversight Committee also made proposals regarding offseason workouts. Under the potential changes, OTA-style workouts would come to college football. Schools would be able to conduct two offseason practice periods with a total of 21 on-field practices. The duration of the two practice periods cannot be longer than seven weeks and neither can exceed five weeks. Schools would also declare a minimum of nine voluntary weeks for athletes when required activities are not allowed.
DENVER, CO - June 7: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) gives an interview to Sophia Minnaertafter a win in a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 7, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Brewers have only scored four runs in the first two games of their three-game series in Cincinnati, yet they’ve managed to win both games: a 2-1 extra-innings victory on Monday and a 2-0 shutout on Tuesday. Brandon Woodruff and Brandon Sproat both turned in outstanding, nearly identical pitching performances against a struggling Reds offense; Shane Drohan’s name isn’t Brandon, but Drohan I guess sounds a little bit like Brandon, so we’ll see if he can keep the good vibes going.
Drohan is expected to be returned to relief duty, or at least swingman duty, after tonight’s start. He’s been an important part of the Brewers’ success this season, and has thrown important innings both out of the bullpen (where he has been excellent) and out of the rotation. Overall, Drohan is 3-2 with a 3.40 ERA and 3.17 FIP in five starts and ten relief appearances that have covered 47 2/3 innings. This will be Drohan’s fifth straight appearance as a starter.
The Reds will send the young right-hander Rhett Lowder to the mound. Lowder debuted in 2024 but is still just 24 years old, and he’ll be making his 12th appearance (all starts) of the season. Injuries kept him out of the 2025 season, but he was outstanding in six starts to finish 2024. This season hasn’t gone quite as well: in 52 1/3 innings, Lowder has a 4.82 ERA and 4.46 FIP. His struggles are apparent in his strikeout and walk numbers: he’s struck out just 42 batters this season (7.2 per nine) which has been exacerbated by sky-high walks numbers (4.8 per nine innings).
A roster note today: Abner Uribe, who has been “appealing” his suspension since the end of May, dropped that appeal today. Strategically timed, as Uribe pitched in each of the first two games of the series and surely would’ve been out tonight no matter what. It will be interesting to see what the Brewers do if this is another close game: with Uribe unavailable and both Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill having pitched in each of the first two games of the series, things might get interesting.
The Brewers, then, will just go for a blowout to clinch the sweep. It’s a lefty-heavy lineup with Lowder on the mound, as the only right-handed bats in the lineup are Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, and Cooper Pratt. Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick join Chourio in the outfield, while David Hamilton plays third, Jake Bauers is at first, and Brice Turang plays second.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
🚨 World Cup: line-ups for Brazil-Scotland and Morocco-Haiti
The second multi-match broadcast of this World Cup evening is getting ready.
Brazil, Morocco and Scotland are battling for the top two qualifying spots for the round of 16 in Group C. Haiti, meanwhile, has already been eliminated from the competition.
The official line-ups for Morocco-Haiti and Brazil-Scotland are now known. One detail stands out in particular: having been sidelined for a long time due to injury, Neymar is making his return to the Brazil squad and will start on the bench at kick-off.
A possible appearance from the Seleção star will obviously be one of the main talking points of this second part of the evening.
Tottenham Hotspur Are In Discussions To Land This Experienced Keeper: Should De Zerbi Go For Him?
In a recent report, The Athletic mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are in discussions to land Martin Dubravka this summer. It is believed that Spurs are in advanced talks to acquire the services of the Slovak goalie this off-season.
Dubravka’s Tough Season At Turf Moor
Dubravka endured a tough campaign at Burnley recently as he failed to help them avoid relegation from the Premier League. The Slovak talent conceded 71 goals and secured only four clean sheets in 35 matches for the Lancashire outfit last season on all fronts.
The 37-year-old is currently one of the most experienced goalkeepers in English football. Thus, it is no surprise that Spurs are eyeing a move for him later this year.
Dubravka is set to become a free agent soon, which could open the door for Tottenham to sign him on the cheap this off-season. However, he is past his prime and is now in the twilight stage of his playing career.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road on May 01, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Roberto De Zerbi Go For Dubravka?
Dubravka is a good handler of the ball and can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing well on the pitch. He can use his quick reflexes to make some solid saves at the back for his team when he is playing with confidence on the field.
The Slovak sensation doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and has got a wealth of experience in the Premier League. Hence, he wouldn’t take much time to adjust to life at the North London club if they manage to snap him up in this transfer window.
We can expect Dubravka to enhance the quality of Tottenham boss Robert De Zerbi’s squad. He has got the experience to serve as an ideal number two option for the goalkeeping position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
At 37, Dubravka might still have one good year left in him to play at his best. Thus, it makes sense for the London giants to offer him a short-term contract this summer. The Slovak international will also help Spurs compete across all competitions in the upcoming campaign. All in all, De Zerbi should focus on going all out for him before the end of this transfer period.
Paris FC are expected to part ways with head coach Antoine Kombouaré in the next few days, according to Le Parisien. The former PSG and FC Nantes manager oversaw a remarkable upturn in performance last season to steer the promoted Ligue 1 side well clear of the drop zone after replacing the dismissed Stéphane Gilli. Kombouaré was initially contracted until 2027, but it seems the two parties have reached an impasse over a contract extension.
Kombouaré has reportedly asked sporting guarantees regarding the quality of the PFC squad at his disposal next season, on top of a one-year contract extension. Le Parisien understands that Paris FC and Kombouaré are yet to reach an agreement, paving the way for the 62-year-old head coach to leave.
Former Morocco manager Walid Regragui is reportedly out of the race to succeed Kombouaré. As for current Marseille head coach Habib Beye – who is expected to be replaced by Bruno Genesio – his profile is not unanimously appreciated within PFC.
World number one Nelly Korda talks to reporters before the Women's PGA Championship, where she's chasing a third straight major title (Andrew Wevers)
Nelly Korda is chasing her third straight major at the Women's PGA Championship, but the world number one says she won't be focusing on her chance of the rare feat.
"I'm just out here trying to play golf for sure," Korda said Wednesday at Hazeltine, in Chaska, Minnesota.
"I think I have a very in-the-moment mindset this year, which I'm just trying to take towards the end of the year."
Only two women have won three straight major titles in a season, Babe Zaharias back in 1950 when the LPGA had just three majors, and South Korean star Park In-bee in 2013.
Korda is an overwhelming favorite to join that elite club after piling up four wins already this season, including a five-stroke triumph in the Chevron Championship and a one-shot victory at the US Women's Open.
"No matter what happens, I've just told myself if I am lifting the trophy, like, that is obviously the main goal at the end the week," Korda said.
"But I'm going to prepare or focus on my preparation and know that I'm 100% confident in it and lean on that."
Korda has eight top-three finishes in her last nine starts and is also just two qualifying points away from the 27 needed to earn entry to the LPGA Hall of Fame.
That's also something the 27-year-old American is choosing not to focus on.
"I know I'm close," Korda said, but she hadn't done the math to know a major win would secure her Hall of Fame place.
"I don't want to put extra pressure on myself," she said. "The game of golf is hard enough.
After being shut out of the winner's circle in 2025 -- on the heels of a seven-win 2024 -- Korda says she's trying to have fun in her return to the spotlight.
In the wake of her long-coveted US Open triumph at Riviera in Los Angeles she made a media tour that included NBC's "Today" show in New York and a photo shoot in front a giant digital billboard featuring her on the golf course.
- Different stage -
"I was having a lot of fun in New York," she said, adding that this year she's more at home with promotional work than she was in 2024.
"I think the biggest change that I told myself I'm going to make is I'm just going to be authentic and be who I am," she said. "Either that comes across great or it doesn't, but I just want to be genuine."
"It's fun to be on a different stage in front of different people doing something that helps the game of golf and kind of puts us on a broader stage."
But she was already focusing on Hazeltine, where she expects a major championship set-up to put demands on "everything".
"This is very much so a placement golf course on the fairway and on the greens, so hopefully every part of my game is in top-top shape."
Australian Minjee Lee is the defending champion, having captured her third major title in Frisco, Texas, last year.
Aussie Hannah Green lifted the trophy the last time the event was held at Hazeltine, in 2019.
The stacked field also features world number two Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, still in search of her first major title.
"I feel the pressure not just for the major but for every week that we play," the Thai star said, adding that she tries not to let the lack of a major prey on her.
"I think everyone has their own time," she said. "Doesn't matter (if it's) now, tomorrow, next two days, five years later. I think I do have my own time and I'm waiting for my time, too."
Wimbledon organisers have expressed their "surprise and disappointment" after reports emerged that leading players intend to restrict their media availability during this year's Championships, reigniting a dispute over Grand Slam prize money.
The All England Club had previously announced a significant 20 per cent increase to the tournament's prize pot, bringing it to £64.2 million. This move followed player protests at the French Open, where pre-tournament media commitments were limited to just 15 minutes.
However, it is understood that players plan to replicate this protest at SW19 this weekend, extending the 15-minute restriction to post-match interviews throughout the first week of the Championships, which commence on Monday.
A spokesperson for the All England Club told the Press Association: "We are surprised and disappointed by this action.
It is understood the All England Club had agreed to talk to the players’ representative after this year’s tournament to address all their concerns (John Walton/ PA)
“Wimbledon puts the players at the heart of all our decisions and we invest significantly in them every year. This year’s total prize money fund has increased by 20 per cent to £64.2 million, which is the largest increase in our event’s history.
“This is alongside investing hundreds of millions of pounds in upgrades to our player facilities as part of a three-year transformation to create a world class player performance environment.”
Representatives for players from the ATP and WTA Tours had described Wimbledon’s prize money increase at the time as “a genuine and significant step forward” and “a meaningful signal of intent” but insisted significant issues remain unresolved.
They argue the current prize money represents 14.4 per cent of projected revenues for the Championships, which is still below the 14.9 per cent figure allocated in 2015.
The players had proposed the amount be raised to 16 per cent (£71.2m) as “a meaningful interim step” towards their calls for it to be lifted to 22 per cent – in line with leading tour events – by 2030.
Wimbledon organisers have branded that percentage unrealistic because of the greater responsibility they bear to invest in facilities and the wider game, unlike other tour events.
It is understood the All England Club had agreed to talk to the players’ representative after this year’s tournament to address all their concerns.
The players’ representatives have been contacted for comment.
Sonoma Raceway has long stood apart from nearly every other stop on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Instead of high-speed drafting or tight short-track racing, drivers face a twisting road course filled with elevation changes, heavy braking zones and corners that punish even the smallest mistake.
Located in California’s famous Wine Country, Sonoma has produced some of NASCAR’s most memorable road-course finishes while rewarding patience, precision and strategy over outright speed. Here’s everything NASCAR fans need to know before the Cup Series returns to Sonoma.
Where Is Sonoma Raceway?
Sonoma Raceway is located in Sonoma, California, about an hour north of San Francisco in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country.
The 1,600-acre motorsports complex is the largest racing facility in Northern California and hosts NASCAR, NHRA drag racing, sports cars, motorcycles and numerous amateur racing events throughout the year.
Since joining the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 1989, it has become one of the sport’s signature road-course venues.
Sonoma Raceway Fast Facts
Location: Sonoma, California
Opened: 1968
First year of operation: 1969
Track owner: Speedway Motorsports
Original name: Sears Point Raceway
Former names: Sears Point Raceway, Golden State Raceway, Infineon Raceway
Current name adopted: 2012
Facility size: Approximately 1,600 acres
Full road course: 2.52 miles
NASCAR Cup layout: 1.99 miles
Turns (full course): 12
Elevation change: Roughly 160 feet
Cup Series race: Toyota/Save Mart 350
Race distance: 110 laps (218.9 miles)
Why Sonoma Raceway Is One of NASCAR’s Toughest Tracks
Unlike the oval tracks that dominate NASCAR’s calendar, Sonoma Raceway forces drivers to constantly shift gears while navigating a combination of left- and right-hand turns, steep elevation changes and technical braking zones.
Passing opportunities are limited, making qualifying especially important. Drivers must carefully manage tire wear while balancing fuel strategy, pit timing and track position over the course of the race.
The changing elevations also create several blind corners where drivers can’t always see what’s waiting on the other side. A missed braking point or slight wheel hop entering a turn can cost multiple positions, or end a driver’s afternoon altogether.
Road-course specialists have historically excelled at Sonoma, but even the sport’s biggest stars have learned that experience alone doesn’t guarantee success.
A Brief History of Sonoma Raceway
Construction on Sonoma Raceway began in 1968, with the facility opening the following year as Sears Point Raceway.
Over the decades, the track has undergone several name changes, including Golden State Raceway and Infineon Raceway, before officially becoming Sonoma Raceway in 2012.
Speedway Motorsports purchased the facility in 1996 and invested heavily in upgrades that helped modernize the circuit.
One of the most significant additions came in 1998 with the creation of “The Chute,” a high-speed shortcut connecting Turns 4 and 7. NASCAR adopted the shorter layout for many years before returning to the full-course configuration beginning in 2019, restoring several technical corners that had previously been bypassed.
Today, Sonoma remains one of the most recognizable permanent road courses in American motorsports.
NASCAR’s History at Sonoma Raceway
The NASCAR Cup Series made its first visit to Sonoma in 1989, and the event quickly became one of the most unique races on the schedule.
Because it is one of the few road-course events each season, Sonoma often produces unpredictable results. Pit strategy, caution timing and fuel mileage frequently decide the winner, while drivers who dominate on ovals sometimes struggle to adapt to the technical layout.
The race has become an annual stop for the Cup Series and remains one of the sport’s premier road-course events.
Sonoma Raceway Records
Some of NASCAR’s biggest names have built impressive résumés at Sonoma, but no driver has enjoyed more success than Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.
Among the track’s notable Cup Series records are:
Most wins: Jeff Gordon (5)
Most poles: Jeff Gordon (5)
Most top-five finishes: Jeff Gordon (14)
Most top-10 finishes: Jeff Gordon (18)
Most lead changes in a race: 13 (twice, most recently 2021)
Closest margin of victory: 0.197 seconds (1999)
Largest margin of victory: 10.513 seconds (2018)
Most victories by a manufacturer: Chevrolet (13)
What Makes Sonoma Raceway Different?
Few tracks test every aspect of a driver’s skill quite like Sonoma.
Unlike superspeedways, where drafting often determines the outcome, Sonoma rewards precision. Drivers must hit braking markers lap after lap, maximize acceleration coming off corners and avoid costly mistakes through the circuit’s technical sections.
Crew chiefs also play a major role. Fuel windows, tire strategy and perfectly timed pit stops can completely reshape the race, particularly when cautions fall at unexpected times.
That combination of strategy and driver skill is what makes Sonoma one of NASCAR’s most anticipated races every season.
Final Thoughts
Every NASCAR season features its share of unpredictable races, but few demand complete precision like Sonoma Raceway. Between its challenging layout, dramatic elevation changes and strategy-heavy racing, the California road course consistently produces compelling storylines and memorable finishes.
Whether you’re a longtime NASCAR fan or watching Sonoma for the first time, understanding what makes this track unique helps explain why winning in Wine Country remains one of the sport’s toughest accomplishments.
Feb 24, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) celebrates after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The floaters, the left-hand bias, the unorthodox release, the unique basketball IQ and the genuine will to win were all cornerstones of Nick Martinelli’s game in his career as a Wildcat. Another program legend will deservedly enter the biggest stage no matter what, whether that be through a selection or as an UDFA. For more details on his draft profile, our very-own Drew Christmann does a great job breaking it all down here. What follows is about fit: which organizations genuinely make sense for a player like Martinelli, and why, based on what each team is currently and what they need going into 2026-27 beyond.
The brief version of the case for Martinelli: he is a 6-foot-7, 223-pound forward who spent four years at Welsh-Ryan Arena turning an unconventional skill set into something specific and real. He led the Big Ten in scoring for the second straight year as a senior, averaging 23 points on 51/41.7/80.9 splits, and set a new Northwestern single-season record with 759 points. His improved three-point numbers are the ones that matter most for his draft case. He shot 32.2% from deep across his first three seasons, then jumped to 41.7% on 108 attempts, including 39.7% on guarded catch-and-shoot looks. Whether those numbers survive against athletes who close faster and contest higher is the central question every evaluator has about him. His release is not textbook, and it is not quick. The shot falls because of elite touch and a high release point, which tend to translate better than mechanics that rely on creating separation. The honest answer is that nobody knows for certain how it holds up, which is part of why he is in the second round at all.
The case against him is equally specific. Martinelli is not going to beat anybody off the dribble at the next level, and he will be targeted on switches. His combine athleticism measurements backed that up, posting a 26.5-inch no-step vertical. He is not a four and not quite a three, and whatever organization selects him Wednesday is betting that his scoring craft and IQ cover that gap. Given what his former Northwestern teammate Brooks Barnhizer did last year, going to the then-reigning-champion Thunder at pick 44 and earning legitimate two-way trust in a system built around second-round culture, the precedent for that kind of outcome exists at this exact stage of the draft. On Wednesday, somewhere between picks 31 and 60, the hope is that someone is going to make the same bet on Martinelli.
Here are the landing spots that make the most sense:
Minnesota Timberwolves, Picks No. 33 and No. 59
At the combine, Martinelli publicly named the Timberwolves as a team he had already spoken with, the first organization he confirmed by name and that was widely reported across outlets. In draft terms, that kind of acknowledgment usually means something was genuinely said between both parties, not just a formality.
Minnesota’s offseason is defined entirely by the recently-executed Julius Randle move. On the eve of the draft, the Wolves sent Randle and pick No. 28 to Brooklyn in exchange for pick No. 33, then immediately locked up Ayo Dosunmu on a long term deal. They arrive Wednesday night owning the third pick of the second round and the penultimate selection of the entire draft at No. 59. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly walked away from Tuesday’s first round visibly frustrated, saying the night was “not the action or activity we were hoping for.” The framework for 2026-27 is now built around Anthony Edwards with Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Dosunmu redistributing the offensive load Randle carried. Connelly said both McDaniels and Reid “have been clamoring for more opportunities and more responsibility and I think they’re going to get it.”
Martinelli does not solve Minnesota’s most pressing need, which is a legitimate point guard. Donte DiVincenzo’s injury status is uncertain, Mike Conley is a free agent at 38, and finding a ball-handler who can take pressure off Edwards is the organization’s most clearly identified roster hole heading into Wednesday. That said, at pick 33, you are not neccesarily drafting for immediate need so much as long-term value. Martinelli’s maturity and sponge-like learning ability makes him one of the higher-floor prospects available in general for a team that has repeatedly found useful players in unexpected places. Jaden McDaniels himself came at No. 28. Terrence Shannon Jr. was an undrafted add. The Wolves have shown they can identify players who make sense structurally even when the profile looks weird on paper. A forward who is physically ready, shoots at a real rate and plays without demanding touches is a sensible supporting piece for a team built around Edwards.
At pick 59, nearly the last selection in the draft, expectations are essentially nothing. This is the more likely slot between the two of them. But Martinelli is a more credible lottery ticket at 59 than most players available there. The combination of confirmed organizational contact and a specific skill set that fits next to Edwards’ star-centered offense gives both Minnesota picks some logic. The former might be a reach, but the latter would be considered a home-run considering the high-IQ and work ethic that coaches rave about with Martinelli. If he’s considered at 33, he could realistically still be there 26 spots later.
Miami Heat, Pick No. 41
This is the most contextually fascinating landing spot on the list, and it arrives slightly earlier in the second round than most boards project Martinelli.
The Heat just acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks and pick swaps. Miami is now hard-capped at the first apron, with roughly $18 million in space and up to five roster spots to fill heading into free agency. Pick 41 via Golden State is the only draft capital they have, and it comes at one of the more interesting points of the board, right before Martinelli’s consensus range begins.
Here is where organizational history matters. The Heat traditionally do not draft at this range because they are usually trading picks to chase stars. Pat Riley has made only 14 first-round picks in 26 drafts as team president, with three of those traded on draft night, and has made significantly less second-round picks compared to the average franchise as well. The way the Heat have stayed functional through those years of sacrificed draft capital is by developing players nobody else wanted. Udonis Haslem went undrafted and played in France before making the roster. Duncan Robinson started his career at Division III Williams College, went undrafted, and eventually signed a five-year, $90 million contract as one of the sharpest perimeter shooters in the league. Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Haywood Highsmith were all undrafted contributors who became rotation staples during Miami’s Finals runs. Back in 2022, Spoelstra described the organization’s search criteria plainly. All they want are “people that are committed to the work and [the] process,” and draft position is irrelevant to that simple standard.
The Heat’s talent identification pipeline does not run through lottery picks. It runs through the combine, the G League, summer league, and exactly the kinds of pre-draft workouts that teams conduct for second-round candidates like Martinelli. When Miami has a pick in this range, which is rare, they use it the same way they use undrafted signings: find a ready-now contributor with a specific skill, plug them into Spoelstra’s system, and let the development infrastructure do the rest.
The roster Miami is building around Giannis and Bam Adebayo also has a very specific problem. Analysis after the trade immediately flagged the projected starting lineup as relatively light on shooting, noting Adebayo shot only 32% from three last season. Antetokounmpo himself, despite everything else he does, has never been a reliable perimeter shooter. The Heat are going to win games through defense, transition and physicality, which is exactly the identity Spoelstra has built. But they need players on the floor who can catch, decide quickly and make the open look when Giannis draws help. Norman Powell, assumed to re-sign, projects as the roster’s primary perimeter scoring option, and beyond him the shooting depth is thin. Martinelli is specifically the missing piece: he does not need creation, does not demand touches, catches in the corners and midrange, makes the right read, and shot 41.7% from three in his final college season on real volume.
The skeptic’s argument is that the slot is too early relative to his board position, and that Miami with Giannis on the roster has no patience for a developmental second-round forward. Both points are fair. But the organizational track record says the Heat have always found ways to integrate ready-now contributors regardless of draft profile, and Martinelli at 22 with an NBA-ready body, a proven shooting leap and four years of growth at the peak of Northwestern basketball history is almost precisely the profile Spoelstra’s program has turned into rotation players for decades. The Heat do not reach for upside. They find specific, useful, hardworking players and deploy them correctly. Martinelli fits that description better than almost anyone available at pick 41.
San Antonio Spurs, Picks No. 42 and No. 44
Of any organization in the draft, the Spurs have the clearest structural argument for taking Martinelli, and two chances to do it.
Built almost entirely through the draft, with Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all taken as consecutive top-four picks, the Spurs went 62-20 in the 2026 regular season. They then took down the reigning champion Thunder to make the NBA Finals before falling to the Knicks in five games. It was an extraordinary rebuild for a historic brand. But the franchise’s history of identifying value at the back of the draft predates this current core by decades. Manu Ginobili was drafted 57th overall in the second round of the 1999 draft and went on to win four championships, a Sixth Man of the Year award, two All-Star selections and eventually a Hall of Fame induction. Tony Parker went 28th in 2001 and became a Hall of Famer and Finals MVP. The 2011 draft, when the Spurs traded George Hill to Indiana for the 15th and 42nd picks, yielded Kawhi Leonard at 15. The point is that San Antonio’s draft identity is not just about hitting on lottery picks. It is a franchise that has consistently found useful contributors in the lower portions of the board and trusted them with real minutes.
That said though, in that final series versus the Knicks they shot a very poor 33.9% from three: Wembanyama 27.3%, Castle 30%, Harper 28%, Fox 25%. Only Vassell and Champagnie shot above 40%. That is a historically poor shooting performance from a team with that many talent advantages, and it exposes a very specific depth problem. When those two reliable shooters were off the floor, San Antonio had no reliable third option who could keep the spacing functional. Martinelli just shot 41.7% from three in his final college season, gets to the line at a high rate, and does not need touches to be useful. The profile is almost tailor-made for what the Spurs were missing in June.
Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee are all entering free agency, meaning forward depth has to come from somewhere. With picks 42 and 44, San Antonio can allocate one slot to a ready-now contributor and one to a raw developmental player. The Thunder built their dynasty in significant part on second-rounders: Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Ajay Mitchell and Jaylin Williams all became genuine rotation contributors from that tier. San Antonio has watched that model closely and tried to replicate it. A franchise that turned Ginobili at 57 and Parker at 28 into Hall of Famers is not going to be shy about betting on a player whose profile looks unconventional. The cool part is that those two slots average out to the exact range they are drafting in 2026. Of course, correlation is not causation, and nobody is expecting Martinelli to be a hybrid of the two. Equally, nobody would complain if the Spurs take a player who is already 22, physically complete, and basketball-smart. It is the lower-risk version of the second-round bet, not a concession. There is not much to develop here. There is just a role to deploy him into correctly.
Orlando Magic, Pick No. 46
The Magic put their build-through-the-draft blueprint on hold when they traded multiple future first-round picks for Desmond Bane last summer, a logical decision after assembling one of the league’s best young cores. The reward has not yet arrived.
They blew a 3-1 lead to Detroit, for the second time this century, flailing out of the first round for a second straight year which directly led to the firing of head coach Jamahl Mosley.
Orlando are also without their own first-round pick in 2028 and 2030, both unprotected to Memphis, and their 2029 pick is top-two protected with a swap favoring the Grizzlies. For the first time since 2011, they entered a draft without a first-round selection. Magic President Jeff Weltman’s track record of identifying players who fit the system is real: Tristan da Silva at No. 18 in 2024 drew skepticism on draft night and has carved out a rotation role with his shooting and feel. Jase Richardson at No. 25 in 2025 was a value selection whose stock had slid after the combine but fit Orlando’s backcourt need precisely. Both picks reflected an organization that evaluates systematically rather than chasing athleticism.
The specific problem it needs to address now is not subtle. The Magic ranked 27th in three-point accuracy at 34.3% as a team despite Bane’s 39.1% leading the roster. Banchero, Wagner, Suggs, Anthony Black and Carter Jr. all shot between 30.5 and 34.5% from three. That is a full starting lineup of players who do not shoot the ball well from deep, plus one imported shooter who did not change the team’s playoff fate.
Orlando is still developing Anthony Black, along with previously mentioned da Silva and Richardson, all of whom are roughly the same age as incoming rookies, which tells you the organization is comfortable adding young pieces and letting them develop in the background.
This team is built entirely on defense and physical dominance at the rim, and they have now failed twice in the first round because they cannot score in a half-court game when it gets late and tight. Adding Desmond Bane was supposed to change that. It did not change it enough. Pick 46 is everything they have to work with on Wednesday, and it lands squarely in Martinelli’s consensus range. He is not going to fix the spacing problem. He is one 22-year-old second-rounder who will likely start next year in the G League. But he represents the right kind of thinking at a position in the draft where there are not many options available, and the Magic are a team that should be thinking about every conceivable way to add shooters to a roster that, even after adding a legitimate 40% three-point shooter at considerable cost, still ranks near the bottom of the league from deep.
New York Knicks, Picks No. 31, 47 and No. 55
The defending champion Knicks walked out of Tuesday’s first round without taking a player, executing a series of trades through the Lakers, Mavericks and Suns to accumulate picks at 31, 47 and 55. With Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson both heading to free agency and James Dolan treating the second apron as an absolute ceiling, the three second-round slots represent essentially the only avenue New York has to replenish depth.
The Knicks’ championship is worth understanding because of what it was, not just what it accomplished. The Knicks did not draft a single starter on their championship roster. Their build started with a point guard drafted 33rd overall by Dallas, available in free agency only because the Mavericks declined to offer him an extension. Miles McBride, the one homegrown drafted player who contributed meaningfully in the run, was taken 36th overall in 2021, spent years bouncing between Westchester and 12-minute bench cameos, and eventually became their sixth man before injury. The organization’s track record with second-round picks is not glamorous, but McBride’s path tells you exactly what the Knicks believe is possible when they identify the right player, put him in Westchester, and let the situation develop. He didn’t force his way into the rotation. The moments came, and he was ready.
Jalen Brunson himself, the champion’s centerpiece and Finals MVP, was a Villanova two-time national champion who fell to the second round in 2018, went 33rd to Dallas, and spent two seasons coming off the bench before his breakout. The irony is not lost on Mavericks fans, but the lesson is: the Knicks know better than most franchises that second-round picks can become franchise cornerstones when the system is right.
It helps that the Northwestern connection in this building is real and documented. Boo Buie, the program’s all-time leading scorer who played with Martinelli for two seasons, signed a two-way contract with New York in November 2024. He was waived on December 24 after playing exclusively with Westchester, and was eventually traded to the G-League’s Capitanes the following August. Buie’s path did not work out, but his presence in the organization signals that the Knicks were at minimum comfortable enough with Northwestern’s program to put that trust into a roster spot. Martinelli is a considerably different player physically: heavier, stronger and more equipped to handle contact from NBA-level bodies. And the specific shooting profile the Knicks would be drafting, a pick-and-pop forward who catches and shoots, plays off others’ creation and does not need the ball in his hands, fits naturally behind the championship core’s existing structure. At pick 47 or 55, in the middle of his realistic range, a team like the Knicks could do considerably worse.
Dallas Mavericks, Pick No. 48
Martinelli confirmed both an interview with the Mavericks and a formal pre-draft workout with the organization, making Dallas one of a small number of teams with documented hands-on evaluation time. After taking Morez Johnson Jr. ninth overall on Tuesday and trading the No. 30 pick to the Knicks for stash prospect Sergio De Larrea, pick 48 is Dallas’s final live selection and lands one slot after Martinelli’s most commonly mocked projection.
The Mavericks are in a transitional state that is simultaneously exciting and uncertain. Cooper Flagg won Rookie of the Year and looks like a genuine franchise cornerstone. He shot just 29.5% from three as a 19-year-old last season, which means defenses are still not fully respecting his perimeter shot, and the Mavericks need off-ball players who can punish that, catch the corner kick-outs he generates with his drives and make defenses pay for collapsing. Kyrie Irving is 34 and coming off a torn ACL, and Dallas has essentially no solidified guard depth beyond Ryan Nembhard if Irving misses significant time. A forward who plays off others, does not demand creation, gets to the line and spaces the floor is a reasonable complementary add in that environment.
The workout history with the organization is what elevates Dallas from theoretical to credible. Teams do not put prospects through formal workouts without moving them up the internal board, and the fact that Dallas as a team has plenty room to grow would allow for Martinelli to simultaneously grow at his own pace.
Toronto Raptors, Pick No. 50
Toronto is the most underrated team on this list, and pick 50 lands almost exactly in the middle of Martinelli’s consensus range.
The Raptors finished 46-36 in 2025-26, returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to a deciding Game 7 in the first round. The foundation for what comes next is a genuine two-way frontcourt in Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles, who helped Toronto finish fifth in defensive rating. The problem is everything else offensively. The Raptors finished 26th in made threes, 26th in three-point attempts and 21st in three-point percentage at 35.4%. Barnes himself is not a reliable shooter. He hit just 27.1% from deep in his final season before making the All-Star team, and that weakness has been a structural limitation on everything Toronto tries to do offensively.
The organizational track record on pick development is relevant. Immanuel Quickley himself was the 25th overall pick in 2020, developed under the Raptors’ infrastructure into a reliable starting guard, and became one of the more important pieces in their playoff push. General manager Bobby Webster has shown a consistent willingness to identify players who fit the system and trust the environment to develop them rather than expecting instant contribution from second-rounders. Ja’Kobe Walter, taken 19th in 2024, started the year averaging 7.5 points before growing into one of Toronto’s most reliable perimeter threats by season’s end, finishing at 40% from three on over three attempts per game, the only Raptor consistently meeting that volume and efficiency.
Walter is the most important reference point here. He was the only reliable shooter on a playoff team, and the Raptors’ entire offensive ceiling ran through whether he was making threes. Adding another player who can do that job, even in a bench role, even in the G League initially, directly addresses the single most glaring offensive deficiency on the roster. Martinelli at pick 50 on a cheap second-round deal is the specific answer to a specific problem for a team that has demonstrated it can develop players into that role when the fit is right.
Chicago Bulls, Picks No. 38 and No. 56
The Bulls are the wild card on this list, and Martinelli is the most locally resonant name they could possibly call with their second-round picks. As a Chicago-native myself, my fingers are crossed for this outcome, and the story has plenty of reason to root for it regardless.
Martinelli grew up in Glenview, Illinois, attended Glenbrook South High School, and spent four years at Northwestern just down the road in Evanston. As he described it himself, Evanston became an extension of Glenview over those years, his brother Jimmy having moved back to the area, his parents at every home game. Glenbrook South is roughly 20 miles from the United Center. Evanston is closer still. If the Bulls choose him at either of their two slots, his name would span across the digital boards at Barclays Center as a representation of the most Chicago-adjacent player in this entire draft class.
The basketball argument is real too, if complicated. Chicago selected Caleb Wilson fourth overall, then took Texas standout Dailyn Swain at 15, adding size and athleticism to a core already featuring Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and the recently-added Nic Claxton. Media covering the pick immediately flagged the looming shooting question: despite drafting multiple wings, the Bulls have assembled a roster full of players whose jumpers need work, and spacing is now a significant concern heading into 2026-27. Wing depth with shooting is explicitly identified as one of Chicago’s two main remaining roster needs heading into the second round. Martinelli is specifically that. He does not attack off the dribble. He does not need creation. He catches, he makes the right read, and he shoots at a legitimate rate that none of the players drafted above him in Chicago can match.
Pick 38 is early for where most boards have him, and the Bulls under new GM Bryson Graham have shown a strong preference for length and athleticism in their selections. Martinelli is the opposite of that profile on paper. But he worked out for Chicago, and the narrative of a Glenview kid walking into the United Center as a Bull rather than a visitor is the kind of thing that occasionally moves front offices in ways analytics do not fully capture. If Graham saw enough in his evaluation process to either reach or let him fall to them at 56, the story writes itself: the kid who grew up going to Bulls games, played his college ball 12 miles north, and never needed anyone else’s blueprint to become good enough could extend his Glenview bubble yet again. This time to the Madhouse on Madison.
The United States and Mexico are among those able to rest easy heading into the final round of group games.
They're through to the knockout stages and have been confirmed as the winners of Groups A and D, respectively, theoretically securing a smoother passage to the knockout stages.
But that's only in theory. At the first 48-team World Cup, where the top two from each of the 12 four-team groups will be topped up in the second round by the eight best third-place finishers, there are an awful lot of moving parts to slot into place.
Under FIFA rules, the final round of games in each group must take place simultaneously. At times, it can feel hard to know where to look.
But fear not, we've picked out four matches you'd be a fool to miss.
Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil (Wednesday, 6 p.m. ET)
Scotland has competed at eight previous World Cups and fallen at the group stage every time. A point from their final round robin match this time around will virtually guarantee a place in the Round of 32. Even a narrow defeat might be enough for the Tartan Army after they beat Haiti 1-0 in their first match and lost by the same scoreline to Morocco last time out.
The problem is the opponents on Wednesday. Five-time world champions Brazil. Weirdly, this is the fifth time Scotland have been drawn alongside the Selecao in nine tournaments. After a 0-0 draw in 1974, they lost 4-1 in 1982, 1-0 in 1990 and 2-1 in 1998. They have to beat them sometime, right?
Brazil need a result themselves. After an entertaining 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti's team might need to win handsomely as the Atlas Lions do their thing against already-eliminated Haiti in Atlanta.
Getty Images
The U.S. rooting against Spain's Bielsa revenge
Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
European champions Spain have had a tough time at the World Cup since their lone success in 2010. The lowest moment came in 2014, when they were dumped out two games into their title defence.
Marcelo Bielsa's vibrant Chile side dealt the final blow as they beat La Roja 2-0, a scoreline that flattered the bedraggled beaten side. Esteemed coach Bielsa is yet to summon similar magic with Uruguay 12 years later, and his team have disappointed across back-to-back draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
But this is still a marquee encounter between two historic powers of world soccer. If Uruguay could get a result to deny Spain top spot in Group H, it would be cheered by United States fans. As things stand, the US and Spain are set to land in the same half of the knockout bracket, on a collision course for a quarterfinal meeting in Inglewood on July 10. If Spain comes second, they are no longer an American problem.
"Honestly, I don't care too much [about the France game]," Erling Haaland told Fox Sports. "We're through, we managed to get through, which is incredible. So I couldn't care too much about that game now. They [France] are probably going to win against us, they're probably going to win the whole tournament."
Don't listen to him, people. The big goal machine freak is bluffing. Haaland and France star Kylian Mbappe have four goals each across their first two games of the competition and are racing clear as their country's all-time top scorers. Mbappe has the all-time World Cup record in his sights and will join Lionel Messi in going beyond previous leader Miroslav Klose with his next goal.
France and Norway are both through, and the Group I winner will face a potential last-16 clash with Germany. The incentives to finish top could certainly be stronger, and expect both teams to make a few changes. But three wins out of three, with momentum maintained, is something to aim for. Mbappe and Haaland will be ready and raring to continue their Golden Boot chase, and New York provides the perfect stage.
Argentina have sealed top spot in the section by beating both Algeria and Austria. The European side is currently second, ahead of the North Africans on goal difference. Both teams have beaten Jordan, who are eliminated.
A straightforward shootout for second place, right? Well, maybe not. Assuming Spain takes care of business against Uruguay and wraps up top spot in Group H, the Group J runner-up will be the next game for Luis de la Fuente's side. As things stand, a draw for Algeria would almost certainly give them one of the best third-place spots and a game against someone other than Spain.
Now, competitive instinct will almost certainly kick in, and there is nothing to suggest either team will operate below the expected levels of integrity. This match does give a delicious call-back to World Cup history, though. At the 1982 World Cup, West Germany and Austria appeared to contrive a draw in their final group match, a result that saw them both progress at Algeria's expense. It was a game inked into World Cup infamy and is known to this day as "The Disgrace of Gijon".
The carve-up in Kansas? We'll have to wait and see…
The 2026 NBA draft is underway, and the first day came with a lot of surprises. Perhaps the biggest one was the LA Lakers stealing Cameron Carr just before he was picked at No. 24 by the New York Knicks. And now, it’s the other 30 players’ turn on the second day, with a lot of talent still on the board.
One of the most talented rookie classes of the last few years had no surprises at the top. AJ Dybantsa was the top pick by Washington, while the Utah Jazz acquired Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer went to the Memphis Grizzlies. The second-round players are mostly those who have no option of returning to college. Let’s see the top five picks of the second round.
#1. Isaiah Evans
Probably the most exciting pick in the next round of the NBA draft and the first one to go could be the Duke wing and guard Isaiah Evans. The ACC’s Sixth Man of the Year in the last season has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and an excellent jumper, shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.1% from deep. Evans was one of the prospects the Lakers had the option to pick in the first round, but the team went with Cameron Carr Jr. by trading up one position with the Knicks. He will be picked on the 31st.
#2. Meleek Thomas
Meleek Thomas is also an elite perimeter shooter, shooting 41.6% from deep. The Arkansas guard averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. He has a decent jumper and the ability to finish at the rim, even with his small size. Given that the Grizzlies have already acquired Duke superstar Cameron Boozer, Thomas’ addition will only be another positive for the team.
#3. Henri Veesaar
Henri Veesaar is a talented rookie out of Estonia who played for North Carolina. The forward improved his game this season multifold, averaging 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He is a solid rim protector and versatile in his scoring. He can work on the paint and shoot 3-pointers at the same time, making 42.6% of his shots from deep. If the Timberwolves can snatch him at the 33rd spot, he can be a solid addition to the frontcourt.
#4. Baba Miller
The 6-foot-11 forward, from Spain, out of the Cincinnati Bearcats, Baba Miller could add serious size and explosiveness to the Cleveland Cavaliers squad, which is slated to pick 34th. In his four seasons in college, his game has shown consistent development, averaging a double-double (13 points and 10.3 rebounds) per game last season. He can finish on the rim and play off the ball, making cuts and helping the lineup.
#5. Richie Saunders
Richie Saunders is another exciting pick from the BYU Cougars, who has everything from slick handles, the ability to change speed and get fouls, to catch and shoot three-pointers. AJ Dybantsa’s college teammate averaged 18 points, shooting 37.6% from deep. The Denver Nuggets can acquire the guard to come off the bench and develop under Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
For the first time since April 22, Francisco Lindor will be in the Mets' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said before the first game that the Mets "anticipate him being active for tonight's game" following his stint on the injured list as he recovered from a calf strain, and he confirmed after the 10-3 loss that Lindor will indeed start.
In 24 games this season, Lindor owns a .226/.314/.355 slash line with two home runs, five RBI, and 14 runs scored.
"We missed him, obviously," Mendoza said. "His presence in the lineup everyday, on and off the field, how much he connects with guys in that locker room, the defense the bat -- he's been missed, obviously. We need him."
With Lindor returning as the starting shortstop, Bo Bichette will slide over back over to third base, but the Mets will need to take things slow with Lindor, likely giving him a day off on Thursday.
"There are going to be some off days here. If he plays today, he's probably going to be down tomorrow," Mendoza said. "... We'll see where we're at, but there are definitely going to be some off days here in the early going as we continue to build him up."
Mateus Fernandes is valued at £80m by West Ham [Getty Images]
Tottenham have accelerated their interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes as they target a central midfielder following a failed bid for Sandro Tonali.
The 21-year-old Fernandes is viewed as a primary target with talks ongoing and, according to sources, progressing positively and Spurs optimistic an agreement can be reached.
West Ham are understood to want around £80m for the Portugal international, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Paris St-Germain.
Last week, Tottenham had a bid rejected by Newcastle United for Italy international Tonali.
It is understood the offer was worth about £80m, with Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi a long-time admirer of his compatriot and the club exploring the finances of a deal for the 26-year-old.
Tonali, though, has four years left on his contract, having signed a new deal to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during his 10-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
Tottenham have made a fast start in the transfer market this summer, having already signed four players.
Earlier on Wednesday, they agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer once his contract with Burnley expires on 1 July.
The 37-year-old Slovakian international is another defensive reinforcement following the signings of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson - also on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool - and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who cost £52m from Brighton.
✅ Scotland-Brazil, Morocco-Haiti XIs: Endrick and Neymar on bench ❌
The final matchday of Group C will be crucial for the Round of 32 bracket, with two heavyweights involved: Brazil and Morocco.
The Seleção face Scotland and hope that Morocco—coming off two excellent performances—do not thrash Haiti, who have already been eliminated from the World Cup.
🔴 Article being updated: click the match cards below for both live text commentaries.
✅ The OFFICIAL lineups for Scotland-Brazil and Morocco-Haiti
BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha. Coach: Ancelotti.
MOROCCO (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Halhal, Riad, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, El Khannouss; Diaz, Saibari, El Kaabi. Coach: Ouahbi.
HAITI (4-4-2): Placide; Duverne, Adé, Delcroix, Expériénce; Casimir, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Joseph. Coach: Migné.
🧮 The Round of 32 scenarios: possible Brazil-France clash
Now let’s see who Brazil, Morocco and Scotland could face if they all qualify for the Round of 32.
1st place vs Netherlands/Japan/Sweden
2nd place vs Netherlands/Japan/Sweden
Possible best 3rd-placed team vs France/Norway
Brazil top the group level on points with Morocco thanks to goal difference (better by 2 goals), but a defeat would almost certainly see them slip to 3rd place: in that case, they would face the winners of Group I: either France or Norway.
Francisco Lindor is back. Whether that is enough to save the Mets' season is another question.
The Mets will activate their star shortstop off the injured list for the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, June 24 against the Cubs at Citi Field, manager Carlos Mendoza said. It will be Lindor's first big league game since April 22, when he strained his left calf.
It comes less than 24 hours after Juan Soto left Tuesday night's loss with left side back tightness. Soto was held out of the first game Wednesday and is considered day to day. Mendoza said the outfielder's back "locked up" on him during the game and that it hurt him to throw and swing. The Mets did not say if Soto had imaging and would not rule out a possible IL stint.
Lindor and Soto have been in the lineup together just nine times in 78 games this season.
Soto is hitting .299 with a .395 on-base percentage and a .965 OPS, with 17 home runs and 38 RBI in 61 games.
Lindor was scuffling before the injury, hitting .226 with a .355 slugging percentage, two home runs and five RBI.
The injuries have just piled up for the Mets this season. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor and shortstop Ronny Mauricio are still rehabbing at Syracuse. Infielder Jorge Polanco is expected back before the All-Star break. The pitching staff has lost Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett and Dedniel Nunez for the season, while Clay Holmes broke his right leg in May and isn't expected back until August.
The Mets entered Wednesday's games at 34-44 and last in the National League East.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are continuing to add to their World Cup legacies at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both players have already found the net during this year's tournament as they look to climb higher on the competition's all-time scoring charts. Each goal could prove significant in the race for World Cup history.
The Sporting News is tracking the latest standings, including the leading scorers at the 2026 World Cup, the all-time goals rankings and where Messi and Mbappe stand among the tournament's greatest goalscorers.
Messi moved into a share of the lead in the Golden Boot race with four goals through Argentina's opening group-stage matches, while Mbappe remains in contention after opening his account for France.
Most World Cup goals all time
Stats updated after matches on June 22.
Rank
Player
Goals
Country
1
Lionel Messi
18
Argentina
2
Miroslav Klose
16
Germany
3
Ronaldo
15
Brazil
4
Gerd Muller
14
West Germany
-
Kylian Mbappe
14
France
6
Just Fontaine
13
France
7
Pele
12
Brazil
Messi's strong start to the 2026 World Cup has seen him move clear at the top of the all-time standings, while Mbappe continues to close the gap on the players above him. The France star is the only active player other than Messi among the competition's leading goalscorers.
How many World Cup goals does Lionel Messi have?
Messi has scored 18 goals at the FIFA World Cup, the most by any player in the tournament's history.
The Argentina captain broke Miroslav Klose's long-standing record during the 2026 World Cup, continuing a scoring journey that began with his first tournament goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. His most prolific campaign came in 2022, when he scored seven times to help Argentina lift the trophy in Qatar.
Messi's record tally has come across six World Cup appearances and 28 matches.
World Cup
Goals
2006
1
2010
0
2014
4
2018
1
2022
7
2026
5*
Total
28*
How many World Cup goals does Kylian Mbappe have?
Mbappe has scored 14 goals at the FIFA World Cup, tying Gerd Muller for fourth on the tournament's all-time scoring list.
The France star has reached that total across three World Cup appearances and remains the youngest player among the competition's top scorers.
World Cup
Goals
2018
4
2022
8
2026
2*
Total
14*
World Cup goals record for one year
Just Fontaine's haul of 13 goals for France at the 1958 World Cup remains the benchmark for a single tournament.
Rank
Player
Country
Goals
World Cup
1
Just Fontaine
France
13
1958
2
Sandor Kocsis
Hungary
11
1954
3
Gerd Muller
West Germany
10
1970
4
Eusebio
Brazil
9
1966
5
Guillermo Stabile
Argentina
8
1930
=
Ronaldo
Brazil
=
2002
=
Kylian Mbappe
France
=
2022
Fontaine's tally of 13 goals in 1958 remains one of the most enduring records in World Cup history. Mbappe's eight-goal haul in 2022 is the closest either he or Messi has come to matching the mark, with the Argentina captain scoring seven during his country's victorious campaign in Qatar.
Both players have added to their totals in 2026, but Fontaine's record remains comfortably intact.
CROMWELL — Golf has always been a spectator sport a world apart from the rest. Could you imagine holding up a “quiet please” sign at Gampel Pavilion? Any baseball fan ever get offended when a ballplayer took his bat to the nearest water cooler after striking out?
In golf, a certain decorum has been part of the deal for a century plus. Competitors were expected to keep their cool and polite applause was the loudest it got … until fairly recently. Last week at the U.S. Open, fans at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island were heard getting all over Wyndham Clark, hoping he would “choke,” trying to will his next shot into the bunker as he played the course with fan favorite Scottie Scheffler.
“Golf is in the process of … leaving just the golf world,” said Keegan Bradley, two-time Travelers champ and captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. “People are coming to tournaments that are sports fans and that’s how people in New York cheer on the Knicks or the Giants or whatever. And they’re coming to tournaments and they’re sports fans, and they’re golfers, but I think that we’re entering a time where the game is really growing in popularity. I think people are coming to golf tournaments to have a good time. I found it a little surprising, considering Wyndham’s American, and at the U.S. Open, but Scottie Scheffler’s a really popular player going for the Grand Slam.”
Maybe correct golfing society was shocked over such a display but, speaking of tradition, the stately locker room at Oakmont had stood intact for 122 years before Clark, having missed the cut there at the 2025 U.S. Open, tore it up in a rage. Clark paid for repairs, went through anger-management sessions and issued public apologies, but he is still repairing his image. Leading wire-to-wire at Shinnecock to capture the U.S. Open a second time may have been a start, or, given the nature of modern sports fandom, may have been even more annoying to the galleries.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s not great to be disliked,” Clark said Wednesday, as he returned triumphantly to the TPC River Highlands, where it all began. “But I’m just going to continue to be the person I am, because I know who I am and I think people will hopefully see that I’m not that guy that, I’m not the person that did those terrible things last year at Oakmont. Hopefully, over time, people actually believe that and become Wyndham Clark fans again.”
The odds are in his favor in this sense: If there is one thing American sports fans love more than to hate a villain, it’s re-embracing a rehabilitated villain. Clark, 32, earned a degree of respect from his peers by shrugging off the fans’ negative vibes and holding off the field last week, including Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer.
“The crowd was tough today,” Scheffler told reporters last Sunday. “I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people. There was a good turnout from the fans. You like seeing the fans cheer for you. I think sometimes it can get a little too much when balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me. Being in the arena is not for everybody, and I think it shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but I think the crowd today as well and is a well-deserving champion.”
Bradley said, “Hey, Wyndham won, so he handled it really well.”
So at this crossroads of sorts, Wyndham Clark is back in Connecticut, where a sponsor’s exemption gave him his first start in a PGA Tour event in 2017. The reaction was far different then, when he teed up up as an amateur from the University of Oregon.
“That was almost more of a whirlwind than winning a U.S. Open because it’s your first Tour start, first time doing media, it’s your first time being on a Tour truck, and people, signing autographs,” Clark said. “I remember when they announced my name and there was actually a crowd clapping. There was hundreds of people on the tee box. You don’t really get that in college golf. It was nerve wracking. I didn’t make the cut. I was nervous. And I’m like, man, this Tour golf, these guys are shooting so far under par, and I was over par. The rough was challenging, the pin placements were a lot closer to the edges than I was used to. So it took some adjusting to it. But it was an amazing first start because this course is so much fun and the atmosphere here is one of the best on Tour.”
Over nine years, things have worked out fine for Clark on the courses, with five PGA wins and two more in Europe, the U.S. Open titles in 2023 and 26. He’s earned $38.4 million, including the $4.5 million he took home from Shinnecock, plenty of salve for the verbal slings and arrow he endured. Clark has won two of his last four starts, finished in the top 11 four times in a row and is ranked eighth in the world.
But he has earned his reputation for hotheadedness; the Oakmont locker room not a stand-alone tantrum. He flung his driver at the 2025 PGA Championship and knocked over a sign, nearly hitting a volunteer, and he’s made the occasional unfortunate statement. However, this is 2026, and in the internet-social media world in which we live the old standards of behavior have long fallen by the wayside in all walks of life — crass replacing class, emotions, including anger and frustration, worn on the sleeve. If Clark’s behavior can be seen as childish, he is also a child of his generation — and so are the fans that line the galleries, some of whom may think of the sport as Adam Sandler and Bob Barker fighting knock-down, drag out across the green. Maybe what we’re seeing is a new golf normal.
“I don’t really see any negative in more people coming to the golf,” Clark said. “I jokingly think of Happy Gilmore when he first came out and they had all those crazy fans, when he played in that movie. But I think that’s good. It brings new audiences. I think it’s great for the game of golf. Golf is cool right now. That’s going to bring cool people, and they’re going to want to watch golf and they might react differently. I think maybe it’s a little different in New York than maybe other places, but, no, I think it’s all good.”
Joao Gomes transfer opportunity stares Man United in the face
An interesting transfer opportunity has just opened up for Manchester United, one they cannot afford to miss.
In the last few months leading up to this summer transfer window, midfielders have consistently been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
Indeed, it was the worst-kept secret: United’s biggest transfer need this summer was to bolster their engine room.
Casemiro’s summer exit was confirmed way too early, while Manuel Ugarte‘s departure is anticipated to end his Old Trafford nightmare once and for all.
Midfield rebuild
The 20-time English champions had several midfield signings to make if they were to field an engine room capable of battling on multiple fronts.
Of the many midfielders United were linked with, a deal for Ederson has already been agreed.
Attention now turns to the remaining signings needed to complete the midfield overhaul.
Tricky midfield transfer chase
It has not been straightforward, however. Interest in targets such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali has cooled, with United no longer pursuing either deal.
Even the Mateus Fernandes chase, currently the priority, is growing complicated, with Tottenham Hotspur muscling in on the race for his services.
If not Fernandes, then who?
While there is talk of United turning to AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott if the Fernandes deal falls through, another alternative is being overlooked: Joao Gomes.
Despite Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles last season, Gomes stood out. The midfield destroyer he is; his aggressive tackling and elite ball-winning ability singled him out as one of the Premier League’s finest defensive midfielders.
United were heavily linked with his services, but as they waited to make their move at the end of the season, Atletico Madrid came calling. Early May reports confirmed the Spanish heavyweights had agreed personal terms with the midfielder, seemingly spelling the end of United’s hopes.
However, with no club-to-club agreement in place, the door remained ajar for anyone willing to try a sensational hijack.
For weeks, nothing was said about Gomes to Atletico, but this week, a report from Spain’s Mundo Deportivo hinted at a golden opportunity to hijack a Gomes to Atletico transfer.
Atletico Madrid stall on Joao Gomes transfer
The Spanish outlet revealed that the deal taking Gomes to the Wanda Metropolitano is currently on hold, explaining that “his situation was contingent on Bernardo Silva joining Atletico, as it was part of the negotiation with both players’ agent, Jorge Mendes. When the former Manchester City player backed out, the deal for the Brazilian from Wolverhampton was put on hold.”
Crucially, the report also highlighted that Atletico are unwilling to meet Wolves’ asking price, noting that “in both cases — Gomes and the Morten Hjulmand chase — the fees demanded by their respective clubs exceed €40 million, an amount Atletico is unwilling to pay.”
If United can firm up a £35 million offer, the figure Wolves are believed to be willing to accept, they can successfully hijack his move to Spain. Just as they swayed Ederson into snubbing Atletico despite him having already agreed personal terms, the Gomes situation need not be any different.
Agreeing on personal terms with the Samba Star, whom Gary O’Neil called “super talent”, should be the easy part. A chance to continue playing in the Premier League should excite him.
Gomes could open the door to a marquee midfielder signing
Sign Ederson and Gomes for £35 million apiece, and suddenly an £80 million-plus deal for Fernandes becomes affordable, and a genuine midfield rebuild becomes possible.
Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge of the U.S. Men's National Team since September 2024 -Credit:Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
Hired by U.S. Soccer back in September 2024 to guide the U.S. Men’s National Team through the first FIFA World Cup on home soil since 1994, head coach Mauricio Pochettino seemingly didn’t realize exactly the scale of the challenge which laid before him.
The Argentine, who is best known for his stints in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, was walking into a team that had only recently failed to make it out of the group stage at Copa América behind Panama and Uruguay.
Perhaps their performances at the tournament should have served as a warning sign of how much needed to be done to maximise the potential from an undoubtedly talented generation of players, but it appears this wasn’t the case for Pochettino.
Pochettino took charge mere months after Gregg Berhalter led the USMNT to a group stage exit at Copa América -Credit:Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
“Maybe we didn’t feel or saw how difficult was going to be the process. We were so naïve when we signed the contract,” he recently told reporters, via USA Today. “We misjudged the situation. It was worse than we really believed.”
Once Pochettino’s tenure began, with just under a year and a half to go until the U.S. was set to co-host the World Cup along with Mexico and Canada, he arrived knowing that time was not on their side and the pressure was on to deliver quickly.
“We don't say that we have better standard, better culture, better habit. We came with different things and we wanted to make the things how we really feel, and that is always a process to change,” Pochettino said.
“If you have the habit to every morning to go [somewhere] and someone say, 'No, you cannot go there,' you are going to fight because it was your comfort zone and you say, 'No, I want my comfort zone.'”
It’s been a rocky road since Pochettino took charge, losing their previously vice like grip on the CONCACAF Nations League title in dramatic style with a 1-0 defeat to Panama in the semi-final before losing to Canada 2-1 in the third-place playoff.
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The subsequent Gold Cup, which featured numerous up and coming stars in a new look roster, proved more promising as Pochettino’s more aggressive style truly began to come to life, only to lose the final 2-1 against Mexico.
Since then, performances have been mixed, with some extremely promising results against the likes of Japan, Uruguay, and Senegal, alongside some tough losses against Germany, Portugal, and Belgium.
Thankfully for the former Argentina international, since the World Cup kicked off, the USMNT have hit new heights. Their dynamic and aggressive playing style has shone through, with Pochettino’s side looking assured and confident through both games to date, resulting in a 4-1 win against Paraguay and a 2-0 victory over Australia.
For the USMNT, this uptick in form may well be down to the various hurdles they’ve had to overcome and learn from since Pochettino took charge, not least their run of four defeats, kick-started by their Panama loss last year,
“That was good crash,” Pochettino explained. “When we detect all the problems, we go for the solution and … we knew that the solution will arrive. The object is to challenge people. We challenge the organization, we challenge players, we challenge everyone.
Pochettino's USMNT has won both of its first two FIFA World Cup games -Credit:Jamie Squire/Getty Images
“That was the process, [so] that now is not a coincidence.”
Now with the USMNT riding a newfound wave of confidence and form, and with their spot in the Round of 32 already secured prior to their final group game against Türkiye on Thursday, Pochettino wants his team to absorb all of this positivity with the hopes of maybe manifesting a deep tournament run - or potentially even an unlikely title.
The cost of getting into a World Cup match involving the host nation tends to climb as kickoff nears, so the late slide in prices for Canada’s Group B decider is a strange one.
Canada faced Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver on Wednesday with top spot on the line, the kind of high-stakes home fixture that usually sends demand — and prices — through the roof.
Instead, the market has gone the other way. The cheapest available ticket for the game fell by 43% over the past three days, a bigger drop than any other fixture on the schedule.
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
A surprising dip for Canada’s decider against Switzerland
The slide, flagged by Ticket Data Keith on X, stands out against everything else happening in the resale market this week.
BC Place is one of the smaller venues among the 16 host cities, which should keep supply tight and prices firm rather than send them tumbling hours before kickoff.
It also runs against the predominant pricing trend of the tournament so far, with costs spiking the moment a host nation is involved. We recently broke down a 10x price difference for USMNT tickets compared with a neutral group-stage tie.
Reports during the build-up claimed FIFA overruled its own US staff, who had warned against the dynamic pricing model now drawing so much criticism — another reason why cheap tickets are so surprising.
For now, the Vancouver dip looks more like a one-off than a sign of things to come.
With knockout football about to begin and the stakes climbing sharply, drops of this size — especially for matches involving the host nations — are unlikely to repeat.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Petr David Josek is an award-winning AP staff photojournalist based in Prague, the Czech Republic. This is Josek’s fourth World Cup, and he has also shot five Summer Olympics and three Winter Olympics.
Why this photo?
It was late in a 0-0 game between England and Ghana and any scoring chance could have decided the match. The reaction of England's Harry Kane illustrates how intense the moment was and how much players valued any chance to score. Kane also is one of the main stars of the 2026 World Cup, so any goal he scores evokes conversations about other icons — Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo.
How I made this photo
I was shooting Kane's scoring chance on a 70-200 but when I saw him reacting I decided to quickly switch to 400 mm to get a tight frame of him to capture his emotions.
Why it works
Kane missed what was a great chance to score and his reaction was quite telling about how he felt about the lost opportunity. The photo also illustrates the England squad's overall perspective of the match, which was they let several chances to win slip away.
Malone and Walsh will have a new conference opponent on their schedules in a few years.
The University of Indianapolis will become a full member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference on July 1, 2027. UIndy has been a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference since the league's inception in 1978.
“UIndy has distinguished itself among the best in NCAA Division II through its commitment to academic excellence, student success and national championship-caliber athletics, making it an exceptional fit for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference," G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger said in a statement. "Their addition further strengthens a conference committed to academic achievement, competitive excellence and an outstanding student-athlete experience. UIndy's institutional profile, tradition of success and geographic location align perfectly with our strategic vision for the future."
UIndy athletics have been very successful nationally in recent years. The Greyhounds won national titles in women's golf in 2015, 2018 and 2024, women's lacrosse in 2022 and men's swimming and diving in 2023.
🏆🐾 UIndy announced Wednesday an exciting new chapter in its storied athletics history: the Greyhounds will join the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) on July 1, 2027. #BeGreat x @GreatMidwestAC
“Joining the G-MAC is an exciting strategic opportunity that strengthens the future of UIndy Athletics and enhances the experience of our Greyhound student-athletes,” UIndy athletic director Kim Pate said in a release. “This move aligns us with institutions that share our values, reinforces our commitment to academic and athletic excellence, improves geographic alignment and positions Greyhound Athletics for sustained long-term success.
"Most importantly, our championship expectations remain unchanged. We will continue to compete for conference titles, NCAA postseason opportunities and national championships while providing a best-in-class student-athlete experience."
UIndy will compete for G-MAC championships beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
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Florida State football will send one of the ACC’s top returning playmakers and its projected starting quarterback to next month’s ACC Kickoff, as wide receiver Duce Robinson, quarterback Ashton Daniels, defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls and head coach Mike Norvell will represent the Seminoles at the conference’s annual preseason media event in Charlotte.
The three-day event, held at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown from July 15-17, will feature representatives from all 17 ACC football programs.
Duce, Ja’Bril & Ashton will represent the Garnet & Gold in Charlotte on July 15
Robinson headlines FSU's player delegation after a breakout 2025 season in which he earned first-team All-ACC and third-team All-America honors. The senior became the 11th player in program history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season, finishing with 56 catches for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns.
Daniels, a redshirt senior transfer from Auburn, enters his first season at Florida State after appearing in 37 games across stops at Auburn and Stanford. The Buford, Georgia, native has accumulated 4,783 passing yards, 1,397 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns during his collegiate career. He was named the starting quarterback after the end of spring practice.
Rawls, a Pensacola native entering his fourth year in the program, started seven games at cornerback in 2025 before a season-ending injury. He finished with 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery.
For his career, Rawls has recorded 58 tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Norvell enters his seventh season at FSU and is the ACC’s fourth-longest-tenured head coach.
FSU opens the 2026 season against New Mexico State on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
Wales will add another chapter to the historic fixture against the Barbarians when playing a double-header in Twickenham at the end of the month.
Steve Tandy's men will warm up for their Nations Championship Tests when facing the invitational side at 14:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June before Sean Lynn's women take to the field at Allianz Stadium at 17:00 BST.
The first of 11 meetings between Wales' men and Barbarians took place at Cardiff Arms Park in 1915, with the Baa-Baas winning 26-10.
The centenary of the Welsh Rugby Union was marked in 1990 against a star-studded side featuring Nick Farr-Jones, David Campese, Jeremy Guscott, Eric Rush, Philippe Saint-Andre, Ian Jones and Mike Teague, who took the spoils 31-24.
That fixture saw Wales award caps, just as they did in 2011 ahead of the Rugby World Cup and a year later, which helped Martyn Williams bid farewell by becoming a centurion.
Test novices in Tandy and Lynn's squads will not win first caps by featuring against the Barbarians this time.
Barbarians won uncapped meetings with Wales in Cardiff in 2001, 2002 and 2003 before a first fixture in England in 2004.
The Mike Ruddock era started with a 42-0 victory at Bristol's Ashton Gate, with the Baa-Baas nilled for the first time since 1978.
Fond farewells in Cardiff
Leigh Halfpenny won 101 caps for Wales and Alun Wyn Jones played 158 times for his country [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Wales men last played the Barbarians in November 2023 when Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric said farewell to Principality Stadium for the visitors, while Leigh Halfpenny made his last appearance for his country.
Jones scored for the Baa-Baas, but Warren Gatland's men ran out 49-26 winners.
Gatland was in the other changing room in November 2019 when in charge of Barbarians after bringing his first spell as Wales coach to an end after the World Cup.
Wayne Pivac enjoyed a winning start to his reign as the hosts won 43-33, scoring six tries to four.
The 2012 fixture in Cardiff was also won by Wales, who featured Martyn Williams on his international century while Shane Williams said goodbye with the Baa-Baas.
Barbarians' previous victory in the fixture came in 2011 thanks to Isa Nacewa's last-minute try against a Wales side that featured debutant Taulupe Faletau plus Gavin Henson on his first international appearance for two years.
Bethan Lewis captained Wales in the 2026 Six Nations [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Barbarians made history in 2017 when playing a first women's fixture – with the Welsh pair of Elen Evans and Rachel Taylor featuring against Munster.
Two years later the Baa-Baas – coached by Jo Yapp, who will lead the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand next year, with the help of Taylor – faced Wales for the first time.
They ran out 29-15 winners at Principality Stadium with Dyddgu Hywel among their try scorers, while Lisa Neumann, Keira Bevan and Alex Callender went over for Wales in front of 12,600 supporters.
Baa-Baas' magic moment in Cardiff
The Barbarians have strong roots in Wales thanks to their Easter tours, which featured fixtures against Penarth, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport.
Of course, the Baa-Baas' most famous moment was a try scored by a Welshman in Cardiff.
Gareth Edwards' length of the field effort against New Zealand in 1973 is widely regarded as the greatest try ever scored.
The Carwyn James-coached Baa-Baas won at the Arms Park and enjoyed a second success against the All Blacks in December 2009, with the help of three Welshmen.
Centre Jamie Roberts started and full-back Leigh Halfpenny and number eight Andy Powell came off the bench in a 25-18 triumph, with South Africa wing Bryan Habana scoring a hat-trick.
Wales will hope that Barbarians do not claim another international scalp in London as they prepare for the next stage of Tandy's rebuild.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Reaves intends to re-sign with the Lakers on a four-year $185 million contract with a player option for 2029-2030.
The deal comes after Reaves had a career year. In year five with the Lakers, Reaves set career highs with 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. His 5.5 assists per game matched his second-best season distributing the basketball.
After playing in a rotational role his first couple of seasons in the NBA, Reaves became a full-time starter late in the 2023-2024 season. He then went on to start 73 games for Los Angeles in 2024-2025 but was limited to just 51 games and 45 starts, suffering an abdominal injury.
He's become one of the most important players on a Lakers roster that features LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Reaves emergence over the last few years gives the Lakers a big three to build around.
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract to return to the franchise, with a player option for the final season in 2029-30, sources tell ESPN. Reaves declined his $14.9M player option for the new max deal. pic.twitter.com/5T8Ze6v0kF
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With the 2026 NHL draft in just two days, scouts around the league are finalizing their rankings of players at every position, including the centers.
This class features some intriguing two-way pivots with star potential at the NHL level, highlighted by Caleb Malhotra and Viggo Bjorck.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 centers who will be up for grabs at the KeyBank Centre in Buffalo on June 26-27. We’ve completed rankings for goaltenders, defensemen, and wingers.
1. Caleb Malhotra, Brantford (OHL)
Caleb Malhotra plays a detailed two-way game and is one of the biggest risers in this class. He emerged as a dynamic offensive player in the OHL this season, recording 84 points in 55 games with the Brantford Bulldogs.
Malhotra has good hands, has improved his playmaking, and has showcased the ability to make high-end plays with pace. His defensive habits and stick details are impressive for his age, providing him the opportunity to become an all-situations, top-six center in the right environment.
Viggo Bjorck is a hard-nosed, competitive center who has been on a continuous upward trajectory. He started his season in a checking role with Djurgarden in the SHL after setting the J18 scoring record as a 15-year-old and the J20 scoring record as a 16-year-old last year.
He then had an outstanding world juniors and was one of the most important players for Sweden on its gold-medal run, worked his way into a top-line role in the SHL, earned a spot on Team Sweden’s World Championship roster, and now enters the draft as a potential top-10 pick.
Bjorck has passed every test with flying colors.
3. Tynan Lawrence, Boston University (NCAA)
Tynan Lawrence entered the season widely regarded as the top center in this draft, but a turbulent season filled with injuries and struggles at the NCAA level caused his stock to drop.
Lawrence is a dynamic transition player with creative rush patterns and skating ability that could make him an impactful middle-six forward, but the top-line upside he once had is now in question.
Oliver Suvanto has some of the best physical skills in this draft, projecting as a reliable third-line centre with strong net-front skills and stout defensive commitment.
Suvanto took a unique path, jumping straight from the U18 junior hockey circuit in Finland to the professional ranks of Liiga, skipping the U20 program and establishing himself in a middle-six role on a solid Tappara team. He has a much more projectable floor than others in this class, making him an attractive asset in the draft.
5. Alexander Command, Orebro Jr. (Swe.)
Offense doesn’t come as naturally to Alexander Command as it does to other centers in this class, lacking a standout tool that makes it difficult to justify his projection being any higher than a third-line forward at this stage of his development.
However, he’s got a high compete level and work ethic that he uses to constantly make the opposition uncomfortable, which are admirable traits that can be built on.
Jack Hextall possesses many pro habits and, when he’s at his best, is a versatile scoring forward capable of playing center or on the wing. He’s shown flashes of offensive creativity along with an NHL-caliber shot that suggest he would be capable of becoming a second-line centre, but not at a consistent enough level for that projection to remain sturdy.
7. Ilia Morozov, Miami (Ohio) (NCAA)
Ilia Morozov was one of the youngest forwards in college hockey this year and played top-line minutes with Miami, finishing with 20 points in 36 games.
He’s got an above-average shot and has a good vision for offense, but is missing the high-end skill to consistently execute. He’s still undeniably one of the best two-way forwards in this class and has a variety of outcomes for his NHL career.
Maddox Dagenais found his scoring touch in the QMJHL this season, putting together a 30-goal campaign with the Quebec Remparts. It was an intriguing development for Dagenais, who already has a ton of great physical tools and profiles as a middle-six power forward at the NHL level.
His shot is his biggest offensive weapon, and if he improves his skating and shows he can consistently play in high-paced environments, there’s a real path for him to become a top-six center in the NHL.
9. Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Markus Ruck led the WHL in assists (87) and points (108) in what was a dominant season alongside his twin brother, Liam, with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Markus thrives on the cycle, with effective give-and-go passes and elite overall vision in the offensive zone.
He turned into arguably the best playmaker in the WHL. Still, as an undersized forward, he’ll have to elevate his skating to become a regular offensive contributor at the NHL level.
Right now, Brooks Rogowski has what it takes to be plugged in as a fourth-line centre in the NHL with his gigantic 6-foot-7 build and strong motor, but if he becomes more creative as an offensive player, there’s an incredibly high ceiling for him.
So much of his development will come down to what a team views his projection to be, because an emphasis on defense will limit what he can become.
Greg Hamilton making a ring introduction for SmackDown.
WWE
Greg Hamilton is a storyteller.
Though the role of a ring announcer in combat sports is often overlooked, Hamilton’s role in WWE—and now in PFL—is of the utmost importance. When done correctly, ring announcers can be immortalized through nostalgia like Howard Finkel, become viral sensations in short order like Samantha Irvin or even enjoy elusive longevity like Hamilton himself, who now announces across multiple combat sports promotions.
Hamilton’s ring introduction skills have evolved over time. In WWE, he was a charismatic, if not irreverent, presence who set the tone for every match through standardized ring announcements that he made his own. Now performing ring introductions for PFL, Hamilton’s storytelling skills are on full display. Instead of the standard “location/weight/name” intros applicable to all wrestlers, Hamilton is safe to spread his wings and tell the full story of who the fighters are and why fans should care.
Greg Hamilton On The Difference Between WWE And MMA Announcing
“There’s quite a bit that’s different [between WWE and MMA ring announcing],” said Hamilton in an exclusive interview.
“I started as a host. I started as a morning show host on CBS in San Antonio. When I got to WWE, my job at first was to create and develop a host program for the live events. So there wasn’t just a ring announcer, but actually a host going out and interacting with the crowd. Then all of a sudden, Brandi Rhodes left and I got a call and they said, ‘Hey, Brandi’s leaving, you’re going to do SmackDown starting next week.’ So I fell into announcing, which I think has been my greatest asset because I’m not trying to sound like anybody because I didn’t know how to try to sound like anybody.”
“So I just try to create energy and storytelling. And then going on to the biggest adjustment, there’s a couple things. There’s believing in myself that I could do it because one thing I can say is PFL feels like more of a sport in the big leagues as opposed to entertainment.”
“In MMA, there’s so much homework because every single show you’ve got 12 fights and it’s different fighters every single show for the most part. I mean, guys will fight two, three times a year, versus SmackDown, where I could give you that roster in my sleep. I mean, Roman Reigns, Pensacola, Florida, 265 pounds. You know what I mean? So it’s research going into all of the fighters, their backgrounds, there’s more in their introductions. So I really put in a lot of work and a lot of homework leading into each show. That’s provided a lot of personal growth for me, learning how to do that and figuring out my own style of creating my cards. How do I want to announce them? What story do I want to tell about them when they’re coming to the cage?”
Greg Hamilton announcing for PFL.
Greg Hamilton on Instagram
Greg Hamilton’s Most Important Lessons In WWE
Hamilton’s continued evolution is a product of his trial-by-fire education in WWE. Hamilton’s six-year stint with WWE all came under the watchful (if not micromanaging) eye of the since-departed Vince McMahon. Hamilton gained notoriety for his over-the-top introduction of Vince’s son Shane after Shane McMahon won the WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. This caveat highlighted another major difference between MMA and WWE, as the creative aspect behind every personality in WWE can be the difference between ring announcer and household name.
“In wrestling, man, creative can either make you a superstar and a Hall of Famer or a creative can get you cut," said Hamilton.
“I get people trying to maneuver in the world of wrestling because that’s their livelihood and creative is a big part of that. So getting over with the writers and the creative part, that's a big deal.”
Greg Hamilton’s Thoughts On Ronda-Carano And UFC Freedom 250
Hamilton remains a fan of pro wrestling and MMA across the board. As a key figure of PFL, a challenger combat sports league, he was happy to see the recent launch of MVP Productions, which aired their debut fight on Netflix where Ronda Rousey made short work of Gina Carano.
“I thought the production was out of this world,” said Hamilton. “I thought it was fantastic, which Netflix only does that one way. They only do fantastic. I thought it was an interesting card. I thought that’s the lane of MVP in the MMA world if they get into MMA. I also think it was Netflix dipping their toe in the MMA water to see what kind of interest there would be should they start to carry any kind of MMA. But I thought it was an entertaining card. I didn’t find it as serious as UFC or PFL, but there’s a lane for that. That's what MVP does. That's what they're good at. So I thought it was an entertaining show and the production was out of this world.”
UFC answered MVP’s superfight with a supercard of its own when the Trump-adjacent promotion celebrated the President’s birthday for the unprecedented (and polarizing) UFC Freedom 250 card on the Whitehouse lawn. UFC claims a disputed number of 17 million viewers, but despite a more high-profile card that was promoted like a Super Bowl, UFC Freedom 250 aired on the much smaller Paramount+. As a result, the event was outdrawn by MVP’s Rousey vs. Carano on Netflix.
Hamilton has not seen UFC Freedom 250 yet, however he was impressed with its production as well based on highlights.
“Some of the camera shots I did see were very, very creative and unique," said Hamilton. “More importantly, for the first time—probably ever—MMA was the biggest topic in the country (regardless of what people thought, good or bad) and that’s a great thing for our sport and could lead to more eyeballs and conversations, which is exciting for us.”
Greg Hamilton performs a ring introduction for PFL Cage Fighting.
Credit: Greg Hamilton/PFL
Greg Hamilton’s Thoughts On TKO
Since Hamilton’s departure from WWE in 2021, the promotion has changed so much it is literally an entirely different company. In September 2023, WWE merged with UFC to create TKO Group Holdings. In the three years since TKO was founded, both WWE and UFC have seen windfalls of revenue from TV rights deals, sponsorships and record-breaking live gates.
But with an increasingly corporatized America comes TKO fatigue. This was a hot topic of conversation during WrestleMania 42, which came under scrutiny for sacrificing match times to spam commercials.
“It’s no secret that [WWE and UFC] are going to take sponsorship money any which way they can,” said Hamilton.
“But I don’t mind the logos on the mat and everything. And the one thing I do like about this is that—you’ve got to understand, too—during my time [in WWE], we weren’t allowed to do anything. I had to get off of Cameo even. I got called into talent relations for tagging a restaurant once and I paid for the meal. I was like, ‘Man, I love this place.’ I tagged the restaurant [on social media], walk in the arena and a referee’s like, ‘Talent relations wants to see you.’”
“They asked, ‘Why are you tagging restaurants?’”
“I said, ‘Because it was really good?’”
“And you remember Zelina Vega had to get off of Twitch. My point to all that is this TKO era is also allowing people to make extra money through these sponsorships and that I love for them. So that’s the upside to it. The logos and the matches stuff don’t really bother me."
Greg Hamilton is on Instagram @Hostgreghutson and is a cage announcer for PFL. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Switzerland sealed their place in the last 32 of the World Cup by defeating co-hosts Canada to finish top of Group B.
Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi in the opening 12 minutes of the second half were enough to secure top spot in Vancouver.
The victory also ensured Switzerland are only the third nation - alongside Argentina and France - to reach the knockout stages in each of the last four World Cups.
As a result, they will face one of the third-placed teams from Group E, F, G, H, I or J in Vancouver on 3 July.
Despite the defeat, Canada secured a place in the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia and Herzegovina and thrashed Qatar in their previous two matches.
But by failing to finish top of the standings, Jesse Marsch's side have surrendered their home advantage and will now not play any more of their matches in Canada.
Their next match will come at the Los Angeles Stadium in California on 28 June when they will face the runners-up of Group A.
In a first half with few chances, it was Switzerland - captained by Granit Xhaka on his 149th international appearance - who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Breel Embolo saw his effort from inside the area well saved by Maxime Crepeau.
Canada struggled to trouble their opponents and - even after hitting six past Qatar last week - could only manage three tame shots on target during a timid first-half display.
Switzerland took the lead within a minute of the restart as Manzambi picked out Vargas with a cross to the back post, which the forward finished calmly to score his second goal of the tournament.
Murat Yakin's side scored what turned out to be the winner 11 minutes later when Manzambi finished from inside the area after some impressive hold-up play from Embolo.
Canada halved the deficit 14 minutes from time when substitute Promise David finished off a delightful team move - 76 seconds after his introduction - but it wasn't enough to spark a fightback.
Vargas (right) and Manzambi (left) are the first pair of Switzerland players to both score in back-to-back World Cup matches since Robert Ballamann and Josef Hugi in 1954 [Getty Images]
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 04: New Orleans linebacker Demario Davis (56) warms up prior to the start of the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on January 4th, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has earned the 95th spot of the NFL’s Top 100 players list for 2025. This marks the sixth appearance on the list for Davis, who is entering his 15th NFL Season.
Unfortunately, after 8 seasons with the Saints, Davis departed New Orleans for the New York Jets in March during free agency. Davis was drafted by New York back in 2012 and this his 3rd stint with the team.
During the 2025 season, Davis started all 17 games for the Saints, racking up a career-high 143 tackles (64 solo and 79 assists)
The 37-year-old also made the NFL’s Top 100 list consecutively from 2020-2024.
Davis is ranked above his former teammate, Saints DE Cam Jordan, who just made the list at No. 100 as well as running back Travis Etienne, who spent 4 seasons with the Jaguars before signing with the Saints in March.
The Miami Heat's acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't just alter the balance of power in the Eastern Conference; it also completely unlocked the rest of the NBA trade market. With the massive superstar domino finally falling ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, front offices are now targeting the next potential move and specifically, a few under-the-radar names that could be on the move ahead of the new season.
While names like Jaylen Brown and Ja Morant will remain at the center of the NBA trade rumor mill, the door has officially swung open for several other names worth monitoring in the coming weeks. Specifically, a few role players that could fill areas of major need for the 2026-27 season, so let's break down a few of the names to monitor as NBA trade season picks up.
Stewart was reportedly at the center of the Pistons' interest in making a run at Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. However, with Reaves re-signing with the Lakers, it opens the door for Detroit to consider other possible moves. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that trading Stewart would have been one of several moves the Pistons would have made to position themselves to make a run at Reaves. Stewart was already a name to monitor, but this highlights that the team could trade him to acquire another high-impact offensive player.
Although Murphy is likely the least "under the radar" name on this list, he's still one to closely monitor this offseason. He's been linked to several potential teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks, ahead of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Although neither team has yet to make a move for Murphy and didn't choose to package their first-round pick in a deal for him, he's the type of player who could make sense for either team, and several other potential suitors are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
It's not a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Mavericks will trade Kyrie Irving. He was excellent playing alongside fellow star Luka Doncic before the deal that sent his former teammate to the Los Angeles Lakers. Realistically, there's a world where Irving could thrive next to Cooper Flagg, but if Dallas can get value for Irving, who's coming off a torn ACL, and wants to embrace the idea of a young core, this could make a lot of sense. Among the teams worth monitoring could be the Minnesota Timberwolves, and pairing Irving with Anthony Edwards could be a great duo to help round out the team's outlook heading into next season.
The weeks leading up to the trade deadline often focus on the teams and players trending up, and that makes sense. Which players, the thinking goes, could add to or fill holes for teams that are already in contention?
But every season, there are also players who we believe will be on the move but end up not being traded. Usually, the reason for that is underperformance — particularly underperformance from those players during the summer stretch right before the deadline.
Here are five players on probable deadline sellers who have hurt their trade value with their play so far in 2026.
Freddy Peralta, SP, New York Mets
When the Mets traded for Peralta in the offseason, he was supposed to be the rotation piece that brought everything together. He was seen as not only a high-level starting pitcher but also one with postseason experience who could lead the Mets’ staff to new heights. Unfortunately, that has just not happened this season.
Peralta, 30, has looked like a shell of himself in 2026, and fittingly, more often than not, he has gotten “shelled” as a Met. The right-hander is currently 5-6 with a 4.83 ERA in 16 starts, and things have gotten worse recently. Over his past seven outings, Peralta has a 7.18 ERA, and he has just two quality starts since May 1.
The Mets, who are 34-45 and eight games back of a wild card, are trending toward being sellers at the trade deadline. For the team, having its best potential trade chip looking like one of the worst starting pitchers in the National League is suboptimal. It’s also not ideal for Peralta, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Both he and the Mets need better results over the next six weeks.
Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox
When it comes to trade rumors, few players have been mentioned more often than Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. Duran looked like a budding star in 2023 and 2024. He was turning into a two-way force on offense and defense, he was an All-Star in ‘24, and he even received MVP votes. But for the 29-year-old outfielder, the arrow has taken a downturn last season and so far this season.
Duran has a woeful .199/.258/.366 slash line with 12 homers and 37 RBIs in 72 games in 2026. He has the fourth-lowest batting average among qualified hitters, and his 30.2% strikeout rate is the highest of his career (for a full season). While he still rates as an above-average defender in left field, the lack of offense is impossible to overlook.
Not many things have gone right for the Red Sox this season. Even so, Duran’s turn from one of the best players in MLB to one of the worst is definitely a head-scratcher — and it makes their path to improving at the deadline more difficult.
Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen bet on himself this past offseason. After testing the free-agent market, the 30-year-old right-hander returned to Arizona on a one-year deal. After a down 2025 season, the D-backs and Gallen were hoping for a bounce-back this season.
Instead, things have taken a turn for the worst for Arizona’s longtime ace. Gallen has been the worst qualified starter in MLB this season, with a 6.10 ERA across 16 starts. Opponents have an .869 OPS off the right-hander and are hitting a whopping .317 against him, nearly 40 points higher than the second-worst opponent batting average.
Gallen’s numbers have been trending in the wrong direction for the past few seasons, which is likely why other teams didn’t bite in the offseason. It also makes it unlikely that Arizona could get much in a trade for him as a short-term rental. Looking ahead to his return to the free-agent market this winter, there might not be a pitcher in baseball who has cost himself more.
Michael Lorenzen, SP, Colorado Rockies
When Lorenzen signed a one-year, $8 million deal in the offseason, it seemed like the classic sign-and-flip. Lorenzen could come to Colorado, provide some quality starts and then be moved to a contender at the trade deadline.
But Lorenzen’s season hasn’t been that simple. The Rockies’ right-hander has not only had trouble at Coors Field, which could’ve been expected; he has also had trouble on the road, which is more of a surprise. Lorenzen has a 6.05 ERA in eight starts away from Coors this season.
Lorenzen is still on an expiring contract, so for teams searching for a flier in the rotation, he might still be worth a look. But he won’t be providing the Rockies a significant boost with what they’ll receive in return.
Willy Adames, SS, San Francisco Giants
Things have not gone the way Adames probably expected since he arrived in San Francisco. The Giants’ shortstop struggled in his first year in the Bay, and it was clear the hitting environment in San Francisco was a challenge for him. The team invested a seven-year, $177 million contract in Adames to be one of their foundational pieces two winters ago, but after a losing season in 2025 and with the team cruising toward another one in 2026, president of baseball operations Buster Posey has made it clear the Giants will likely have to sell at the trade deadline.
Adames’ production has declined since his move to San Francisco. While he became the first Giants’ player since Barry Bonds in 2004 to hit 30 homers in a season last year, the overall offensive numbers took a hit. And so far this season, with a .227/.269/.424 slash line to go with 13 homers, his numbers leave a lot to be desired.
The simple truth is the Giants’ shortstop would probably benefit from the change of scenery. But his price doesn’t match his production right now, which will make it a challenging contract for the Giants to move.
LONDON (AP) — Top tennis players at Wimbledon will extend their protest over prize money by limiting their media appearances at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament next week.
The decision means the players will only talk to media for 15 minutes after each match during the first week of the tournament.
However, a statement put out Wednesday by an advisory firm representing the players said the “direct action protest” will continue during the first week at the All England Club.
“Players will limit their contractual media commitments at the tournament to 15 minutes — reflecting that Wimbledon currently pays slightly below 15% of revenues to players as prize money — for the duration of the first week of the Championships,” the statement said. “Following detailed consultation with players across both tours, player representatives have written to Wimbledon’s leadership to inform them of the planned action, while acknowledging the welcome recent 20% increase in prize money compared to last year’s Championships.”
The statement said the the players' share of Wimbledon's projected revenues this year is 14.4%, which would be below the 14.9% share they received 10 years ago.
The players had written a proposal last year asking for 16% of revenues.
The statement did not specify which players would take part in the protest.
At the French Open, No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek were among the top-10 ranked women who limited their media appearances, as did men's No. 1 Jannik Sinner. However, Novak Djokovic did not take part in the protest.
In announcing Wimbledon's 20-percent increase in prize money two weeks ago, All England Club chair Deborah Jevans said she hoped it would satisfy the players.
“We’ve demonstrated that we’ve looked at every round, including qualifying," Jevans said at the time. "My hope is that the players do recognize what a significant increase that this is.” ___
The 2026 French Open was plagued with intense heat which made weather a major storyline for the Roland Garros tournament.
It forced players to retire and withdraw and caused others to struggle mightily mid match.
That same weather storyline should not be in play for the third Grand Slam of the tennis season, the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, scheduled to begin main draw play on Monday, June 29.
Unfortunately, players going through the qualifying rounds right now are dealing with intense heat which is expected to reach a peak of 93 degrees on Friday. Saturday will remain in the high eighties before the temperatures go down to 73 degrees on Monday.
Rain could be an issue for early round play on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the highest percentage rain chance of 81% on Wednesday.
Jul 6, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; General view of Centre Court with the roof closed during the Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sonny Kartal of Great Britain match on day seven at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
Wimbledon has two courts with retractable roofs, Centre Court and Court 1. Players whose matches are scheduled on these courts will largely be unaffected by rain.
The French Open heat and the amazing play of qualifier Maja Chwalinska dominated the headlines. Wimbledon storylines are expected to center around Venus Williams and Serena Williams playing doubles and Serena playing singles.
Stan Wawrinka will be playing in his last career Wimbledon so there will be a lot of attention on him. Wawrinka, 41, the 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon quarterfinalist, is retiring at the end of the year.
The Andy Murray coached Jack Draper will grab headlines. This will be particularly true if Draper makes a deep run in his home tournament.
Because grass season is extremely short, we do not have a good feel for who will play well at Wimbledon. Many of the storylines will be written as the rounds progress.
Wimbledon will air on ESPN beginning Monday, June 29.
The Los Angeles Lakers can’t afford to look too far ahead, as their most important objective at the moment is to surround Luka Doncic with the best supporting cast he’s had in Los Angeles since joining the franchise in 2025.
However, that didn’t stop Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek from exploring an intriguing 2027 NBA Draft option for the franchise.
Polacek has a hunch that the Lakers could find themselves competing with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles’ four-time NBA champion star, LeBron James.
“Bronny James wasn't exactly considered a can't-miss NBA prospect when he entered the 2024 NBA draft," Polacek wrote Wednesday. "After all, he averaged just 4.8 points per game while shooting 36.6% from the field during his one season with USC."
“Yet that didn't stop the Los Angeles Lakers from drafting him and making him teammates with his famous father. Bronny has remained a secondary contributor for the Lakers, although he saw important minutes in the team's first-round win over the Houston Rockets when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined.”
“It is not exactly a stretch to suggest a team that has LeBron James on the roster would be willing to draft another one of his sons since basketball fans just saw it happen in 2024. While LeBron's own future is up in the air at this point, the thought here is that he will either remain with the Lakers or join the Cleveland Cavaliers as a fitting homecoming if he doesn't retire. And that means they are both potential landing spots for Bryce (James).”
James, a three-star recruit in the 2025 high school class, committed to Arizona before the conclusion of his senior season at Sierra Canyon. With several guards ahead of James on Tommy Lloyd’s loaded 2025-26 squad, the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio native had no choice but to redshirt in early February to preserve his four years of eligibility.
Clearly, James is still a work in progress at the collegiate level, as his so-so athleticism, questionable shot selection, lack of burst, and less-than-ideal physical stature make him far from a high-level NBA prospect.
Like Polacek noted, though, James’ older brother Bronny was rough around the edges when the Lakers selected him with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, meaning Los Angeles is no stranger to taking a gamble on a contributor with family ties to LeBron.
James will still have to play a full season of college basketball to prove he’s worth a first or second round selection, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility for him to join Los Angeles in a notable 2027 NBA Draft move.
📋 Neymar available! Brazil named to go top of the group
Brazil is set to face Scotland in the final round of the FIFA World Cup group stage this Wednesday (24).
The national team arrives at the stadium in Miami with four points from two matches and is battling Morocco, which has the same number of points, for the top spot in the group.
The Scots have three points and, in the event of a draw, would secure third place in the group, with a good chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
With a win over Brazil, the Europeans would already be guaranteed at least second place in the group and a spot in the round of 32.
See below the starting lineups for the match:
Brazil
Raphinha is out of the match after suffering an injury in the last game, against Haiti. Rayan takes his place.
The change in attack is the only one in the starting lineup compared to the last match.
Neymar is available to Carlo Ancelotti for the first time in this World Cup, but starts on the bench.
Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Luiz Henrique are the other attacking options on the bench.
Thirteen-time winner Michael Dunlop headlines the entry for this weekend's Tandragee 100 road race.
Dunlop set a new course lap record last year at an average lap speed of 111.584 as he achieved a big bike double on his first appearance at the race since 2013.
Earlier this month he extended his record number of wins at Isle of Man TT to 34 by winning the Supersport race.
Republic of Ireland riders Mike Browne and Michael Sweeney are also high-profile additions to the line-up.
Sweeney prepares to compete at the 5.3-mile circuit on the back of achieving a treble of victories at the Kells road races last weekend.
Browne put together a series of impressive results at the Isle of Man TT, including a runner-up finish in the Sportbike class.
Browne edged out his compatriot by half a second in a thrilling four-lap Supersport race at Tandragee last year and competes in partnership with BPE by Russell Racing.
Among the other leading competitors are Manx riders Conor Cummins and Marcus Simpson, last year's man-of-the-meeting Shaun Anderson, Neil Kernohan, Franco Bourne, Joey Thompson and Barry Furber.
Cummins participated in the event for the first time in 18 years 12 months ago, securing a podium in the Open race and fourth position in the feature race of the meeting.
A total of 150 competitors will take part in races for Superbikes, Supersports, Supertwins, Lightweight Supersport/250 GP, Moto3/125, Senior and Junior Support, Classic Superbike and Supersport and classic races, plus the Tandragee 100 finale.
Roads close on Friday at 11:00 BST, with practicing starting at 11:30 and roads opening at 21:00.
On Saturday, roads are scheduled to close at 09:30, with the first race due off at 10:00 and roads reopening by 19:00.
There are a lot of teams around Major League Baseball that could use some starting pitching help this season, but the Chicago Cubs might be the one club most in need of a new starter or two.
With the MLB trade deadline closing in, the Cubs have to find a way to add to their rotation this summer by August 3. Fortunately, there are some intriguing options, both as rentals and long-term starting options.
"Chicago Cubs (42-37): They'll get Freddy Peralta from the Mets," Rymer predicts. "The righty's value is somewhat suppressed, which is useful for the Cubs after so many years of promotions and trades have thinned out their farm."
This season for the Mets, after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, Peralta has a 4.83 ERA in 16 starts. The reason why his ERA mark looks so bad is that he recently gave up 10 earned runs in 2.2 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
But, even with Peralta's shaky play recently, he's someone who would be an upgrade over their current rotation options after countless injuries and poor production.
Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele are all on the injured list right now.
Shota Imanaga has a 4.26 ERA this season, while Javier Assad has a 3.89 ERA and Colin Rea has a 4.99 ERA. This is a very bleak rotation setup, which makes the Cubs desperate for starting pitching help.
That's why it would not be a surprise if they went out and traded for Peralta from the Mets. And if he reaches his potential as a frontline starter, as he did with a 2.70 ERA in 2025 with the Brewers, he could be the ace this rotation so desperately needs.
While the Cubs surely would love to add someone like Joe Ryan or Skubal, Peralta, amid his struggles, might be a more reasonably affordable trade option this season.
Brian Kelly has been the head coach at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU.
Front Office Sports' Ryan Glasspiegel reported June 24 that Kelly, who was fired eight games into LSU's 2025 season, is expected to be part of a three-man broadcast booth doing Mountain West Conference games for CBS.
Former Mountain West football members Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Utah State recently joined the Pac-12. The Mountain West added North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and UTEP to join Air Force, Hawai'i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV and Wyoming.
Kelly was UC's head coach from December 2006 to December 2009, when he left to become the Fighting Irish's head coach. His record with the Bearcats was 34-6, and he led UC to appearances in the 2009 Orange Bowl and 2010 Sugar Bowl.
Brian Kelly has been the head coach at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU.
Front Office Sports' Ryan Glasspiegel reported June 24 that Kelly, who was fired eight games into LSU's 2025 season, is expected to be part of a three-man broadcast booth doing Mountain West Conference games for CBS.
Former Mountain West football members Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Utah State recently joined the Pac-12. The Mountain West added North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and UTEP to join Air Force, Hawai'i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV and Wyoming.
Kelly was UC's head coach from December 2006 to December 2009, when he left to become the Fighting Irish's head coach. His record with the Bearcats was 34-6, and he led UC to appearances in the 2009 Orange Bowl and 2010 Sugar Bowl.
One of this week's bigger stories in the world of Xbox was the platform's new CEO Asha Sharma stating that "gaming is unaffordable in many cases" in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly.
We were curious to hear how you, our readers, feel on the matter, and so when we reported on Sharma's statement, we included a poll about it in our article in which many of you voted to voice your opinion. It remains ongoing, and I'll embed it below, but even now, the way our community feels has been made clear by the votes we've tallied up thus far.
At the time of writing, of the 228 of you that have participated in the poll, a whopping 151 gamers — 66% — believe that the cost of gaming is getting out of control. 28% of you, a count of 63, think it's a growing problem but that affordable options still exist, while the remaining minority think gaming isn't unreasonably expensive.
It's clear that the vast majority of you feel that gaming has become partially or completely unaffordable, and honestly? I'm not surprised.
In fact, I'm right there with you; between the ongoing RAM and storage crisis brought on by the tech industry going all in on AI and rising development costs leading to higher game prices (GTA 6 is $80, by the way), the cost of both new games and the hardware to play them on is becoming untenable.
Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma is correct in saying that gaming has become unaffordable for many, though ironically, Microsoft has driven much of the AI push that's led to hardware shortages affecting the game industry. (Image credit: Microsoft)
Sharma made a good point that memory shortages aren't the only culprit, and that "the attention economy and competing subscriptions" in other entertainment mediums like film and TV have made it harder for many to afford games and gaming devices too.
With that said, though, it's undeniable that the AI-driven hardware crisis is largelyresponsible for what we're seeing, which is why Sharma considers navigating it Xbox's next big "challenge and opportunity." In your responses to Sharma's comments over on our subreddit, though, many of you have rightfully pointed out that Microsoft itself has massively contributed to this problem with its own push for AI.
"Wonder who's fault that is? 🤔," wrote one reader, reacting to Sharma's statement about the price of gaming in 2026. "Well, of course gaming is becoming unaffordable at the moment. No s***, Sherlock. The call is coming from inside the house," said another.
"'Gaming is becoming unaffordable' says CEO of a company making gaming unaffordable," added another, hammering home the point as another of you did: "Yeah. Maybe she should talk to her boss about that."
Like many of you, I too believe that Microsoft has effectively stepped on a rake as it continues to invest in AI through initiatives like its partnership with OpenAI, sabotaging the game and tech industry alongside other big-name AI developers even as its AI products fail to move the needle and AI in general still lacks a clear road to any kind of stable profitability.
Put simply, gaming has become unaffordable — and quite a bit of the blame for that frustrating truth lies on Microsoft's shoulders.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Windows 11 brings major changes to the Start menu and Taskbar in 2026, finally giving users more control over customization.
Microsoft spent the first years of Windows 11 simplifying the Start menu and Taskbar, often at the expense of features that users had relied on for years. In 2026, the company is correcting its direction.
In recent preview builds, the operating system has revealed a growing list of improvements that bring more customization and control back to the experience. From Taskbar positioning and resizing to Start menu layouts and recommendation controls, the software giant is restoring capabilities that many users have been complaining about since the original release of Windows 11.
However, the company's approach isn't about recreating Windows 10. Instead, Microsoft is rebuilding these experiences around the design principles of Windows 11 while giving users more flexibility than they have today.
Microsoft is giving users more control over the Taskbar
The biggest change is the reversal of positioning controls. Users will once again be able to place the Taskbar to the top, left, right, or bottom edge of the screen.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
For many users, this feature never should have disappeared in the first place. The ability to place the Taskbar where it works best has been part of the operating system for decades.
At the same time, the company isn't restoring the exact Windows 10 experience. Previously, users could unlock the Taskbar and drag it directly to a different edge of the screen, or change its position through the Settings app. On Windows 11, changing the position requires using the option available through the Settings app, more specifically in the Taskbar settings under the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Taskbar sizing is also making a comeback. However, the company is updating the "Show smaller taskbar buttons" option so that enabling it makes the buttons and Taskbar smaller, not just the buttons.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
The feature improves flexibility, but it still doesn't offer the same freedom available on Windows 10, where users could manually resize the Taskbar and even create multi-row layouts.
The Start menu is finally becoming more customizable
The Start menu is being updated with some of the most significant improvements since the operating system's launch.
One of the biggest additions is support for different Start menu sizes. Instead of relying entirely on the automatic layout, users will be able to choose between different menu configurations based on their preferences.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
You will find these settings on the updated "Start" page from the Settings app.
Microsoft is also introducing dedicated controls to show or hide sections such as Pinned, Recommended, and All apps. These changes address one of the most common complaints about the Start menu, which has often felt too limited compared to previous versions of the operating system.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
The company is also separating recommendation settings from recent files and activity history. As a result, users will gain more granular control over what appears in the Start menu without affecting other parts of the operating system.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Privacy is also receiving attention, with a new option that lets users hide their account name and profile picture from the Start menu.
These changes reflect a broader shift in Microsoft's strategy
The Start menu and Taskbar updates are part of Microsoft's wider Windows K2 initiative, an effort focused on improving performance, reliability, and usability across Windows 11.
While much of that work happens behind the scenes, the Start menu and Taskbar provide visible evidence that Microsoft's priorities have evolved since 2021.
When this version of Windows launched, the company emphasized simplicity and consistency, even when it meant removing long-standing customization features. A lot of users felt those decisions made the operating system less flexible than Windows 10.
The changes expected to roll out in 2026 suggest Microsoft is rethinking and taking a more balanced approach. Rather than limiting customization in the name of simplicity, the company is finding ways to offer more control while preserving the modern design introduced on Windows 11.
Windows 11 is becoming a more flexible operating system
Microsoft's reinstatement of Taskbar positioning and sizing, Start menu layouts, and recommendation controls may not seem revolutionary on their own. However, these changes represent one of the most notable shifts.
The company is not abandoning its vision for Windows 11, nor is it trying to turn the operating system into Windows 10. Instead, the company is acknowledging that flexibility remains one of the operating system's greatest strengths.
For years, many of the conversations around Windows 11 focused on features that were removed. In 2026, the conversation is increasingly focused on the features Microsoft is bringing back and what that says about the operating system's future direction.
Windows Central's Take
I think the most interesting part of these Start menu and Taskbar changes isn't any individual feature. It's what they reveal about Microsoft's evolving approach to Windows 11.
When the operating system launched in 2021, the software giant removed a noticeable amount of customization in favor of simplicity. The Taskbar lost positioning and resizing controls, and the Start menu became significantly more limited compared to Windows 10. At the time, those choices felt deliberate, almost like a firm design reset.
In 2026, that direction looks less fixed. The reintroduction of Taskbar positioning and resizing options, along with more granular Start menu controls, suggests Microsoft is recalibrating how much flexibility the operating system should offer without undoing its modern design language.
What are your thoughts on the Start menu and Taskbar changes coming to Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Memories in Orbit (MIO) launched in January 2026 to a relatively positive critical reception, but it seems as though its commercial success has not met expectations. According to a recent report by French news outlet, Le Figaro, Douze Dixièmes will be closing down following a buyout deal by Douze Dixièmes co-founders that would allow them to regain control of the company from Focus Entertainment and close things out on their terms.
While Memories in Orbit received high praise at launch, at its height, it failed to even break 3,000 concurrent players on Steam, according to SteamDB. At the time of writing, the game has a 24-hour peak concurrent player count of 201 players, and ownership estimates put the $19.99 indie Metroidvania's sales at around 67,000-112,500 units, which was seemingly not even enough to sustain the small team of around 10 people at Douze Dixièmes and support the game's future development. Douze Dixièmes has not yet publicly acknowledged the closure.
As was the case with the Steam Deck, Valve is selling the Steam Machine via Komodo Station, an Asian reseller that serves much of South-East Asia, and as a result, it skips the reservation and lottery system that is currently in place on Valve's own Steam Store. While this doesn't combat issues like scalping and shortages as well as Steam's in-house system, it provides a much more realistic indication of current stock levels. According to Komodo Store, however, all versions of the Valve Steam Machine have officially sold out less than 48 hours after the new hardware launched.
In Japan, the Steam Machine starts at $1,175 for the 512 GB model and goes up from there to ~$1,638 for the 2 TB model with two Steam Controllers and two additional faceplates. It remains to be seen how well the console will sell in the west when it officially starts shipping on June 25, however, since the price is quite high, especially compared to consoles like the PS5 Pro and similar small-form-factor PCs. As far as sentiment goes, there appears to be a divide forming in online spaces, like r/steammachine on Reddit, where some are saying the convenience of not having to set up any hardware is worth the price trade-off. The Steam Machine was seemingly meant to cost around 30% less initially, but it's unclear if or when it will come down to that price, which will only be possible if the RAM crisis comes to an end and hardware prices ease.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced at its Investor Day, new data center solutions, including the Qualcomm Dragonfly C1000 CPU, Qualcomm High Bandwidth Compute (HBC), Qualcomm Dragonfly AI300 inference accelerator, and connectivity products, together with custom silicon solutions, all engineered to maximize performance per watt and token throughput at lower total cost of ownership. The new platforms highlight Qualcomm Technologies' growing role in building full‑stack data center infrastructure optimized for AI, spanning agentic and data‑center‑class CPUs, AI inference accelerators, high‑performance connectivity, and at scale custom silicon solutions. The Qualcomm Dragonfly AI300 joins the previously announced Qualcomm Dragonfly AI200 and AI250 in its data center solutions portfolio with an annual cadence AI accelerator roadmap.
"Agentic AI is driving a significant increase in demand for AI inference in the data center. As these become the dominant workloads, infrastructure has to deliver much higher performance at lower power and cost," said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated. "That plays directly to Qualcomm's strengths, and we're well positioned for this shift. With Qualcomm Dragonfly, we're bringing our high-performance, low-power computing into the data center, with multi-year, multi-generation agreements with leading customers."
One order directs federal agencies to work with private companies and universities to deliver a quantum computer capable of supporting scientific research by 2028. The Department of Energy has been tasked with identifying the technical benchmarks that will define the system.
A Geekbench listing has revealed early performance details of the Nothing Phone (4b). The upcoming smartphone is tipped to feature the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset and may launch as a cheaper alternative to the Phone (4a).
Valve appears to be testing AMD FSR 4 support through Steam and Proton Experimental, potentially allowing many FSR 3-enabled games on SteamOS and Linux to access the newer upscaling path without third-party tools, a move that could benefit other similarly configured handhelds too.
The launch of the Fujifilm X-T6 is fast approaching. A certification has already revealed that the mirrorless camera uses a new, larger battery, while rumors point to a range of upgrades, from AI autofocus to support for 8K video recording.
Deal | The LG Gram Pro offers a spacious 17-inch screen but is still a quite portable machine that weighs a little over 3 lb. Therefore, a current Amazon Prime Day deal can be worth considering for users who would like to work on a big screen but still have to carry around their laptop frequently.
The collapse of EVRStudio appears to have brought an abrupt end to one of the most intriguing stealth-action projects announced in recent years. Following reports of bankruptcy proceedings in South Korea, the future of Mudang: Two Hearts looks effectively sealed.
Samsung is expected to host its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, where three new foldables are going to be unveiled. These include the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the wider foldable that apparently feels super-light and crease-free.
Rockstar Games is taking pre-orders for GTA VI starting on June 25. Ahead of that, the main mystery has been the pricing. The publisher promised it wouldn't be insane, but what does that mean?
$80. That's what it means. It's official now. $80 will get you the Standard Edition, and $100 is how much the Ultimate Edition will cost. That's more or less in line with what you'd expect from a AAA game these days.
If you pre-order the digital version, you can begin pre-loading on November 12, to ensure you can start playing right on the launch day, which is November 19. The physical version...
Recently there's been some controversy about the iPhone Ultra's release window, with a report claiming it was delayed, which was then immediately refuted by another source, and then another one.
Today we get one more 'confirmation' that the iPhone Ultra will be unveiled as scheduled, in September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The issues relating to the hinge have allegedly been resolved, and the mass production of the iPhone Ultra will be starting in late July. This information comes from a report in Korean media, purportedly originating from "Apple supply chain...
Atletico Mineiro ile anlaşan ancak bonservis engeline takılan Fred, sürpriz bir kararla Fenerbahçe kampına katılarak şimdilik takımda kaldı. Bir önceki dönemde İsmail Kartal'ın sisteminde yokluğu 'mağlubiyet' anlamına gelen Brezilyalı yıldız yuvada kalırken, tarzı sisteme uymayan Guendouzi ile yolların ayrılması ihtimali gündeme geldi.
Fenerbahçe’de tatil için ülkesi Brezilya'ya giden ve geri dönmesi beklenmeyenFred, sürpriz bir şekilde sarı-lacivertlilerin kampına katıldı. İddialara göre tecrübeli orta saha, her konuda anlaştığı Atletico Mineiro’ya transfer olmak istedi. Ancak Fenerbahçe yönetiminin bonservisini bedelsiz vermeyi kesin olarak reddetmesi üzerine bu operasyon tamamen durdu.
KÖYÜNE VİLLA YAPTIRAN BREZİLYALI
Brezilya’dan şu ana kadar bonservis bedeli ödemeye yanaşan bir kulüp çıkmadığı için Fred’in takımdan ayrılma ihtimali ortadan kalktı.
33 yaşındaki futbolcunun Belo Horizonte’de ailesi için bir malikane inşa ettirmesi ve her fırsatta altyapısından yetiştiği Atletico Mineiro formasına dönme arzusunu dile getirmesi transfer dedikodularını alevlendirmişti.
MENAJERİ "SÖZLEŞMESİ DEVAM EDİYOR" DEDİ
Tatilini noktalayan Fred, menajeri Marcelo Pettinati’nin sosyal medyadan paylaştığı "İyi yolculuklar kardeşim, harika şeyler gelecek" mesajıyla birlikte Salı günü Türkiye'ye hareket etti. Oyuncunun Fenerbahçe ile Haziran 2027'ye kadar geçerli bir sözleşmesi bulunuyor.
BİR ÖNCEKİ DÖNEMDE FRED ÖLÜMCÜLDÜ
Fred'in takımda kalması, Fenerbahçe’nin saha içi performansı için hayati bir önem taşıyor. Bir önceki dönemde eski teknik direktör İsmail Kartal’ın "prensi" konumunda olan Brezilyalı yıldız, sistemin kilit taşıydı.
Öyle ki Fenerbahçe, o sezon Fred’in sakatlık veya cezalar nedeniyle sahada olmadığı neredeyse tüm maçlarda ciddi puan kayıpları yaşamış ve şampiyonluk yolunda ağır yaralar almıştı.
GUENDOUZI'NİN AYRILMA İHTİMALİ VAR
Fred’in takımda kalış sürecini hızlandıran bir diğer etken ise Guendouzi cephesindeki hareketlilik oldu. Fransız oyuncunun tarzının İsmail Kartal'ın sistemiyle uyuşmaması, takımdan sürpriz bir şekilde ayrılma ihtimalini doğurdu. Guendouzi’nin vedasının ihtimalinin doğduğu bu ortamda, Fred’in yuvada kalması orta sahadaki lider krizini de büyümeden çözmüş oldu.
Geçtiğimiz sezonun ikinci yarısını Galatasaray'da geçiren Hollandalı kanat oyuncusu Noa Lang, menajerler aracılığıyla Fenerbahçe'ye önerildi. Zenit'ten Luiz Henrique'yi kadrosuna katmak için bütçe arayan Napoli, 2030'a kadar sözleşmesi bulunan 27 yaşındaki yıldızı bonservisiyle elden çıkarmak istiyor. Türkiye haklarını elinde bulunduran menajerlerin sarı-lacivertlilerle temas halinde olduğu iddia edilirken, Beşiktaş'ın da daha önce gündemine gelen Lang'ın yeni rotasının neresi olacağı merak konusu.
Geçtiğimiz sezonun ikinci yarısınıGalatasaray’da kiralık olarak geçiren Hollandalı kanat oyuncusu Noa Lang, transfer piyasasının merkezine oturdu. İtalyan kulübü Napoli, kadrosunda düşünmediği 27 yaşındaki oyuncuyu kalıcı olarak elden çıkarmak için formül ararken, oyuncunun menajerler vasıtasıyla Fenerbahçe’ye önerildiği iddia edildi.
Lang ile Galatasaray'dan ayrıldığı dönemde Beşiktaş da ilgilenmiş ancak transferden sonuç alamamıştı. Napoli’nin Noa Lang’ı gözden çıkarmasının arkasındaki ana neden ise Luiz Henrique.
İtalyan devi, Zenit’ten ayrılmak isteyen ve şu sıralar Brezilya milli takımıyla Dünya Kupası’nda boy gösteren Henrique’yi kadrosuna katmak için bütçe yaratmaya çalışıyor.
2030 YILINA KADAR SÖZLEŞMESİ VAR
Napoli yönetimi, bu transferin maliyetini karşılamak adına Lang’ın bonservisiyle satışına öncelik verdi. Noa Lang, büyük umutlarla transfer olduğu Napoli’de kendisini kanıtlayamamasının ardından Ocak ayında Galatasaray’a kiralanmıştı.
Sarı-kırmızılı forma altında 19 resmi maça çıkan Hollandalı oyuncu, sezonu 2 gol ve 3 asistlik performansla tamamladı. Napoli ile 2030 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunan oyuncunun Türkiye haklarını elinde bulunduran menajerlerin, Fenerbahçe ile temas halinde olduğu belirtiliyor.
RAPHINHA'NIN YOKLUĞUNDA PARLAYABİLİR
Transferin diğer ucundaki Luiz Henrique ise tamamen Dünya Kupası’na odaklanmış durumda. Raphinha'nın yokluğunda Brezilya milli takımının İskoçya ile oynayacağı gruptaki kritik mücadelede ilk 11'de sahaya çıkması beklenen 25 yaşındaki yıldız forvet, turnuva sonrasında kariyerine İtalya’da devam etmeye sıcak bakıyor. turnuva performansı, Napoli'nin bu transferdeki iştahını daha da artırıyor.
Fenerbahçe'de teknik direktörlük defterini tamamen kapattığı öne sürülen efsane isim Aykut Kocaman'ın yeni hedefi "zengin başkan" dönemini bitirmek... Son açıklamasıyla gündeme gelen Kocaman'ın hayalinin Bayern Münih tarzı bir yapılanmayla 2027 seçimlerinde başkan adayı olmak istediği iddia edildi.
Fenerbahçe kulislerAykut Kocaman'ın son açıklamasıyla şenlendi... İddialara göre, Kocaman’ın yeniden teknik direktör koltuğuna oturmasını bekleyen en az bin-bin 500 kongre üyesi oylarını bu beklentiyle şekillendirdi. Hatta Ali Koç’un zamanında Kocaman’ı göndermesiyle kulübün yıllar kaybettiğini düşen ve Yıldırım’ı normalde desteklemeyen muhaliflerin bile bu hamleyle saf değiştirdiği iddia edildi.
Ancak perde arkasındaki asıl büyük plan çok daha farklı. Yakın çevresinden sızan bilgilere göre Aykut Kocaman, teknik direktörlük defterini tamamen kapattı. Deneyimli futbol adamının gözünü çok daha yüksek bir hedefe diktiği ve saha kenarından yönetim katına geçmeye hazırlandığı konuşuluyor.
OLAĞAN GENEL KURULDA ADAY OLACAK
Kulüp kulislerinde kulaktan kulağa yayılan en büyük iddia; Kocaman’ın 2027 yılında yapılacak olağan seçimli genel kurulda Fenerbahçe başkanlığı için adaylığını koyacağı yönünde. Üstelik bu yolda gerekirse eski başkanı Aziz Yıldırım’a karşı bile yarışabileceği sızan bilgiler arasında.
YILDIRIM'IN DA "BAŞKAN" ADAYIYDI
Bu iddia aslında geçmişle de büyük bir paralellik gösteriyor. Aziz Yıldırım, daha önceki pek çok konuşmasında Aykut Kocaman’ın vizyonunu, bilgisini, görgüsünü ve aidiyet duygusunu överek, onu "Fenerbahçe başkanlığını en iyi yapacak isimlerden biri" olarak işaret etmişti. Yıldırım’ın geçmişteki bu referansı, Kocaman’ın olası adaylığının tabanda ciddi bir karşılık bulmasını kolaylaştırıyor.
BAYERN MÜNİH MODELİNE GEÇİŞ
Camianın ağır topları ve değişim isteyen üyeler, Fenerbahçe’nin artık "zengin iş adamı" formüllerinden yorulduğunu yüksek sesle dile getiriyor. Olası bir başarısızlık senaryosunda, kulübün kurtuluşunun tıpkı Bayern Münih modelinde olduğu gibi futbolun içinden gelen, ekol sahibi spor adamlarıyla mümkün olacağına inanılıyor. Aykut Kocaman ismi de bu "Alman tarzı" kurumsal yapılanmanın en güçlü lider adayı olarak ön plana çıkıyor.
Fotospor'un aylar önce duyurduğu dev NBA ortaklığı resmiyet kazanıyor! Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, kulübün kontrolü kendilerinde kalmak kaydıyla kurulacak Basketbol AŞ üzerinden NBA Avrupa Ligine 'kurucu hissedar' olarak katılacaklarını açıkladı. Fotospor'un ortaya çıkardığı tarihi plana göre, Japon teknoloji devi Rakuten milyonlarca euroluk yatırımla hem kulübe ortak olacak hem de Aslantepe'ye inşa edilecek yeni 'Rakuten Arena' mega salonuna adını verecek."
Galatasaray, basketbol tarihini kökten değiştirecek dev bir projenin eşiğinde. Sarı-kırmızılı kulübün başkanı Dursun Özbek, genel kuruldan talep ettikleri yetkilerin arka planını açıklayarak, kulübün hayata geçirilecek olan NBA Avrupa Ligine kurucu hissedar olarak katılmayı hedeflediğini resmen duyurdu.
Bu tarihi hamlenin ilk sinyallerini ise 18 Mayıs’ta Fotospor vermişti. Fotospor’un özel haberinde, Galatasaray’ın Ekim 2027’de başlaması planlanan NBA Avrupa projesinde yer alacağı ve Amerikan basketbol pazarının resmi küresel ortağı olan Japon teknoloji devi Rakuten ile dev bir ortaklığa yakın olduğu duyurulmuştu. Başkan Özbek’in resmi açıklamaları, bu iddiaları tesciller nitelikte.
Dursun Özbek, NBA Avrupa projesine dahil olabilmek için öncelikle "Basketbol AŞ"nin kurulması gerektiğini belirtti. NBA yönetiminin Galatasaray’ı kurucu hissedar olarak almak için bazı şartlar öne sürdüğünü vurgulayan Özbek, hisse yapısının düzenleneceğini ve kulübün kontrolü kendisinde kalmak kaydıyla şirketin bir kısım hissesinin yabancı yatırımcıya satılabileceğini ifade etti.
GALATASARAY'A MEGA SALON
Bu stratejik ortaklığın finansal ayağında ise yine Fotospor’un duyurduğu mega salon projesi öne çıkıyor. Anlaşma sağlandığı takdirde Japon dev Rakuten, sadece kulübe isim ortağı olmakla kalmayacak... Aslantepe’de inşa edilecek yeni mega salona milyonlarca euro karşılığında "Rakuten Arena" adını vererek projeyi fonlayacak.
Özetle; Fotospor'un aylar önce duyurduğu "Japon ortaklık ve NBA Avrupa" planı, Başkan Özbek’in şirketleşme ve hisse satışı hamlesiyle resmiyet kazandı. Galatasaray, bu tarihi ortaklıkla hem kulübün mali yapısını uçurmaya hem de Avrupa basketbolunun en büyük aktörlerinden biri olmaya hazırlanıyor.
Galatasaray'ın 2018 yılından bu yana atıl kalan 106 dönümlük Büyükçekmece arazisi, Haziran 2026 genel kuruluyla yeniden gündemde. Belediye ile yaşanan "geri alma" krizinin ardından bürokratik hamleleri hızlandıran Dursun Özbek yönetimi, İBB'den imar onayı bekleyen dev araziyi çok branşlı bir altyapı fabrikasına dönüştürmek için kongreden yetki istiyor... muhalefet ise belirsizlikler nedeniyle tepkili.
Galatasaray'ın 2018 yılında Mustafa Cengiz döneminde 30 yıllığına kiraladığı ancak aradan geçen 8 yıla rağmen tek bir çivi dahi çakamadığı 106 dönümlük Büyükçekmece arazisi, Haziran 2026 itibarıyla yeniden kulübün öncelikli gündem maddesi haline geldi.
Kemerburgaz ve Florya projelerine yoğunlaşıldığı için yıllarca adeta "üvey evlat" muamelesi gören dev arazi, kulübün uzun süredir burayı atıl bırakması sebebiyle Büyükçekmece Belediyesi'nin tahsisi iptal etme ve araziyi geri alma tehdidiyle karşı karşıya kalmıştı.
HASAN AKGÜN KAZANDIRDI
Başkan Dursun Özbek ve yönetimi, bu riskleri ortadan kaldırmak ve projeyi canlandırmak amacıyla son dönemde somut bürokratik adımlar atmaya başladı. Büyükçekmece Belediye Başkanı Hasan Akgün ile yürütülen koordineli çalışmalar sonucunda, arazinin amacına uygun ilk imar planı değişiklikleri ilçe belediyesinden geçirilerek İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi'ne (İBB) gönderildi.
İBB'DE ONAY SÜRECİ VAR
Projenin hayata geçebilmesi için şu anda İBB İmar Komisyonu ve Meclisi'nin onay süreci yakından takip ediliyor.
Yönetimin Haziran 2026'daki olağanüstü genel kurulda, Büyükçekmece arazisi üzerine tesis inşa edilmesi ve gerekli işlemlerin yürütülmesi için üyelerden resmi yetki talep etmesi ise kulüp içi muhalefetin sert eleştirilerine neden oldu.
OYLANMIŞ MİMARİ PROJE YOK
Muhalif üyeler, İBB'deki imar planlarının henüz netleşmediğini ve ortada onaylanmış mimari bir proje bulunmadığını belirterek, bu aşamada ucu açık ve geniş kapsamlı yetkiler istenmesini şeffaflık ilkelerine aykırı bulduklarını dile getiriyor.
SPORCU FABRİKASI OLACAK
Tüm idari ve bürokratik tartışmaların gölgesinde Galatasaray, İBB onayının ardından bu stratejik bölgeyi dev bir spor akademisine dönüştürmeyi hedefliyor. Kemerburgaz'ı A Takım üssü yapan sarı-kırmızılılar, nüfus yoğunluğu yüksek olan Büyükçekmece'de sadece futbol değil, birçok farklı branşı da kapsayan, adeta bir sporcu fabrikası gibi çalışacak ikinci bir büyük altyapı merkezini faaliyete geçirmeyi planlıyor.
2026 Dünya Kupası finalinde şampiyonluk kupasını Donald Trump'ın vereceğinin açıklanması, futbol dünyasını hareketlendirdi. Geçmişte Megan Rapinoe'nun sergilediği radikal protestoların ardından gözler şimdi Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior ve Rashford gibi ırkçılık karşıtı ve göçmen kökenli milyarlık yıldızlara çevrildi.
FIFA Başkanı Gianni Infantino, ABD Başkanı Donald Trump’ın 19 Temmuz 2026’da New Jersey’deki MetLife Stadyumu'nda oynanacak Dünya Kupası finaline katılacağını ve şampiyonluk kupasını kendisiyle birlikte takdim edeceklerini açıkladı.
Milyarlarca insanın izleyeceği bu dev sahnede, Trump'ın tartışmalı göçmenlik politikaları, ırkçılık karşıtı hareketlere mesafeli duruşu ve sert siyasi söylemleri, podyumda büyük bir kriz potansiyeli barındırıyor. Şimdi tüm dünya, erkek futbolunun yıldızlarının, geçmişte Trump’a açıkça meydan okuyan kadın futbolunun ikonu Megan Rapinoe kadar cesur bir duruş sergileyip sergilemeyeceğini merak ediyor.
YAPARSA MBAPPE YA DA VINI YAPAR
Bu olası protestonun başaktörleri olarak gözler, toplumsal konularda sesini yükseltmekten çekinmeyen Kylian Mbappé ve Vinícius Júnior'a çevrilmiş durumda. Fransa'da aşırı sağın yükselişine karşı gençleri sandığa çağıracak kadar net bir politik duruşu olan Mbappé ile küresel ölçekte ırkçılığa karşı bayrak açan Brezilyalı Vini Jr.’ın, Trump gibi bir figürle yan yana geldiklerinde nasıl bir tavır takınacağı büyük bir merak konusu.
RAPINOE KADAR DELİKANLI OLACAK VAR MI?
Erkek futbolunda şu ana kadar Megan Rapinoe’nun 2019’da sergilediği "O lanet Beyaz Saray'a gitmeyeceğim" tarzında radikal ve kurumsal bir başkaldırıya pek rastlanmadı.
Ev sahibi ABD Milli Takımı içinde bile geçmişte eski kaptan Michael Bradley'nin Trump için "Vücudunda ahlaki tek bir kemik bile yok" çıkışı hafızalardayken, mevcut çok kültürlü kadronun olası bir başarıda takınacağı tavır merak ediliyor.
BU CÜRETİ GÖSTERECEK ÇIKACAK MI?
19 Temmuz'daki final, sadece dünya futbolunun en büyüğünü belirlemeyecek... aynı zamanda endüstriyel erkek futbolunun milyarder yıldızlarının, toplumsal değerler uğruna politik bir duruş sergileyip sergileyemeyeceğinin de turnusol kağıdı olacak.
Fenerbahçe'de Mourinho öncesi perde arkasında yaşanan hareketlilik gün yüzüne çıktı! Eski Sportif Direktör Mario Branco'nun açıklamaları, Ali Koç yönetiminin İsmail Kartal'ın yerine aslında Portekizli teknik adam Sergio Conceiçao ile üst düzey görüşmeler yürüttüğünü ve Mourinho hamlesinin nasıl bir anda masaya geldiğini ortaya koydu.
Fenerbahçe'nin eski Sportif Direktörü Mario Branco verdiği röportajda hem kendini çoğu zaman tekzip etti... hem de altında çalıştığı eski Başkan Ali Koç'u zor durumda bırakacak ifadeler kullandı. Mourinho'nun Fenerbahçe'nin başına geçmesiyle ilgili yaptığı açıklamalar "99 puanlı 2023-24 sezonu"yla ilgili çok tartışılacak bir iddiayı yeninden gündeme getirdi.
Branco, İsmail Kartal ile sezonu tamamlamadan önce de planlarının yabancı bir teknik direktör getirmek olduğunu itiraf etti. O dönemde Branco'nun Mourinho ile Mart ayından beri görüştüğü iddia edilmişti. Ancak Başkan Ali Koç bu iddiaya sert tepki göstererek basın mensuplarını "provokatif-yalancılık" ile suçlamıştı.
AZİZ YILDIRIM "KARTAL"IN İSMİNİ ÇİZDİRDİ
O dönemde camiada en çok tartışılan konulardan biri de muhalefetin baskısıydı. Dönemin başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım, Ali Koç yönetimini sert bir dille eleştirmiş ve "Mourinho ismini ortaya atmasaydım, mevcut yönetim İsmail Kartal ile yola devam edecekti" iddiasında bulunmuştu. Yıldırım bu hamlesiyle adeta Ali Koç yönetimini yabancı hocaya mecbur bıraktığını savunmuştu.
BRANCO, CONCEICAO İLE GÖRÜŞÜYORDU
Mourinho öncesi perde arkasındaki planların ise bambaşka olduğu iddia edildi. İddialara göre Başkan Ali Koç’un öncelikli adayı, A Milli Takım'ı çalıştıran Vincenzo Montella'ydı. Sportif Direktör Mario Branco ise rotayı İtalya'ya değil, Portekiz ekolüne kırmıştı. Branco, o dönem adı Milan ile de güçlü şekilde anılan ve sonrasında Milan'ın başına geçen Sérgio Conceição ile üst düzey görüşmeler yürütüyordu.
MOURINHO DÖNEMİ BÖYLE BAŞLADI
Fenerbahçe yönetimi ve Branco, Conceição opsiyonu üzerinde dururken masaya aniden Jose Mourinho fırsatı geldi. Dünyaca ünlü teknik adamın boşa çıkması ve sarı-lacivertli kulübe yeşil ışık yakmasıyla Branco, diğer tüm görüşmeleri askıya alarak bu büyük şansın üzerine atladı. Sonuç olarak Conceição ve Montella isimleri rafa kalktı, Kadıköy'de Mourinho dönemi başladı.
Sivasspor Kulübünde olağanüstü genel kurulunun 8 Temmuz'da yapılacağı bildirildi.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, 19 Mayıs 2026 tarihinde gerçekleştirilen olağan genel kurul toplantısında yönetim kurulu ve denetim kurulu üyeliklerine aday çıkmaması nedeniyle seçimin yapılamadığı anımsatıldı.
Bu nedenle 22 Haziran 2026 tarihine ertelenen ikinci toplantıda da yönetim kurulu ve denetim kurulu üyeliklerine aday çıkmaması sebebiyle seçimin gerçekleştirilemediği hatırlatılan açıklamada, şunlar kaydedildi:
"4721 sayılı Türk Medeni Kanunu ve ilgili mevzuat hükümleri çerçevesinde görevine devam eden Sivasspor Kulübü Yönetim Kurulunun 23 Haziran 2026 tarih ve 65 sayılı kararı gereğince, olağanüstü genel kurul toplantısının 8 Temmuz 2026 Çarşamba günü saat 18.00’de Sivas Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası Konferans Salonu’nda yapılmasına karar verilmiştir."
İlk toplantıda yeterli çoğunluğun sağlanamaması halinde ikinci toplantının 15 Temmuz 2026 Çarşamba günü aynı yer ve saatte gerçekleştirileceği aktarılan açıklamada, "Kulübümüzün geleceği açısından büyük önem taşıyan olağanüstü genel kurul toplantısına tüm üyelerimizin katılımını önemle rica eder, kamuoyuna saygıyla duyururuz." ifadelerine yer verildi.
Beşiktaş İkinci Başkanı Hakan Daltaban, tribünlerdeki futbolcu protestolarına "Bizim zamanımızda maç içinde ıslıklama olmazdı" diyerek tepki gösterdi. Siyah-beyazlı yönetici, kale arkası tribünlerinin düzenlenmesiyle stadın kapasitesinin en geç 6-7. maçta 4 bin kişi artırılacağını müjdeledi.
Beşiktaş İkinci Başkanı ve Asbaşkanı Hakan Daltaban, HT Spor’a yaptığı açıklamalarda siyah-beyazlı camianın gündemini sarsacak ifadeler kullandı.
Maç esnasındaki futbolcu protestolarına sert çıkan Daltaban, taraftara stat kapasitesi artışı müjdesi verirken yeni teknik direktör Vincenzo Italiano dönemine dair de iddialı konuştu.
Saha içindeki protestoların takımı aşağı çektiğini vurgulayan Daltaban, taraftardan 90 dakika boyunca koşulsuz destek istedi.
Tribünlere çağrıda bulunan Asbaşkan, "Bizim zamanımızda futbolcu ıslıklanmazdı, 90 dakika içinde tepki gösterilmezdi. Tepki maç bittikten sonra verilir. Bir oyuncuya yapılan müdahalenin diğer oyuncuları da olumsuz etkilediğini unutmamalıyız" diyerek taraftarı sakin olmaya davet etti.
Siyah-beyazlı taraftarlara büyük bir tribün müjdesi veren Daltaban, kale arkası koltuk dizaynının değiştirileceğini açıkladı.
"Kara Duvar" projesinin kabul görmesi halinde uygulanacak tasarımla stadın kapasitesini yaklaşık 4 bin kişi artıracaklarını belirten Daltaban, "Bu kapasite artışını bu sezona yetiştiriyoruz. Sezon başına yetişmese bile en geç 6. veya 7. maçta bu müjdeyi hayata geçireceğiz" dedi.
Geleceğe yatırım adına doğru adımlar attıklarını söyleyen Daltaban, teknik direktör koltuğuna oturan Vincenzo Italiano hamlesine dair inançlarının tam olduğunu belirtti.
Önder Karaveli adımı sonrası Italiano ile sözleşme imzaladıklarını hatırlatan İkinci Başkan, "Camia bu değişimden çok mutlu. Italiano'nun oyun felsefesine güveniyoruz. Doğru ve nokta transferlerle önümüzdeki sene, geçmiş dönemlerin açığını kapatacağız" ifadelerini kullandı.
Beşiktaş'ın eski teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın, dünya yıldızı Robert Lewandowski'nin transferini bizzat engellediğini itiraf etti:
- 40 yaşında adam almam. 15 milyon Euro imza parası, 12 milyon Euro maaş istiyordu. Kötü mü yapmışım?
Beşiktaş'ın eski teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın, görevde olduğu döneme dair çok konuşulacak bir transfer bombasını patlattı. Yalçın, dünya yıldızı Robert Lewandowski'nin Beşiktaş'ın kapısından döndüğünü ve bu transferi bizzat kendisinin veto ettiğini açıkladı.
Mali şartlar ve yaş faktörü nedeniyle transfere onay vermediğini belirten deneyimli teknik adam, kararının arkasında durduğunu ifade etti. Kurmak istediği sisteme yaşlı oyuncuların uymadığını vurgulayan Yalçın, şu ifadeleri kullandı:
- Lewandowski'yi kabul etmedim. Kurmak istediğimiz sisteme aykırı bir defa. Onu alıyorsak Quaresma'yı da alalım, ben de birkaç kilo verip oynayayım dedim. Ben 40 yaşında adam almam.
Transferin gerçekleşmeme nedenlerinden en büyüğünün ekonomik yük olduğunu belirten Sergen Yalçın, Polonyalı golcünün talep ettiği astronomik rakamları da ilk kez açıkladı. Yıldız oyuncunun Beşiktaş'tan istekleri şu şekildeydi:
İmza Parası: 15 Milyon Euro
Yıllık Maaş: 12 Milyon Euro
Lewandowski yerine yönetime daha dinamik alternatifler sunduğunu belirten Yalçın, "Yönetime 'Alacaksanız Lukaku veya Sorloth'u alın' dedim. Kötü mü yapmışım, iyi mi?" diyerek bütçeyi ve geleceği düşünerek hareket ettiğini savundu.
The prediction markets company claimed that it would be “irreparably harmed” when an Illinois law signed as part of a budget package goes in effect on July 1.
We’ve got our sights set on Amazon Prime Day, which is running from June 23-26, 2026, and the bargains for some of the best 3D printers are hot! But Amazon is not the only place to snag a great deal. Manufacturers are holding fantastic sales on their own websites, and most are offering free shipping along with can’t-miss filament bundles.
The Anycubic Kobra X is one of the best, most affordable 3D printers you can buy, and it’s currently on sale for $299.99 on Amazon for Prime members. We love its space-saving design with top-mounted spools and a compact multimaterial handler packed right in the tool head. It also has a quick swap nozzle and a roomy 260 x 260 mm build plate.
By keeping the material mere centimeters from the nozzle at all times, the Kobra X has a competitive speed advantage. During our testing, it could swap colors in about 35 seconds from cut to purge, while the Bambu A1 took as long as 90 seconds to swap. Those seconds can really stack up over hundreds of layers of multicolor printing.
Because it only needs to retract filament a very short distance, the Kobra X is one of the few machines that can mix standard TPU and PLA in one print.
Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini
Tom's HardwareTom's Hardware
Bambu Lab only offers three of its older model 3D printers on Amazon: the A1, A1 Mini, and P1S. It’s not surprising, as these are also its most popular, budget, and beginner-friendly machines.
The A1 Mini is our favorite recommendation for kids starting a 3D printing hobby. Its compact size, ease of use, and full access to Bambu Lab’s ecosystem make it a machine that can grow with you as you level up your skills. It’s currently $349 with a four-color AMS Lite, or $234 as a single-color machine on Amazon.
The A1, with its standard-sized 256x256mm build plate, is a no-brainer for beginners who want to start with a full-size machine. This machine is currently the most cloned 3D printer, but its print quality, speed, and simple interface are hard to beat. Bambu’s full-service ecosystem isn’t quite a walled garden, but it’s certainly a cozy place to stay for beginners learning the ropes. Amazon currently has the A1 Combo for $394, but you can get a better price, along with discounted filaments, at Bambu’s own website. The A1 Combo is $379 with a build-your-own filament bundle that lists spools at 45% off.
Bambu Lab P1S
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
A fan favorite workhorse since the day it was launched in 2023, the P1S is Bambu Lab’s bargain, no frills, fully enclosed 3D printer. It’s currently on sale for $499 on Amazon as a four-color combo unit that includes the original AMS.
The P1S has all the print quality you’d expect from a Bambu Lab machine, but has a few old-school quirks. Swapping the nozzle involves minor surgery with a screwdriver, thermal paste, and a steady hand. It has an extremely basic “dumb screen” interface on the printer, which can be easily avoided if you use either the Bambu Handy mobile app or simply operate from your PC, as I do.
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Elegoo’s single color, fully enclosed, Centauri Carbon is holding steady as a value leader with a $299.98 price tag on Amazon. You can also get it on the Elegoo website, but you’ll have to pay extra for shipping.
The Centauri Carbon is a bare-bones enclosed 3D printer that handles a wide variety of filaments, from PLA, PETG, and ASA to TPU, quite well, without the need for a heated chamber. It has a standard bed size of 256 x 256mm, which means 3rd party build plate upgrades are easy to find. Our only complaint was the dim light, which, when combined with a smoked glass door, makes watching your prints difficult.
Though Elegoo did recently come out with a $55 four-color CANVAS upgrade for the Centauri Carbon, if you really want a four-color machine, I’d recommend the Centauri Carbon 2, only available on the Elegoo website, for $449 at the time of this writing. The upgrade kit is a nice gesture for CC1 owners, but it requires about 2 to 3 hours to mod your printer.
Creality SparkX i7
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
If you're looking for an affordable entry into multi-color printing, the Creality SPARKX i7 Color Combo is a fantastic pick. What really seals the deal is the CFS Lite spool manager, a low-maintenance, incredibly adaptable “magic box” that handles every size and type of spool I could throw at it, including quarter-sized mini spools and spoolless coils, during testing.
The SPARKX i7 Combo is currently $369 on Amazon. It has a 260 x 260 x 255mm build volume, which is a bit bigger than Creality’s old Ender 3s without moving into Plus size territory. The Creality Cloud mobile app is a worthy addition for new users who want to pick fun models from their phone, run them through an easy slicer, and send them directly to their printer without needing to log onto a PC.
Flashforge AD5X and Creator 5
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The single-nozzle/multicolor Flashforge AD5X is a solid entry to four-color, Core XY printing on a budget. The machine is currently on Amazon for $322 as an open-frame machine. The enclosure seen on our review unit was a DIY kit sold for $50 that includes panes of acrylic and a bag of screws: you print the rest yourself.
The AD5X does a great job with standard filaments, soft TPU, and can handle ASA when enclosed. The simple material handler is similar to Elegoo’s CC2, which keeps each filament a few inches from the top of the toolhead and doesn’t need to retract back onto the spool. Sometimes keeping it simple really is the best.
Unfortunately, the Creator 5 tool changer is not on Amazon for Prime Day, but it is currently on sale for $699 on Flashforge’s own website. We recently finished testing the Creator 5 and found it to be one of thebest 3D printers of the year, which we hope is filled with even more toolchangers to come.
The possible scenarios for Group A of the 2026 World Cup depending on each result of South Korea against South Africa.
Group A reaches its decisive stage at the 2026 World Cup as South Korea and South Africa meet in a match that decides who joins Mexico in the round of 32.
South Korea enter the match after beating Czechia and losing to Mexico, while South Africa lost to Mexico before drawing with Czechia in their next match. Both teams remain in contention to advance, with South Korea in a stronger position.
Mexico have already secured first place in Group A with 6 points (+3 goal difference), as the tiebreaker favors them. South Korea are second with 3 points (0 goal difference), Czechia are third with 1 point (-1 goal difference), and South Africa are fourth with 1 point (-2 goal difference).
How South Korea’s win vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings
If South Korea beat South Africa, they would secure second place in Group A and advance to the round of 32. South Africa would remain on 1 point and be eliminated from the competition. Even if Mexico lose to Czechia, South Korea would remain second because they won the direct matchup.
South Africa can still be in the next round (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
How South Korea’s draw vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings
If South Korea draw with South Africa, they would move to 4 points and remain in second place. Even if Czechia beat Mexico, their 4 points would not be enough to finish above South Korea because South Korea won the direct matchup. South Africa would reach 2 points, but they would need other results to go their way to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.
How South Korea’s loss vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings
A loss to South Africa would leave South Korea on 3 points, while South Africa would move to 4. That result would put South Africa in a strong position to advance, while South Korea would need to wait for the result between Mexico and Czechia to know whether they finish second or must rely on a third-place spot.
After their emphatic victory over Haiti, Brazil appear to have regained their status as one of the favorites at the 2026 World Cup, with a chance to finish as leaders of Group C. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be unable to count on Raphinha for today's match.
Brazil arrived as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, but their draw against Morocco raised serious doubts. However, they regained their momentum with a 3–0 victory over Haiti. After that, they have a strong chance of finishing as leaders of Group C, depending on today’s result against Scotland. Complicating their chances, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be unable to call upon Raphinha, whose absence represents a significant loss for the team.
Raphinha has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right thigh after being substituted in the 40th minute of Brazil’s match against Haiti. As a result, he is expected to be sidelined for several weeks and could return for a potential quarterfinal matchup, according to GeGlobo. With this setback, the 29-year-old star has now suffered his fifth injury of the current season.
Despite Raphinha’s injury being a significant setback, Carlo Ancelotti has several alternatives available in his squad. Rayan will start against Scotland, while Luis Henrique and Endrick could provide high-quality options as well. As a result, Brazil could still rely on elite dribblers to boost their attacking output. In addition, Vinícius Júnior will lead the attack once again.
Unlike previous eras, Brazil no longer revolve their game around a single star. Instead, Carlo Ancelotti has built his project around a very clear philosophy: Being solid in defensive transitions and efficient in build-up play. As a result, Raphinha’s absence may not be as significant as it would have been in the past, as there are several quality alternatives. Moreover, their main concern is the striker position, which needs to be filled by a player in top form.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha of Brazil talk
Raphinha’s absence could open the door for Neymar Jr.’s return
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Brazil have made very few changes to their starting lineup, making their approach for the match against Scotland quite clear. However, Raphinha’s absence coincides with Neymar Jr.‘s return to the squad. With that in mind, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could use this opportunity to give the 34-year-old star some playing time off the bench.
Although Raphinha played as a winger against Haiti, he operated as an attacking midfielder against Morocco, as his impact is not limited to the flank. With that in mind, Ancelotti could look to Scotland’s stubborn defense and opt for a creative profile such as Neymar Jr. With his experience and vision, he could create spaces in the opposing defense, providing opportunities for Rayan or Vinícius Júnior on the wings.
Neymar Jr. is no longer the cornerstone of Brazil, but he remains one of the team’s best players. Coming off an injury, the 34-year-old star may only play a limited number of minutes. However, he would have the opportunity to regain some of his prominence and match fitness. In addition, he could be crucial in strengthening one of Brazil’s key areas of need: Creativity, as the midfield does not usually provide many options in that regard.
Raphinha #11 of Brazil looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match.
To claim the first spot of Group C, Morocco will have to win against Haiti but also wait for other potential results.
Morocco is facing Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a crucial Group C clash on Wednesday, June 24th. While the African nation is already on the verge of the Round of 32, the final score will determine their exact placement in the group and shape their path in the World Cup knockout bracket.
Considered group favorites alongside Brazil, the two powerhouses battled to a 1-1 draw in their tournament opener. A subsequent 1-0 win over Scotland put Morocco tied atop the group with Brazil at four points each, while the Scots sit in third with three points and Haiti is last with zero.
The 2026 World Cup marks the seventh time Morocco has reached the global tournament, following appearances in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, and 2022. Coming off a historic fourth-place finish in Qatar, the Atlas Lions are looking to build on that momentum and make another deep run.
How Morocco’s win impacts the Group C standings
If Morocco collects all three points against Haiti, they will finish the group stage at the top of the table with seven points. However, their final seeding will depend entirely on the simultaneous result between Brazil and Scotland.
Ismael Saibari (1st R) #11 of Morocco celebrates with teammates after scoring.
If Brazil draws or loses, Morocco will secure first place in Group C and face the runner-up of Group F in the next round. If Brazil also wins, both teams will be tied at seven points, meaning the top spot will be decided by overall goal difference and total goals scored.
How Morocco’s draw impacts the Group C standings
If the match against Haiti ends in a draw, Morocco will finish the opening round with five points. While this scenario makes it harder to claim the top spot, it still guarantees them a safe passage into the knockout stage.
A Brazil victory over Scotland would leave the South Americans in first, while a Scotland win would vault the Europeans to the top and drop Brazil to third. If both group matches end in draws, Brazil will take first place over Morocco due to their superior goal difference, leaving the Atlas Lions in second.
How Morocco’s defeat impacts the Group C standings
If Morocco suffers a shock defeat against Haiti, they will remain frozen at four points in the standings. While their chances of winning the group would vanish, they would still have a strong chance to advance as the group runner-up.
If Brazil beats Scotland, the Scots will stay at three points and Morocco will easily hold onto second place. If Scotland manages a draw or a win against Brazil, the final positioning between the advancing teams will come down to goal difference tie-breakers to see who finishes second.
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I’ve had many water bottles over the years. At one point, I think it was a S'well, and then the years went by, and trends changed. Stanley, Yeti, and countless others in between — I even picked up a few from Disney World — but a few weeks back, I bought an Owala, and thanks to Prime Day, you can score one for 26% off.
I’ve sort of become obsessed with my Owala recently. It offers two ways to drink: an easy sip through a straw or a classic pour from a sizable spout. It also has a secure lid and a locking mechanism that helps prevent spills with an easy switch. I love the handle, too, which makes it easy to carry the 40-ounce bottle around, and it still fits in most cupholders.
So yes, it checks basically every box I could ask for. Depending on your color choice, Prime Day is an excellent time to pick one up, as it's up to 26% off, bringing the $44.99 MSRP down to just $33.23. You'll need to be okay with the bright, vibrant "Putting Green" colorway, but for a little more, you can also save on the Owala FreeSip Sway in several other shades.
Today's best Owala Prime Day deal
Right now, you can get the Owala FreeSip Sway 40-oz in Putting Green at a record 26% off for just $33.23 for Prime Day.View Deal
Another reason I've come to love the Owala is its insulation, mainly the ability to keep whatever liquid is inside cold for hours on end. Combined with the brand's signature FreeSip design, which lets you switch between sipping through a built-in straw or taking a larger drink from the spout, it feels like a genuinely thoughtful upgrade over a standard water bottle.
And if you don't need the carry handle or cupholder-friendly design of the FreeSip Sway, Amazon is also discounting several other Owala models for Prime Day. Better yet, many of them still feature the same FreeSip straw-and-spout combo that makes the bottle so convenient to use throughout the day.
More Owala Prime Day deals
Owala
Freesip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw
Owala
Freesip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw
Owala
Freesip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw
AWS becomes the first cloud provider offering rentable PCIe 6.0 processors
Graviton5 combines 192 Arm cores with 96 PCIe lanes
Memory bandwidth exceeds 800GB/s across AWS's latest server platform
AWS has quietly achieved a milestone that neither AMD nor Intel reached first in commercially available cloud infrastructure by deploying a PCIe 6.0-capable processor.
The company's Graviton5 CPU is now generally available through Amazon EC2 M9g and M9gd instances, allowing customers to rent PCIe 6.0 hardware by the hour.
While that development sounds significant on paper, practical benefits remain difficult to identify for most users at the current stage of deployment.
PCIe 6.0 arrives in the cloud before it reaches most hardware
Graviton5 was developed by Annapurna Labs and adopts a chiplet design built on TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process technology.
The processor combines four compute dies containing 48 Arm v3 cores each, bringing the total core count to 192.
AWS says each core carries 1MB of dedicated cache, while the platform integrates 12 DDR5 memory channels operating at speeds up to DDR5-8800.
According to company figures, the memory subsystem can deliver more than 800GB/s of aggregate bandwidth across demanding workloads.
The processor also includes 96 PCIe 6.0 lanes, making it the first cloud CPU customers can actively access with PCIe 6.0 connectivity.
Communication between chiplets relies on a coherent interconnect capable of transferring data at 420GB/s while maintaining unified operation.
AWS claims Graviton5 can deliver performance improvements reaching 25% compared with earlier generations deployed across its infrastructure.
Additional figures suggest application workloads may run 35% faster, while database operations improve by 30% under suitable conditions.
Network bandwidth reportedly increases by as much as 15%, while storage bandwidth rises by approximately 20% across instance categories.
For larger deployments, AWS says network throughput can double compared with previous offerings available through its cloud platform.
Why PCIe 6.0 may not matter much yet
The challenge is that PCIe 6.0 alone does not automatically transform application performance unless the surrounding hardware can exploit the added bandwidth.
This limitation becomes clearer when examining storage devices capable of taking advantage of the newer interface standard today.
Amazon Prime Day is running throughout this week, and I've been checking Amazon, as well as its rivals, which are also running sales, for the best gaming laptop deals. As Managing Editor of Core Tech for TechRadar, I've spent nearly two decades writing about laptops and covering major sales events, so I have a pretty good idea of what makes a great gaming laptop deal — and it's not just about finding the very lowest price.
What you need is a gaming laptop that balances both price and performance. There's no point spending money on a cheap gaming laptop if it struggles to play modern games, so sometimes it's better to invest a little more.
All the gaming laptops I've picked below for both US and UK readers will be able to run modern games without issue, and they'll also set you up nicely for the inevitable PC version of GTA 6, which will hopefully be announced in the near future.
So, fellow PC gamers, let's not just sit and watch jealously while console gamers preorder GTA 6; let's go out and buy some exciting new rigs, safe in the knowledge that Rockstar's upcoming game will one day play best on PC.
It's been a long time since I've seen an RTX 5070 gaming laptop go for this cheap, but this Acer Nitro V Slim 16 is hitting a rock-bottom price at Best Buy today. Almost unbelievably, I believe this one is incorrectly listed with a "Ryzen 2000 series" chipset rather than a Ryzen 7-260, since you get 16GB of DDR5 RAM. Regardless, this is a rare example of a budget RTX 5070 gaming laptop. View Deal
Save $350 on the Alienware Aurora 15 gaming laptop. This system strikes a sensible balance between gaming proficiency and affordability. For less than $1,000, it's a capable workhorse for both casual and professional tasks.
This MSI Cyborg 15 at Walmart is one of the cheapest gaming laptops I've seen in recent months to feature an RTX 5070 graphics card. That's usually a pretty pricey component, but surprisingly, you're also getting a decent chipset and a 1TB SSD here. Annoyingly, you do only get 16GB of RAM, which will somewhat hamper your performance headroom.
A great choice if you're looking for a gaming laptop without completely blowing the budget, this Gigabyte A16 gets you everything you need for smooth gaming right out of the box. The combination of an RTX 5060 graphics card and Ryzen 7 chipset means decent chops for 1080p gaming, while a 1TB SSD also provides plenty of storage space. While not a super high-end laptop, this one is still a cut above the more budget-oriented sub-$1,000 machines.
The Acer Nitro V Slim 16 also comes in an Intel-based configuration, which is also a decent buy today. It's a little pricier, but you get an Intel Core 7 Series 2 chipset and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. These should, on paper at least, give you a decent boost in performance.View Deal
This Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S might seem like it's a little on the pricey side for a machine with an RTX 5060, but this is a great price on this premium model. Not only do you get a powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 chipset under the hood here, but this Predator Helios Neo 16S also features a high-end OLED display, which is a notch above the usual panels you find on cheaper machines.View Deal
I've seen a fair few deals on Lenovo Legion 5i gaming laptops over the past few weeks, but none of those touch this listing at B&H Photo. Not only are you getting a great price on this machine, considering it features an RTX 5070 graphics card and Ultra 9 chipset, but you also get a 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM. Combined, this is one impressive deal indeed, thanks to the retailer's massive $500 price cut today.View Deal
It's a rare thing these days to see a gaming laptop for under £700, and better yet, this Acer Nitro V15 actually features a recent RTX 5050 graphics card. If you're looking for the basics, then this machine is definitely going to cover you well for a great price. The RTX 5050, in combination with the Core i7 chipset, is going to play all the latest games — and should do well, granted you're willing to tweak a few settings here and there on the most demanding titles.
The MSI Thin 15 RTX 4050 B13VE might be the most affordable gaming laptop anyone will come across during Prime Day. This is an entry-level gaming laptop, around the same price as a modern handheld such as Valve's Steam Deck, with much better performance using Nvidia's RTX 4050 GPU.
Moving up in price will get you a decent budget machine with the latest RTX 5050 graphics card — like this Medion Erazer, for example. You can expect a decent level of performance with this machine for the money, especially if you're just aiming to play on this laptop's modest 1080p display. Medion laptops tend to be quite workmanlike in terms of design, but they do provide decent performance for the money.View Deal
This mid-range RTX 5060 Acer Nitro gaming laptop is really hitting that sweet spot in terms of bang for the buck, in my opinion. The chipset is a little on the older side, and you're only getting 16GB of RAM, but I still think this one is a real bargain for £799. If you're just looking to play all the latest games smoothly at 1080p, then this particular listing is definitely worth considering. Getting a more spacious 1TB SSD is also a meaningful upgrade.
We've spotted an excellent price drop on the Alienware 16 Aurora with RTX 5060, Intel Core 7-240H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz display. Grab it now at Amazon before it's gone.View Deal
My favourite gaming laptop deal this week has to be this discounted Asus V16 at Amazon. Not only are you getting a great price for a machine with an RTX 5060 graphics card, but this one also features a spacious 1TB SSD and an Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset. If you want smooth gaming for a few years down the line, then this one is a decent choice, and great value thanks to today's discount.View Deal
Wow, it's been a while since I've seen an RTX 5070 gaming laptop with 32GB of RAM hit this kind of price. The Acer Nitro V15 is still a relatively budget machine, but in terms of specs, this higher-end configuration really ticks all the boxes today. You get a great GPU, an up-to-date chipset, and 32GB of RAM right out of the box.
As TechRadar's retail editor, I'm usually at the forefront of the site's Amazon Prime Day coverage. Every year, I sort through and write up literally hundreds of deals. I have a confession to make, however. I'm often too busy writing up recommendations for our readers that I don't even stop to buy anything for myself!
This year is different, however, as the extreme heat in the UK has finally spurred me into action taking advantage of the mega-sale. If you're also suffering from the heat, then here are two very, very useful purchases.
The first is a cheap sunscreen for your car. I've noticed these aren't that popular in England, but in hotter climates, they're a real mainstay wherever you go.
My car got so hot in the midday sun the other day that I almost burnt my hand on the steering wheel and front seat. On my way back from work, I picked up a cheap sunscreen and it's definitely made a big difference for comfort. The car is still hot, but there's no danger of contact burns or the like.
The only issue I've found with the cheap sunscreen I bought the other day is that doesn't really fit my windscreen snugly and it's pretty bulky when folded. I spotted this Spigen Sunshade for £18.69 (was £21) in the Prime Day sale today and I'm kicking myself I didn't opt for that instead.
My second purchase, which is in my cart right now, is this Warmco handheld fan for £21.97 (was £29.99). I've had an old no-brand hand-held fan for a few years now, but it's finally decided to kick it in (the worst timing, I know). I love these little fans because you throw them in your bag wherever you go - public transport, into work, on holiday. I've even taken these to festivals, where they're always a hit.
This Warmco fan looks a little high-tech compared to the one I've been using, but judging by the reviews, it's exceptionally powerful for its size. Personally, I'm looking forward to the upgrade, considering this thing can last up to 18 hours on one charge. It's not a blockbuster Prime Day deal, but I'm saving a few quid by getting this on sale, so I think it's a good investment!
My two essential heatwave purchases at Amazon
After burning my hand on my steering wheel, I decided to invest in a cheap reflective screen for my car. This Spigen shade comes from a trusted brand and looks a lot better than the cheaper options out there thanks to its snug all-purpose fit. It's much easier to store than the foldable versions (it comes with its own little bag), and has two possible sizes so you can really tailor it to your car.View Deal
This Warmco Portable handheld fan is in my cart right now. Again, we haven't reviewed it, but it does have good Amazon reviews and the price is right thanks to an Amazon Prime Day deal. According to the user reviews, this looks to be a surprisingly powerful little fan that's capable of 2.5 hours of operation per charge.View Deal
SteelSeries makes some of the finest gaming headsets money can buy nowadays, and I've had the pleasure of testing a whole host of them. They simply don't miss, and if you're ever looking for a headset that's going to give you the most bang for your buck, no matter your budget, then there's always a headset for you in the brand's line.
Most of them aren't priced too outrageously to begin with, but now, with the Amazon Prime Day deals in full swing, there are a huge number of price cuts up and down the range to take advantage of. And even a big price cut in the UK on the immense and super-premium Arcits Nova Elite.
There's something here for everyone too, and if you want to scope out the Elite or the Nova Pro sets, then you'll see some good prices for those higher end sets, but if you just need a cheap and cheerful extra headset, cross-platform headset, or one for on the go, then there's something here for you — and you won't miss with any of them, such is the quality.
Morocco will aim to seal top spot in Group C when they face already-eliminated Haiti at FIFA World Cup 2026, and you can watch it all for free from anywhere.
The Atlas Lions are hunting down Brazil in the race to the summit, with only goal difference separating the pair heading into the final group games. Morocco's 1-0 triumph over Scotland last time out all-but secured their place in the knockout stage, however they may rue their inability to increase the margin of victory, having been comfortably the better side in the first half. Despite scoring just twice in two games – both courtesy of PSV striker Ismael Saibari – their goal difference is inferior to Brazil's only by two, so a big win in Atlanta against the Caribbean minnows could leapfrog the 2022 semi-finalists above the five-time winners into top spot. Both games kick off at the same time, which means Mohamed Ouahbi's team will know if they have to push for more goals late on.
Having waited 52 years for their second taste of the World Cup, Haiti's tournament will end after just three matches. That was always likely in a tough group and last weekend's 3-0 defeat by Brazil meant they earned the, erm, distinction of becoming the first team knocked out of the 2026 finals. While they are guaranteed to finish bottom of Group C on account of their inferior head-to-head record with Scotland, the Grenadiers have more than just pride to play for against Morocco, as they seek their first World Cup point at the sixth attempt. If they achieve that, it will still be something to celebrate.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Morocco vs Haiti for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Morocco vs Haiti: Team News
Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Halhal, Riad, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss; El Kaabi.
Haiti XI: Placide; Duverne, Ade, Delcroix, Experience; Casimir, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Joseph.
How to watch Morocco vs Haiti for free
Morocco vs Haiti is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Morocco vs Haiti live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual Morocco vs Haiti stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
Watch your free World Cup stream without limits. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with global servers, so you can stream from anywhere with ease.
💰 60-day money-back guarantee 🔓 Unlocks World Cup streams
Don’t miss a second. Stream the World Cup from anywhere with total confidence.View Deal
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
The air will run thick with nostalgia as Scotland face Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both teams aiming to book their place in the knockout stage – and you can live stream the game around the world for free.
Mention this fixture to members of the Tartan Army and they will immediately go dewy-eyed, as they recall Scotland's battles with Brazil at World Cups of yore. This is the Scots' fifth meeting with A Selecao at the tournament – they have not played any other country more than twice – but their finals record against the five-time winners is not the best, with a 0-0 draw in 1974 followed by defeats in 1982, 1990 and 1998. It falls on Steve Clarke's Class of 2026 to change the narrative in Miami, where they may need a point to qualify for the knockout stage following their 1-0 defeat by Morocco last weekend. Finish third, and it's calculators out as one of the eight best records. If they do that, they will become the first Scotland side in history to progress beyond the group stage of a major tournament.
This fixture may not mean the same to Brazil as it does to the Scots, but it is important nonetheless. Carlo Ancelotti's side beat Haiti 3-0 last time out to take control of Group C and they know that a win here should put them top the standings, thanks to their superior goal difference over Morocco. The Atlas Lions can leapfrog Brazil if they beat already-eliminated Haiti and A Selecao fail to win, or if both teams triumph but the North Africans overturn their goal difference deficit of two. As a result, Ancelotti will want his side to not just win but win well as they look to secure top spot. It means Brazil's supporting cast will have to follow the lead of Matheus Cunha, who scored twice against Haiti, and take the pressure off superstar forward Vinicius Jnr.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Scotland vs Brazil for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Scotland vs Brazil is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Scotland vs Brazil live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual Scotland vs Brazil stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
Watch your free World Cup stream without limits. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with global servers, so you can stream from anywhere with ease.
💰 60-day money-back guarantee 🔓 Unlocks World Cup streams
Don’t miss a second. Stream the World Cup from anywhere with total confidence.View Deal
How to watch Scotland vs Brazil in the US
US viewers can watch Scotland vs Brazil on Fox and Telemundo (Spanish comms).
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Scotland vs Brazil on Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock as well.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).
How to watch Scotland vs Brazil in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Scotland vs Brazil for free on the BBC. Live coverage is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you're abroad today.
How to watch Scotland vs Brazil in Australia
(Image credit: free)
Scotland vs Brazil will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Traveling outside of Oz? A VPN like Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Scotland vs Brazil in Canada
(Image credit: Other)
In Canada, TSN will be broadcasting Scotland vs Brazil.
You can live stream via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Scotland vs Brazil: Match Information
What time does Scotland vs Brazil start?
Scotland vs Brazil kicks-off at 11pm BST / 6pm ET on Wednesday, June 24. That's 8am AEST on Thursday, June 25 in Australia.
What are the squads for Scotland vs Brazil?
Scotland
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers).
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli).
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton).
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Ederson (Atalanta), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
Group C Table
Position
Team
GD
Points
1
Brazil
3
4
2
Morocco
1
4
3
Scotland
0
3
4
Haiti
-4
0
Can I watch Scotland vs Brazil on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Everyone is flocking to Amazon Prime Day to get their hands on the best tech deals out there, and one of the most sought-after devices are the best smartwatches.
While you can score a fair offer on Apple Watches, the deals for Wear OS models are just as good, if not a little more generous. If you're currently using a watchOS device and want to see what Wear OS is all about, or you're a seasoned Wear OS user and are on the hunt for an upgrade, we've got you covered.
We've gathered a handful of deals on some of our favorite Wear OS smartwatches, ranging from top models including the Samsung Galaxy Watch8, as well as Google's Pixel Watch 4, latest member to its wearable family.
US deals
Save an impressive 45% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic, which features a rotating bezel that lets you scroll through the watch's options intuitively and resembles the look of a classic watch. It comes in one size (large, 46mm) with either a black or a white leather strap. View Deal
A 4.5-star smartwatch with super-accurate health and activity tracking, as well as AI features, we reviewed this watch and called it 'a triumph'. This larger 44mm version has a staggering 38% off, but the smaller 40mm versions start at $229.99 (was $349.99).View Deal
Save a cool $80 on the Google Pixel Watch 4, one of the best Android watches overall. But the real star of this deal is that as it's an LTE watch, Best Buy are offering 2 years of LTE data absolutely free, so you can call, email, and check messages even without a phone nearby. Beat that, Amazon!
Admittedly, this isn't the Prime Day discount we'd usually like to see but still, scoring what we called the 'Android smartwatch of 2025' for less than £240 is a bargain. The OnePlus Watch 3 is a killer wearable for runners especially, providing granular information as well as graphical displays.
Save 25% on both smaller and larger models with LTE enabled, which means you can add them to your phone's data plan and install an eSIM for phone-free data use using only your watch. Very handy. View Deal
Save a cool 45% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version introduced last year. While it's not the best choice for everyone, its power, longevity (up to 100 hours!) and rugged durability means it's well-made for adventurers and triathletes. Watch out, Garmin. View Deal
This is the best price we've yet seen a Google Pixel Watch 4, bringing the top Android watch down to under $350 in all four colors. An absolute steal if you can get it.
New technology canned real-time offenses to enforcement agencies
Cameras are good enough to spot drivers holding smartphones
DPS commissioner says the tech won’t be used to write tickets
The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Service’s board has recently signed a contract with Australian AI-focused technology company Acusensus worth $2 million that will introduce special, multi-violation traffic cameras to the state.
The technology, which is powerful enough to capture high-res and blur-free imagery of vehicles and drivers at speeds of up to 186mph, is able to send imagery and data to traffic officers in real-time, with the captured content available to use in a court of law.
Understandably, there has been a fierce backlash from residents, who became concerned that the Mississippi Highway Patrol was going to start using AI-powered cameras to allow troopers to write tickets for offenses caught on film, according to Mississippi’s Supertalk.fm.
In response, Sean Tindell, the state’s public safety commissioner, announced on a video posted to Facebook that his department entered the agreement to help it identify areas of the state that have “a higher probability of fatal crashes and accidents”, which would allow his team to “better allocate resources to those areas”.
While Tindell said that no tickets would be issued based on data received from the devices, some have been outspoken on the introduction of such “intrusive” AI-powered cameras in public.
“Cameras armed with AI, peering into your car and processing your actions, invading your privacy, and then signaling a live officer down the road to pull you over and issue citations and/or make arrests in real time. It’s a very slippery slope with frightening ramifications,” House Rep. Dan Eubanks said, according to Carscoops.
Analysis: Safer roads or an Orwellian future?
(Image credit: Acusensus)
As Dan Eubanks pointed out, “every American citizen has a Constitutional right to face his or her accuser,” and one of the greatest concerns with AI-powered traffic cameras is that, alongside a suggested ‘invasion of privacy’, it potentially removes the officer from the equation.
In much of Europe, we have long lived with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and speed trap devices that will automatically send penalty charges through the post, so this doesn’t feel too alien.
That said, cameras that look into a vehicles cabin and can detect the misuse of technology or abuse of seat belt laws takes things up a level.
It joins mounting concern from certain privacy advocates surrounding the use of technology to track citizen’s every moves, as we recently reported on the steps being taken by some motorists to avoid the growing number of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras.
While it's often stated that cameras have the potential to act as a deterrent to dangerous driving and catch offenders, there is mounting concern that it also feels a lot like mass surveillance.
Wondering where your online order ended up may soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new launch from Samsara which makes tracking your deliveries easier than ever.
At its Samsara Beyond event, the company revealed the Samsara Tracking Label: a smart, single-use Bluetooth adhesive label that is able to provide near-real-time visibility on where a shipment actually is.
From dispatch to delivery, the label can dial into the company’s Samsara Network along its route, allowing accurate tracking at all times - particularly useful for areas such as pharmaceuticals, where companies need to know exactly where a delivery is at all times.
Samsara Tracking Label
The Tracking Label is an adhesive-backed, flexible, paper-thin label which can have a a 45-day battery life after being activated. The battery contains no lithium or hazardous materials, meaning it can be cleared for air, ground, and rail shipments, and is suitable for disposal without special handling.
Samsara says the launch goes beyond typical trackers, which can be lost or damaged in transit, leading to a lack of information or insight into where a delivery actually is, with its network covering 99% of major US roads and tens of thousands of worksites.
“This is no longer science fiction, this is reality,” David Gal, VP of Connected Equipment at Samsara, told attendees at Samsara Beyond.
The company says cargo theft costs US businesses roughly $35 billion annually, a figure which is only set to increase over the coming years as online shopping continues to grow.
It notes how current solutions such as RFID and cellular connectivity, can struggle with cost and coverage problems - but Bluetooth can go beyond that and gives much more insight.
(Image credit: Samsara)
The label process can be scaled up easily depending on customer demand - and although specific pricing information isn’t available yet, the move could help companies of all sizes save time, money and stress on tracking their deliveries.
The Tracking Label can be managed within Samsara’s new Shipment Center and Shipment App, which seamlessly plug into an organization's existing infrastructure, regardless of which shipping carrier they use.
This platform allows customers to not only see the real-time delivery schedule and deter theft, but also let them spot issues or delays before they happen, track deliveries across borders, and provide easier dispute resolution, helping keep their customers happy.
Just got a Garmin in the Amazon Prime Day sales? Congratulations. If you haven't yet pulled the trigger, the Prime Day deals won't be around for long, so I've included some of my favorites down below. Simply click here to go straight to the deals.
Now, welcome to the Garmin ecosystem! Garmin, the Garmin Connect app, and the Garmin Connect IQ store are cool, stripped-down app ecosystems designed to help you get the most out of exercise. There is a premium tier in Garmin Connect+, but it's entirely optional and, quite frankly, it's not been well received by the Garmin community at large, so I wouldn't recommend subscribing yet.
As well as the usual passive activity tracking, sleep tracking, and notification functionalities, Garmin gives you all sorts of tools to play with on its very modular watches. Here are three things to try as soon as you get your first watch.
1. Create your perfect home screen
(Image credit: Future)
When you first get your Garmin watch, you'll be presented with a watch face containing a small selection of stats, such as step counts, Body Battery score, or the watch's total remaining battery. But Garmin watch faces are made to be customized, so you can decide which stats are important to you. On five-button Garmins, you hold the left-middle 'up' button, while on two-button Garmins, you hold 'down', then navigate to Watch Face. You can scroll between different options or edit them in a granular fashion.
If you want to prioritize step count, you can swap it out with a widget showing your sleep score, for example, while VO2 Max can be swapped for another number like Body Battery. In this way, you can truly make the watch your own pretty much right out of the gate, without even touching the companion app to do it.
These are just the most important stats to you: to view the rest, you can scroll up and down from the watch face to view the rest of your widgets, and edit this list as well by scrolling to Edit, then +. Want to know the phases of the moon, your total distance run this week, or your blood oxygen levels? You can add them all to this secondary hotlist.
2. Create a route
(Image credit: Future)
Garmins are perfect for going off the beaten track, and even those without actual offline maps offer basic navigation features. You can use these features by creating a Course. You can learn how to create a Course in Garmin Connect here, but the general gist is that you can use Garmin's features to plot a route on a map, then follow that route using instructions from your watch.
Even if you're just going for a short walk, you can use its route plotting to find new circular routes, but it's incredibly handy for long runs, hiking expeditions, and even specialist sports like skiing.
Download the Course onto your watch using the instructions in the link above, then go to your activity of choice and scroll down to Navigation > Courses. If you get lost, most Garmins now have a 'Back to Start' functionality you can access when you pause an activity.
3. Visit the Connect IQ store
(Image credit: Future)
Once you've downloaded Garmin Connect and set up your new watch, you should also download Garmin Connect IQ, its app store. From there, you can access loads of free and paid apps, widgets, and watch faces, many simply made by enthusiastic Garmin fans, such as the Walk With Frodo app, which links your step count to Frodo's journey to Mordor in The Lord of the Rings.
You can also get official players for music services like Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music, walking apps like Komoot to help sync the app with your Garmin ecosystem, and watch faces from fans and brands alike, the latter including Star Wars and Pokémon Sleep. The Pokémon watch face is linked to your Body Battery score, and sleeps when you get tired. Adorable!
Today's best Garmin deals
Not bought a Garmin yet? Below are the best Amazon Prime Day deals on Garmin watches in the US and UK.
US deals
$250 off the five-star Garmin Fenix 8 in its smallest 43mm size and Whitestone colorway. Perfect for those who want serious power on smaller wrists (and adventure watches are usually big, lumpy affairs, so it's nice to have a smaller option), it still packs an impressive 10-day battery life, advanced training features, an LED flashlight, and full-color maps. View Deal
Here's a chance to get a whopping 50% off the original retail price of the excellent Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2). The 4.5-star smartwatch is an excellent buy for dedicated and enthusiast runners, thanks to its top-tier health tracking and GPS navigation features. You also get a clear AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a titanium bezel. As far as premium smartwatches go, this value prospect is tough to beat.View Deal
The Garmin Vivoactive 5is a fantastic all-rounder fitness smartwatch with tons of workout plans, a crisp AMOLED display, onboard GPS, and 11 days of battery life. At this price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-performing watch for general fitness, health, and exercise tracking. A Fitbit beater.View Deal
Right now, you can save $50 on both 41mm and 45mm Garmin Venu 4 models, in a variety of colors: Black and Lunar Gold for the 41mm, Grey and Citron for the 45mm. Up to 10 days of battery life, great workout and wellness tracking, and lots of Garmin Connect IQ third-party app support. View Deal
UK deals
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) has a superb discount in the UK as well. Runners will not want to miss this best-ever offer on the 4.5-star smartwatch, which offers excellent health tracking and GPS navigation features. The vibrant AMOLED display and rugged titanium bezel make it easy to see and resilient. I ran a marathon with this, and at this price, I'd buy it over any other Garmin. View Deal
A lowest-ever price on the Garmin Vivoactive 5 means there's never been a better time to snap this up. Garmin's comprehensive training app has served me well for years, while the Vivoactive 5 at this price is an easy buy for Fitbit users who are used to cheaper price points. View Deal
A huge £240 off the white 43mm Fenix 8 model. A five-button configuration and AMOLED touchscreen mean you can operate the watch while wearing gloves in adverse weather conditions. It's perfect for hikers, skiers, campers, and triathletes. View Deal
Folks in the UK have a seriously tempting offer here at First Class Watches, where you can save a huge £700 on the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)! This is enormous, and I have never seen the premium watch as close to the thousand-pound mark as this. Considering this was a multi-thousand-pound watch not that long ago, this is a great deal for those on the premium device hunt.View Deal
There's an unwritten rule that when you hit 50, you start noticing birds. First, you hear their songs, and then you start spotting them in the trees and flying overhead. They've been there your whole life, but some part of your amygdala opens up at the half-century, and then you're on your way to becoming a birder like me.
This update to the popular Birdbuddy feeder and webcam ups the number of solar panels (you'll never have to plug in again), increases the image capture resolution (2k), and even adds slo-mo. It's the best way to feed and get up close with birds without actually getting too close.View Deal
The John Lewis deal on the Web Cam bird feeder might not be as good as Amazon's, but they are promising a price match. Of course, Amazon in the UK is not currently selling the Bird Buddy Pro. Even so, it's still an attractive price for the popular Birdbuddy feeder. This model ups the number of solar panels, and ups the image capture resolution (2k)View Deal
Back when my family gifted me a Birdbuddy (pre-Pro version), I called it my favorite gadget. Like this OG version, Birdbuddy Pro is a combo webcam and bird feeder.
The model on sale here is similar to mine in that it has a solar panel on the roof to keep the webcam charged up. The Pro version actually has two panels, one for each side of the roof. I have to say that, for as much as I love my Birdbuddy, I really wish it had two panels because every once in a while, mine gets stuck facing away from the sun for too long, and then I need to pull the webcam module and charge it indoors.
The Pro model also raises the video resolution to 2k and has a larger sensor for better photography. It can even shoot in slow motion.
The app helps you keep track of visitors, and the onboard AI automatically identifies most bird species. You can even pay a monthly subscription fee to have the system name and identify specific birds (among other perks like unlimited storage and sharing your Birdbuddy live feed with guests), so you know when Cara the Cardinal returns for more seed,
BirdBuddy Pro ships with a simple hook so you can hang it, but other accessories let you attach it to a pole or bolt it to, say, a shed. I have mine hanging from my shed and have captured (and shared) so many great images and videos of visiting cardinals (male and female), grackles, pigeons, mourning doves, blue jays, and house sparrows.
Squirrels sometimes drop in and dump most of the seed. In fact, if I had any criticisms of the device, it would be that the seed holder is too small (though the Pro enlarged it to 3.8 cups of seed, 0.3 cups more than what I get) and that there's no easy way to protect it from unwanted critters. But that's about it when it comes to any cons.
Futbol üzrə Xorvat milli komandasının keçmiş mərkəz müdafiəçisi Deyan Lovren Yunanıstanın PAOK klubundan ayrılıb və azad agentə çevrilib.
Arena.az bu barədə PAOK-un rəsmi saytına istinadən məlumat verir.
36 yaşlı futbolçu özünə yeni klub tapa bilməsə, böyük ehtimalla karyerasını başa vuracaq.
Xatırladaq ki, Lovren 2024-cü ildə Yunanıstan klubuna azad agent kimi keçmiş və 2 illik müqaviləyə imza atmışdı. O, PAOK-un heyətində cəmi 27 oyuna çıxıb və 1 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.
Lovren karyerası ərzində “Liverpul”, “Zenit”, “Dinamo” (Zaqreb), “Sauthempton”, “İnter” (Zapreşiç), “Olimpik” (Lion) kimi klubların şərəfini qoruyub.
Deyan Lovren 2009-cu ilin oktyabrında debüt etdiyi Xorvatiya yığmasının heyətində 78 oyuna çıxıb, 5 qol vurub və 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı veteran futbolçunu 400 min avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Azərbaycanı futbol üzrə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında (ÇL) təmsil edəcək son ölkə çempionu “Sabah” Avstriyadakı təlim-məşq toplanışını davam etdirir.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, paytaxt təmsilçisi Avstriyanın Tirol bölgəsindəki təlim-məşq toplanışı çərçivəsində bu gün ilk yoxlama matçına çıxıb.
“Bayquşlar” Rumıniyanın “Universitatya” (Krayova) komandası ilə qraşılaşıblar. Matç 1:1 hesablı heç-heçə ilə yekunlaşıb. Oyunda hesabı 4-cü dəqiqədə “Universitatya” açıb. Azərbaycan çempionu məğlubiyyətdən 65-ci dəqiqədə qurtulub.
“Sabah” növbəti yoxlama oyunlarında iyunun 28-də Macarıstanın “Ferentsvaroş”, iyulun 2-də isə Ukraynanın “Polesye” komandaları ilə qarşılaşacaq.
Azərbaycan çempionu UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünün 1-ci təsnifat mərhələsində Uels təmsilçisi TNS ilə üz-üzə gələcək. Bu gün cütün qalibi növbəti mərhələdə “Vardar” (Şimali Makedoniya ) – “KuPS” (Finlandiya) cütünün qalibi ilə qarşılaşacaq.
Paraqvay Futbol Federasiyası İngiltərə millisinin üzvü Cud Bellinqemlə bağlı FİFA-ya şikayət edib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, buna səbəb dünya çempionatında […]
Avstriyanın Tirol bölgəsində təlim-məşq toplanışında olan “Sabah” ilk yoxlama oyununa çıxıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, Murad Musayevin komandası Rumıniya təmsilçisi […]
While there was probably a moment when Slate’s leadership had to green-light the switch from one battery type to another, the momentum toward that decision had been building for years.
The 34-year-old had been at San Siro since the summer of 2018, when he also left Lazio as a free agent with his deal running down.
De Vrij to quit Serie A
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He really has been a stalwart of Serie A, first coming to Lazio from Feyenoord in a deal worth €7m in the summer of 2014.
De Vrij went on to make 308 Serie A appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists.
He won three Serie A titles with Inter, three editions of the Coppa Italia and three Italian Supercups, along with the 2017-18 Supercoppa Italiana for Lazio.
Italy legend Mario Balotelli was the star of New York City today when he threw out the first pitch for the Mets baseball team against the Cubs at Citi Field.
The striker, who is currently playing for Al-Ittifaq in the UAE, was the guest of honour and given the task of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in today’s game between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.
In his career, Balotelli played for the likes of Inter, Liverpool, Manchester City, Milan, Olympique Marseille and Adana Demirspor.
His most recent Serie A experience with Genoa petered out after a disagreement with coach Patrick Vieira.
SuperMario scored 14 goals in 36 senior caps for Italy, but his most recent appearance for the Azzurri was on September 7, 2018 against Poland in the Nations League.
Mario Balotelli acts as fashion model for KidSuper runway show.
He turns 36 in August and was accompanied by his brother Enock Barwuah, who also had a brief playing career of his own.
Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone insisted on being pitch side with his CANMNT teammates for tonight’s World Cup game against Switzerland, saluting fans from his wheelchair.
He was stretchered off and whisked straight to surgery to fuse the leg back together, and it remains to be seen how many months he will be out of action for.
Kone still participating in World Cup
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 24: Ismael Kone #8 of Canada is seen before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Switzerland and Canada at BC Place Vancouver on June 24, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
However, Kone remained in good spirits and insisted on attending this evening’s final group game against Switzerland in Vancouver.
He was wheeled out in his chair and saluted the crowd before joining his Canada teammates on the touchline during the warm-up.
While Team Canada hits the field for warmups, Ismael Kone could be seen in a wheelchair saluting the fans.
The 24-year-old already has 42 senior caps for Canada, in which he scored four goals, and was hoping to make a real impression at this tournament co-hosted with the USA and Mexico.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis won’t be drawn on when he can finally announce Max Allegri as the new coach. ‘We have to stay up there and try to improve in Europe.’
The patron just flew back from Los Angeles, where he spends much of his time thanks to his day job as a Hollywood movie producer, and immediately spoke to reporters.
It was on the superyacht Boardwalk, where they were the guests of American ambassador to Italy Tilman J. Fertitta.
De Laurentiis on Napoli ambition
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis arrives for the screening of the film “Freaks Out” presented in competition on September 8, 2021 during the 78th Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
The first question was about their ambitions for this season, having won the Scudetto in 2025 and then finished runners-up to Inter.
“I have been here for 22 years, we are the only club who kept climbing and climbing. We have to stay up there and must try to improve in Europe,” De Laurentiis told reporters.
De Laurentiis: «Allegri? Non se ne può parlare ancora, ma vogliamo restare in alto»
«Quando annunciamo il prossimo allenatore? Io sono appena atterrato dal Los Angeles, aspettate»#ForzaNapoliSemprepic.twitter.com/QgCNPCnkGb
“We cannot and must not talk about Allegri until we really have him,” noted De Laurentiis.
“Decisions are made seeking consistency. Seeing as we finally have a Federation President who shares my ideas, which football is an industry, albeit an atypical one, I am convinced all of Italian football must work hard and rebuild with Malagò.
“The difference is that Americans are always going forward, whereas in Italy we remain stagnant. It’s because the men in power do not move.”
Appena sbarcati da Los Angeles, il Presidente Aurelio De Laurentiis e la sig.ra Jacqueline si sono recati a Napoli e sono saliti a bordo del superyacht Boardwalk, ospite dell'ambasciatore americano Tilman J. Fertitta e della sua consorte. pic.twitter.com/MBxHWd0Isf
Fiorentina right-back Dodo is emerging as the most likely candidate for Inter now that Chelsea beat them to Marco Palestra, but there is also interest from Napoli.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 11, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
With that in mind, the price-tag is said to be around €15m, which is considerably cheaper than Palestra.
Once again, Inter are not the only club interested in his services, as Dodo is also seen as an option for Max Allegri’s Napoli.
Their first choice would be Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise, so the Brazilian is a back-up choice.
The 27-year-old was purchased from Shakhtar Donetsk for €15.4m in 2022 and in the current campaign he notched up two goals with three assists in 47 games for Fiorentina.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make an approach to Aston Villa over the transfer of Morgan Rogers, while there’s also an update on Ayyoub Bouaddi and Jeremy Monga.
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That’s according to the Evening Standard, who also claim that Arsenal are closing in on a £10m deal for Leicester City wonderkid Monga, and that the north London giants have also held talks over Lille midfield wonderkid Bouaddi.
Arsenal fans will be excited to see increasing coverage on the club’s pursuit of Rogers, who finished the 2025/26 season with 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The England international can play wide on the left or as a number ten – two positions Mikel Arteta could do with strengthening.
How Arsenal could line up with Morgan Rogers and Ayyoub Bouaddi signings
Out of those names being linked, it seems likely that only Rogers and Bouaddi would go into the Arsenal starting line up straight away.
Even then, it’s not exactly clear how AFC would line up, with Rogers looking like a decent upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left, though Martin Odegaard’s fitness and form is also a concern.
Bouaddi would probably not start a lot of games straight away, but has shown huge potential in recent times and could be a good option to occasionally partner Declan Rice in midfield…
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Posting on his official X account, Romano says that Como are keen on Chalobah and seem to have moved ahead of Inter Milan in the race for his signature.
For now, however, Chalobah is at the World Cup 2026 with England, and will seemingly not rush into a decision on his future, according to Romano…
?? EXCL: Trevoh Chalobah can leave Chelsea this summer and Como send initial official bid for the centre back.
?? Understand Inter have also looked at Chalobah among centre back options.
English CB focused on World Cup but UCL clubs keen.
“Trevoh Chalobah can leave Chelsea this summer and Como send initial official bid for the centre back,” Romano posted. “Understand Inter have also looked at Chalobah among centre back options. English CB focused on World Cup but UCL clubs keen.”
Should Chelsea let Trevoh Chalobah leave this summer?
With over 150 Chelsea appearances to his name, Chalobah has been something of a stalwart for the Blues in this rather chaotic period of much chopping and changing of both managers and players.
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Still, it’s also probably the case that CFC need to be aiming a bit higher in central defence, so Chalobah might also think of this as a good time to move on.
Como, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, also looks like an attractive project at the moment, so could be a good destination for Chalobah to play regularly and contribute to a team’s development.
Chelsea to replace Trevoh Chalobah?
It’s worth noting that Como’s bid for Chalobah also comes as Chelsea seem to be working on centre-back signings of their own.
Plans could already be underway for the west London giants to replace Chalobah with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix or Como’s talented young defender Jacobo Ramon.
Chelsea are said to be stepping up their interest in Ramon, as per TEAMtalk‘s earlier report, while see below for a post from Ben Jacobs on X about their interest in Lacroix…
Chelsea are keen on Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, as revealed on @talkSPORT last week. Palace would like to keep the 26-year-old.#CFC want to sign a starting centre-back who brings height and physicality at the back.
BOSTON — The last time the Celtics fought and clawed for their playoff lives, they were without their face of the franchise in Jayson Tatum. The C’s star was still going through return-to-play protocols, so after a left knee issue popped up, he was shut down ahead of Game 7 against the 76ers.
Tatum now gets a full offseason to recover after playing in 22 combined games between the regular season and playoffs. While he wasn’t at 100% coming back from his Achilles injury, Tatum still played at a high level in his return. Celtics president Brad Stevens, speaking after the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday, gave a health update on the Celtics star.
“He’s been good,” Stevens said. “A lot of the younger guys have been here because they are ramping up to play in Summer League. We haven’t been done as early as we’ve been done in a long time. They actually went away for awhile and came back for a couple weeks so they have spent a lot of time together. Jayson joined them last week to start to ramp up. He’s good some travels coming up. He’s got his camp coming up and I think he’s excited about getting on the court with some of those young pups a little bit.”
But regardless of what the Celtics do this summer, Tatum’s health is one of the most important pieces. Tatum remarked how, at the end of the season, his right calf was still smaller than his left one coming back from his Achilles injury. It was one of those realities that, yes, despite his great play, he wasn’t close to 100% yet. He’ll have a chance to get back to full strength now that he has a full offseason ahead of him.
“I‘m very happy that I came back to be a part of his team,” Tatum said back in May. “To get back to doing what I love, to help us, give us a chance to compete for a championship, to prove to myself that I can get back to being the guy who I was, and hopefully better. And just to kind of defy what this injury kind of means.”
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CINCINNATI – After waiting nearly a month for a verdict, Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe dropped the appeal of his one-game suspension and will serve it June 24 in the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
That verdict never came down despite nearly the full month wait. So, with the schedule working out as it has, it made sense for Uribe for drop the appeal and serve the suspension in Cincinnati.
Uribe would have been unavailable for the Brewers out of the bullpen anyway, having pitched four of the past five days. With an off-day June 25 ahead of 18 games in 17 days leading into the All-Star break, the Brewers talked Uribe into accepting the punishment so he could be fully fresh.
Britain's Jack Draper says his recent injury problems left his confidence levels "below the floor".
But the 24-year-old continued his comeback with an assured win over compatriot Jack Pinnington Jones to reach the Eastbourne quarter-finals.
Draper played his first competitive match in more than two months on Monday after a knee injury sidelined him in April's Barcelona Open.
That was the latest in a long list of injury issues which meant he has played just 13 matches in the past year.
He will face Canada's Gabriel Diallo in the last eight on Thursday after defeating his good friend Pinnington Jones 7-5 6-4.
"My confidence levels were below the floor a couple of weeks ago," admitted Draper.
"I hadn't played in a long time, I wasn't match fit, I didn't play Queen's because I wasn't ready. So to come here and to be on court and to be competing and playing at a high level very quickly I'm very grateful."
Draper's injury troubles began at Wimbledon last year, when he was having the best run of his career after reaching the 2024 US Open semi-finals and rising to a career-high fourth in the world rankings.
He added: "I've spent a lot of time off court with injury, I was on a great trajectory last year.
"My body stopped me in my tracks. I wasn't able to play and the last year has been really difficult."
But Draper continued his strong start under new coach Sir Andy Murray with another confident performance on the south coast on Wednesday.
The left-hander started brightly and broke serve early on, but he squandered a set point at 5-4 up and Pinnington Jones, 23, struck back thanks to a lucky net-cord winner.
But Draper restored his lead immediately and his serve, which has looked impressive upon his return, saw him through the opener with back-to-back aces.
The former British number one carried the momentum into the second set and, after breaking early again, he didn't face a break point before wrapping up the success and sharing a warm embrace with Pinnington Jones at the net.
"Jack's a great friend, so it's tough playing against a good friend. He's still young, he recently came out of college and he's been building his way up the rankings," said Draper.
"I believe he's going to be a top, top player and I think he showed that today."
Draper was joined by fellow Britons Jan Choinski and Toby Samuel in the last eight.
Choinski defeated compatriot Felix Gill 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 to reach his first ATP Tour quarter-final, while lucky loser Samuel claimed his first Tour-level win with a 6-1 7-6 (9-7) victory over Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Gill, also a lucky loser, had been a late replacement for defending men's champion Taylor Fritz, who withdrew in order to give himself the "best chance of being 100%" for Wimbledon after injury issues.
In the women's draw, American second seed Madison Keys breezed past Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain 6-0 6-1, while Latvian third seed Jelena Ostapenko came from behind to beat Hungary's Panna Udvardy 3-6 6-1 6-2.
NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets went into Tuesday's first round of the 2026 NBA Draft armed with the No. 6 overall pick and they used that selection on Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. While Brooklyn taking Brown wasn't the biggest surprise in the world given everything reported in the pre-draft process, Brown still felt every emotion and expressed himself in the best way he could.
"Man, first of all, I want to give glory to God. Without Him, I wouldn't be here. I just felt like I was the right pick. I think I fit into the system really well and what Coach Jordi [Fernandez] has building with them," Brown said during his post-draft interview with the media on Tuesday. There was some drama leading into the Nets' pick given that Brown was still on the board along with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., but Brooklyn went with the former Cardinal.
"I got to see the team. The team was there when I came to work out. You could see the bond and the maturity and the camaraderie that they had. I feel like I fit right in, as well as the whole staff," Brown continued before explaining what the team is expecting from him from the beginning. "Just come in and just be an impact guy right away and do what I do best. That's creating for others and also creating for myself to score."
Brown is coming off an impressive freshman season with Louisville as he averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 41.0% from the field and 34.4% from behind the three-point line. However, Brown played in just 21 games (19 starts) due to a back injury, but he showed over the course of the pre-draft process that the back issues are a thing of the past.
Brown explained that he met with the Nets twice prior to the Draft and because of that extra time, he was able to get to know head coach Jordi Fernandez, general manager Sean Marks, and the rest of Brooklyn's brass. While the Nets are looking for good people, they are also looking for good players and in the early going, it seems that Brown fits both of those qualities. He's ready to get the work started.
While the Colorado Buffaloes did not have any players make the top 10 at quarterback or running back, transfer wide receiver Danny Scudero landed as the game's eighth-best wide receiver. Scudero's top attribute is his change of direction at 93, which is the sixth-best mark at his position.
Scudero begins the year with a 91 overall rating tied with Alabama's Ryan Coleman-Williams and Texas A&M's Mario Craver for the fourth-highest rating for a wide receiver.
Ohio State's Jeremish Smith leads the group with a 99 overall rating, followed by Miami's Malachi Toney (96), Texas' Cam Coleman, Florida State's Duce Robinson, and Rutgers' KJ Buff, who all have 92 ratings.
— College Football 27 (@EASPORTSCollege) June 24, 2026
Scudero being rated a 91 overall should not come as a surprise, given that Scudero is coming off a sensational season with San Jose State. He finished with 88 receptions for 1,297 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers led him to be named a second-team All-American and Blienikoff Award semifinalist.
Colorado revamped its wide receiver room through the transfer portal this offseason, headlined by Scudero, Miami (OH)'s Kam Perry, and Texas' DeAndre Moore Jr.
Jon Rahm is set to play his first non-major PGA Tour event since joining LIV Golf.
Rahm and Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton were announced as two of commitments for the Genesis Scottish Open, to be held in two weeks at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. Rahm and Hatton are eligible to compete in the co-sanctioned event because each are DP World Tour members, with Rahm reaching a conditional release agreement with the European circuit back in May.
Rahm’s last non-major PGA Tour event was the 2023 Tour Championship while Hatton hasn’t played such a tournament since the 2024 Sony Open, after which he moved to LIV, following Rahm, who signed in December 2023.
Joining Rahm and Hatton in the Scottish field are Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre, among others. The official field will be released the Friday before tournament week.
Rahm, a two-time winner on LIV this year, and Hatton, who won LIV’s most recent event earlier this month at Valderrama, won’t tee it up on LIV again until July 23-26 at LIV Golf U.K., as LIV’s event in New Orleans, which was supposed to be held this week, was canceled.
While most of the soccer world is focused on the men at the World Cup, the countdown has begun for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The women's tournament is set to start June 24, 2027, hosted by a South American country for the first time. Brazil hosted the men's World Cup in 1950 and 2014.
“I think that the host country, it sleeps and breathes football. So, I think just the energy you’re going to see from the public, the general public, and obviously the teams touching down in Brazil, I mean, it’s such a unique, special country,” FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis said at an event Wednesday in Miami. “I think the same energy you’re going to feel right now when you bring the world together, and you have an incredible product in women’s football, I mean, the level of quality the players is so extraordinary that I think, honestly, it will be an epic showcase of football and fandom.”
In addition to Miami, a countdown event was also held in Rio de Janeiro. Even in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Wednesday's World Cup match between Switzerland and co-host Canada, video signage flashed with ads for the upcoming women's tournament.
All eight cities that will host women's matches next year also hosted men's games in 2014: Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador.
Qualification for the tournament has already begun. Brazil, which has an automatic spot as host, has never won the women's tournament and it remains to be seen whether Marta, the six-time FIFA world player of the year, will be on the national team. The 40-year-old Marta has never won a major international tournament.
Thirteen other teams have also qualified, including Australia, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain and Denmark.
“There is only one year left until the moment that will be marked in the history of our country. For the CBF (Brazilian soccer confederation) and for all Brazilians, it is a source of great pride to host the Women’s World Cup," federation president Samir Xaud said in a statement. “It will be an opportunity to show the world our passion for football and, above all, the strength of Brazilian women’s football. We are certain that this will be a transformative World Cup, capable of inspiring girls in all regions of Brazil and leaving a lasting legacy.”
The first Women's World Cup was hosted by China in 1991. The United States has won the most titles with four. Spain won the last title in 2023 at the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Women's soccer has experienced exponential growth in the past decade, with new leagues, increasing viewership and revenues. The Women's World Cup in Brazil will be the last with 32 teams. In 2031 the event will include 48 teams, like the men's tournament.
The 2031 World Cup is expected to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The formal decision will likely be announced in November.
“I think when we went to 32 there was some noise, are we’re ready, are there going to be blowouts? We saw an incredibly competitive landscape. We saw debutantes making the knockout rounds. I think the global game is accelerating so fast that countries are closing the gap a lot faster," Ellis said. “Our job is to make sure teams come in there as prepared and ready as they can, so we have the most competitive World Cup. So I think the growth of the game is accelerating rapidly, and I think by 2031 we certainly will have a very competitive World Cup.”
NEW DELHI: England captain Ben Stokes has admitted he apologised to his teammates after returning for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand cricket team.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson missed the second Test after being investigated for allegedly breaking the team's midnight curfew following England’s win in the opening match.
While they were cleared of any violent conduct, both received written warnings for breaching team rules.
Speaking before the third Test at Trent Bridge, Stokes said addressing the squad was one of the first things he did after rejoining the team.
"That was one of the first things I had to do as a captain," Stokes told reporters.
The England skipper acknowledged that the nightclub controversy affected more than just him. He said it overshadowed an important moment for several young players who made their Test debuts during the second match.
"It affected Joe, it affected the squad, it affects the people outside the playing environment. It no doubt had an effect on the lads who were making their debut. That should have been all about them, but unfortunately a situation out of their control took precedence over their big day of making their debut for England in Test cricket," he added.
England, led by Joe Root in Stokes’ absence, lost the second Test by 253 runs as New Zealand levelled the series 1-1.
Stokes said leadership means owning mistakes and apologising when necessary.
"It would be stupid and naive for me not to acknowledge that and address that. It's all fine and well everything being fine and dandy when it's going well, but you need to take responsibility for things as well. If that's you that needs to take that responsibility, you need to be big enough and man enough to be able to take that upon your shoulders, look everyone in the eye, and apologise how you need to apologise. That's what I did," he said.
The 34-year-old also dismissed suggestions of a rift with England coach Brendon McCullum.
"You don't plan on going through something like this together in a professional environment. Me and Brendon were talking pretty much every day in the initial period.
"Maybe in the future we'll look back on this and go, this did bring us tighter. This rift, this drifting apart, we certainly haven't drifted."
With the series tied at 1-1, Stokes said both he and Atkinson are now focused solely on helping England win the final Test.
"The main thing about me being back, Gus being back, is for us to focus on the main objective, which is the cricket this week.
"It's 1-1 in the series, we've got one game left, and the importance of the result of this game is the one thing we need to concentrate on," he concluded.
Tottenham advancing in talks with Mateus Fernandes as they look to fend off Manchester United competition
Tottenham Hotspur have entered advanced discussions to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Spurs have made a strong move for the 21-year-old Portuguese international, conducting parallel negotiations with both the player’s representatives and the West Ham board to strike a deal and give Roberto De Zerbi a key midfield addition. Consequently, Fernandes is now open to moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after initially looking like he had his heart set on joining Man United.
The sudden acceleration from Spurs comes as they look to overtake long-term suitors Manchester United. While the Old Trafford recruitment team has maintained consistent dialogue with Fernandes’ representatives for several months, Tottenham have changed the landscape by presenting a superior financial package. The North Londoners have offered Fernandes a higher overall wage and have shown a strong willingness to edge closer to West Ham’s premium valuation, whereas United remain reluctant to be drawn into a protracted bidding war.
West Ham are holding firm on a steep asking price of around £85 million before approving a move for the central midfielder. The Hammers want to maximise profit on an asset they signed from Southampton for £38 million last summer. Any leverage potential suitors hoped to use after West Ham’s relegation has been neutralised by a £90 million cash injection from shareholders. This substantial influx has strengthened West Ham’s financial stability, giving them a strong negotiating position to sanction any move for Fernandes on their own terms.
Despite West Ham’s struggles last season, Fernandes’ stock rose considerably, attracting interest from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, as well as United and Spurs.
BOSTON — The Celtics have their latest first-round pick, selecting Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. at 27th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. It was clear the C’s could look to bolster their big man depth through the draft, and that’s what they did with Cenac.
Cenac figures to join a center rotation that already has Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Queta is the projected starter after his breakout season. Of course, the Celtics could still add to their roster with free agency set for next week. How Cenac figures to be in the mix remains to be seen, but he’s officially with the C’s now.
Here are four things to know about Cenac, the Celtics’ newest first-round pick:
Cenac is still young
While college players are trending older in this current age, that isn’t the case for Cenac. He’s still just 19 and won’t turn 20 until next February. That means Cenac still has a lot of time to round out his game going forward. On the flip side, it also means he’s still a raw prospect coming out of Houston. Cenac was also rated as a five-star player coming out of high school and was nationally a top-10 prospect, per 247Sports.
Cenac will likely need some time to start his career
The Celtics added some size with Cenac, who was measured at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. That should fit right in at the next level. He’ll likely need to add some muscle and weight considering the league’s physicality, but Cenac has time to grow into an NBA body. Just don’t expect Cenac to be an immediate starter quite yet.
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The skills and abilities are tantalizing, but Cenac is still raw. It also remains to be seen if Boston continues to add more size to its roster. Considering he was the 27th overall pick, it’s no surprise to see the Celtics go with an upside pick who won’t necessarily contribute from Day 1.
“There certainly probably is a lot of excitement and expectation from his, but we were sitting here last year and I didn’t think the guy that we drafted would play at all for us,” C’s president Brad Stevens said. “But you never know. Let’s see. We’ll see how they all come in and work and he’ll certainly have the opportunity like everybody else. But you’re behind when you’re 19 and you’re dealing with now men.”
Cenac is already a strong rebounder
Of Cenac’s skills that immediately stand out, rebounding is one of them. He was already grabbing boards consistently for the Cougars and should be a reliable guy on the defensive glass. Cenac also created consistent second-chance opportunities for the Cougars last season. Considering the emphasis C’s coach Joe Mazzulla puts on rebounding, that’s already a good sign for Cenac going forward.
“He’s just a good young player,” Stevens said. “Energetic. Plays hard. Excellent athlete. Long. Fits a position of need. Some things that we were a little short on this year from an athletic perspective, I think with his size and his length.
Cenac comes from a gritty Houston program
The Cougars haven’t made it to the top of college basketball under coach Kelvin Sampson, but his program still commands a ton of respect. Houston is consistently one of the toughest teams in the nation that plays a physical brand of basketball. Stevens was plenty happy to grab someone who was developed with that in mind. Cenac averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 37 games for Houston last season.
“When you play in the program he’s played for, he’s been taught well and been held to a high standard,” Stevens said. “I like that, and he will undoubtedly come here and be eager to jump into it. He’s a good worker, he’s a good person and he’s got a lot to learn. But we’re excited about starting that process with him.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars have once again locked up one of their own, agreeing to terms with tight end Brenton Strange on a new three-year contract extension, a source confirmed to the Times-Union.
The deal will keep Strange in Jacksonville through the 2029 season. Strange was entering the final year of his original four-year rookie deal after being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
According to multiple reports, Strange's extension is worth up to $48 million over three years with $25 million guaranteed.
Strange's extension comes just a day after the Atlanta Falcons agreed to an extension with TE Kyle Pitts, giving the former Florida Gators playmaker $54 million over three years with $36 million fully guaranteed.
Strange's value skyrocketed last year after his breakout season under head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Last season, Strange caught 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. Strange missed five games last season due to a major soft tissue injury. The team went 2-3 during the five-game span.
Additionally, the Jaguars have insisted this offseason that the team will turn toward more tight end usage as the trend continues to rise around the NFL.
With their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jaguars picked TE Nate Boerkircher out of Texas A&M in the second round. The team also selected TE Tanner Koziol, to double up on the position, taking him in the fifth round of this year's draft.
Dianna Russini had said nothing since abruptly resigning from The Athletic in April, one week after photos first surfaced of Russini and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Portions of a text message she sent to a New York Times reporter in May appear in the new article about the controversy — even though she apparently tried to categorize the remarks as "off the record."
From the Times story, the reporter contacted Russini in early May to request an interview for the story. Russini, per the report, cited the “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” she had endured. She said, “This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally.”
She also referred to herself as a "former journalist" before asking the reporter not to quote from the text message.
From the Times story: "When the reporter told her that this article would include portions of her text message because no agreement had been made for them to engage in an off-the-record correspondence, Ms. Russini objected and then emailed Mr. Perpich, the publisher of The Athletic, as well as two senior editors at The Times to reiterate her wish that her comments not be included."
The New York Times owns and operates The Athletic.
Obviously, the quotes were used. And the quotes were fair game. Off-the-record communications require an agreement between the reporter and the subject of the interview. Plenty of individuals have spoken freely to a reporter without realizing that everything is on the record, unless there's an agreement in advance to treat the information differently.
Reporters know, or should know, the rules of engagement. It's not enough to prepare a response and blurt out "off the record" at the end of it.
As the Times explains, Russini objected to the decision to quote from her text. Then, she went over the reporter's head, unsuccessfully.
Next up will be the report of the internal investigation conducted by The Athletic. Which could prompt Russini to respond, either by making public comments — or possibly by taking The Athletic and the Times to court.
As summer rolls along, USC’s players still have a few more weeks off before the start of fall camp. Naturally, players are spending this time in different ways.
Jordan is from Florida, attended community college in Kansas, and now plays for USC, so it remains to be seen what exactly the New York connection is. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone notably did play baseball for the Trojans in the 1990s.
Last season, Jordan rushed for 576 yards and six touchdowns in USC’s first six games of the season. However, he suffered an ankle injury against Michigan that kept him out for the rest of the year. Now, he returns to the Trojans for 2026 looking to finish what he started.
While Jordan throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium is cool, New York would have been better off inviting one of USC’s wide receivers. Perhaps then he could have taught Aaron Judge how to catch the ball.
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show with six spicy World Cup predictions that could either make them look like geniuses or get them roasted by fans. Alexis predicts that Canada will fail to beat Switzerland, Kylian Mbappé will break the World Cup scoring record and England will advance despite failing to hit top gear. Christian counters with bold calls of his own, including Cape Verde reaching the knockout rounds, Uruguay crashing out of the tournament and Lionel Messi starring in Argentina's final group-stage match.
Next, The Cooligans preview the USMNT's final group-stage game against Türkiye and debate how Mauricio Pochettino should approach what feels like a glorified friendly. Should Matt Freese keep his place? Does Christian Pulisic need minutes to stay sharp? And can Gio Reyna play his way into the starting lineup for the knockout rounds? The guys also discuss Folarin Balogun's likely summer transfer and make their cases for AC Milan and Barcelona as potential destinations.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis react to Cristiano Ronaldo's historic two-goal performance that made him the oldest player ever to score a World Cup brace and the first player to score in six different World Cups. They also break down England's frustrating draw against Ghana and explain what changes the Three Lions need to make moving forward, before previewing the latest action in Group C as the tournament heads toward the knockout stages.
Timestamps:
(2:00) — 6 Matchday 3 predictions ahead of the Knockout Rounds
(20:30) - USMNT vs Turkiye preview: who should be the starting XI?
(33:30) - Folarin Balogun on the move: what club should he go to?
(42:00) - Ronaldo breaks his duck: can he kick on from here?
(47:00) - England’s shock draw vs. Ghana: what has to change?
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates his goal with Ousmane Dembele #7 (left) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I football match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA, United States. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Chelsea slap extraordinary £75m price tag on Malo Gusto
Chelsea have placed a staggering £75 million price tag on Malo Gusto as interest in the France international continues to grow, according to the Daily Mail.
Manchester City are among the clubs tracking the 23-year-old right-back, with sources close to the player indicating he would be open to a reunion with Enzo Maresca.
The Italian tactician is expected to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
However, City are not alone, with several of European clubs also monitoring Gusto’s situation.
However, Stamford Bridge insiders maintain the Blues are not looking to cash in on the defender, who remains highly regarded within the club despite an inconsistent 2025/26 campaign.
The hefty £75m asking price shows Chelsea are determined to keep Gusto unless an extraordinary offer arrives.
Whether City would be prepared to approach that figure remains uncertain, even in a market where transfer fees have been ridiculous.
There have been talks of Gusto leaving following Chelsea’s move for Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra.
The Blues have hijacked Inter Milan’s pursuit of the versatile 21-year-old, who is expected to become Xabi Alonso’s first signing since taking charge.
Capable of operating on either flank as both a full-back and wing-back, Palestra’s arrival would provide Chelsea with additional depth and tactical flexibility, inevitably raising questions over Gusto’s long-term role.
Meanwhile, the west London club are also demanding £120m for Enzo Fernandez, with Real Madrid pushing to sign the Argentine international.
They have decided not to pursue a move for Mateus Fernandes, with Jose Mourinho keen on Fernandez.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have received a bid for centre-back Trevoh Chalobah from Como. It remains unclear whether the Blues will let the English star leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 26-year-old has two years left on his deal, and with no new contract in sight, this might be the best time to get a fee for him.
It is also worth noting that Chelsea want Como defender Jacobo Ramon.
IRVINE, Calif. — Christian Pulisic did not even bother waiting for the first question from reporters before the U.S. training session Wednesday.
He shared what was on everyone's mind: How was he feeling after missing 1½ World Cup matches with a calf injury?
"I'm feeling good," he said in his first comments in 12 days. "I joined the team the last couple days, and yeah, I'm hoping to play a part in tomorrow, for sure."
Thursday marks the third and final Group D match, against last-place Türkiye at SoFi Stadium. Having already clinched first place and a Round-of-32 assignment July 1 in Santa Clara, California, the U.S. has nothing substantial to play for.
For Pulisic, though, the game could provide an opportunity to gain competitive minutes before the knockout stage begins next week. He said he would discuss his status and possible time limitations with the coaching and medical staff.
"Obviously, [there's] not a good chance I'll probably go and play 90 [minutes] right away after you come back and miss a game, but we'll see," he said.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to address Pulisic's status later Thursday.
Pulisic has not played much since the beginning of May: three substitute appearances for AC Milan and no more than 62 minutes in three U.S. roles spanning friendlies and the World Cup. If he were to sit out again Thursday, he would have logged just 45 minutes in 24 days leading to the round of 32.
Pulisic played down such a situation, saying, "I don't think that's enough time to lose sharpness. I've been touching the ball every day and whatnot. I'm working a lot. Get a couple training sessions in, I'd say I'll feel ready."
He had played a starring role in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12 but left at halftime after aggravating a left calf injury. He worked almost exclusively with athletic trainers last week and revealed Wednesday that he had been close to returning for the 2-0 win over Australia last Friday in Seattle.
"I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure," he said.
Scratched from the active roster, Pulisic watched from the bench as the U.S. won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since 1930.
"It was obviously a different set of emotions, for sure, not being able to play, but I enjoyed just being on the sideline, being around the team," he said. "I wanted to be there and just still living that World Cup game. I obviously just couldn't be happier and prouder of how the guys handled that whole situation. I had faith in them."
In Pulisic's place, Ricardo Pepi partnered with Folarin Balogun on the frontline.
This week, Pulisic rejoined his teammates for daily training sessions at Great Park Sports Complex.
With no consequences against Türkiye and four starters carrying yellow cards — another would result in a one-game suspension — Pochettino is expected to make numerous lineup changes. There is also the matter of resting players who have played most, if not all, minutes in the first two matches.
"Everyone on this team is ready to step up, so I feel like it would just be a normal thing for us" if Pochettino turns to a reserve-heavy lineup, Pulisic said. "We're going to support and push everyone the same way, whoever gets the opportunity tomorrow to play, whatever the decisions may be."
He added, "I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I don't need to do everything. It's such a strong team. Everyone has each other's backs. That's what's so fun about it."
PREVIEW | Senegal vs Iraq: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 26/06)
Senegal and Iraq face off this Friday at the BMO Field in World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 20:00 on ITV 4.
In their last game, Senegal lost 3-2 against Norway (World Cup 2026). In their last fixture, Iraq suffered a 3-0 reverse against France (World Cup 2026).
Atletico threaten Inter’s move for Oumar Solet and why these are pressure tactics
Serie A side Inter have been pushing to sign Udinese’s Oumar Solet but Atletico Madrid are threateningg the chase.
Get Italian Football News have looked at how the Nerazzurri how come close to an agreement in the last few weeks.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported now that things may not be as easy. Atletico Madrid’s concrete interest could soon translate into a written offer.
Inter have long had an agreement with the defender, who is waiting to see if and when he can move to Milan, a city he himself has expressed a strong appreciation for, sending a very clear signal. But an agreement with Udinese hasn’t been reached yet.
There’s a gap of a few million between the Friulian club’s asking price of around €25-30 million and Inter’s offer, which is around €20 million. So Atlético has sensed the right moment to make an appearance and is expected to send an initial offer to Udinese within a week.
Pressure tactics likely
Solet has been keen on joining Inter and those around him seem to be pushing for it too. They know Inter have missed out on Marco Palestra to Chelsea and pressurising them into a similar threat using Atletico Madrid could rush Inter into a deal.
Andre Onana holds the key to sealing Old Trafford exit after offer made
Andre Onana may hold the cards to his potential move to Trabzonspor, if recent reports are to be believed.
Onana never truly clicked at Manchester United, and last summer, two seasons after completing his £47.2 million switch from Inter Milan, the club allowed him to leave on loan.
He headed to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, where he set about reinventing himself. Out on loan, he looked decent, producing quality performances that left many wondering what had really held him back at Old Trafford.
Lammens capably replaced Onana
Despite his resurgence, there is still no way back for him at United, not with how fantastic his replacement, Senne Lammens, has been.
Signed for £18.2 million last summer, Lammens has proven a massive hit between the sticks for the Red Devils, so brilliant that he was named the Premier League transfer of the season.
With 23-year-old Lammens in place, United’s goalkeeping department looks set for years to come. There is, however, still some sorting to do; the club needs to move on from both Altay Bayindir and Onana, who proved not good enough.
Where Bayindir ends up remains a mystery, though there is interest from Turkey. Onana, meanwhile, could return to Trabzonspor, where he ended the season as something of a hero.
Offer made to Onana over transfer
According to Sabah, “The Black Sea giants have submitted an offer to the Cameroonian goalkeeper, whom they loaned from Manchester United last season.”
The report adds that “Trabzonspor, wanting a decision to be made by the end of the training camp, has also prepared a Plan B in case of a negative outcome.”
That Plan B is apparently Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper José Sá, with initial approaches already made to gauge the possibility of a transfer.
With Onana holding the keys to this deal, one would hope he would greenlight it and draw a line under what has become a nightmare chapter at Old Trafford.
INEOS would gladly sanction his exit; there are already murmurs that they are pursuing an experienced deputy, such as Karl Darlow, to back up Lammens.
MIAMI (AP) — Otto López homered, Xavier Edwards had an RBI single in the fifth and the Miami Marlins beat the Texas Rangers 4-2 on Wednesday.
López’s two-run shot in the eighth off reliever Cole Winn gave him a 33rd multi-hit game and raised his major league-leading batting average to .340. López also had a single.
The Marlins improved to a major league-best 16-5 in June. Miami is 42-39 at the halfway point and has won five consecutive home series.
Edwards snapped a 1-1 tie with his RBI against Jacob deGrom (6-5). Owen Caissie hit a leadoff single and Leo Jimenez followed with a walk. Both advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Edwards then hit a grounder to right that scored Caissie.
John King (5-1) pitched an inning of relief for the win. Anthony Bender and Michael Petersen combined for seven outs before Pete Fairbanks closed around Joc Pederson’s leadoff homer in the ninth for his 12th save.
DeGrom struck out eight over six innings of two-run-ball. The right-hander allowed four hits and walked two. He ended his outing by striking out the side.
Wyatt Langford put Texas ahead 1-0 with a solo homer in the fourth. He drove the first pitch from Miami starter Eury Pérez over the wall in center for his seventh homer.
The Marlins tied it in the bottom half on Griffin Conine’s RBI double.
Pérez, who allowed three hits, was on a limited pitch count in his first appearance since coming off the injured list and his outing ended after 4 2/3 innings and 68 pitches. The right-hander had not pitched since he sustained a right thigh strain against Toronto on May 27.
Marlins catcher Brian Navarreto threw out two base runners after successful video appeals overturned original safe calls.
Up next
Rangers: Begin a four-game series at Toronto on Thursday with LHP MacKenzie Gore (4-6, 4.07) scheduled to start the opener.
Marlins: Have not announced a starter of the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis on Friday.
The Jacksonville Jaguars invested in one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets on Wednesday. They’re signing tight end Brenton Strange to a three-year extension that’s worth up to $48 million and includes $25 million guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garofolo.
Despite playing in only 12 games last season, Strange ranked third on the team with 46 receptions and 540 receiving yards. The 25-year-old Penn State product built on a breakout 2024 campaign, in which he first reached the 40-catch, 400-yard receiving marks.
Last time around, Strange clocked out with 46 grabs, 540 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. He figures to be an important piece of Liam Coen’s team going forward.
The Jaguars and standout TE Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a 3 year extension worth up to $48M, with $25M guaranteed per his agents Jim Ivler, JR Roggio, and Jon Perzley @SPORTSTARSNYCpic.twitter.com/c0hKrVqP63
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed another key member of the team to a contract extension.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars and tight end Brenton Strange have agreed to a three-year contract extension, worth up to $48 million. This includes $25 million guaranteed.
The 2026 season was set to be the final year of Strange's rookie deal. He is now under contract through the 2029 season.
Brenton Strange's impact on the Jaguars' offense
Strange brings a reliable pass-catching presence to the Jacksonville offense, however, his impact goes well beyond that phase of the game.
Paired with his pass-catching prowess is his ability to contribute as a blocker in the run game and his versatility, which allows Liam Coen to move Strange around the formation.
The Jaguars and standout TE Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a 3 year extension worth up to $48M, with $25M guaranteed per his agents Jim Ivler, JR Roggio, and Jon Perzley @SPORTSTARSNYCpic.twitter.com/c0hKrVqP63
This do-it-all presence adds a level of unpredictability to the Jaguars' offense. With Strange able to fill so many roles, it becomes very difficult for defenses to get a bead on what's coming. This not only creates opportunities for Strange, but it also opens up opportunities for others in both the run and passing games.
Strange, Travon Walker, and Ross Matiscik have all received contract extensions this offseason. Next up is Parker Washington.
The 2026 unrestricted free agent class isn’t highlighted by the big names we once expected to be available, but there are still plenty of players who can be added to a roster to drastically improve it.
With the salary cap rising to $104 million, players are expected to see their salaries drastically increase. A few free agents like Darren Raddysh, Jason Dickinson, and Connor Murphy have already signed extensions, but there are still several players who could be on the move this off-season.
Without further ado, let’s reveal our top 30 free agents of the 2026 NHL off-season.
1. Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres
$4.75 million, 30 years old
79 games played, 33 goals, 33 assists, 66 points
The top free agent on our board is Alex Tuch. A perennial 30-goal scorer listed at 6-foot-4 with the ability to play on the power play and penalty kill, Tuch is a true top-six versatile forward. The hype around Tuch has faltered after a very poor second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, but Tuch is still one of the best power forwards in the NHL.
2. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
$9.5 million, 40 years old
82 games played, 32 goals, 32 assists, 64 points
The question isn’t where Alex Ovechkin will re-sign; it’s if he’ll re-sign. We know that if he does return to the NHL, it’ll be with the Washington Capitals, but at the moment, he’s still contemplating it. With a team-leading 32 goals and 64 points, Ovechkin showed he’s still a star in the NHL.
Similar to Tuch, Rasmus Andersson’s hype has been dampened by his playoff performance, but despite that, Andersson is now the top defensive target. With his two-way game, Andersson will be a fit for any team’s top four.
4. John Carlson, D, Anaheim Ducks
$8 million, 36 years old
71 games played, 14 goals, 46 assists, 60 points
John Carlson has been a model of consistency, and even at the age of 36, Carlson is still a very impactful player. He was a big reason the Anaheim Ducks turned things around late in the season. Carlson will instantly upgrade a contending team’s blueline.
5. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers
$10 million, 37 years old
27-23-1, 3.07 GAA, .877SV%
Sergei Bobrovsky is an interesting player to watch this off-season. The Florida Panthers still hope to bring him back, according to GM Bill Zito, but with him seeking a near-max term deal at a high price point, contending teams may be scared off. If he lowers his demands, he’ll likely generate plenty of interest.
Another right-handed veteran defenseman from the Ducks appears on our free agent board, as Jacob Trouba comes in the sixth spot. Trouba is a physical defenseman who has rounded out his game as he ages.
7. Anthony Mantha, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins
$2.5 million, 31 years old
81 games played, 33 goals, 31 assists, 64 points
Anthony Mantha has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his NHL career, but with the Pittsburgh Penguins, everything came together. Mantha obliterated his career highs and finally demonstrated the consistency his former teams had been begging for.
8. Mason Marchment, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
$4.5 million, 31 years old
68 games played, 19 goals, 26 assists, 45 points
Size, production, physicality, and experience - Mason Marchment is the perfect addition to any contending team’s top nine. While his playoff production with the Dallas Stars wasn’t always stellar, he brought a physical element the team needed.
Viktor Arvidsson needed a bounce-back year with the Boston Bruins, and he delivered. Following a slew of injuries and disappointing campaigns, the 33-year-old needed to show he was still a reliable middle-six scorer.
10. Michael Bunting, LW, Dallas Stars
$4.5 million, 30 years old
74 games played, 14 goals, 19 assists, 32 points
It was an odd season for Michael Bunting. While he hasn’t been able to replicate the production he once had with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bunting has still proven to be a strong player. The Stars acquired him at the trade deadline, but he went on to appear in just 13 regular-season games and one playoff game. The right system could help Bunting find his game once again.
11. Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders
$7 million, 35 years old
82 games played, 19 goals, 23 assists, 42 points
Anders Lee is another veteran forward who is in the downswing of his career but still brings valuable intangibles. Lee has been the captain of the New York Islanders for the past eight seasons, but he also brings a physical edge and a net-front presence. Lee won’t be available for long when he hits the free agent market.
Health is a concern for Boone Jenner, who hasn’t played 70 games since the 2019-20 season. Yet, he’s still among the better defensive centers in the NHL, and as the captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the past five seasons, he brings leadership as well. Jenner can be a terrific shutdown third-line center on a playoff team.
13. Mario Ferraro, D, San Jose Sharks
$3.25 million, 27 years old
82 games played, seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points
Mario Ferraro is a shutdown defender willing to block shots and sacrifice his body to make a play. Ferraro has gone a bit under the radar due to San Jose being a bottom-of-the-barrel team, but if he signs with a playoff contender, he’ll get his flowers for his stout defensive game.
14. Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings
$3 million, 37 years old
67 games played, 16 goals, 41 assists, 57 points
Patrick Kane might not be the dominant offensive force he once was, but the 37-year-old is still an excellent playmaker capable of playing on the top power-play unit. He might not be able to drive a line offensively, but he’s still incredibly dangerous with the puck on his stick. Although Kane seems to like Detroit, with Dylan Larkin’s trade request, we could see Kane move on this off-season.
Frederik Andersen proved a lot of doubters wrong when he guided the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup final. He might not have been in between the pipes when they clinched the Cup, but he was crucial to their success beforehand. Andersen may not be able to handle the workload of No. 1 duties, but he can be very effective as a tandem goaltender.
Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg may be headed to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors after being picked 11th overall in the NBA Draft, but he’s not forgetting about his Michigan ties.
Lendeborg, who led Michigan in scoring en route to the 2026 national championship, wore No. 23 with the Wolverines. Slight problem: That’s the number of Draymond Green, the Michigan State alumnus and four-time NBA champion entering his 15th year in the NBA with Golden State.
Asked by a reporter if he’d wear Michigan State gear for a season if Green would give him his No. 23, Lendeborg balked — and let a little rivalry heat flare up.
“I’m not doing that man, I hate those guys,” Lendeborg said. “I only been there for one year, but I definitely hate those guys. All that they were saying. And they can’t really say much because I went 2-0 against them this year. So they’re gonna be little brother for me forever and I’m not gonna represent the losers. Ever.”
Michigan swept Michigan State 83-71 at Breslin Center on Jan. 30 and 90-80 at Crisler Center on March 8, and Lendeborg, 23 years old, played a leading role each time scoring 26 and 27 points in those outings. He averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks on the season.
Those two rivalry games came with a heavy dose of animosity. Michigan coach Dusty May’s aggressive, portal-heavy roster building drew the ire of some old guard coaches who felt he crossed lines in the process. Then Michigan State coach Tom Izzo beefed over May’s comments after the first rivalry game about MSU point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.’s “dangerous” plays and foul-baiting. The second time around, Fears kicked Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau between the legs — the second time he’d done that during the season — in Ann Arbor. The scene drew boos and chants from the crowd, which turned to those routine rivalry jeers of “little brother” after the Wolverines sealed the win. After the game, Izzo defended his program.
“I’m nobody’s damn little brother, and neither is my team,” Izzo said.
Michigan lost in the Big Ten Tournament championship game but sprinted through the NCAA Tournament, beating Arizona in the Final Four and UConn, who’d beaten the Spartans in the Sweet 16, to win the national championship. Lendeborg played that game on a bum knee after spraining it against Arizona.
Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American, took flak in college and in the draft process for being an older player. He turned 23 before the 2025-26 season, after his basketball career included stops at Arizona Western, UAB and then his final year at Michigan.
“He’s what, 23? Almost 24?” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said after the draft. “I’m not worried because he’s not 38.”
Even Green is only 36, the Saginaw native coming off his 15th season in the NBA averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He finished 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting this season, an award he won in 2017 en route to the second of his four rings. He’s a nine-time all-defensive team selection and a big-time donor to Michigan State. He was 4-3 in seven games against Michigan in college, where he was 2012’s Big Ten Player of the Year himself, as well as the NABC national player of the year.
Green, whose temper sometimes gets the better of him even on the court, has also had beef with some Wolverines in the past. He punched former Wolverine and then-teammate Jordan Poole in October 2022, just months after winning an NBA title together. Poole wound up traded to the Washington Wizards the following year and now he’s with the New Orleans Pelicans, where former Pistons great Joe Dumars is an executive and Jeremiah Fears, younger brother of Spartans point guard Jeremy, is also on the team.
Olympic athletes can now apply for $10,000 cash grants from a new fund created by the International Olympic Committee, which will set aside $140 million each four-year Olympic cycle.
Athletes from any country who compete in the summer or winter Olympics are eligible to apply for the grant within six months of competition, regardless of how they performed at the Games, provided they have not tested positive for doping or otherwise violated the Olympic charter. Olympians who competed at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games will be the first to benefit from the new fund, followed by athletes at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry announced the initiative at the organization's annual strategy meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday, June 24, one year after she took office.
"We found a way to directly support all Olympians, and that is a priority," Coventry said. "I think part of what we do in this movement is we pave the way forward for those that are coming behind us."
Former NBA star Pau Gasol, chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission, said that athletes will apply for the grant through the IOC's existing online business platform called Athlete365.
"We're showing the athletes that we are thinking of them and that we're going above and beyond to make sure that they're receiving as much value as we can give them," Gasol said. "They are the heart of our movement."
The IOC does not award prize money at the Olympics, though some countries choose to pay athletes for medal wins. Coventry faced backlash from athletes earlier this year for saying she opposed paying prize money, but on Wednesday said she'd been working on this initiative since she assumed the presidency.
Olympians can use the grant money to continue their sports careers or transition to another career. If an athlete chooses not to apply for the grant, that money will remain in the fund to be available for other Olympians.
The grant will be available even to athletes in sports like men's soccer and basketball who make lucrative salaries from their careers, Gasol said.
The IOC's Olympic Solidarity program, which already provides scholarships to athletes from less wealthy countries, will manage distribution of the grants. Coventry said the IOC arrived at the $10,000 figure by doubling the $5,000 scholarship typically allotted to athletes for each Olympic qualification event.
The fund is not available to athletes in the Paralympic movement, which is governed separately by the International Paralympic Committee.
Now that Antetokounmpo is in Miami, insiders think teams will start trying to trade for Brown. This has sparked plenty of discourse about Brown and whether the Celtics should trade him or not. In this discourse, some insiders are bringing up what Jaylen Brown said on a livestream after the season.
Brown said that last season was his favorite season. Some found this odd, considering Jayson Tatum missed most of the season and the Celtics were bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Brown has already clarified what he meant by those comments, but once again called out ESPN and Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday.
"ESPN is unethical, and Stephen A. Smith is the head face of that," Brown said at Cannes at Sport Beach in a video posted on X. "The organization and players were all in agreement. They all knew what I meant by that. Our team basically salary dumped. We lost a lot of players and for us to emerge and still be in the same position."
With Brown's name popping up in trade rumors again, media personalities are pointing to his comments after the season ended as a way to say he no longer wants to be in Boston and likes being a No. 1 option. However, Brad Stevens noted in his post-draft press conference on Wednesday that he thinks Brown and Tatum can still win together and coexist.
Smith and Brown have gotten into it on social media a few times since the Celtics season ended, so this is not much of a surprise at this point.
Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders are going into their seventh season since leaving Oakland, making the 2020 NFL draft class the franchise’s first in its new city. That also means all seven players selected in Vegas’ inaugural draft are or at least have had enough time to be well-established veterans in the league.
So, let’s check in on the seven players drafted six years ago and see where they are now. Spoiler alert: five of them are no longer in the league.
Technically, Ruggs only played one and a half seasons in Las Vegas before being charged with and pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter charges. He’s still in the Nevada State prison system and is attempting to make a comeback to the NFL once he’s released. However, that will have to wait another year after the wide receiver was denied parole on June 11.
To clarify, the stat lines above are exclusive to Arnette’s time in the NFL. He’s spent the last two years in the UFL and was a solid player for the Gamblers in 2025, recording an interception and five PBUs in eight games. However, the former first-round pick had just one breakup and no picks this past season.
After getting cut by the Raiders for off-the-field concerns involving guns, Arnette spent some time on the Miami Dolphins practice squad in 2022 and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs the following offseason. However, the Chiefs released him about 10 days after signing him since he was arrested on weapon and drug charges. Arnette also spent some time on the Houston Texans’ practice squad and active roster in 2025.
A former college quarterback, Bowden was supposed to be a revolutionary “utility player” for Jon Gruden’s offense. However, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, the Kentucky product became an off-field concern who needed to be traded before even playing a regular-season game because he was a potential bad influence on Ruggs and Arnette…
The Miami Dolphins received a sixth-round pick and Bowden in exchange for a fourth-rounder (that Las Vegas sent Miami for linebacker Raekwon McMillan the prior season), where the former Wildcat spent his rookie campaign and then a year on injured reserve before getting released. After that, he had brief stints with the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, DC Defenders (UFL), BC Lions (CFL) and Louisville Kings (UFL), never catching on as a professional football player.
Edwards hasn’t been in the NFL since 2023, most recently spending time with the Saints in training camp but failing to even earn a practice squad spot. The most success he had outside of the Raiders was with the Atlanta Falcons, who received him and a seventh-round pick for a fifth-rounder, only to cut the wide receiver about six months later. Edwards also had a brief stint on the Chiefs’ practice squad before ending his career in New Orleans.
Round 3, Pick 100: LB Tanner Muse
Raiders Stats: N/A
Post-Raiders Stats: 36 games (1 start), 23 tackles, 1 PD
Current Team: N/A
Muse was trying to convert from college safety to NFL linebacker, and suffered an injury right before his rookie season started. He didn’t even make the team a year later and ended up becoming a special teamer for the Seattle Seahawks for two years before getting cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of training camp and serving in the same role for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Muse also played three games while on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad two years ago.
Round 4, Pick 109: G John Simpson
Raiders Stats: 35 games played, 21 starts (3 seasons)
Post-Raiders Stats: 51 games played, 51 starts (3 seasons)
Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
Finally, a pick that’s still in the NFL! Simpson spent one season as a starter for the Raiders (2021) before getting waived in December of the following year. He revived his career in Baltimore, starting all 17 games in 2023. That led to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Jets, where he started for two seasons, and then a three-year, $30 million deal to return to the Ravens this past offseason. The Clemson product has never been a Pro Bowler or anything along those lines, but he has been a solid starter since leaving Las Vegas.
With the Raiders, Robertson was a valuable third cornerback who could line up on the boundary or over the slot and could start in a pinch. That’s essentially the same role he played over the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, and the former fourth-round pick is coming off an impressive campaign where he made 10 starts and recorded 12 PDs. That led to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Commanders during free agency this spring, where Robertson has a good chance to finally become a full-time starter.
The Michigan Wolverines took the college basketball world by storm last season, beating the likes of Duke, Florida, and UConn for the national championship. Now, they’ve done it again during the 2026 NBA draft.
Michigan became the first team since 2007 to have three of its non-freshmen candidates get selected in the lottery. This feat was last accomplished by the Florida Gators when Al Horford (3rd overall), Corey Brewer (7th overall), and Joakim Noah (9th overall) were all selected in the lottery.
Although Michigan’s trio wasn’t as high up the rankings as Florida’s, the Wolverines saw Morez Johnson Jr. (9th overall), Yaxel Lendeborg (11th overall), and Aday Mara (12th overall) get selected by the Mavericks, Warriors, and the Thunder, respectively.
The Michigan trio also became the first players to be drafted in the lottery under May, as Danny Wolf was the only Wolverine to be selected last year in the late first round.
Dusty May Couldn’t Contain His Excitement as Aday Mara Goes to OKC
While Dusty May was all smiles during the first round of the NBA draft, there was a moment when the former Michigan head coach was seen visibly amped up. As the OKC Thunder selected big man Aday Mara, May couldn’t hide his emotions and was seen celebrating while applauding Mara’s achievement.
Mara was also highly rated by the OKC brass, as the team reportedly made attempts to trade up in the draft to secure the Spanish big. However, it all worked out in the end as Mara fell to No. 12.
According to insider Kevin O’Connor, the team views Mara as a possible solution to their Victor Wembanyama problems, as the 7-foot-3 center offers elite rim protection and a lob threat for Shai-Gilgeous Alexander to target.
Chelsea Remain Keen On Recruiting This Serie A Defender: What Will He Add To Alonso’s Side?
In a recent post on X, journalist Kieran Gill claimed that Chelsea remain keen on recruiting Como defender Jacobo Ramon this summer. It has been stated that the Blues are showing interest in securing the services of the Spanish centre-back this off-season.
Ramon’s Solid Campaign In Serie A
Ramon had an impressive campaign at the Italian club after he produced a series of solid displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The 21-year-old scored two goals in 37 matches for Como last season across all competitions.
The Spanish sensation is currently one of the best young centre-backs in Serie A. Thus, it is no surprise that the Blues are hoping to land him later this year.
His current contract at the Italian club will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it difficult for Chelsea to land him on the cheap in this transfer period.
PISA, ITALY – JANUARY 6: Jacobo Ramon of Como 1907 in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Como 1907 at Arena Garibaldi on January 6, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
What Will Ramon Add To Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso’s Side?
Ramon is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and excels at playing his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.96m, the Spanish sensation is a strong presence in the air as well. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if the Blues manage to snap him up in this transfer window.
We can expect Ramon to add more bite and steel to Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso’s defensive department in the long run. He is already good enough to fight for a regular starting place at the West London club in the coming seasons.
At 21, the future looks quite promising for Ramon as long as he continues to improve with each year. He will also help Chelsea get back to challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League over the next few years. Therefore, Alonso should focus on stepping up their efforts to sign him later this year. However, the Blues have to be patient with his development before they can get the best out of the player in England.
Real Madrid bet on Sweden’s next big star in Felicia Schröder
For most 19-year-olds, winning league titles and starring in European finals would be enough. Felicia Schröder is just getting started.
Real Madrid have completed the signing of the Swedish striker from BK Häcken, handing one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents a four-year contract through 2030. It proves to be yet another step forward for Madrid towards building a squad capable of challenging for the biggest trophies.
Schröder arrives in Spain carrying plenty of ambition and momentum. Just a few years ago, she was making her way through Häcken’s academy system. Now, she is one of the most talked-about young forwards in Europe, among the likes of Vicky López.
A rapid rise to European prominence
Her breakthrough season in Sweden turned heads across the continent, and it wasn’t difficult to see why. Goals followed her everywhere. The teenager played a key role in helping Häcken win the 2025 Damallsvenskan title, establishing herself as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players. From clever runs behind defenders to arriving in the box at the right time, Schröder consistently found ways to make an impact.
It was her performances on the European stage that truly made her stand out. In May, she became the story of the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup. Häcken reached the final against Swedish rivals Hammarby. Schröder scored the winning goal in the first leg before delivering a hat trick in the return match. By the end of the final, she had scored all four of Häcken’s goals across the two matches and lifted the trophy as the competition’s top scorer.
For a player still in her teens, it was the kind of performance that gets attention and changes careers. That journey now brings her to Madrid. Real Madrid have spent the last few seasons investing in young talent. There is a belief that the club can become a genuine force in European football, more so now with Barcelona’s major departures. Schröder fits that vision perfectly. She is young enough to develop further but experienced enough to contribute immediately.
An elite attacking profile
What makes Schröder stand out is not the number of goals but how she scores them. She has a natural feel for the game inside the penalty area. She reads situations quickly and anticipates where the ball will fall. There is also a fearlessness to her game that is often noted with younger players these days. Despite her age, she has never looked intimidated. That quality will serve her well at a club where every match comes with high expectations.
Of course, there will be challenges ahead. Moving abroad, adapting to a new league and handling the pressure that comes with wearing the Real Madrid shirt is no small task. The pace and physical demands of Liga F will be different from what she’s experienced in Sweden.
But, if her rise has shown anything, it is that she adapts quickly. For Real Madrid, this signing is also about her future potential. The stage will be bigger than ever. So will the spotlight.
Based on everything she has shown so far, Schröder looks ready for it all.
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This is one of the main reasons behind Liverpool potentially changing their transfer plans and why a Premier League sensation could now be their main target.
Yankuba Minteh is Liverpool's next main target after Yan Diomande
Even before the Gambian joined Brighton from Newcastle back in 2024, he was on the Reds' shortlist as a potential option for them to explore.
Granted, this was probably due to the time he spent with Arne Slot at Feyenoord but, it's clear that the Reds saw he had a bit of something about him otherwise he wouldn't have been named as one of their targets.
And, even though their initial interest was reported almost two years ago, they've not taken their eyes off him as the Anfield outfit now see him as the next best option after Diomande.
That is, if the latest report from Caught Offside is to be believed.
"If Liverpool decide Leipzig’s price is too high, Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is expected to become one of the first names they move for," they wrote.
"A budget of around £40m has been allocated for the 21-year-old.
"Minteh would be a very Iraola-style signing. He is quick, direct and aggressive without the ball, which makes him well suited to a high-energy pressing system.
"He may not have Diomande’s superstar valuation, but he could offer better value and still has plenty of room to develop."
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Yankuba Minteh would be an exceptional signing for Andoni Iraola and Liverpool
Much like Caught Offside shared, Minteh feels like a very Iraola-esque signing.
The attacker already has a decent chunk of Premier League experience but, since he's only 21 years old, there are still a few areas of his game which are a tad raw.
However, the fact that he can play on both wings and has contributed to 47 goals throughout his career so far prove how good he actually is.
His favoured side is obviously on the right but, it's nice to know that he can be moved around if another injury crisis impacts Anfield.
Indeed , the fact that he only scored three Premier League goals this term is a tad worrying but, with higher quality players around him, he's likely to perform much better at Anfield than at the AmEx.
And, the fact that he'd cost an awful lot less than Diomande despite having Premier League experience is a massive bonus, especially when Liverpool will need all of their new signings to hit the ground running as soon as possible.
The first commit of the summer has come down for the Oregon Ducks. Three-star offensive lineman Lex Mailangi announced his commitment to the Ducks on Wednesday, just days after visiting Eugene for his final official visit.
Mailangi chose the Ducks over UCLA, Cal and SMU. Oregon maintained its position as the leader in the recruitment throughout his official visits, so the decision to set a commitment date shortly after visiting the Ducks in Eugene was telling.
BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Lex Mailangi has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6’4 340 IOL chose the Ducks over UCLA, SMU, and Cal
While in Eugene, Mailangi got to connect with five-star Oregon quarterback commit Will Mencl, and they could become the future battery of the Ducks' offense. Mailangi has experience playing guard and center and will likely continue to develop at both positions.
The Mater Dei standout joins four-star Gus Corsair as the only two interior offensive linemen committed to the Ducks in the 2027 class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, Mailangi is a physical blocker and moves well for his size. His versatility will be key for the Ducks as they rework the future of the offensive line after the upcoming season.
Oregon has also locked in a pair of offensive tackles with four-star Cameron Wagner and three-star Avery Michael. Mailangi also grew up playing youth football with freshman lineman Tommy Tofi, who impressed this spring. The future along the line of scrimmage appears to be in good hands.
Now that the College World Series has come to a close, that marks the end of the majority of high school and college seasons. However, there is the exception of high school ball in Iowa, as they start their season way later than most, wrapping up in July.
Now, the attention is on the MLB Combine, which began on Tuesday and runs through Thursday. This gives a chance for scouts to get a better and much closer look at some of these prospects they are interested in.
This also gives scouts a chance to talk to the players and get to know them. For many of these draft prospects, this week is a giant job interview, and what they do and what they say can either make them or cost them a ton of money.
New draft projections have Athletics solving major roster problem at No. 8
The Athletics know just how important it is for them to build their team through the draft. They don't have the money other big-pocket teams have, and they're not a great free-agent destination.
They have been awarded the No. 8 pick this year, and there is sure to be some elite talent when they get on the clock.
While they have been linked to multiple players, this latest projection makes a ton of sense. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes they will draft Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick.
"Helfrick provides similarly to current Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers at the same stage in his development. He exits the college ranks as the consensus top defensive catcher in his class, and has also shown enough pop to make an impact in the batter's box, hitting 33 home runs in 123 games the last two seasons. There is no such thing as too many quality catching prospects at a time when there's a shortage of talent at the position leaguewide."
Reuter believes Helfrick looks a lot like the club's current backstop, Langeliers. And while Langeliers has been great, he could use a little help.
Most teams have two solid options at catcher, and while Jonah Heim gets most of the backup options, he's a 30-year-old veteran, while Tyler Soderstrom has pretty much been pushed into a corner outfield and designated hitter role with his struggles behind the dish.
Tupelo offensive lineman Antonio Berry has committed to Ole Miss, according to On3/Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
Berry, a rising senior, is one of the top prospects in the state. 247Sports’ composite rankings list Berry as the fourth-best prospect in Mississippi – including the second-best offensive lineman – and 96th nationally.
Berry, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, played a big role up front last year for a Tupelo ground attack that rushed for more than 4,600 yards and 59 touchdowns. This year, he’ll be tasked with protecting new quarterback Drew Dean and paving the way for returning running back Kylan Bobo.
Many are wondering what the future holds for free-agent edge rusher Joey Bosa. As it turns out, it might be retirement.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter weighed in on the possibility of Bosa joining forces with his brother Nick to play for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 on the most recent episode of his podcast.
Schefter revealed that it’s more likely the five-time Pro Bowler retires rather than playing an 11th season.
“It is more likely than not that Joey Bosa has played his last NFL down,” Schefter said. “Now, again, coudl a situation like the 49ers come along that entices him enough to come out and play again? Yeah, absolutely. We saw it happen with Philip Rivers.
“So, you never know when a player is fully done and when he’s not done. But the fact of the matter is, I think if the Niners wanted to pair those two together, it probably would have happened already.”
Bosa might view the chance to play with his brother Nick as enticing enough to put off retirement for, but it appears the Niners simply can’t afford him.
A family reunion in San Francisco?
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) on the field during warm ups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
A Joey and Nick Bosa pairing has been talked about for years now and the NFL world thought it would finally happen in 2026.
After all, the Niners had a need at edge rusher and Bosa has remained available on the open market.
More recently, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t sound too optimistic that we’d get to see the Bosa brothers playing together.
“I love signing good players,” Shanahan said when asked about Bosa. “I look at our team as, we kind of have our team, and anyone else we can figure out to bring, especially someone like that, that would be awesome. But that stuff’s not always possible.”
Joey Bosa’s decline
Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
A former No. 3 overall pick of the then-San Diego Chargers, Bosa was once considered one of the better edge rushers in the NFL after posting double-digit sacks in four of his first six seasons.
But Bosa’s career has been marred by injury, with the Ohio State product missing four or more contests in five of his first eight seasons in the NFL.
The veteran has managed to stay relatively healthy over the past two seasons, missing five games in that span, but his sack production just hasn’t been the same.
Bosa has posted 10 sacks over the previous two seasons, including five for the Buffalo Bills in 2025. The 30-year-old only tallied one sack in the second half of the regular season, though, and was blanked during Buffalo’s postseason run.
Bosa will only be turning 31 in July, but he’s an older 31 than many guys his age given his injury history, which makes him a risk for any team that signs him.
For now, it looks like we might have seen the last of Bosa in the NFL.
FIFA have been flamed for the introduction of hydration breaks at this World Cup, and now Gianni Infantino has released a statement.
Mandatory three-minute stoppages in the 22nd and 67th minute of every match have chopped games into quarters, and the stop-start rhythm has irritated players, coaches and supporters alike. The pauses have also handed broadcasters a fresh window to run adverts.
To plenty of watching fans, the breaks look like a money grab — and given FIFA’s recent direction, that suspicion was always going to take hold. Less surprising still is that Infantino has now stepped in to insist money has nothing to do with it.
Gianni Infantino says the breaks are “purely a sporting matter”
This is not the first defense Infantino has had to mount in recent weeks.
Through the build-up he stood by the tournament’s steep ticket prices and the dynamic pricing behind them, arguing the revenue funds the development of soccer worldwide. The hydration breaks slot into the same pattern — an unpopular, commercially convenient call presented as something nobler.
On the breaks specifically, Infantino was adamant the broadcast windows put no extra money in FIFA’s pocket.
He said, per the Guardian: “There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter.”
Whether fans accept that may depend on what they already know. Reports during the group stage had some ad slots selling for $750,000 during United States games — the kind of figure that explains why a three-minute pause has drawn so much attention off the pitch.
Infantino’s wider case leans on the calendar and the climate.
He added: “The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important.”
Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Where Infantino’s defense runs thin
He also framed the breaks as a question of fairness.
Infantino said: “What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions.
“It’s very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it’s hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach doesn’t have the same opportunity.”
Within any single match, the break applies to both teams equally, so neither side gains an edge from a stoppage they both take.
The only real inconsistency is between matches — and the simplest fix is the one UEFA has confirmed for Euro 2028, which is to tie any break to an actual temperature reading rather than making it automatic.
The stoppages have already been impacting results in a clear pattern, with momentum repeatedly shifting soon after play resumes. Hardly the picture of a tournament unaffected by its new rhythm.
FIFA’s track record on commercial decisions does not invite much trust. Whatever the official line, the hydration breaks still look a lot like commercial reasoning dressed up as something else.
IRVINE, Calif. (AP) — Christian Pulisic says he feels “great” now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.
Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.
“I'm hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure,” Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park. “I’ll discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but we’ll see.”
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn't said how he will treat the final group match, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention.
Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playing time for him as the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic's calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cup stage, he felt certain he wouldn't be out for long.
“I never feared anything worse,” Pulisic said. “I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasn’t quite ready, but it wasn’t anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.”
With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey, Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key players in his starting lineup while giving a few of his reserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to starting central defender Chris Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance.
“Our trainings are pretty intense," Richards said. "I think fitness won't be an issue. I don't think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it's good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we'll be fine when it comes to the next game.”
Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator during the Americans' win in Seattle, celebrating along with his teammates as they capably handled a second straight opponent for their team's first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive performance without its most accomplished attacking player, particularly in the first half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly.
“It’s not surprising to me,” Pulisic said. “I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I don’t need to do everything. It’s such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each other’s backs. That’s what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that we’ve put in, especially the way we’ve started the games, has been fun to watch.”
“The OHSAA is so proud to welcome girls flag football to our family,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director, noting the rapid growth of the sport.
There were 162 high school girls flag football teams across the state this past spring.
In May, the OHSAA partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals to host a high school tournament event, which was won by Macedonia Nordonia.
Dates for the 2027 season and tournament will be determined at a later date.
"We are blessed to be a part of such an enduring heritage in the community of CVCA," Bell said in a prepared statement June 23. "I am humbled and honored to lead as the new Athletic Director as we continue to develop Christ-like character as ambassadors for Christ through competitive excellence.
"I am extremely passionate about advancing Christ's kingdom through sports. I eagerly await galvanizing this community around this mission and spurring on coaches and student-athletes into a deeper relationship with Christ. I look forward to building upon such a storied legacy! Go Royals!"
Bell replaces Jon Young, who left CVCA at the end of the 2025-26 school year to be director of athletics at Indiana Wesleyan University. Young served as CVCA's athletic director for 14 years from 2012-2026.
Bell is native of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Jeb Stuart High School in 2010. He attended Shepherd University in West Virginia before playing football for and graduating from Malone University in Canton. He played tight end, defensive line and linebacker at Malone in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and earned a degree in exercise science.
Bell also played professional football in the CFL and AFL.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rico Bell to our community as CVCA's new Athletic Director," CVCA President Jason Spodnik said. "Rico is a proven leader with deep experience who understands that athletics is one of the most powerful platforms we have for our mission. He views the field, the court, and the locker room as labs for spiritual formation.
"His passion for equipping coaches to be mentors and transforming student-athletes into disciples is contagious. This unwavering passion for mentoring and intentional disciple-making aligns perfectly with our school's mission. Under Rico's leadership, we aren't just looking to build championship-caliber programs – we are looking to build champions for Christ who will impact the culture for generations to come."
CVCA names Christy Mitchell assistant athletic director
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy also announced Christy Mitchell is the school's assistant athletic director. Mitchell is CVCA's girls lacrosse coach, with two years of experience leading the Royals.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the CVCA Athletic Office staff," Mitchell said in a prepared statement June 23. "For nearly 30 years, God has used sports as an opportunity for ministry in my life, teaching me while also allowing me to serve athletes and coaches from youth sports through the collegiate level. While I love competition and the lessons that come through athletics, my greatest passion has always been helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus, and getting to do both together as a career is an absolute gift!
"I love the vision and mission of CVCA, and serving through the athletic department alongside the staff is an incredible opportunity. It is a privilege to use sports as a tool for discipleship, and I am excited to see how God will work through the relationships and opportunities ahead at CVCA! GO ROYALS!"
Mitchell played lacrosse at Hudson High School and Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1996 and 2000, respectively. She was head coach at Sylvania High School from 1998-2000, Kent Roosevelt High School from 2001-2012, Walsh University from 2013-2018 and the University of Akron from 2018 to 2023.
"With numerous highly competitive high school and middle school programs, bringing in someone with Christy's experience and heart is a game-changer," Spodnik said. "While her years of college coaching experience give her incredible athletic credibility, it is her profound passion for disciple-making that makes her a difference-maker for our community. Christy understands that a locker room is a mission field and a practice is an opportunity for spiritual formation. She is uniquely equipped to mentor our female coaches and walk alongside our young women, teaching them to hold fast to their identity in Christ both on and off the competitive stage."
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates a tackle during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
One of the biggest needs the Tennessee Titans had heading into this offseason was an EDGE rusher. When Arvell Reese was still on the board at pick #4, most of us thought he would be the pick. The Titans elected to pick Carnell Tate instead. Hopefully, that will end up being the right decision.
They traded T’Vondre Sweat for Jermaine Johnson when the league year opened, signed John Franklin-Myers, and traded back into the first round of that draft to select Keldrick Faulk. So even though they didn’t add a top-of-the-line EDGE rusher, the pass rush should be significantly better than it was in 2025.
Of course, Jeffery Simmons is still here and is the best player on defense. Offenses will have to slide their protection to account for Big Jeff. That should make it a little easier for the guys rushing from the outside.
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The Denver Broncos are increasing their efforts to impact the state of Colorado at large to help grow the game of football.
In a press release on Wednesday, the Denver Broncos Foundation announced a partnership with Every Kid Sports and Good Sports, launching the ALL IN. ALL COVERED. Statewide Youth Football Participation Program, which will be a branch of the team's award-winning helmet initiative.
"Over the course of five years (2026-’30) the program will aim to reduce financial barriers to play by providing financial support and essential equipment to increase youth participation in tackle and flag football," the release read. "The Foundation will fund registration fees for underserved youth through Every Kid Sports, while increasing access to both individual and shared team equipment through Good Sports. The program aims to serve more than 17,000 youth across Colorado, using football as a pathway to drive equitable access and sustained participation in sport."
The Broncos' impact on Colorado football began with the ALL IN. ALL COVERED. helmet program, spearheading safer helmets in high school tackle football, which began in 2025. The expansion of the initial program will impact those seeking an introduction to football, through alleviating financial burdens and finding suitable equipment for both flag football and tackle football. The inclusion of flag football in this new initiative is significant, as the NFL and individual teams capitalize on the international phenomenon ahead of the sports' debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics. The NFL has also used flag football at the Pro Bowl since 2023.
FULTON – Belmont is punching above its weight class this summer. It’s hoping that it produces results in the winter.
That continued on Tuesday at Itawamba Community College. The Cardinals (in Class 3A) played games against South Panola (6A), Florence (7A in Alabama) and Southaven (7A).
“Those really good teams expose our weaknesses, and when you play really good competition that expose your weaknesses, then you go back in August, and you start working on them,” Cardinals coach Chris Higginbottom said. "There's no state championship given out in June, so you learn from what you do during the summer."
The biggest weakness being exposed so far has been effort, which has hurt the team’s ability to execute in games this summer.
“We’ve got to do a better job executing our defense and offense,” Higginbottom said. “We're not getting where we're supposed to, and those are some things I know we're going to be working on.”
Belmont was able to beat Florence 43-36, but the win didn't happen without its slumps. The Cardinals were often able to get out of them by consistently driving to the hoop and either drawing contact, getting a shot to go or both.
Aubree Scott was the biggest example of that. The senior had 11 points.
“We all try to hustle,” she said after the game. “It didn't show today, but we all have a lot of grit, and we all come together, and it's not just me all the time, we all come together.”
The Cardinals have a high standard to uphold. Belmont has reached The Big House each of the past six years. It also reached the final in four of those years and won it all in two of them.
As the summer continues on and takes the Cardinals closer to the season, Higginbottom wants to continue to use the summer league games on the schedule as measuring sticks.
“Our whole goal is 3A,” he said. “That's who we’ve got to focus on, and we’ve got to make sure that, based on this competition that we're playing, where we got to get to, and we’ve got a lot of growing to do as a team.”
Boutte has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. He has one year left on his contract and didn't attend voluntary workouts.
Meanwhile, Wilson is entering the final year of his rookie deal and may not be getting an extension this offseason.
"The Cardinals could avoid any potential contract drama by simply moving Wilson while his stock is high," Knox wrote. "In this hypothetical trade, they give the Patriots yet another big receiver addition while taking care of another contract situation and making their QB competition a bit more interesting."
According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Patriots continue to receive trade calls on Boutte. This trade idea from Knox makes a lot of sense for Arizona and New England.
For the Cardinals last season, Wilson had 78 catches for 1,006 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He would be a great fit in Josh McDaniels' offense, catching passes from star QB Drake Maye.
Boutte appeared in 14 games for the Patriots last season. He had 33 receptions for 551 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, New England is hoping to get a third-round pick in exchange for Boutte. At that price, Boutte would be a tremendous value for a receiver-needy team.
The Patriots already made one blockbuster trade this offseason, acquiring A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. As of this writing, New England hasn't been linked to trading Boutte to the Cardinals for Wilson, but that could change moving forward in today's ever-evolving world of NFL rumors.
In Year 2 of the Mike Vrabel era, the Patriots open the season with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks in Seattle. Wilson enters the 2026 campaign with 2,119 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, while Boutte has 78 career receptions for 1,159 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
It will be fascinating to see where Wilson and Boutte are playing on opening night.
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The Los Angeles Rams are set to kick off their 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, as they host their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, on Sept. 10. One of the early narratives surrounding the highly anticipated contest is the status of 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
Kittle tore his Achilles during the playoffs last season and at 32 years of age, some are wondering if he will be able to rebound from such a significant injury. Kittle has stated he is working to play in the opener and while he has yet to perform contact drills, it appears his mobility has already returned.
While participating in Tight End University this week, a camp put on by Kittle and other top tight ends in the NFL, he was seen working out. He still has a long way to go, but it seems Kittle is on pace to potentially play in Week 1 against the Rams.
Kittle also tore his hamstring during the season, forcing a stint on injured reserve. He still manged to play 11 games, which is a testament to his toughness and pain management.
After Tetaiora McMillan, the most popular rookie amongst Carolina Panthers fans in 2025 may have been fellow wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. A sixth-round draft pick out of Colorado, Horn might've carried over a sizable following from Boulder to Charlotte last spring.
Horn is inarguably the buzziest Panthers player who's yet to see a real chunk of playing time. The little action he did see at the end of the season was promising, showing he even had a penchant for making catches in clutch situations.
While Horn looked relatively solid during his burn, he may have his work cut out for him to stay on the 53-man roster in 2026. That may be no fault of his own, though.
As Joe Person at The Athleticpoints out, the Panthers are looking awfully crowded at the receiver position after adding John Metchie III in free agency and Chris Brazzell II in the NFL draft. Person wrote the following of Horn's stock earlier this week:
Horn, last year's sixth-round pick, didn't have a bad spring. But his place on the depth chart became a little tenuous with the additions of Chris Brazzell (third-round pick from Tennessee) and John Metchie (free agent) and the return of veteran David Moore, who didn't play last season after blowing out his elbow in a Week 4 loss at the New England Patriots. Metchie has the benefit of having played with Young at Alabama, while the Panthers hope Brazzell can be a home-run threat. Horn caught 11 passes for 108 yards as a rookie, and only played five special-teams snaps all season.
The Panthers typically have carried six wide receivers on their roster in the past. We can safely assume that McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette and Brazzell have their spots lined up.
If head coach Dave Canales keeps Moore on, as expected, that'll knock off another opening. Brycen Tremayne and Dan Chisena, given their size and abilities on special teams, could also pose threats at the end of the pecking order.
Horn, at the least, should be guaranteed a spot due to his speed and prowess in the return game—an area the Panthers have long struggled in. Horn was an excellent returner at Colorado and South Florida before that, totaling 716 yards and a touchdown on 33 kickoff returns and another 90 yards on 14 punt returns.
Meanwhile, the Panthers' return game in 2025 was led by running back Trevor Etienne, who had difficulties—at times—getting the role down. His most notable mistake came on the muffed punt in Carolina's wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in January.
The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26-27 in Buffalo, New York.
Pittsburgh enters the draft with five total selections, but four of them come in the first three rounds, as the Penguins have one first, two seconds, and one third.
The Penguins' selections in the 2026 NHL Draft are as follows:
Round 1, Pick 22
Round 2, Pick 39 – Acquired from Winnipeg on March 7, 2025
Round 2, Pick 54
Round 3, Pick 86
Round 6, Pick 170 – Acquired from Nashville on August 13, 2024
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft takes place on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET. It can be seen on ESPN and ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada. The second day is Rounds 2-7 and will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. ET on NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada.
Last year, the Penguins selected Ben Kindel 11th overall, who made an immediate impact, and Will Horcoff at 24th overall, who spent last season at the University of Michigan.
Following the NHL Draft, the focus for the Penguins turns to free agency, which begins on July 1.
The Brewers announced Uribe will serve the one-game suspension during Milwaukee's series finale against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 24.
Uribe has pitched four of the last five days, including a scoreless inning in each of the first two games of the series.
Uribe is in his fourth MLB season, all with the Brewers. He has posted a 3.38 ERA in 31 appearances this season, with five saves.
An X user who goes by the username "FreddyLA7" packed his bag for a 6-week voyage across the United States and Canada to follow Germany in the World Cup earlier this month. As of Monday, June 23, he had reached Berlin, Ohio, with six days of travel remaining ahead of Germany's Round of 32 game at Boston Stadium.
"Since we have 7 days to get there, we decided not to take the direct route and instead make a huge detour through Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a few other states," he said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Any recommendations for places or cities to visit along the way are very welcome!"
Once he's out of the Midwest, his tentative route also passes through New York, Vermont and New Hampshire before making it to Massachusetts.
Freddy's journey across the states so far has been positive, as he's been taking in American culture and sharing his favorite moments online along the way.
"The amount of times we’ve eaten at Taco Bell during this trip already is probably not good," he said on X.
The World Cup trip starts tomorrow 🤩
Baggage all packed for 6 weeks in the USA and Canada. Travelling with hand luggage only, and 90% of it is jerseys.
Tomorrow we’ll fly to Dublin, and after a 24-hour layover we’ll arrive in Atlanta on Friday. pic.twitter.com/a2jsivlxPq
The Steam Machine is getting a fair amount of heat due to its $1,049 price, but no matter how you look at it, Valve's new device is a particularly powerful mini PC. Not everyone needs that much power or wants to pay that much, which is where the Windows mini PC market comes into play.
Amazon Prime Day has knocked prices down considerably on a bunch of our favorite mini PCs, and while they won't match the Steam Machine's discrete graphics, they're still fully capable of running a wide range of games AND Windows 11, no extra effort necessary. Just plug in an HDMI cord, hook it up to your TV, and start gaming.
This is the best sub-$600 mini PC I could find that features a Ryzen 9 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics. 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD help sweeten the deal.
"The SER9 Pro is another all-round excellent mini PC from Beelink, now powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. The GPU is very good for an integrated one, capable of handling most games on medium to high settings at 1080p, though some really demanding games will struggle."
Those who prefer Intel can land this Core Ultra 9 185H CPU with integrated Arc graphics that closely match those of AMD's Radeon 780M. Plenty of RAM and storage are a great perk.
Extra RAM and storage plus a Ryzen 9 CPU make this mini PC particularly attractive, and the integrated Radeon 780M graphics do a decent job of running most modern games that aren't particularly demanding.
How do these discounted mini PCs compare to the Steam Machine's performance?
The Steam Machine boasts a respectable amount of gaming power thanks to a discrete AMD GPU with 8GB of VRAM. (Image credit: Valve)
The Steam Machine is causing a ruckus in the tech world, namely due to its price-to-performance ratio now that reviews have gone out into the wild. It's true that you can build a full-size gaming PC or buy a pre-built gaming PC for less money and with superior power, but what about a mini PC that's a closer match to the form factor?
Well, that's where the real genius of Valve's device comes into play. It is indeed capable of delivering quite a bit of gaming performance in a super compact form factor, something that most of the mini PCs on the market for a similar or lower price simply aren't capable of doing.
The Steam Machine's discrete custom AMD Radeon GPU with 8GB of VRAM is fairly close to a desktop-class AMD Radeon RX 7600 card, which the integrated graphics in most mini PCs can't touch.
Regardless, at $1,049, the Steam Machine isn't for everyone. There are plenty of PC users who just want a compact, capable PC that runs Windows 11 without breaking a sweat, while at the same time having capabilities to handle lighter games. That's where these great mini PCs excel.
The Beelink SER9 Pro is one of our favorite mini PCs on the market, and it's on sale during Prime Day. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
The mini PCs I've highlighted in this roundup all have an integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU or a comparable Intel Arc integrated GPU. I can't stress enough that these GPUs will not match the Steam Machine's gaming power.
However, the Radeon 780M will still do a bang-up job of gaming, and for a lot less money in a significantly smaller package, often with more RAM and storage.
Just how powerful is the integrated GPU? It will effortlessly run esports games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and DOTA 2 at 1080p, hitting somewhere between 60 and 90 FPS with medium to high settings. Games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox are in the same boat.
I'd venture to say that the Radeon 780M is an indie game superstar, and those who prefer roguelikes, platformers, deck builders, puzzle games, and simulators will have no issues.
Those hoping to play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur's Gate 3, and others will find that the Radeon 780M can get the job done at 1080p, albeit with lower frame rates and with AMD's FSR enabled. If you're going to mainly focus on AAA games, I'd recommend checking out pre-built desktop PCs with discrete graphics.
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Speaking to The Wall Street Journal recently, Nadella echoed his earlier stance, stressing that leading players in the AI industry must advance the technology in ways that deliver the greatest public benefit.
There’s growing concern around AI, particularly when it comes to security, privacy, and even its impact on jobs. "You can't say, hey, all white-collar jobs are gone and this could even be a weapon, and we will use all the power to build data centers," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted.
Perhaps more interestingly, the executive called out key investors in the AI landscape who see the technology primarily as a tool to cut jobs and reduce operational costs. He indicated that this would be the wrong way to look at the technology.
Instead, he recommended that AI should be viewed as a tool designed to help skilled workers better leverage their capabilities. He further painted a picture where AI tools and human capital co-exist in the same space, a phenomenon he referred to as "token capital."
While the executive claimed that it'd be a recipe for how companies can leverage both AI and workers simultaneously, he admitted that: "it's a lot of change management, it's a lot of displacement, but there is a path."
Nadella indicated that leveraging AI and humans at the same time at work can create a "continuous learning system." He indicated that companies in the future could be characterized by the "tacit knowledge that they contain from both sources."
The executive acknowledged that the idea might face public resistance but emphasized that it would be up to corporations to convince people of the economic opportunities AI could unlock in the future.
No amount of just narrative is going to do it because where we are now, we have to sort of walk the walk. We now have to do the hard work in earning the social permission.
The executive indicated that his statement was widely misconstrued. Rather than replacing humans entirely from work, he indicated that AI would be used to augment repetitive and mundane tasks.
Now, in the latest Xbox update — available now for Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring of the Xbox Insider Program, and hopefully soon to all — Microsoft has further elevated the Xbox user experience with a few major feature enhancements and additions.
The first and arguably most exciting part of the update is a change for Xbox gamertags that expands their character limit from 12 to 15. Provided you create a gamertag that's both unique and doesn't contain non-Latin characters, you can take advantage of this. Non-unique gamertags will still have a 12-character limit, and will be assigned a random numerical suffix.
"This update applies to gamertags that are unique and available, giving you more room to create a gamertag that feels like you," reads Microsoft's blog post.
Xbox 360 games playable through the Xbox Backwards Compatibility feature have also been updated so that they have game hubs within their game cards in the Xbox UI. These allow you to "quickly view achievement progress, captures, and other useful information," and give these titles parity with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games in the Xbox Dashboard.
Xbox 360 games now have game hubs within their game cards thanks to this update, giving them parity with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S titles in the Xbox UI. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
Another big addition for Xbox Game Pass subscribers specifically is the ability to play a game through Xbox Cloud Gaming while you're updating it. This allows you to circumvent the time you'd normally have to spend waiting for an update to finish entirely, and jump right in while one downloads in the background. Do note that this feature will only work with games that support play through streaming.
Finally, you now also have the ability to add games to your wishlist directly from game cards, making it quick and easy to bookmark a title you're interested in when you come across it on the Xbox Dashboard. This works with "both released and upcoming games," notably.
All in all, I think these are some excellent improvements to the Xbox platform, and continue the streak of speedy updates that have come after Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma stepped into the position earlier this year.
They also come about a month and a half after Sharma vowed to deliver new Xbox updates every two weeks, admitting that "We have to sweat every single detail" and announcing that one of her core goals this year would be to "fix the fundamentals on console and PC."
The European Parliament said the digital euro can be used to make both online and offline payments to merchants across Europe. Online payments would be processed through an account-based system, while offline payments would function more like cash, with transactions conducted directly via local storage devices such as smartphones.
The new Google Home Speaker brings Gemini and expanded smart home capabilities, and Matter hub support. Reviews highlight its more natural voice experience, though some note that audio quality doesn't clearly surpass the older Nest Audio.
Back in November 2025, we got the information drop everyone was waiting for: the release date for GTA 6. Yes, it came packaged as a delay announcement, and there was technically no guarantee it would stick, but it ultimately has, as we finally got the other bit of information everyone has been waiting for today: how much Rockstar's long-awaited game would cost. $80 for the Standard Edition and $100 for the Ultimate Edition calmed fears that the barrier to entry for GTA 6 would start at $100, but now those same fears turn towards the rest of the video game […]
1047 Games, the studio known for making Splitgate and who are arguably more known for how its CEO Ian Proulx tried to make a statement at Summer Game Fest 2025 with a hat that fell flat, have just released their next game. No, it's not yet another iteration of Splitgate after 1047's attempt at Splitgate 2 failed drastically, it's instead a Titanfall-like movement shooter called Empulse, and it's available in early access now. 1047 Games teased Empulse earlier this year while capping off a developer update on Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, which was the final iteration of Splitgate 2 that the […]
The hotfix came just after a day when users started reporting errors on their Windows 10 systems. AMD Releases Hotfix to Fix Yellow Bang Problem in Windows 10 After Several Reports Regarding Adrenalin 26.6.2 on RX 7000 Series Just yesterday, AMD acknowledged a new problem with its recent Adrenalin driver on Windows 10. If you read our report, you might know that many users complained about compatibility issues concerning Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2, which adds FSR 4.1 support to RDNA 3, aka Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards. The problem also showed in the form of a yellow bang in Device […]
Hygon, China's premier chipmaker, has presented its latest CPUs and GPUs for data centers, offering up to 128 cores & 512 threads. Hygon, based in Beijing, China, has been hard at work producing high-quality chips for the domestic markets. Their previous C86 solutions, designed in collaboration with AMD, have seen major interest by domestic players, and now, the next-generation C86 processor development is underway. Now, Hygon has shared plans to develop six chips that will be offered to domestic audiences in China. The leading chip in the lineup is the next-gen C86 CPU, designed for general-purpose computing. Currently, China offers […]
Android 17 is available on Pixel phones, with Samsung devices getting new features with One UI 9 later this year. The new OS focuses on five key aspects, heading toward smarter experiences, adaptive apps, stronger privacy, improved performance, and better tools.
Here are the five main upgrades of Android 17:
1. The intelligence system
Android 17 marks Google’s move from a traditional operating system toward an intelligence system built around AI-powered experiences. The update puts apps at the center, allowing them to work more closely with AI assistants.
With expanded AppFunctions support, apps can expose their capabilities as tools that AI agents can discover and use. This opens the door for assistants like Gemini to complete tasks using information and features directly from apps.
2. Adaptive-first
Google is making Android more flexible across phones, foldables, tablets, laptops, and future devices. Android 17 introduces an adaptive-first development approach that removes many restrictions on large-screen apps.
Apps targeting the latest platform will need to properly support different screen sizes and layouts. Features like App Bubbles, Bubble Bar, and interactive Picture-in-Picture improve multitasking across larger displays.
3. Performance improvements
Android 17 brings several under-the-hood upgrades to make apps faster, smoother, and more efficient. Google is improving memory management, reducing unnecessary background resource usage, and helping devices handle demanding workloads better.
The update introduces improvements to Android Runtime, including smarter garbage collection and a lock-free MessageQueue system. These changes aim to reduce stutters, improve app launches, and deliver a more consistent experience.
4. Permissions through pickers
Privacy remains a major focus in Android 17, with Google moving away from broad permissions toward more controlled access. Apps can now rely on system pickers that allow users to share only specific information.
The new Contact Picker, improved Photo Picker, location controls, and EyeDropper API give users more control over sensitive data while still allowing apps to offer useful features.
5. Pro-quality camera and media
Android 17 adds new tools for developers building advanced camera and media experiences. The update brings support for features aimed at improving image quality, video recording, and audio performance.
Creators can take advantage of RAW14 image capture, Eclipsa Video HDR support, new camera extensions, and improved media codecs. CameraX and Media3 updates also make it easier to build reliable camera and playback experiences.
Deal | The ROG Zephyrus G16 is a sleek hybrid between a gaming and creator notebook, which is why an ongoing offer for the 16-inch Asus laptop might be a notable option for quite a few users with a budget around $1,500.
The Amflow TL Carbon is the latest electric mountain bike from Amflow, featuring DJI’s powerful Avinox M2 mid-drive motor. The full-suspension eMTB features a carbon frame, 27.5 x 2.35” Maxxis tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 2-inch OLED touchscreen display.
Sandy Petersen, who worked on Quake at id Software, says the game's development broke the team spiritually and triggered a mass exodus. John Carmack publicly responded, admitted his mistakes, and ended with "Sorry, Sandy."
Deal | The Legion 9 is Lenovo's flagship gaming laptops and features high-end specifications inlcuding an Intel Core Ultra 9 with 64GB DDR5 memory as well as an RTX 5090, 2TB SSD and a 4K IPS display.
The Redmi K90 Ultra has been officially unveiled ahead of its June 30, 2026, launch. Xiaomi is positioning it as an affordable gaming phone powered by the last-gen flagship SoC, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. There's an active cooling fan as well.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip8 was certified by the FCC earlier this month. Now, the folks over at Android Authority have done a deep dive into the documents that the FCC has published, and they have discovered clear confirmation that the phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
The image below references the SoC's model number, which is SM8850. So, the Galaxy Z Flip8 will definitely be powered by Qualcomm's latest and greatest chip in the US.
According to a previous report, only Korea and Europe will see the phone with the Exynos 2600 SoC instead. Every...
The Redmi 17C is now official. It comes with a 6.88-inch 720x1640 IPS LCD screen with 600-nit peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 5,160mAh battery with 18W charging support.
It's powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64/128GB of expandable storage. The phone is offered in black, red, and light blue, and it features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Redmi 17C official images
The Redmi 17C measures 171.88 x 77.8 x 8.22 mm and weighs 206g. It runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. It's...
2026 Dünya Kupası B Grubu'nun son maçında İsviçre, Kanada'yı 2-1 mağlup etti. Grubunu ilk iki sırada tamamlayan İsviçre ile Kanada son 32 turuna yükseldi.
Grup liderini belirleyecek karşılaşmanın ilk yarısında Larin ve Ahmed ile net pozisyonlar yakalayan Kanada, skor tabelasını değiştiremedi.
İsviçre ikinci yarıya golle başladı. 46. dakikada Embolo'nun sağ taraftan ceza alanına çıkardığı topu savunmanın arkasında kendisini unutturan Vargas, sert bir vuruşla kaleci Crepeau'nun yanından ağlara gönderdi: 1-0.
57. dakikada yarı alanından hızlı çıkan İsviçre'de topla hareketlenen Embolo'nun pasında, ceza alanı sağ çaprazında Manzambi bekletmeden sert vurdu. Meşin yuvarlak kaleci Crepeau'nun müdahalesine rağmen ağlarla buluştu: 2-0.
76. dakikada Saliba'nın ceza alanına girer girmez penaltı noktasına doğru çıkardığı pasa son anda dokunan Promise David, skoru 2-1 yaptı.
Karşılaşmayı İsviçre 2-1 kazandı.
- İsviçre lider olarak son 32 turunda
B Grubu'nda 2 galibiyet, 1 beraberlikle 7 puan toplayan teknik direktör Murat Yakın'ın çalıştırdığı İsviçre, lider olarak son 32 turuna adını yazdırdı. İsviçre, E, F, G, I veya J gruplarından birinin üçüncüsüyle karşılaşacak.
Ev sahibi ülkelerden Kanada, 4 puanla grubu ikinci sırada tamamlayarak tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'nda eleme turlarına kaldı. Kanada, A Grubu'nu ikinci sırada bitiren takımla eşleşecek.
Grup maçlarını 4 puan ve averajla üçüncü sırada bitiren Bosna Hersek ise son 32 turuna kalan en iyi 8 üçüncü takımdan biri olabilmek için diğer maçları bekleyecek.
Tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'nda puan alan Katar ise son sırada kalarak turnuvaya veda etti.
Stat: BC Place Vancouver
Hakemler: Ramon Abatti, Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis, Rafael da Silva Alves (Brezilya)
2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'nda Katar'ı 3-1 yenen Bosna Hersek, B Grubu'nu üçüncü sırada tamamlayarak son 32 turu şansını sürdürdü.
2026 Dünya Kupası B Grubu 3. maçında Bosna Hersek ile Katar, ABD'nin Seattle şehrinde bulunan Lumen Field'da karşı karşıya geldi.
Bosna Hersek, rakibini 3-1 mağlup ederek Dünya Kupası'ndaki ilk galibiyetini aldı ve grubu galibiyetle noktaladı.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
29. dakikada ceza alanı dışında topla buluşan Alajbegovic'in sert şutunda, meşin yuvarlak sağ üst köşeden ağlarla buluştu: 1-0.
34. dakikada sol taraftan gelişen Bosna Hersek atağında, ceza alanına yapılan ortayı Dzeko içeri çıkarmak istedi. Bu futbolcunun vuruşunda Al Brake'ye çarpan top ağlara gitti: 2-0.
42. dakikada Miguel'in sağ taraftan ceza alanına gönderdiği topu Junior altıpas üzerine çıkardı. Al Haydos, savunmadan önce davranarak meşin yuvarlağı filelerle buluşturdu: 2-1.
45+3. dakikada sağ taraftan ceza alanına giren Miguel'in şutunda top yan direkten döndü.
80. dakikada Demirovic'in sol taraftan ceza alanına çıkardığı topu Katar savunması uzaklaştırmayınca oluşan karambolde meşin yuvarlağı Mahmic ağlara göndererek skoru 3-1 yaptı.
Bosna Hersek, karşılaşmayı 3-1 kazandı.
- Alajbegovic tarihe geçti
Bosna Hersek'in 18 yaşındaki yıldızı Kerim Alajbegovic, detaylı verilerin tutulmaya başlandığı 1966 yılından bu yana bir Dünya Kupası maçında ceza sahası dışından gol atan en genç oyuncu oldu.
Rekor, daha önce 19 yaş 207 günle Fransız futbolcu Kylian Mbappe'ye aitti.
- İsviçre lider olarak son 32 turunda
B Grubu'nda 2 galibiyet, 1 beraberlikle 7 puan toplayan teknik direktör Murat Yakın'ın çalıştırdığı İsviçre, lider olarak son 32 turuna adını yazdırdı. İsviçre, E, F, G, I veya J gruplarından birinin üçüncüsüyle karşılaşacak.
Ev sahibi ülkelerden Kanada, 4 puanla grubu ikinci sırada tamamlayarak tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'nda eleme turlarına kaldı. Kanada, A Grubu'nu ikinci sırada bitiren takımla eşleşecek.
Grup maçlarını 4 puan ve averajla üçüncü sırada bitiren Bosna Hersek ise son 32 turuna kalan en iyi 8 üçüncü takımdan biri olabilmek için diğer maçları bekleyecek.
Tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'nda puan alan Katar ise son sırada kalarak turnuvaya veda etti.
Stat: Seattle
Hakemler: Jesus Valenzuela, Jorge Martinez, Tulio Moreno (Venezuela)
Atletico Madrid'den ayrılan Antoine Griezmann'ın kariyerine devam edeceği kulüp belli oldu. Fransız yıldız, Avrupa macerasının ardından yeni bir sayfa açarken transfer resmiyet kazandı.
Atletico Madrid'den ayrılan Antoine Griezmann'ın yeni adresi belli oldu.
Antoine Griezmann, MLS ekiplerinden Orlando City ile anlaşma sağladı. Kulüp, 35 yaşındaki Antoine Griezmann transferini resmen açıkladı.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre Fransız yıldız, Temmuz 2026'dan itibaren geçerli olmak üzere 2027-28 sezonu sonuna kadar kontrat imzaladı. Anlaşmada 2028-29 sezonu için opsiyon maddesi de bulunuyor.
MART AYINDA ANLAŞMA SAĞLANMIŞTI
Antoine Griezmann, Orlando City ile Mart ayında anlaşma sağlamıştı. Kulüp, Fransız futbolcunun sözleşmesinin Temmuz ayında başlayacağını ve 1 yıl geçerli olacağını duyurmuştu.
BONSERVİS ÖDENMEDİ
Orlando City, Fransız futbolcu için herhangi bir bonservis bedeli ödemedi.
KARİYERİ
Maconnais'te futbola başlayan Antoine Griezmann daha sonra Real Sociedad, Barcelona ve Atletico Madrid formaları giydi.
Fenerbahçe transferinde yılın blöfü deşifre oldu! Sarı-lacivertlilerin ısrarla istediği Malang Sarr ve menajerinin, piyasa kızıştırmak ve yönetimden daha yüksek koparmak için dev bir yalan tezgahladığı ortaya çıktı. İşte Fransa'dan sızan o gizli strateji ve transferin perde arkası...
Fenerbahçe ile adı ciddi şekilde anılan Fransız savunma oyuncusuMalang Sarr’ın transfer sürecine dair gündemi sarsacak bir iddia ortaya atıldı.
Fransız gazeteci Mohamed Toubache-Ter'in paylaştığı bilgilere göre; Malang Sarr ve menajerinin, transfer görüşmelerinde ellerini güçlendirmek ve kendi mali çıkarlarına hizmet etmek amacıyla "Marsilya ile görüşüyoruz" iddiasını tamamen uydurdukları öne sürüldü.
Gelen bilgilere göre oyuncu cephesi, piyasasını kızıştırmak ve Fenerbahçe yönetiminden daha yüksek şartlar koparabilmek adına bu yapay gündemi yarattı. Marsilya’nın oyuncuyla resmi bir teması olmadığı, bu iddianın tamamen Sarr ve menajerlik şirketinin bir stratejisi olduğu belirtiliyor.
Sarı-lacivertli yönetimin, ortaya çıkan bu "blöf" iddiasının ardından transferde nasıl bir duruş sergileyeceği ve masadan çekilip çekilmeyeceği ise merak konusu.
Suudi Arabistan kulüplerinin yoğun ilgisine rağmen Manchester United'ın kaptanı Bruno Fernandes'in takımdaki geleceği netleşti. Portekizli yıldızın Old Trafford'da kalması bekleniyor.
Manchester United'ın kaptanı Bruno Fernandes, Suudi Arabistan'dan gelen yoğun transfer ilgisine rağmen Old Trafford'da kalmaya hazırlanıyor.
Ünlü gazeteci Ben Jacobs'ın haberine göre; Suudi Arabistan Pro Lig kulüpleri, Portekizli yıldızı kadrosuna katmak için yeni bir hamle başlattı. Ancak gelen cazip tekliflere ve yoğun baskıya rağmen Fernandes'in önceliği değişmedi. Kariyerine İngiltere'de devam etmek isteyen tecrübeli orta sahanın, Manchester United'da kalması bekleniyor. United yönetimi de takımın liderini ve en önemli yaratıcı gücünü elden çıkarmaya sıcak bakmıyor.
Kaptan Fernandes, yeni sezonda da Kırmızı Şeytanlar'ın başarısı için ter dökmeye devam edecek.
Fenerbahçe, Marsilya'nın İngiliz yıldızı Mason Greenwood ile her konuda anlaşmaya vardı; L'Equipe'in duyurduğu dev transferde kulüpler arasındaki 20 milyon euro'luk bonservis pazarlığı sürüyor.
Fenerbahçe, transfer piyasasında yılın bombasını patlatmak için düğmeye bastı. Sarı-lacivertliler, Marsilya forması giyen İngiliz yıldız Mason Greenwood ile her konuda anlaşmaya vardı.
Fransız basınından L'Equipe'in haberine göre; oyuncu tarafını ikna eden Fenerbahçe yönetimi, Marsilya ile bonservis pazarlıklarını sürdürüyor.
Kulüpler arasındaki görüşmelerde masaya gelen rakamlar ise şu şekilde... Fransız ekibi, Greenwood için kapıyı 50-55 milyon euro seviyesinden açtı. Sarı-lacivertli yönetimin sunduğu resmi teklif 30 milyon euro ve bonuslardan oluşuyor.
Fenerbahçe, oyuncunun kulübe gelme isteğini elinde bir koz olarak bulundurarak Marsilya'nın inadını kırmayı ve transferi makul bir rakama bitirmeyi hedefliyor.
Marsilya yönetimine yakın bir isim, "Birçok talip, kulübün oyuncu satmak zorunda olması nedeniyle Marsilya'nın bu yaz Greenwood'u değerinin altına elden çıkaracağını düşünüyor. Ancak yanılıyorlar, bu dosyada hem sembolik hem de finansal açıdan çok fazla önem taşıyan konu var" ifadelerini kullandı.
Beşiktaş'ın eski teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın'ın canlı yayında isyan ettiği "su şişesi" olayının perde arkası ortaya çıktı: Hedef Sergen Yalçın değil, taraftara "sus" işareti yapan Serkan Reçber'di!
Beşiktaş’ın eski teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın’ın canlı yayında isyan ettiği "su şişesi" olayının perde arkası netleşti. Yalçın'ın "Yürüyorum, üstüme su şişesi geldi. Benden öncekilere, yabancılara attınız mı?" sözleriyle tepki gösterdiği anların, aslında kendisine yönelik bir protesto olmadığı ortaya çıktı.
Gergin geçen karşılaşmada tribünleri patlama noktasına getiren olaylar zincirinin gelişimi unutulmadı.
Su şişesi fırlatılmadan yaklaşık 20 dakika önce Serkan Reçber, tansiyonu yüksek giden maçta VIP taraftar bölümüne dönerek "sus" işareti yaptı. Taraftarı öfkelendiren bu hareketin ardından tribünden fırlatılan su şişesi, o sırada sahada yürüyen Sergen Yalçın’ın önüne düştü.
Maç anında yaşanan kronoloji dikkate alındığında, tribündeki öfkenin hedefindeki isim doğrudan Serkan Reçber'di. Ancak o esnada bölgede bulunan Sergen Yalçın, şişenin kendi önüne gelmesiyle durumu üzerine alarak camiaya sitem etti.
OpenAI and Broadcom have introduced Jalapeño, a custom-built inference processor designed specifically for modern large language models and future agentic AI workloads, which is designed to deliver performance per watt they claim is higher than today's leading-edge hardware. OpenAI considers its hardware project a strategic one and envisions Jalapeño to be the first generation of its inference hardware.
Not another AI accelerator
OpenAI stresses that Jalapeño is a purpose-built inference ASIC and not a repurposed training accelerator or a general-purpose AI processor. OpenAI says the architecture of Jalapeño was designed based on its understanding of LLM behavior and is meant to address practical bottlenecks that matter for inference at scale, including costly data movement, balance between compute and memory resources, networking efficiency, and overall behavior. OpenAI also states that the design of the processor is meant to wed high throughput with low latency (which is why it uses a huge compute chiplet and HBM memory and not cheaper types of DRAM like many other inference accelerators), which will be particularly handy for reasoning and agentic workloads.
In addition, OpenAI and Broadcom claim the processor is built to deliver higher effective utilization than conventional AI accelerators and deliver performance that is close to the theoretical maximum, which means very high efficiency both in terms of costs and in terms of power. Meanwhile, the companies did not disclose performance targets for their Jalapeño ASIC, so these claims should be taken with a grain of salt.
Engineering samples are already operating in the lab at target clock speed and power (though Broadcom and OpenAI do not disclose details about this, either), and OpenAI says it is running machine learning workloads, such as GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark.
The two companies also claim that early internal testing indicates that Jalapeño's performance-per-watt is substantially better than 'current state-of-the-art hardware,' although no hard numbers, benchmarks, memory configuration, or other details are disclosed, so again, we will have to take the claims with a grain of salt. In addition, one must bear in mind that while Jalapeño can purportedly beat existing AMD's Instinct MI350-series and Nvidia's Blackwell-based accelerators, it remains to be seen how competitive it will be against AMD's Instinct MI400-series and Nvidia's Rubin-based offerings.
"Jalapeño was designed from the ground up for LLM inference using detailed insights from our close collaboration with OpenAI researchers," said Richard Ho, who leads OpenAI's hardware program. "We optimized the architecture around the kernels, memory movement, networking, and serving patterns that matter most for frontier AI models. Based on early testing, Jalapeño will efficiently execute our most important workloads close to the hardware’s theoretical limits."
A massive chip with six HBM modules
While Broadcom and OpenAI did not disclose specifications of Jalapeño, they did show its wafer and packaging, so we can do a brief analysis. The package appears to contain one large compute chiplet surrounded by six HBM modules and another chiplet that likely packs input/output interfaces and is surrounded by two structural dummy dies.
(Image credit: OpenAI)
The wafer image does look like a Broadcom-style systolic-array-heavy accelerator, in the sense that it shows a very regular, repeated, columnar floorplan with what looks like replicated compute regions and fixed infrastructure macros. Yet, keep in mind that we are speculating, and the image is not clean enough to say that this is definitely Broadcom's standard TPU-like systolic array template with some perks from OpenAI,
From the image alone, it is impossible to tell whether Jalapeño uses a true 2D systolic array, a set of 1D/2D matrix engines, a collection of vector or tensor tiles, or some other inference datapath. All we can say is that the die has a highly repetitive floorplan consistent with several kinds of tiled AI accelerator architectures.
(Image credit: OpenAI)
What we can tell from the image is the approximate die size of Jalapeño's compute chiplet based on the size of HBM3/4 packages (10.975 mm × 10.975 mm) that surround it. From what we can tell, the chiplet measures 25.46 mm (width) × 33 mm (height), which means that its die size is around 840 mm2, which is very close to the reticle size of EUV lithography systems (858 mm2). Given that the quality of the shot is poor, the die size we estimate cannot be 100% accurate, but we suspect it is close enough.
The die size of Jalapeño's compute chiplet implies that it packs quite a lot of compute oomph, though, of course, we cannot make performance estimates based on this metric. Yet, it is safe to say that Jalapeño's compute die is considerably bigger than compute dies of other inference accelerators on the market and more resembles processors for AI training. Speaking of processors for AI training, we increasingly see multi-chiplet designs for these workloads as companies like AMD and Nvidia want to pack as much performance as possible. Meanwhile, the fact that OpenAI and Broadcom chose to go with a large compute chiplet possibly indicates that they wanted to reduce latencies by as much as possible.
Designed in nine months
The companies say the chip reached tape-out in just nine months and is slated for deployment beginning in late 2026, which represents an extremely fast turnaround time in ASIC design. It is unclear whether Broadcom and OpenAI extensively used artificial intelligence to define and then develop Jalapeño, though the companies admitted that they used OpenAI's models to speed up parts of the chip's design and optimization work. Typically, it takes 1.5 – 2 years to design an ASIC from scratch, so AI can shrink the development cycle. Another means to accelerate the design cycle is Broadcom's extensive reuse of its logic across different custom designs to deliver new chips faster than other companies.
It is noteworthy that, according to the announcement, Jalapeño is designed to support not only OpenAI's own workloads but also present and future LLMs across the industry, which potentially lets OpenAI sell its hardware to third parties, assuming that it can get enough supply from Broadcom and TSMC. Meanwhile, the chief executive of Broadcom indicates that Jalapeño will be deployed at gigawatt-scale data centers with Microsoft and other partners starting this year, though it is unclear whether the processor will be used exclusively for OpenAI workloads or will be available for other tenants as well.
"Our collaboration with OpenAI represents a fundamental commitment to scaling the physical infrastructure required for the next decade of AI," said Hock Tan, President and CEO, Broadcom. "This is just the beginning of a multi-generation roadmap. By co-developing our industry-leading silicon directly with OpenAI, we are enabling the deployment of gigawatt-scale data centers with Microsoft and other partners beginning in 2026."
PC building during the RAMpocalypse and NANDpocalypse is challenging, to be sure, but you can still put together a great and relatively affordable box that will last during Prime Day thanks to abundant deals on core components. Yes, memory and SSDs are pricey, but we can dull some of the pain with deep discounts elsewhere.
For a $1000 budget, we've put together a great 1080p gaming PC with a 10-core Core i5-12600KF CPU and an RTX 5060 Ti 8GB graphics card for the best 1080p bang-for-the-buck you can find (and an RX 9060 XT 16GB alternative for $100 more if 8GB is a bridge too far).
Yes, the Core i5-12600KF is getting up there in years, and its P-cores lack the extra L2 of 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, but it boasts higher clocks and a higher TDP than non-K 13th and 14th-gen parts for better multi-threaded performance. For this low price, we'll deal.
Crucially, this PC still features 32GB of RAM for no-worries gaming with the latest titles and 1TB of storage for adequate room for files and games. Cheaper prebuilts might include just 16GB of RAM and a claustrophobia-inducing 512GB SSD. This is a PC that will last, and that matters in today's tight market.
The RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is selling for less than the slower RTX 5060 8GB right now, so you may as well take the free performance boost if you were only going with an 8GB card to begin with. The 5060 Ti gives you access to leading DLSS 4.5 upscaling across a huge swath of games, as well as MFG in titles that don't overrun its VRAM.
On top of the 5060 Ti 8GB's much higher baseline performance than the Steam Machine's GPU, DLSS 4.5 is a secret weapon for this build, thanks to its far superior image quality versus FSR on top of its AI-powered performance boost.
A quality Cooler Master case and 80 Plus Gold power supply make this a 1080p gaming build you (or a lucky kid or family member) can depend on for a long time to come.
$1,000 Prime Day gaming PC
Intel's Core i5-12600KF gives us 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) for multi-threaded work and offers peak single-core clocks of up to 4.9 GHz. Crucially, it lets us use DDR4 memory, too. View Deal
I've personally paired the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE cooler with an i5-12600KF, so I can attest that it keeps that CPU cool and quiet for under $20. View Deal
The Asus B760M-AYW is one of the few new LGA 1700 DDR4 boards you can get, and for this budget build, it offers everything we need and nothing we don't, including a Wi-Fi 6 radio. Get $10 off with promo code FTTF345. View Deal
32GB of RAM is one of our no-compromise positions for a PC that will last versus one that's just cheap. You can still get 32GB of DDR4 for relatively low prices, and this Silicon Power kit does the job. View Deal
NAND is in short supply right now, so prices are high, but this Silicon Power UD90 SSD still gives us Gen 4 speeds at a reasonable cost per gigabyte. View Deal
We would normally put a plain RTX 5060 in a $1000 build right now, but RTX 5060 Ti 8GB cards are 15% faster at 1080p and are selling for less than those slower cards. You need to apply the on-page promo code and redeem a mail-in rebate for the lowest cost here. View Deal
If you want the added longevity of 16GB of memory, AMD's Radeon RX 9060 XT is the only attainable way to go. It offers similar performance to the 5060 Ti and that all-important 16GB of GDDR6 for about $100 more. View Deal
Cooler Master's MasterBox Q300L is a longtime microATX favorite for cheap builds thanks to its good airflow and fun styling. View Deal
ASRock's Pro Series 750W PSU is a great fit for this build, offering both eight-pin PCIe connectors and a 12V-2x6 cable for potential future upgrades. It's efficient, reliable, and cheap, and we can't ask for more. View Deal
All those parts should add up to about $1014.85. If you're seeing higher totals in your cart, make sure to apply every available promo code and redeem every mail-in rebate you see to get the lowest possible prices during these Prime Day sales. Happy building!
With the cost of building a PC continuing to go up, you start to look elsewhere for ways to upgrade your setup. One of the best ways you can do that is with a high-quality pair of the best PC speakers, and some of our favorite options are on sale with deep discounts for Prime Day.
Regardless of whether you want to finally stop using your monitor's junky built-in speakers or an open-space alternative to headphones, a solid pair of speakers can elevate your setup, for games, movies, and of course, music. We have a handful of options here that are on sale for Prime Day, ranging from budget 2.0 setups to 7.1 surround sound systems.
The Creative Labs Pebble V2 is a set of stereo speakers that connect to your PC via USB and feature a minimalist design. View Deal
Starting on the budget end, the Creative Pebble V2 speakers are just $26 for Prime Day. We've looked at the higher-powered Pebble Pro set, which also features some modern trimmings like Bluetooth at a much higher price of $60. The Pebble V2 speakers feature an older driver, but they're the same size.
Sound quality isn't the best, but it's far better than what you get out of monitor speakers, which is the most you can ask for out of a $26 pair of speakers.
The G2000 speakers from Edifier come with a peak power raing of 32W and a frequency response of 98 Hz up to 22 kHz, along with analog and Bluetooth connections. View Deal
Stepping up in price and quality, we have the Edifier G2000 speakers, which currently rank as our best 2.0 speaker set for gaming. You get just the two satellite speakers, but they include a connection for a subwoofer to fill out the low-end down the line.
The speakers are mainly tuned for gaming, emphasizing the lows and deprioritizing the mids, so they aren't the best for listening to music. Still, Edifier offers a lot to like with the G2000, especially below $100, including 3.5mm and Bluetooth connections, along with a generous 32W peak power rating.
The Edifier M60 speakers feature a 3-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, as well as 66W of total output across the four drivers. View Deal
Edifier's M60 speakers turn everything up compared to the G2000, sporting a larger 3-inch driver along with a 1-inch tweeter to round out the high-end. Combined with a higher 66W power rating, the M60s are a more well-rounded set of speakers, with tuning that works better for movies and music.
The speakers also feature 3.5mm and Bluetooth connectivity, along with USB-C. We've linked the white color above, but the black and oak finishes are on sale for Prime Day, as well.
These 4-inch 50-watt speakers look great and come with angled desktop stands, and can connect to your PC and just about everything else. Features include Bluetooth as well as 3.5mm AUX, HDMI ARC, USB-C, line/phono, and optical connections. View Deal
For a slightly higher-end sound all around, you can go with the Onkyo GX-30ARC speakers, which feature larger 4-inch woofers. We gave the speakers high marks in our Onkyo GX-30ARC review on the back of excellent sound quality for the price, not to mention plentiful connection options.
In addition to USB-C, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog connections, the speakers support optical, RCA, and even HDMI connection with ARC. Onkyo includes some plastic stands in the box, as well, angling the speakers up toward your ears for the most direct sound.
The Audioengine A2+ speakers feature real wooden cabinets, a 24-bit DAC, and connections for Bluetooth, USB-C, RCA, and 3.5mm analog. View Deal
The edifier M60s are a clone of the Audioengine A2+ speakers. If you want the real thing, you're in luck because the white color is on sale for $223, while the red version is down to just $209.
Audioengine comes out ahead with more premium build quality, including real wood cabinets and a 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) built into the speakers. You get plenty of connection options, as well, including Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, and USB-C, along with a subwoofer expansion port.
These booming speakers bring 5.1 surround to your PC in a big way. They have wireless connectivity for the rear speakers, a lifesaver, and built-in lighting that spruces up your room. This 280W (peak) system also has a full-featured software suite to tailor it to your needs. View Deal
If you want to go all-out, you can save on the SteelSeries Area 9 surround kit. The set currently ranks as our best 5.1 surround speakers, combining a center channel with four satellite speakers and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. The subwoofer helps fill out the sound a lot, especially compared to the cheaper options above.
This is a true surround sound system, so it naturally pairs best with true surround sound sources. A lot of games only feature stereo sound, but thankfully, the Arena 9s can convert stereo audio into faux surround sound.
Despite disagreements over trade policies with China, the U.S. and the Netherlands have signed the European nation to the Pax Silica initiative of countries looking to reduce reliance on China for key raw materials and manufacturing expertise in the AI industry, as reported by Reuters. With the Netherlands playing host to the key supply chain company, ASML, Europe's largest tech company, and the most advanced manufacturing of cutting-edge photolithography machines for semiconductor fabrication, this is a big strategic win for the U.S.-led initiative.
Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma travelled to Washington this week to sign the deal, meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and fellow lawmakers as part of ongoing negotiations around trade in high-tech chips and hardware, particularly with China.
Speaking with reporters, he said that the U.S. and the Netherlands have shared goals in preventing sensitive technology from ending up in dangerous hands - the Netherlands famously seized key Dutch chip manufacturer Nexperia from its Chinese parent company, Wingtech, in 2025. However, he also raised concerns over American legislation that would make it difficult for companies like ASML to even service machines and tools already delivered to countries like China.
That could affect the Netherlands' national security and market position of key Dutch companies, he said.
Pax Silica - Speremus ut diu duret
The Pax Silica, or "Silicon Peace" initiative, was set up in December 2025 by the U.S. Department of State as a direct plan to reduce reliance on China and to build more robust, Western-aligned supply chains for key elements in the semiconductor, AI, and rare-earth element industries. At its outset, Pax Silica secured non-binding signatures from seven countries, including Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They were joined in the months that followed by Greece, Qatar, the UAE, India, Sweden, Finland, the Philippines, and Norway.
Canada and Taiwan have both been invited to join and are said to be participating in summit sessions, but haven't officially signed just yet. The Netherlands did effectively join in December 2025, but was described as a "non-signing partner" in the initiative.
There are ongoing disputes between the U.S. and the Netherlands over whether ASML should be allowed to service and sell less advanced chip fabrication machines to China, while still restricting access to the latest tools.
Those discussions are reportedly still ongoing and were brought up in the meeting between Lutnick and Sjoerdsma this week. The Dutch official has been quite frank in his public statements on the Match Act bipartisan bill that would place restrictions on companies supplying to China.
“The Netherlands’ starting point is that every country is responsible for its own laws,” Sjoerdsma said in May, via Reuters.
Under the silicon thumb
A key story in the global race to adopt and supply AI through infrastructure building and rapid development has been access to the raw materials, tools, machines, and expertise required to create it. That's mainly had the United States and China at loggerheads with one another, with the former restricting access to cutting-edge Nvidia GPUs and other semiconductor products, and China rowing back access to its manufacturing and raw material industries.
But while that's acted as a tit-for-tat backdrop to U.S. and Chinese trade relations and particularly the mercurial needs and demands of President Trump, the divestment of global supply chains from traditional Chinese sources has spread globally. Nexperia was one key Dutch entity that was brought back in-house from Chinese owners, and in June 2025, Taiwanese firm Pegatron announced new production facilities in Mexico and the U.S. to move away from reliance on China.
The U.S. has also been trying to restrict China's access to high-tech hardware for a number of years. President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act in 2019, which effectively banned Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE from being used in any U.S. government agencies. Both companies were later designated as threats to national security in 2020. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. implemented a new series of export controls in 2022 to constrain China's ability to accelerate its high-technology and chip manufacturing industries.
But in 2026, even as the U.S. has approved the sale of some high-end Nvidia chips to China, its new Pax Silica Initiative and MATCH Act are putting more pressure on China than ever before, and global partners aren't entirely happy about it.
Under the bill, foreign-owned companies like ASML that don't comply with the restrictions on business dealings with China could find themselves losing access to U.S. components, software, or customers. Although the world still needs ASML - it's one of the tightest bottlenecks in the global chip supply chain - becoming part of the Pax Silica initiative could prove paramount for advanced economies wanting to make the most of advances in AI and chip fabrication.
Although Dutch officials still clearly have reservations about the MATCH Act, it's not clear how much leverage they can have over it, or whether it's possible to ignore its claimed mandates.
Unsteady ground
The Netherlands and other strategically aligned economies with a foothold in the AI supply chain face a tricky situation in 2026. Initiatives like Pax Silica raise the prospect of greater autonomy in the global supply chain, with less reliance on China for key materials, tools, and manufacturing expertise. But that may simply replace one dependency with another, trading exposure to Beijing for greater oversight from Washington, and even coercion if certain controls aren’t adhered to.
For the Dutch, ASML isn’t just a key company. It is one of the world’s most important technology pillars and helps the Netherlands punch well above its weight in global supply-chain politics. Without ASML, manufacturers like Samsung, Micron, and TSMC, and component designers like Nvidia, would not be able to build the cutting-edge hardware they can today. That gives the Netherlands real muscle when pursuing its own interests.
But it also makes ASML a target for legislation that could limit Dutch autonomy and force tighter integration with larger players like the United States, without whose components, software, and market access ASML would struggle.
That tension is unlikely to disappear. Even if the U.S. midterms later this year help leash some of the more turbulent aspects of the Trump administration, they won’t end American ambitions to pull control of the global chip and AI supply chains away from China, and tuck it into Washington’s own catalogue of control.
Reviews Ally helps readers compare products, services, and software using practical criteria and plain-language summaries. It organizes reviews and buying guides by use case, budget, features, and buyer intent, with clear pros and cons and what to check before buying. Pages stay updated as pricing, plans, and features change, so you can quickly understand trade-offs and choose with confidence.
Royal Caribbean Group has released its 2025 Community Impact Report, highlighting the company’s continued efforts to strengthen the communities and destinations it visits around the world, the company said in a press release. “The communities we visit are central to who we are and to the experiences we deliver every day,” said Jason Liberty, chairman...
Aman at Sea has revealed a collection of fall Caribbean voyages for the inaugural season of the Amangati, the first ship in its fleet. The ship, which is under construction at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Italy, is scheduled to enter service in the Mediterranean in spring 2027. Ranging from five- to eight-nights, the Caribbean journeys will sail the Antilles from November 21, 2027, to January...
Months of negotiations have brought the CLARITY Act to its final review stage, with Senator Cynthia Lummis confirming a July 4 release of the updated text ahead of a Senate push later in July. According to Lummis, who spoke with…
Trump has postponed signing a housing bill that passed Congress with 358 House votes and 85 Senate votes, leaving a provision that would block a Federal Reserve-issued CBDC until 2030 in limbo. According to a July 24 Truth Social post…
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Tuesday warned of active exploitation of a critical security flaw impacting Lantronix EDS5000 Series devices, urging Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to apply the fixes by June 26, 2026.
The vulnerability in question is CVE-2025-67038 (CVSS score: 9.8), a code injection flaw that could result in the execution
A coordinated law enforcement operation, in partnership with private sector companies, including Bitdefender, Bitsight, ESET, and Microsoft, has resulted in the takedown of criminal infrastructure powering Amadey and StealC.
"The main common goal was to disrupt the 'assembly lines' cybercriminals use to launch ransomware, financial fraud, and attacks on critical infrastructure," Europol said in
Brazil is chasing the top spot in Group C against Scotland, turning the presence of star Vinicius Junior into a focal point of the conversation.
Brazil and Scotland are clashing this Wednesday, June 24th, for Matchday 3 of Group C at the 2026 World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. In a crucial game to secure first place and avoid dropping to second in the group, questions regarding the presence of Vinicius Junior have started to arise.
Vinicius Junior has been included in the starting lineup against Scotland. After finding the back of the net and delivering an assist against Haiti, the Real Madrid winger was subbed off in the 81st minute to preserve his fitness for this final game of the group phase.
The Canarinha head into the clash on a high note after a dominant 3-0 win against Haiti, which officially secured their qualification to the next phase. On the other hand, Scotland suffered a tough 1-0 defeat against Morocco and will now look to pull off an upset against Brazil to keep their own knockout hopes alive.
At the moment, Brazil and Morocco lead Group C with four points each, while Scotland sits in third with three points, and Haiti is at the bottom with zero. With both group matches kicking off simultaneously at 6:00 PM ET, the high-stakes race for the top spot is officially on.
Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil scores against Haiti.
All eyes on Neymar’s return
While Brazil’s primary goal is locking up the top spot in Group C, anticipation is building around Neymar making his first appearance in this tournament to mark his fourth career World Cup. Due to a lingering injury, he was sidelined for the matches against Morocco and Haiti, but he has now rejoined the main group and is fit to feature.
In Tuesday’s press conference, head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the superstar’s physical condition: “Neymar is available, he worked well this week and prepared well for the match. We are all very happy, his quality can bring a lot to the team. He can play the 90 minutes, he is doing well, he worked very well and trained well. I am very happy with him.“
Confirmed lineups for Scotland and Brazil
Scotland’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Angus Gunn; Nathan Patterson, Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Andrew Robertson; Kenny McLean, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay; Ben Gannon-Doak, Lawrence Shankland, John McGinn. Head coach: Steve Clarke.
Brazil’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior; Matheus Cunha. Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar face each other in their most decisive clash of the 2026 World Cup. With both sides tied in Group B, a win, a draw, or a defeat could significantly alter their future in the tournament.
After failing to win either of their first two matches at the 2026 World Cup, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar face each other to determine their future in the tournament. While Sergej Barbarez seeks to excel on the counterattack and through aerial play, Julen Lopetegui’s team aim to take control through possession of the ball. Because the result will definitively conclude Group B, a win, a draw, or a loss could significantly affect their position in the standings.
Qatar have not managed to show their best version in the tournament, being thoroughly outplayed by both Switzerland and Canada. However, Julen Lopetegui could look for a response by dominating possession. Far from being a simple task, they could face difficulties breaking down the opposition’s strong defensive setup, which has impressed throughout several matches. Therefore, Akram Afif would need to deliver his best in the scoring side.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have shown that they are not a national team that seeks to dominate. Instead, they are very comfortable defending in a low block. In addition, they rely on counterattacks through their midfielders and full-backs. With Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović leading the attack, they look to take advantage of precise crosses. With this approach, they are aiming for a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 alive.
What happens if Bosnia and Herzegovina win over Qatar?
In case Bosnia and Herzegovina secure a victory over Qatar, they would reach four points in the Group B. With this, they will rank among the 12 best-third placed national teams, having a strong chance of reaching the Round of 32. Nonetheless, their future will not be secured, as they would compete with other national teams. In that sense, the tiebreakers will have a huge role in their 2026 World Cup future.
Jovo Lukic #25 of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s first goa
What happens if Bosnia and Herzegovina draw with Qatar?
Bosnia and Herzegovina would still secure their third place in the Group B of the 2026 World Cup, if they draw to Qatar. Having a -3 in the goal difference, they would overcome their rivals’ -6 goal difference. Despite this, their spot in the Round of 32 is not guaranteed, as they must compete against other national teams to be among the top 8 qualifiers.
What happens if Bosnia and Herzegovina lose to Qatar?
If Bosnia and Herzegovina are defeated by Qatar, they would be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. In their place, Julen Lopetegui’s team would hold third place in Group B, competing to reach the Round of 32. With this, Sergej Barbarez’s team would be eliminated in the group stage for a second consecutive tournament, leaving Edin Džeko without a chance to play in the knockout stages.
Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina encourages his team mates.
After drawing against Canada and losing to Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina face Qatar looking for their first victory at the 2026 World Cup. For this reason, fans are closely monitoring Edin Džeko, as he is expected to be a difference-maker with his goalscoring ability.
Bosnia and Herzegovina face Qatar in their third match of the 2026 World Cup. After drawing against Canada and losing to Switzerland, they arrive needing a victory to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. However, Julen Lopetegui’s team could cause problems through their patient possession play and strong defense. Therefore, fans are closely monitoring Edin Džeko’s status, as he could make the difference in attack.
Edin Džeko will start for Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group-stage match. Although he has yet to score in the tournament, he remains the national team’s main reference point. With his excellent aerial ability and strong one-on-one play, he could take advantage of the spaces behind Qatar‘s defense. At 40 years old, he is aiming to shine in what could be his final edition of the tournament.
Alongside Džeko, head coach Sergej Barbarez has decided to rely on Ermedin Demirović as his attacking partner. In addition, Kerim Alajbegović and Esmir Bajraktarević are expected to be difference-makers on the counterattack, thanks to their pace and efficiency. Rather than dominating possession, Bosnia and Herzegovina could lean on their aerial game, looking to exploit spaces in a Qatar defense that does not particularly excel in that area.
Despite coming off a heavy 6–0 defeat to Canada, Qatar could look to show their best version by relying on a possession-based style of play as their main approach. To achieve this, head coach Julen Lopetegui has decided to trust Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, and Jassem Gaber in midfield. However, all eyes will be on Akram Afif, the national team’s biggest star, as he looks to make an impact in front of goal.
Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko
Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed lineup vs Qatar
Seeking their first victory, Bosnia and Herzegovina have decided to maintain their conservative approach. Head coach Sergej Barbarez has made a few changes, including the inclusion of Stjepan Radeljić at right-back. However, the flanks will be essential, as they will look to launch counterattacks and target the aerial ability of Ermedin Demirović and Edin Džeko.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will lineup as follows: Nikola Vasilj; Stjepan Radeljic, Nikola Katic, Arjan Malic, Sead Kolasinac; Esmir Bajraktarevic, Ivan Šunjić, Ivan Bašić, Kerim Alajbegovic; Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Džeko.
Qatar confirmed lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar are seeking redemption at the 2026 World Cup as they enter their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina looking to take control through possession. To achieve this, head coach Julen Lopetegui has decided to make major adjustments in midfield and at full-back. However, Edmilson Júnior and Akram Afif remain the focal points of the attack, where they will look to be clinical in front of goal.
Qatar will play as follows: Mahmoud Abunada; Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Issa Laye, Sultan Al Brake; Ahmed Fathi, Jassem Gaber, Karim Boudiaf; Hasan Al-Haydos, Edmilson Junior, Akram Afif.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, striker Edin Dzeko applauds the fans.
Rabona TV breaks down a massive matchday at the 2026 World Cup as Cristiano Ronaldo breaks records and Colombia climbs to the top of Group K.
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another fascinating set of matches that saw international icons re-write the record books. On the newest edition of Rabona TV’s daily recap, Adrian Sousa breaks down a high-stakes schedule defined by dominant bounce-back wins and unexpected struggles.
The headline story centered around Group K, where Cristiano Ronaldo officially ended his international goal drought by netting a clinical brace. His two goals inspired Portugal to an emphatic 5-0 routing of Uzbekistan, helping the European side recover in style following an opening-day draw.
In the same group, Colombia managed to rise to the very top of the standings after grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory against DR Congo.
Meanwhile, England endured a highly frustrating tactical outing, looking incredibly fortunate to escape their match against Ghana with a scoreless draw.
The daily wrap-up concludes with a look at Croatia, who managed to overcome a highly stubborn and organized Panama squad to collect three vital points. The episode evaluates how these latest shifts drastically alter the math and qualification pathways heading into the final round of games.
You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of the latest individual milestones, scorelines, and group standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal.
Scotland will face off against Brazil in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here's all the information you need to watch this exciting clash live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Scotland vs Brazil on US television and via legal streaming:
The stakes are incredibly high for this final Group C match in Miami. For Scotland, this is a moment of truth. After a vital opening win against Haiti was followed by a narrow loss to Morocco, their path to the knockout stage hangs in the balance. The Tartan Army knows that a positive result here would almost certainly see them through, but facing the tournament favorites is a monumental task.
Brazilenters this clash with a clear objective: win and secure the top spot in the group. After a wakeup call in their 1-1 draw with Morocco, the Seleção responded with a dominant 3-0 victory over Haiti. Now, Carlo Ancelotti‘s side is looking to make a statement and ensure a more favorable draw in the round of 32, creating a high-pressure finale for both nations.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
Brazil‘s tournament trajectory shows a team finding its rhythm. The initial draw served as a warning, but their subsequent performance demonstrated their offensive firepower. In contrast, Scotland‘s journey has been a rollercoaster. They secured the necessary points against the group’s underdog but were unable to hold off a disciplined Moroccan side, placing immense pressure on this final fixture.
This match projects as a classic clash of styles: Brazil‘s fluid, possession-based attack against Scotland‘s compact, defensive block. Scotland’s deep-sitting defense, indicated by their high passes per defensive action (PPDA) average, aims to frustrate opponents and limit space. Brazil, however, boasts the fifth-most dangerous attack in the competition, averaging a high expected goals (xG) per shot, meaning they create quality chances and will relentlessly test Scotland‘s resolve.
The motivations are crystal clear. For Brazil, topping the group is crucial to avoid a potential heavyweight clash in the next round. For Scotland, survival is the only goal. A draw would likely guarantee their advancement, and even a narrow defeat could see them progress as one of the best third-placed teams. This dynamic will dictate a cautious, disciplined approach from Scotland, while Brazil will be tasked with breaking them down.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History heavily favors the South American giants in this fixture. Brazil and Scotland have met four times in previous tournaments, with the Seleção remaining undefeated, securing three wins and one draw. Scotland has never managed to defeat Brazil in an official competitive match.
The last four tournament encounters tell a story of Brazilian dominance. Their most recent clash was a 2-1 Brazil victory in the 1998 group stage. Prior to that, Brazil won 1-0 in 1990 and 4-1 in 1982, with the only shared point coming from a 0-0 draw in 1974. A 2011 friendly also ended in a 2-0 win for Brazil.
Statistically, the trends are stark. Brazil has an impressive record against European opposition, with 44 wins, 17 draws, and only 16 losses in 77 matches at the tournament. Conversely, Scotland has struggled against CONMEBOL teams, having never won a single match against South American opponents in the competition’s history (two draws, six losses).
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both teams are managing key player availability heading into this decisive group stage finale.
For Scotland, the primary concern is the fitness of defender Kieran Tierney, who suffered a muscle injury against Morocco. His potential absence would be a significant blow to their defensive structure, likely forcing manager Steve Clarke to adjust his backline. Gannon-Doak is the probable replacement, having already featured in the tournament.
Brazil has mixed news on the injury front. Superstar Neymar is back in training and could make an appearance from the bench as he works his way back to full fitness. However, winger Raphinha has been ruled out with a thigh injury sustained against Haiti, opening the door for the young talent Rayan to earn his first start of the tournament.
Scotland Projected XI (4-5-1): Gunn; Robertson, Hanley, Hendry, Hickey; McGinn, Ferguson, McTominay, Christie, Gannon-Doak; Adams. This lineup reflects a pragmatic and defensive approach. The five-man midfield, anchored by Scott McTominay, is designed to absorb pressure and disrupt Brazil’s rhythm, while John McGinn and Andy Robertson will be key outlets on the counter-attack.
Brazil Projected XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Santos, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paquetá, Guimarães; Vinícius, Cunha, Rayan. Even with injuries, this is a formidable attacking force. Vinícius Júnior remains the primary threat from the wing, while Matheus Cunha will lead the line. The midfield trio of Casemiro, Paquetá, and Guimarães provides a perfect balance of defensive stability and creative passing to unlock the Scottish defense.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Scotland vs Brazil match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. You can also stream directly on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
A subscription to Fubo gives you access to more than just the 2026 tournament. You can also watch other top soccer competitions, including the Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A, through its network partners.
The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99. This single subscription provides comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament, from the group stage all the way to the final.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Morocco and Haiti will square off in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this clash live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Morocco vs Haiti on US television and via legal streaming:
Moroccoenters the final matchday of Group C with a clear objective: secure a victory to challenge for the top spot. The African nation is riding a wave of momentum, currently unbeaten in their last six group stage games in the competition, a record for an African team. Their impressive performances, including a dominant win over Scotland and a hard-fought draw against Brazil, have positioned them as a formidable side with knockout stage ambitions.
For Haiti, the journey in the 2026 tournament ends here. After losses to Scotland and Brazil, they are officially eliminated and playing solely for pride. Having lost their last five games in the competition across all editions, the Caribbean side is desperate to avoid an unwanted record. The stakes are clear: Morocco needs a convincing win to control their destiny, while Haiti hopes to salvage a positive result and score their first goal before heading home.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The trajectories of these two teams could not be more different. Morocco has been a standout, showcasing tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their 1-0 victory over Scotland was a model of control, where they completed a record 601 passes for an African team in a tournament match. Against Brazil, they went toe-to-toe with the giants, demonstrating they can compete at the highest level. In contrast, Haiti has struggled to find its footing, failing to score in either of its first two matches and looking vulnerable defensively.
The tactical clash will likely hinge on Morocco’s aggressive, high-tempo start. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has instructed his team to press relentlessly from the opening whistle, a strategy that produced a goal just 68 seconds into their match against Scotland and generated 12 shots in the first half against Brazil. This intense pressure will test a Haitian defense that has historically conceded multiple goals in tournament play. If Haiti falls behind early, they will be forced to open up, potentially leaving them exposed to Morocco‘s swift counter-attacks.
Motivation is a defining factor in this fixture. For Morocco, a simple win may not be enough; with Brazil holding a goal-difference advantage, the Atlas Lions will be pushing for a multi-goal victory to leapfrog them into first place in Group C. Haiti, with nothing left to lose, will be playing for national pride. Their primary goal will be to score for the first time in the tournament and perhaps secure their first-ever point in this edition of the competition, which could make them a surprisingly resilient opponent.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
This match will mark a historic first, as Morocco and Haiti have never faced each other before, either in a competitive fixture or a friendly. This lack of shared history means both teams will be entering uncharted territory, relying on scouting and recent tournament form to prepare for the clash in Atlanta.
While there is no direct head-to-head record, we can look at their performances against teams from similar confederations. Morocco has faced a CONCACAF nation once before in this competition, defeating Canada 2-1 during the 2022 group stage. Conversely, this will be Haiti‘s first-ever match against an African opponent on the world’s biggest stage, presenting a novel challenge for their squad.
Morocco comes into this game with a formidable unbeaten streak, having not lost within 90 minutes in their last 31 matches across all competitions. Their last defeat to a non-African team was a narrow 2-1 loss to Croatia in the 2022 third-place match. Haiti‘s historical data shows a tendency to concede, having let in three or more goals in four of their five all-time tournament matches. This trend, combined with Morocco‘s early-scoring habit, points toward a challenging evening for the Haitian backline.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers have nearly full squads to choose from, but with Haiti eliminated and Morocco eyeing the knockout round, tactical rotations are expected from both sides.
Morocco‘s manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, has no reported injury concerns and may use this opportunity to give key players a rest or avoid potential suspensions. Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat could return to the starting lineup to provide stability, while Soufiane Talbi might get a chance in the attack. Issa Diop is the only player at risk of suspension if he receives a yellow card.
Haiti‘s coach, Sébastien Migné, is likely to alter his formation to a 4-4-2 in an effort to generate more offense. Forwards Frantzdy Pierrot and Wilson Isidor are expected to start up front, with Deedson joining the midfield. Four Haitian players are currently carrying yellow cards and would miss their next match if booked, though this is less of a concern given their elimination.
Morocco Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi, Talbi; Saibari. This lineup is built for control and creativity. Amrabat anchors the midfield, freeing up Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi to supply chances for Ismael Saibari, who has impressively scored in both of Morocco’s opening matches.
Haiti Projected XI (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience; Deedson, Bellegarde, Jacques, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot. By shifting to two strikers, Haiti aims to pose a greater threat in the final third. The partnership of Isidor and Pierrot will be crucial if they hope to break their scoring drought, while the midfield four will face the tough task of containing Morocco’s dynamic attack.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Morocco vs Haiti match live on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including your computer, smartphone, tablet, and smart TV, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere.
In addition to this crucial Group C decider, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to every single game of the 2026 tournament. You can also stream other top soccer competitions, such as Liga MX and LaLiga, throughout the year.
A subscription to [Streaming Platform] costs $14.99 per month, providing an all-access pass to live sports and on-demand content. The platform offers excellent value for soccer fans looking for comprehensive coverage.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Dan Riccio and Will Lou review Portugal's dominant 5-0 win and preview Canada’s massive first-place showdown with Switzerland on The 90th Minute.
The final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is officially underway, bringing intense drama and massive positioning battles across the brackets. On the latest edition of The 90th Minute, hosts Dan Riccio and Will Lou review a crucial matchday that saw certain heavyweights finally explode while others left lingering questions.
The headline result came from a ruthless Portuguese side, who completely erased the memory of their opening-day struggles by dismantling Uzbekistan in a dominant 5-0 victory. In contrast, England endured a highly frustrating tactical stalemate, playing out a scoreless 0-0 draw against an organized Ghana squad, while Colombia and Croatia picked up vital wins to solidify their knockout aspirations.
The focus of the program then shifts heavily toward Canada’s massive upcoming showdown against Switzerland to determine the winner of Group B. The hosts analyze how Jesse Marsch’s squad can handle the pressure of this winner-take-first scenario, specifically diving into midfield solutions following Ismael Koné’s tournament-ending injury and what a fully fit Alphonso Davies brings to the lineup.
The show wraps up with a comprehensive preview of the remaining tournament slate, including a highly anticipated Group C clash between Brazil and Scotland. The guys outline the exact qualification routes for Morocco and Mexico as the intense pressure of the group-stage finales completely takes over the tournament.
You can stream the entire daily breakdown right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get fully prepared for the upcoming final round of group fixtures, tactical lineups, and early knockout-round projections.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with teammates after scoring.
Lionel Messi turns 39 today as the World Cup's all-time top scorer. Having led Argentina to the Round of 32, discover the final 3 records he can still break.
On June 24, 2026, Lionel Messi officially celebrates his 39th birthday, marking a historic personal milestone in the middle of a phenomenal run at the 2026 World Cup. While most players of his generation have long since transitioned into coaching or punditry, the legendary Argentine captain is spending his birthday week standing entirely alone at the absolute pinnacle of international football.
Before diving into the historical milestones he can still conquer over the next month, let’s look at the elite tournament benchmarks Messi already holds outright:
Outright All-Time Top Scorer: 18 total goals, sitting completely clear of Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16) and Brazil’s Marta (17) after his 5-goal explosion in just two games this summer.
Most Match Victories: 18 career World Cup wins, moving clear of Klose following Monday’s victory in Dallas.
Most Matches Played: 28 total tournament appearances stretching across an unprecedented six different editions.
Longevity Benchmark: Joint longest time span between a player’s first and last tournament goals (20 years, 11 days).
Que seas muy feliz, Leo. Más feliz de lo que nos hacés a nosotros.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 24, 2026
Even with the ultimate scoring mountain fully conquered, Messi’s historical bucket list isn’t completely finished. As Argentina moves into the single-elimination phase, here are the final three historic frontiers the birthday boy can still smash.
The final 3 records Lionel Messi can still break
1. The outright all-time assist record
While he safely owns the scoring record, Messi is currently tied at the very top of the creative mountain. According to verified modern-era statistics, Messi has accumulated 8 career assists, leaving him in a dead-heat tie with Diego Maradona.
Because Messi is the only player in history to register an assist in five different World Cups, his creative consistency is unparalleled. One more goal-scoring pass to a teammate like Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez will give him sole, undisputed ownership of the tournament’s all-time assist crown.
2. Most goals in a single tournament by an Argentina captain
By netting five goals in just his opening two Group J fixtures, the 39-year-old maestro has completely redefined late-career attacking output. He is currently chasing the internal national record for the most goals scored by an active captain in a single World Cup campaign, a record currently held by Diego Maradona, who scored five as captain during the legendary 1986 run.
One more strike pushes Messi past his former manager into standalone national history.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating (Getty Images).
3. The most penalties taken (and missed) in history
The superstar now holds the joint record for both the most regular-play penalties taken (7) and the most penalties missed (3) in World Cup history. Another spot-kick in either direction will lock this record down as his alone.
What’s next for Argentina’s captain?
Following consecutive multi-goal victories, coach Lionel Scaloni has the ultimate luxury of managing his captain’s minutes. With the top seed in Group J firmly within their grasp, Argentina will look to wrap up a flawless opening stage this weekend:
Matchday 3: Argentina vs Jordan
Calendar Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Stadium Venue: Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Kickoff Window: 4:00 PM EDT / 1:00 PM PDT
As the tournament shifts gears into the high-stakes single-elimination rounds, fans around the world will be tracking every step of the Inter Miami star’s pursuit of more silverware. To ensure you don’t miss a single minute of the knockout drama or his upcoming schedule, check out our comprehensive guide on when is Lionel Messi’s next game.
Morocco and Haiti are clashing in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, with Achraf Hakimi's presence in the game being key to secure the first place.
Morocco and Haiti are clashing on Wednesday, June 24th, for Matchday 3 in Group C of the 2026 World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With first place in the group up for grabs, the presence of captain and star Achraf Hakimi is a major talking point among Morocco fans.
Achraf Hakimi has been included in the starting XI for the game against Haiti. The PSG right-back completed the full 90 minutes in the last two World Cup matches and has been training alongside his teammates, meaning he will be ready to start the final game of the group phase.
Morocco has already put itself on the brink of the next round after a 1-0 win against Scotland in Matchday 2. On the other hand, Haiti’s dreams of reaching the next phase have taken a massive blow, as they are already eliminated from the World Cup following a 3-0 loss to Brazil.
At the moment, the Atlas Lions and Brazil are sitting at the top of the group with four points each. With Brazil currently holding the edge on goal difference, Morocco’s task, should the South American nation win its game against Scotland, is to win and score as many goals as possible to claim first place.
Players of Morocco celebrate the team’s 1-0 victory against Scotland.
Morocco and Haiti to clash for the first time
With Morocco turning into one of the most dominant sides in Africa, and Haiti competing in its second World Cup after its debut in 1974, the truth is both nations have never played each other. This Matchday 3 game in Group C will mark the first time Morocco and Haiti face off on a soccer pitch.
Confirmed lineups for Morocco and Haiti
Morocco’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal, Chadi Riad, Anass Salah-Eddine; Sofyan Amrabat, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss; Ayoub El Kaabi. Head coach: Mohamed Ouahbi.
Haiti’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Johny Placide; Jean-Kevin Duverne, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix, Martin Experience; Josue Casimir, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques, Ruben Providence; Wilson Isidor, Lenny Joseph. Head coach: Sebastien Migne.
An exhibition bout between and has been expected for some time, and legendary heavyweight champion has offered his thoughts on the scrap. At the end of 2025, heavyweight icon Mike Tyson announced that he would be partaking in an exhibition against Mayweather, with an April fight date pencilled in for their battle in the Democratic […]
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This model is enhanced for premium comfort and performance - with the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor and 16GB of RAM. This laptop also comes with a 15.6" full HD display, Windows 11 Pro and an impressive two-year warranty, better than Apple or Dell.
We've been keeping a close eye on the Amazon Prime Day laptop deals on offer, and we haven't found a better laptop anywhere for less than $400.
If this isn't quite what you're looking for, or if you just want to browse all the best Prime Day has to offer, then keep an eye on our Amazon Prime Day deals hub, which we will be updating throughout Prime Day as more deals are uploaded.
This super affordable laptop comes with heaps of features, including 16GB of RAM, a powerful Ryzen 5 CPU, and a 512GB SSD for powerful performance and enhanced user experience. This 15.6" full HD display delivers sharp visuals and reduced glare for comfort in extended use. View Deal
More laptop deals
Intel Core i3-1215U | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD
Not as powerful or as cheap as the Acemagic laptop, the N154 is a close second, matching it when it comes to memory and storage. It does offer two extra features, a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. Like its rival, there's a two-year warranty as standard.View Deal
Intel Core i3-1215U | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD
The Pavilion comes with HP's pedigree, one of the biggest names in town. Compared to the Nimo though, it is a bit underwhelming - no backlit keyboard or fingerprint reader - but definitely worth considering if you want a known brand.View Deal
The recently launched Oura Ring 5 is smaller and smarter than its predecessor, making it a significant upgrade that I don't doubt most will make, but it's hard to argue with the Ring 4 when its price has hit a record low for Amazon Prime Day.
You can now get the Oura Ring 4 at Amazon for $226 (was $399) in the US and for £232 (was £349) in the UK, which is a bargain when you consider that it was the best premium smart ring you can buy just two weeks ago.
Today's best Oura Ring 4 deals
Amazon has the best-selling Oura Ring 4 on sale for a new record-low price of $226. Sleek and comfortable, the Oura Ring 4 is fully titanium, making it built to last and highly durable. You get incredibly accurate data and personalized health insights about your sleep and stress levels.
Our fitness editor, Matt Evans, is a big fan of the Oura Ring 4. He said it was "nearly the perfect fitness tracker" in our review, praising the design, ease-of-use, long-lasting battery and detailed health information it offers. This fascinating bit of tech is now down to its lowest-ever price on Amazon.
My Oura Ring 5 review is out, but if you don't have time to dig into it, here's the long and short of it: it's a big upgrade over the Ring 4 when it comes to design and performance, but the price jump does hold it back from being an easy recommendation.
Costing an extra $50 / £50 / AU$80 than the standard Oura Ring 4 at launch, the Ring 5 is already priced a bit more. That of course is justifiable when you consider the improved accuracy and a 40% reduction in size, which is very noticeable when comparing the two side-by-side. But if you want the same core Oura Ring experience for less, this Ring 4 deal is the one to go for.
Against other wearables, the Ring 4 holds its own as a premium wellness tracker. It's not the right choice if you're after a fitness tracker, but for sleep and stress monitoring it's excellent — with an easy-to-use companion app and only one fewer day of battery life than the Ring 5, which is a minor trade-off given it can fully recharge in under an hour.
When comparing it to other wearables, the Ring 4 stands out as a luxury item for wellness tracking. It's not the right choice if you're after a fitness tracker, but for sleep and stress monitoring it's ideal. It has an easy to use companion app, and only has one day less of battery life, which is a minor trade-off given it can fully recharge in under an hour.
Considering it has most of the same features as the Oura Ring 5, the Ring 4 at this record low price is a genuinely hard deal to pass up, especially when the Ring 5 is unlikely to see a discount anytime soon. If you're new to smart rings and want the best value price for an Oura Ring, the Ring 4 is the deal to buy.
Netflix has confirmed that its new horror game Unhinged will launch on June 30
It will be available to Netflix subscribers on all plans
Unhinged is controlled via your phone and focuses on a woman trying to escape a home invasion
Netflix has announced they are launching a new horror game, Unhinged, on June 30 and that it will be available to all subscriber tiers.
Unhinged was made by Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, and is a first-person horror game centering on two young women who are neighbors, as one attempts to escape from a home invasion.
Night School game director Sam Warner told Rolling Stone: "I grew up with those, and I think that focus on novel innovative play was something that we really started this game with. If you've got Netflix and you have a phone, then this is for you."
A tense social media trailer was shared for Unhinged, where Netflix confirmed it would launch worldwide on June 30.
There's plenty to get excited about when it comes to Unhinged. First of all there's an amazing cast attached including Stranger Things' Sadie Sink, The Batman's Zoë Kravitz, and The Last of Us' voice actor Troy Baker.
Honestly, you couldn't get a better cast. I'm excited to see these stars in action, especially when it comes to the confined settings of a first-person horror like this. It has the potential to be great.
Gameplay wise, you'll need your phone for this one. Rather than being an interactive movie you control with your remote, Unhinged uses your phone to receive calls and text messages or to look around its world with a virtual flashlight.
There's multiple paths you can go down and, of course, you can die. So the stakes are high here and you'll have to pay attention if you want to make it out of the house safely. The game is said to be less than an hour in length, similar to an episode of a Netflix series, but you do have the opportunity to go back and explore new paths.
I've had mixed opinions of Netflix games so far but this one sounds promising. I can't wait to check it out on June 30.
Developer Rockstar Games has unveiled a deluge of new promotional screenshots, alongside the confirmation of the game's price and GTA 6 pre-order information.
In an email sent to outlets including TechRadar Gaming, the publisher shared 63 new images, which can also be found on the game's official site.
They mainly focus on the content included with the Ultimate Edition, or the Vintage Vice City Pack pre-order bonus DLC, but still reveal some interesting titbits about the game and point to some potential key mechanics.
Loads of the new screenshots focus on cars and car customization, with the press release accompanying the images confirming that Ultimate Edition owners will be able to visit two exclusive vehicle mod shops.
We know that interiors will be customizable, alongside rims, paint jobs, and more.
Clothing stores and hairdressers are returning too
As in past games, it's clear that players will be able to visit clothing stores to customize how their characters look as the Ultimate Edition comes bundled with access to the exclusive Stock 305 Clothing Store.
There will also be hairdressers if you need a trim, including Sara's Unisex Salon if you buy the Ultimate Edition version.
The game will also feature tattoo parlors, again just like previous games.
You can get your own boats
Rockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games
One of the biggest benefits of the Ultimate Edition seems to be access to the Shitzu Squalo, a flashy boat that you can use to explore the sea and access a weapons crate. Like Grand Theft Auto 5, it seems players will be able to own and presumably customize their own ships.
You'll have somewhere to stay on land as well
Rockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games
When you're on land, you will be able to access safehouses, with one included in the Ultimate Edition. It will allow you to store vehicles and, I assume, access other features.
Weapon customization is back with a bang
Rockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games
Loads of the screenshots show flashy weapons (or characters holding them). The fact that you will be able to customize weapons has been confirmed, which should mean access to skins and attachments. like scopes or suppressors.
To get these deals, you obviously need to be a Prime member, which you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. Check out why I think the LG C5 is the ultimate all-around TV, and perfect for GTA 6, below.
Today's best LG C5 42-inch deal
The LG C5 sits at the top of a lot of our best-of lists for a reason at TechRadar. It's a home run for movies, sports, and gaming, delivering optimum performance and features for every area. This deal knocks 29% off the 42-inch model, taking it down to a cheapest-ever £599. If you need a TV for a smaller room or even as a monitor, this is it. Check out links to other sizes below.
This isn't the first time I've written about the LG C5 this Prime Day, and for good reason. It's not only one of the best TVs available, it's also the best deal of the event so far. Anytime this five-star OLED gets a discount, it's worth writing about.
With GTA 6 pre-orders going live at midnight on June 25, you could be looking to upgrade your TV, and the C5 is the perfect candidate. It has a full range of features for gaming, including 4K 144Hz, full VRR with FreeSync, G-Sync, and HGiG included, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming (if you own an Xbox).
It also boasts an ultra-low measured 9.2ms input lag time, that mean gaming feels smooth and responsive. I can attest to this, as Battlefield V's often intense battles and vehicle sequences were expertly handled, meaning gaming was a lot of fun. This is one of the best gaming TVs around.
But what about its picture quality? Again, it's superb. When I watched movies such as Elemental and Wicked, colors dazzled on screen, showing a real vibrancy but also, importantly, good accuracy. Its black levels and contrast, as you'd expect for an OLED, are excellent. I was blown away by its rendering of challenging dark scenes from movies like The Batman and Alien: Romulus.
It also showcases crisp, lifelike textures and detail with whatever it displays, solid upscaling of lower resolution sources (maybe if you want to play some retro games), and delivers excellent motion handling.
For GTA 6, I expect the neon-soaked streets of Vice City will look stunning on the C5, and I reckon when you're trying to shake that five-star wanted level with some chaotic driving, the C5 is more than up to the challenge.
Meta just announced some stunning new smart glasses, one pair of which has been co-designed by the Kylie Jenner. The specs, as always designed alongside Ray-Ban parent company EssilorLuxottica, will start at $299 / £269 / AU$599, offer much the same in terms of features as the second-generation Ray-Ban Metas, with improvements in some places, such as the addition of adjustable nose pieces, plus a lot of design and color choices.
They're available already, perhaps in efforts to beat Apple's suspected smart spec play later this year, but if you want AR experiences or the safe pair of hands the Ray-Ban frames offer design-wise, you might be better off shopping around.
I love the look of all of Meta's new Essilor Luxottica AI glasses, but they're not well-suited for entertainment and it remains to be seen how comfortable and durable the newly designed frames will be.Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future
Luckily, there are a few alternatives which may well be better for your needs currently on offer, some as part of the Amazon Prime Day deals, plus a few others from regional retailers like Best Buy in the US and Currys in the UK.
For me, personally, the deal-breaker is always style. A lot of smart glasses are more masculine in form, and few can hold their own against my bangs when it comes to filming, meaning a lot of my best vacation shots have been ruined by errant hair. That's why the new wider-frame Meta Starfire Kylie Edition frames have captured my heart so much, but if you're not bothered by that, you can score some of the best smart glasses we've tested for less right now. Read on for my top picks.
Today's best smart glasses deals (US)
The Air 4 Pro is a significant upgrade to the Air 3S Pro, with HDR10 and B&O audio. The AI 3D works well on personal video, just not streaming content, and it all comes together as an excellent value package; however, these are display glasses, not true AR.View Deal
A neat $75 saving on Meta's first-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses is a great way to capture the moment during vacation season without breaking the bank if you want to stick with the tried and true Ray-Ban frames. The only major differences with the new second-generation model are the longer battery life and a wider range of slightly higher-quality filming options. View Deal
We scored these smart specs 4.5 stars in our review, praising their entertainment-first featureset. That includes solid Bose audio and a large full-HD display, which looks better than ever thanks to a new optical engine. However, the glasses are also a bit pricey, so this $50 discount is very welcome. View Deal
Today's best smart glasses deals (UK)
Featuring HDR10 and B&O audio, these smart display glasses are fantastic for personal video, streaming and even gaming. The AI 3D works well on personal video, just not streaming content, and it all comes together as an excellent value package; however, these are display glasses, not true AR.View Deal
Another pair of 4.5-star rated smart glasses to add to the basket, the Xreal 1s are designed more for entertainment than everyday wear. They render a virtual big screen for almost any USB-C-sporting device, and between that and the excellent clarity, color, fit, and feel, these are a solid purchase with £40 off during Prime Day. View Deal
I wouldn't call this a great deal, but it's still worth highlighting. Meta also lists the first-generation model at this price, but at Curry's you can get a large pair with free next-day delivery in most areas and up to two months of Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade. Packing an ultra-wide 12 MP camera and up to 32 hours of battery life with a charging case, these are pretty much the industry standard all-rounders; but the Gen 2-pair boost the battery and offer more filming options. View Deal
I'd definitely spotlight the RayNeo Air 4 Pro deals as the best of the bunch. My colleague Hamish Hector is somewhat of a smart spec aficionado, and he raves about the RayNeo Air 4 Pro; you can watch below or read his full 4.5-star review to learn more about why.
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are live, and now we’re finally within touching distance of the release of 2026’s most anticipated game — if not, one of the most anticipated games of all time.
Of course, to play the game you’ll need a modern console, and one of the best TVs or best monitors can’t hurt either. But there’s one more thing I think you need to enjoy the experience at its very best: a strong audio setup.
That’s right, most TVs have pretty shoddy built-in speakers, and even if they support immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, typically struggle to whip up expansive, punchy, and clean sound. As a result, I’d strongly suggest investing in a soundbar, which will help you truly immerse yourself in the world of GTA 6, and enjoy movies and series like never before.
So, I’ve curated a list of five soundbars I’d recommend grabbing right now, with everything from affordable all-in-one options through to spectacular surround sound systems — there really is something for all kinds of budgets and living spaces here. Ready to discover my top picks?
1. Sonos Beam Gen 2
(Image credit: Truls Steinung)
It may be almost half a decade old, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is still one of the best compact soundbars I’ve ever tested. I found that it delivers the kind of hard-hitting bass you’d expect from a larger, pricier soundbar, it’s easy to customize in the Sonos companion app, and it even conjures up a pretty wide soundstage, in part thanks to its Dolby Atmos support.
On top of this, I love how the Beam Gen 2 is incredibly easy to set up. Just connect it to your display’s HDMI eARC port, plug it into the power, and you’re good to go. Its small size also makes slotting it into your setup super seamless, and its modern look helps it to stand out as a stylish centerpiece in any living room or bedroom.
When you’re done with a GTA 6 play session, this soundbar can also double up as a neat companion for music too. It has Wi-Fi streaming, enabling you to stream your favorite tunes with high quality playback, and there’s even AirPlay 2 support for iOS devices. If you have other Sonos products, you can also link the Beam 2 with them and enjoy the beauty of multi-room audio, meaning this model really is a great all-rounder.
Let’s start with how this thing performs. Despite its limited 28.7-inch / 730mm width, it creates a surprisingly convincing sense of width, and whether I was playing video games or spinning some 4K UHD Blu-rays, I found it delivered delicious depth and excellent tracking of any on-screen action. With Atmos content, it really felt as if I could hear some elements playing in the corners of our TV testing space, which is something that a lot of mini models fail to do.
It also gets the basics spot on, with clear dialogue, controlled yet relatively powerful low-end sound, and impressive musicality. Although I have to say, this soundbar arguably looks even better than it sounds. Its amp-inspired aesthetic, golden details, striking frets, and classy control panel really make it stand out. As a result, you won’t only get a soundbar that’s great for engrossing audio in GTA 6, but you’ll get a product that you’re proud to put at the front and center of your living space.
3. Samsung HW-Q800F
(Image credit: Future / Aardman Animations)
Right, let’s take things up a gear, should we? If you want truly absorbing bass as well as expansive sound from a main soundbar, then the Samsung HW-Q800F has got you covered.
I tested this 5.1.2 channel model at the end of last year, and awarded it a rare five star rating, praising its deep, almost room-swallowing bass, its exceptional dialogue clarity, and its convincing Dolby Atmos effects. This bar can even muster up an impressive sense of height, providing an almost tangible feel to sound effects in video games as well as movies.
The Q800F brought a new sub into play which is a lot more compact, but still hits hard, meaning it's easy to fit into your living space without requiring a sacrifice in terms of quality. It’s also rammed with countless features, such as an effective calibration tool, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, a range of sound modes (including a Gaming setting), and Q-Symphony, which adds audio from compatible Samsung TVs into your system.
4. Samsung HW-Q990F
(Image credit: Future)
OK, now we’re getting into the really spacious-sounding stuff, and where better to start than with the Samsung HW-Q990F, the step-up options from the aforementioned Q800F.
Although the newer Samsung HW-Q990H is available in 2026, I’d still suggest getting the Q990F right now, as it offers a very similar level of quality at a typically smaller cost. It comes with a soundbar, sub, and two surround speakers, giving you true surround sound for the most enveloping experience imaginable. And when I heard the Q990F for myself, I was really struck by how well all of these speakers work in harmony — with games and movies alike, I found that audio sounded incredibly cohesive and well-balanced.
More generally, the Q990F delivers awesome all-round sound, with seriously weighty yet regimented bass, ultra-clean mids, and expressive highs. It also serves up impressive dynamics, a nuanced soundstage for gaming, movies and music alike, and fantastic features within Samsung’s SmartThings app. Another highlight is its two HDMI 2.1 inputs, which you can connect a games console like the PS5 Pro to for 4K 120Hz gameplay — ideal if you’re running out of slots on your TV or monitor.
5. JBL Bar 1300MK2
(Image credit: Future)
Last but not least, we have the magnificent JBL Bar 1300MK2 (or JBL Bar 1300XMK2 in the US), which is one of the most mind-blowing surround sound systems I’ve ever had the joy of testing here at TechRadar.
The most attention-grabbing thing about the Bar 1300MK 2 is its immense power. It has a maximum power output of almost 2,500W across its 29 drivers, which — as I said in my review — is ludicrously high. This means that you can access room-shaking volumes, and if you’ve got a large living space, you’ll be able to feel the might of its sound in every inch of the room.
But the 1300MK2 doesn’t just have power for the sake of power, it really does sound mesmerizing. The highlight is the low-end, which I found to be seismic and full-sounding, while still remaining controlled and never getting in the way of sounds elsewhere in the frequency range. Dolby Atmos is also spectacularly strong on the 1300MK2 with almost mind-boggling width on offer and solid height effects, making you feel at the center of the action when gaming or watching videos.
The flexibility of the 1300MK2 is another one of its highlights. It comes with battery powered surround speakers, which you can easily place wherever you want without having to mess around with wires — something a lot of rivals force you to do. And these can even be used as standalone Bluetooth speakers if you’re on the go, or be used standalone for night mode — ideal for a 2am gaming sesh.
We're almost half way through this year's Amazon Prime Day and we keep running into deals on the best smartwatches left, right, and center, and now it's the Apple Watch Ultra 3's time to shine.
I'm using an Apple Watch SE 2 (I'm satisfied with its basic offerings), but I've been admiring the new Ultra model from afar, purely because of how much of a beast it is in the world of wearables. It's very much an investment piece, but it's now down to $649 (was $799) in the US, and £649 (was £749) in the UK.
When it comes to Apple discounts, the tech giant doesn't like to be as generous as other brands, so this Apple Watch Ultra 3 deal is somewhat of a rare occurrence. Not only has a brand new Apple Watch model received a price drop, but it's the lowest price we've seen it hit ever. On top of that, it takes the top overall spot in our list of favorite smartwatches.
Today's best Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals
You can save a staggering $150 on the brand-new Apple Watch Ultra 3 at Amazon's Prime Day sale. Packed with premium features, you're getting Cellular connectivity, a boosted 42-hour battery life, and emergency satellite messaging. Today's deal is the lowest price we've ever seen the Ultra 3 hit, and it's our best-rated smartwatch. View Deal
Likewise with Amazon UK, our best overall smartwatch has hit its lowest price, and it was only released just last September. Apple deals are very few and far between, and though £100 off may seem a little stingy, it's quite the steal for a brand new premium Apple device. View Deal
If you're tired of your standard Apple Watch series and are ready to take things to the next level with your wearables, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the model for you. Or, if you're a Garmin owner who's looking to make the switch, the Ultra 3 is a solid rival.
As I've mentioned, my Apple Watch SE 2 is going strong, and I haven't felt the need to seek a proper upgrade just yet. But discount aside, the Ultra 3 has a handful of features I think are worth the investment.
For starters, the Ultra 3 is the first smartwatch in Apple's lineup to have flagship satellite connectivity, designed to enhance communication features in areas where you're limited for signal. Additionally, one of the watch's key functions is Emergency SOS via Satellite, which would come in handy if you're lost on an expedition.
Compared to its predecessor, and other Apple Watch models for that matter, the Ultra 3 has a much larger screen with wide-angle viewing, a handy addition that helps you view notifications even when you're not looking at the watch face-on. We found this to be very helpful for reading pop-ups in low-brightness environments.
But these aside, the Ultra 3's battery life truly puts other models in the ground. One of the biggest setbacks with the SE 2, for example, is that I find myself having to charge it constantly. When it comes to the Ultra 3, it can go for a good 42 hours on normal use before needing another round of juice.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely to be launched at this year's summer Unpacked presentation, which is happening either next month or in August. But even though an Ultra 2 is on the horizon, I'd still get this deal.
How do I know an Ultra 2 is launching? I don't for sure, but I have some evidence that points in that direction. For one thing, Samsung's summer event launches its new watches each year, and occurs roughly around this time. For another, an Ultra 2 has been heavily rumored to be part of the 2026 roster refresh.
Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) deals
Save almost $300 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue version only, in a shocking price drop. While it's not the best choice for everyone (non-adventurers may overpay on features they won't use, and it's large for small wrists), its AI smarts, useful Now Bar technology to serve you the widgets you need, and longevity (up to 100 hours!) means it's well-made for adventurers.View Deal
Save a cool 33% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version also seen above. It's not quite as good a price cut as the US one, but still a significant discount on a popular watch. View Deal
Should you get this deal or wait for the Samsung Galaxy Ultra 2?
Unlike my Garmin Fenix 9 article, in which I recommend not getting the Fenix 8 and instead waiting for the 9 to come out, I actually recommend buying this Ultra deal rather than waiting for an Ultra 2 to arrive.
The 45%-off deal is simply too big a price drop to pass up, taking the AI-powered watch into must-buy territory. It's never been on offer for anything close to this, and there are no guarantees you'll get a good deal when the Ultra 2 lands in a month or two.
Besides, the original Ultra launched in 2024 was such a big design choice for Samsung that I'm expecting any changes to be quite iterative and software-focused this time. In which case, last year's Ultra will already run the latest Wear OS, so I doubt you'll see much of an improvement over the existing Ultra.
UN calls on AI companies to declare environmental cost of AI
New energy projects and data centers are contributing to pollution
UN sets up AI Environmental Transparency Initiative to provide insight into the impacts of water usage, carbon emissions, and land usage
Multiple studies on the direct and indirect impact of AI have predicted that the technology is damaging local and global environments, and contributing to man-made climate change.
But the full extent of the damage should be publicly disclosed by AI companies themselves, the United Nations has said.
Speaking during London Climate Action Week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “If AI is to help build a better future, it must be honest about what it costs us now.”
Reveal the full environmental cost of AI
“By 2030, they could use more power than all but five countries – and enough water to meet the basic needs of all 1.3 billion residents of sub‑Saharan Africa for an entire year,” he said.
His speech (via Reuters) also included the launch of the UN’s AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which offers AI companies the opportunity to publicly disclose water, the environmental impacts of their water usage, carbon emissions, and land use.
Some AI companies have agreed to net-zero commitments and decarbonization through renewable energy projects, but these commitments are largely voluntary and do not subject companies to any repercussions if they fail to meet targets.
The total environmental cost of AI is not known, but estimates for the US have placed the total cost at around $25 billion per year, which includes the health costs of residents living in the polluted vicinity of data centers. The UN hopes that the AI Environmental Transparency initiative will provide direct insight into the fiscal, human, and environmental costs of AI.
The LG C5 is the ultimate all-around TV, delivering excellent performance for movies, gaming and sports with a full suite of features and superb picture quality. The 65-inch model has dropped to $1,199.99 at Amazon and while this isn't a record-low, it's the cheapest it's been since February. View Deal
The TCL QM6K has an impressive list of gaming features for the money, including 4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro support. Its picture is colorful and detailed and it has solid gaming performance. While this $747.99 price for the 75-inch doesn't beat the record-low, it's an excellent price for a 75-inch mini-LED. View Deal
Easily one of the best value OLED TVs available, the LG B5 48-inch has dropped to $599.99. It's not a record-low, but still a very good price. This is the perfect TV if you're looking for a bedroom-sized display for gaming that still delivers awesome OLED picture quality. View Deal
The TCL QM7K is a feature-packed mini-LED TV that over-delivers for its price range. It has great picture quality and a ton of solid gaming features. While this discount may be small, it does take the 65-inch model down to a new record-low price of $749.99. View Deal
Limited time deal! This deal takes a huge 40% off the Sony Bravia 8 65-inch, but it ends at midnight so be quick. An OLED with excellent detail and contrast, plus a healthy suite of gaming features including Perfect for PS5 settings, this is a great choice for Sony fans looking to play GTA 6 on a good-sized OLED. View Deal
The Samsung QN90F is a perfect TV for bright rooms, thanks to its anti-glare screen and solid brightness. It's fully stocked for gaming, with 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and HDR10+ support, as well as a ton of cloud gaming options. Its picture quality is brilliant too. Best Buy has the 75-inch model for a record-low $1,499.99, so if you want a premium big screen experience for GTA 6, this is it. View Deal
Today's best gaming TV deals in the UK
The LG C5 covers all the bases, with OLED picture quality and razor-sharp performance for movies, sports and gaming. Speaking of gaming, it has all the bases covered with 4K 144Hz, full VRR, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM all covered across four HDMI 2.1 ports. There's a reason it tops most of our best-of lists. The 55-inch model has dropped again to £899 at Amazon, a ridiculous, new record-low price and a steal for a 55-inch OLED. View Deal
LG's best value OLED hits its lowest ever price with this Prime Day deal, with the 48-inch LG B5 hitting £549, superb value for a 48-inch OLED. Perfect for bedroom gaming, the B5 has a full suite of gaming features and delivers smooth gameplay. View Deal
The Samsung S95F delivers superb picture quality, with high brightness, vibrant colors, and effective reflection handling thanks to its anti-glare screen. It's also packed with gaming features and has the performance to match. This deal takes the 55-inch model down to £1,273 at Peter Tyson. It's been as low as £1237.50 recently, but this is today's best deal: and it's still a great one. View Deal
If you want a big screen for gaming on a budget, the 65-inch TCL Q6C is a brilliant choice. This deal for £527 is the cheapest it's ever been and is excellent value for a gaming mini-LED TV. It has great picture quality and a good stock of gaming features for this price level, with 4K 144Hz, Dolby Vision gaming and FreeSync Premium Pro all supported. View Deal
I know I featured the LG C5 55-inch above, but this deal on the 42-inch is too good not to feature. £599 is the cheapest this has ever been and an amazing price. It still delivers the rich colors, strong contrast and the gaming features and performance of its larger siblings, but now it's the ideal size for small rooms. View Deal
The Samsung QN90F is the ideal TV for bright rooms, with an anti-glare screen and solid brightness levels, plus it has a full suite of features for gaming with impressive performance. Gaming in a bright room has never been easier. Th3 55-inch was recently £809.10 so this isn't the cheapest it's been, but it's still an excellent offer. View Deal
If you want more information about the GTA VI launch announcement, you can check out the stories and our TikTok below with all the latest news from Rockstar about this hotly anticipated release.
Crysta can make a 3D printed model of a Gaussian Splat
The detail level is quite remarkable
It doesn't come cheap, but nonetheless, this is jaw-dropping stuff
Ever wanted to take a scene from real life and shrink it into a snow globe-style model (minus the snow) to sit on your shelf, preserved forever?
Well, maybe not forever, but you get the idea, and it's possible to do this now thanks to a firm called Crysta.
As Dany Bittel explains on Patreon, Crysta offered to turn one of their 'Gaussian Splats' – of a bee – into a real-world representation of the insect courtesy of a 3D printer.
@Crysta_AI printed one of my bees as a present! pic.twitter.com/HENIVMXaMJJune 18, 2026
The result, as you can see in the post on X above, is pretty spectacular. But wait a minute, I hear you ask (probably): a Gaussian what-now? If you're not familiar with the concept of a Gaussian Splat, it's a 3D model of a real place or thing, built from video footage that you've filmed on your camera (or maybe a drone for more adventurous constructs).
We've previously covered how this works in an in-depth article where we used a cloud-based service called Splatica to make our Splat, and suffice it to say, it's a very cool process with impressive results.
Going a step further with the impressiveness, though, is taking that Gaussian Splat model and 3D printing it. (Crysta can also do this with an alternative process, Neural Radiance Fields, or NeRF).
How is the model turned (back) into a physical rendition? Bittel notes that: "The Gaussian splat is first voxelated, a bit like a Minecraft level. Each voxel has a mix of inks and can be more or less transparent. This then gets printed on [a] special 3D printer, layer by layer."
Cubic cost
(Image credit: Dany Bittel)
As Bittel observes, this is like a modern version of the fly trapped in amber, except it's an entirely artificial construct, built from an artificial model. I absolutely love the idea, and if you do too, you might be wondering how much it costs.
The truth is that it isn't cheap, as you might guess. You'll need to fork out for a Splatica subscription if you go the same way TechRadar did, which is quite pricey (or use an equivalent service or app).
The actual printing of the model by Crysta will run to something like $140 in the US for a 30mm cube, according to Bittel as a guide price (they got one for free, as a present, in case you were wondering). You can go up to a 300mm cube if you want an ornament with a real impact on your room (and likely your wallet, too).
The company ships the 3D printed models globally, although of course, it'll cost more to send outside of the US.
Finally! EcoFlow has dropped the Prime Day price on our top-rated portable power station. It's not often that I refresh a page watch the price change before my eyes. But that's what just happened with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus, now $570 (was $899) at Amazon.
Seconds before then, it was sitting at a not unreasonable $700. One refresh later, and it's dropped even further in the Amazon sale. It's also discounted in the UK, where the Delta 3 Plus is now £549 (was £699).
The Delta 3 Plus is a 1024Wh power station that scored the full 5 stars in our review, where we praised it as offering "a balanced combination of power, portability, and versatility."
Earning top marks in our tests, we awarded this portable power station an Editor's Choice badge thanks to its compact design, versatile charging options, and robust performance. ★★★★★View Deal
Also consider: More Prime Day portable power station deals
I recommend this one for camping this summer - it's practically built for it. In our review, it also earned top marks, making it one of the best of its class. ★★★★★View Deal
My top budget power station overall. In our review, we the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 was a "spectacular option" when you need to quickly top up your devices. View Deal
The Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 is a high-capacity unit with a versatile output for devices and appliances. In our review, we found it "excellent for most home uses." ★★★★☆View Deal
This Anker power station is the definition of portable, straddling the line like an oversized power bank. Good for when you need to power devices on the move or when camping.View Deal
NordStellar found 924 dark‑web posts about deepfakes‑as‑a‑service (DFaaS) Jan–May 2026, up 39% year‑on‑year
Rising interest driven by generative AI advances, enabling hyper‑realistic “fake boss” scams and lowering barriers for attackers
Experts urge prevention through employee education and monitoring for leaked company data to reduce risk of targeted deepfake attacks
The interest in deepfakes-as-a-service (DFaaS) among criminals is growing, and the cybersecurity community is worried it might fuel the next wave of “fake boss” scams.
This is according to a new report from threat exposure management platform, NordStellar. Analyzing discussions on the dark web, the researchers found that between January and May this year, there were 924 posts about DFaaS, up 39% compared to the same period last year, when there were 663 similar posts.
“The rapid growth in popularity of deepfakes as a service is likely accelerated by advancements in generative AI, which help cybercriminals in two ways — by speeding up the creation of deepfakes and making them hyper-realistic,” says Vakaris Noreika, cybersecurity expert at NordStellar. “Ultimately, this service lowers the barrier to entry for deepfake technology, enabling threat actors to deploy highly deceptive attacks at a larger scale, regardless of their personal technical skill set.”
How to defend against convincing deepfake attacks?
Experts are worried the rising interest might result in more “fake boss” scams which, at that, would be even more difficult to spot. Business Email Compromise (BEC), a “fake boss” scam that primarily uses written emails, has for years been among the most lucrative tactics in the criminal underworld. According to the FBI, BEC was the second costliest tactic last year, with company losses exceeding $3 billion (up 11% compared to 2024).
Defending against highly convincing deepfake images and videos might not be easy, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Noreika suggests businesses should focus on prevention and employee education, since they cannot control whether crooks target them or not.
“The more details and access attackers obtain, the easier it is for them to craft highly realistic, targeted attacks,” says Noreika. “Monitoring the dark web for leaked company information is a critical step in preventing cybercriminals from finding credentials to breach accounts or data to use as intel.”
Pilot describes drones moving in a unified jellyfish-like aerial formation
Intelligence officials remain divided over the accuracy of combat sighting
A concussion during the crash raises questions about the pilot's perception reliability
A US F-15 pilot was shot down over Iranian territory during the US-Israel war against Iran in April 2026, and he spent several hours on the ground before special operations forces completed his rescue.
During a subsequent debriefing, the pilot reportedly described unusual aerial activity involving Iranian drones during the combat operations that preceded his downing.
He claimed the drones assumed a formation resembling a jellyfish, with multiple units moving together in coordinated patterns across the airspace above him.
Debrief Account and Contested Interpretation
Intelligence officials reportedly debated the account at length, with one source describing the scene internally as “real alien sh*t.”
Officials disagreed sharply on how to interpret the events, noting the pilot had suffered a concussion during the crash itself.
He had also previously been involved in a friendly fire incident earlier in the conflict, so some analysts questioned whether he had accurately perceived events, or whether sensory distortion under extreme stress shaped his account.
Some intelligence analysts, however, also considered whether the reported pattern could reflect an emerging form of coordinated drone control rather than a misperception.
The technical concept referenced throughout internal analysis was described as one-to-many meshed networking, a system allowing several drones to be commanded simultaneously.
Questions over meshed networking capability
Reports suggested Iran may have received external assistance from China and Russia in developing its drone technologies during the broader conflict period.
Iranian forces had reportedly used attack drones as asymmetric weapons throughout weeks of operations against US, Israeli, and Gulf state forces.
Defense expert Emma Bates told CNN that countering this kind of coordination would demand enormous resources.
“We will spend huge, huge dollars, like a lot of blood and treasure, protecting ourselves from something that can coordinate like that,” said Emma Bates, a drone warfare and defense modernization expert.
She noted that drones maintaining a coordinated shape while carrying explosives, and reserving capacity for follow-up strikes, would represent a genuinely capable approach.
Officials separately noted that meshed networking could theoretically support internet connectivity in remote regions lacking infrastructure, though such civilian applications remain largely hypothetical for now.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment publicly on the pilot's account or any ongoing internal assessment.
Whether the pilot witnessed genuine drone coordination, misperceived events under extreme stress, or described something intelligence agencies have yet to fully understand remains unresolved.
Offering an alternative to what some vendors call 'portable storage', Western Digital's My Passport is (quite literally) the size of a passport. But that doesn't mean it compromises on speed—with up to 1000MB/s read and write—or ruggedness, as it is rated to survive a 6.5ft drop.
The My Passport SSD is therefore perfectly suited to storing large media projects and files for the on-the-go professional who needs a shock-resistant storage option that doesn't burn (or wear) a hole in your pocket. For anyone looking to move on from USB thumb drives, this is the logical progression, and right now it has $128 off for Prime Day.
Today's top WD My Passport 1TB SSD deal
For rugged storage, the My Passport from Western Digital is a blazing fast portable SSD that won't weigh you down. For the outdoor creatives or commuting professional, this SSD will handle almost anything you throw at it.View Deal
Now, while the My Passport won't give you the speedy performance of a mounted SSD, we did clock transfer speeds of 1046MBps read and 1013MBps write in, which is above the manufacturers baseline. In his review, our very own storage expert Désiré called the My Passport "a compelling choice" in its balance of performance and size.
Western Digital does have a few variations for its My Passport range, including a heavier, larger USB 2.0/3.0 option. But this USB C version is the superior choice, not only for more than twice as fast transfer speeds (500MBps for the USB version), but also for the form factor. It is noticeably smaller and lighter than its bigger brothers.
FutureFutureFuture
The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 delivers a 20 Gbps with the right cable, but also offers backwards compatibility with USB 3.2 or 2.0 cables.
What I find particularly attractive is the password protection and built-in always active 256-bit AES hardware encryption, making physically transporting precious media and important files less of a daunting task. Even if I were to lose it or have it stolen, I'd at least have the peace of mind that no one can access my files. Additionally, if you do somehow manage to damage this rugged SSD, it comes with a 5-year manufacturers warranty
Also consider: More portable SSD deals
Samsung's T9 Portable SSD delivers blazing-fast transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Compact and durable, it's an excellent choice for students and professionals who need fast, reliable portable storage.View Deal
This ultracompact 2TB portable SSD offers transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and supports Apple ProRes 4K 60fps recording. With IP65-rated dust and water resistance, it's a great choice for creators.View Deal
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe: key information
- Releases on HBO Max from July 23 on a weekly basis, consists of 10 episodes - First full trailer has been released - Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus and John Ross Bowie are all set to reprise their roles from The Big Bang Theory - Follows Stuart starting a 'multiverse Armageddon' after breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard
Created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, Kevin Sussman reprises the role of Stuart, the awkward and angsty comic book shop owner who often plays host to many classic TBBT scenes, not to mention its ever-spiralling scientific lore.
While the main season ran until 2019, Young Sheldonand Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage have taken over the reins when it comes to keeping the 'Sheldonverse' alive. Seven years later, and we're returning to the original story — only it's nothing like it, really.
In all honesty, it looks like a hilarious spoof of The Walking Dead with a comic book twist. But what do we actually know about the new HBO Max show?
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe release date
(Image credit: HBO Max)
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe consists of 10 episodes, which will debut on HBO on July 23 at 9pm ET.
It will also be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes will debut on subsequent Thursdays.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe trailer
The full trailer was released on June 23, which you can watch above. There's a bunch of direct references to classic movies, from Mad Max to Alien.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe cast
(Image credit: HBO Max)
We're expecting the following main cast members to appear in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe:
Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom / Alternate Stuart Bloom
Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
Lauren Lapkus as Denise
John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke / Supreme Ruler Barry Kripke
Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
Josh Brener as Trevor
Tommy Walker as Gary
However, according to the synopsis (which you can read in full below), we can also expect to see some cameo appearances of alternate TBBT characters.
Annoyingly, we don't know exactly who yet. This will likely be kept under wraps until episodes air, so keep your eyes peeled.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe plot
(Image credit: HBO Max)
Here's the official synopsis: "Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.
"Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well."
See what I mean about those potential cameos? A lot of TBBT lore is set to be featured here, and fan theories are already spreading across the internet like wildfire.
None of these is confirmed, however, so don't believe everything you read.
The Big Bang Theory timeline — will it cross over?
(Image credit: CBS)
Out of the four shows that currently make up the Sheldonverse, this is the correct chronological order for them (according to time, not when they were released):
Young Sheldon
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage
The Big Bang Theory
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
There's currently no confirmation that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe and The Big Bang Theory will directly cross over, outside of the tipped cameos.
However, as a show with alternate realities, it is logically feasible that some of these realities just happen to be the set of TBBT, or Sheldon's childhood home in Medford, Texas. Even more so for the latter, as the set is currently being used to film Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage season 3.
We'll have to wait until the show starts airing to see if any of this is true.
A digital Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-order comes with a free month of GTA+
The subscription service offers access to GTA Online benefits and the ability to play older GTA games
Here's everything you need to know about the service
If you place a GTA 6 pre-order on a digital storefront for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X and Series S, you immediately get access to a free month of GTA+.
But what exactly is it, and how should you use it? Here's what you need to know.
What actually is GTA+?
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
GTA+ is Rockstar's subscription service, primarily intended for the most devoted GTA Online players.
It gives you access to a load of benefits in the multiplayer game, including a monthly $500,000 in-game cash injection, a 15% bonus when you buy Shark Cards (the game's currency gift cards), and reward multipliers in certain missions.
You also get access to The Vinewood Car Club, where you can claim a free vehicle or modify your existing collection in its exclusive workshop. The Car Club also boasts a 100-car garage for you to use.
This is on top of monthly drops that include exclusive liveries, special paint jobs, and unique clothing. Other smaller benefits include free taxi rides in-game, access to a discounted gun store, the ability to bribe the police to reduce your wanted level, and some other additional features.
These are some fantastic benefits if you're a big GTA Online player, but GTA+ does also have something to offer with its game library...
Alongside its GTA Online benefits, GTA+ includes access to a range of Rockstar Games title. The selection changes on a regular basis, but right now the following GTA games can be played:
Grand Theft Auto 5 (PS5, Series X / S, PC)
Grand Theft Auto Online (PS5, Series X / S)
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (PS5/PS4, Xbox, PC)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition (Android, iOS)
Grand Theft Auto 3 - The Definitive Edition(Android, iOS)
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (Android, iOS)
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Android, iOS)
That's not everything, though, as there are some titles from other series included too:
Bully (PS5/PS4, Xbox, PC, Android, iOS)
Red Dead Redemption (PS5/PS4, Xbox, PC)
L.A. Noire (PS5/PS4, Xbox, PC)
As you can see, the games are available on a wide range of platforms, with some even available for mobile devices.
Out of all the games here, I would recommend checking out Vice City the most ahead of GTA 6, either as part of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition or its standalone The Definitive Edition version.
With GTA 6 set to take place in the same fictional city, it's likely going to offer important context and should get you up to speed ahead of the new game.
How much does GTA+ usually cost?
(Image credit: Rockstar)
One month of GTA+ usually costs $9.99 / £6.99 / A$11.95 per month.
If you do make use of the free month, remember to cancel the auto-renewal unless you wish to continue your subscription at those rates.
Have you finally decided to jump into Dungeons & Dragons? Well this guide is for you, as I’ve been playing the game for over a decade and have gathered up essential books and accessories you’ll need to go on your first adventure.
There’s no fluff here like D&D-inspired coffee cups or t-shirts; it’s all genuinely useful stuff that I’ve used in my own games (or very similar to the accessories I have at home).
Best of all, they’re all discounted for Amazon Prime Day. Scroll down for the collection of gear, or quickly read through my description of what each item is, and what it’s best for.
The Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual are known collectively as the core rulebooks; they have everything your playgroup will need to build characters and head out on an adventure together. They were revised in 2024 to make them more beginner-friendly and to update some rules, and they're some of the best places to start.
If you want more help with your adventures, the Heroes of Faerun, and Adventures of Faerun books are ideal for players and DMs who loved the Baldur’s Gate 3 setting. You’ll see familiar faces and places from those games, plus there are some premade adventures to help get the ball rolling on your own game. Alternatively, the Dragon Delves book will give you a collection of dragon-based adventures to enjoy if you want a more literal Dungeons and Dragons experience.
Then, if you’re playing in person, maps and tokens are super helpful at tracking where players and monsters are while they’re battling. Dice are also essential, you can’t play D&D without them, and a set of five should be enough to cover my preferred group size — four players and one Dungeon Master. Meanwhile, the DM screen and notebook are ideal for keeping track of story details, core D&D rules, and adding an air of mystery to what the DM is doing.
Finally, if you want to simply dip your toe into D&D, the Welcome to the Hellfire Club adventure is a box set with pre-made characters, DM notes, and everything you need to play out of the box. You might just want some extra dice.