3 hours ago
Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE) reported decent results on Tuesday, highlighting strength in its core business, but continuing weakness in China. The report comes as the German automaker's US business is under threat of a ban due to ownership stakes by Chinese companies.
In the second quarter, Mercedes reported passenger car revenue of 22.99 billion euros ($26.18 billion), down 5% compared to a year ago, with adjusted EBIT coming in at 909 million euros ($1.035 billion), down 26% year over year.
But its adjusted return on sales (similar to EBIT margin) in the car unit fell slightly to 4% from a year earlier, beating **** yst expectations per Bloomberg.
Mercedes stock trading in Germany pulled higher.
But the good news in its operations comes at a tricky time for Stuttgart-based Mercedes.
#mercedes #year #comes #down
In the second quarter, Mercedes reported passenger car revenue of 22.99 billion euros ($26.18 billion), down 5% compared to a year ago, with adjusted EBIT coming in at 909 million euros ($1.035 billion), down 26% year over year.
But its adjusted return on sales (similar to EBIT margin) in the car unit fell slightly to 4% from a year earlier, beating **** yst expectations per Bloomberg.
Mercedes stock trading in Germany pulled higher.
But the good news in its operations comes at a tricky time for Stuttgart-based Mercedes.
#mercedes #year #comes #down
8 hours ago
Max Verstappen is already firmly locked into a long-term contract with Red Bull Racing that runs through the end of 2028. However, amid a chaotic 2026 silly season fueled by internal team politics and public flirtations from Mercedes, rumors of a potential performance-based exit clause have loomed over the Milton Keynes garage all year.
Now, it appears Red Bull's upper management is ready to throw a massive amount of cash at the problem to ensure their star driver has no legal avenues to jump ship.
According to a recent report originating from the German outlet BILD, Red Bull and Verstappen's management are actively engaged in contract extension talks.
The rumored deal on the table would extend Verstappen's tenure with the team through the 2029 season. To sweeten the pot, Red Bull is reportedly offering a significant pay **** p on top of his current base salary, which already sits at a staggering €65 million (roughly $71 million) per year.
But the massive financial upgrade comes with one major condition: the new contract would completely eliminate any existing exit clauses.
#contract #year #management #million
Now, it appears Red Bull's upper management is ready to throw a massive amount of cash at the problem to ensure their star driver has no legal avenues to jump ship.
According to a recent report originating from the German outlet BILD, Red Bull and Verstappen's management are actively engaged in contract extension talks.
The rumored deal on the table would extend Verstappen's tenure with the team through the 2029 season. To sweeten the pot, Red Bull is reportedly offering a significant pay **** p on top of his current base salary, which already sits at a staggering €65 million (roughly $71 million) per year.
But the massive financial upgrade comes with one major condition: the new contract would completely eliminate any existing exit clauses.
#contract #year #management #million
3 days ago
The "NFL Top 100 Players" is an annual NFL offseason tradition. A few names from the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to make the cut, but many opponents are featured in this year's rankings. Player No. 66 is a player they are scheduled to see across from them this coming season.
No. 66 is Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London.
London started 12 games for the Falcons in 2025 and finished with 68 receptions for 919 yards and 7 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 13.5 yards per catch and, during the offseason, signed a four-year, $141 million contract extension, including $100 million guaranteed, to stay with the Falcons through 2030.
London and the Falcons will host the Chiefs in Week 10 on Sunday, November 15, at Mercedes Stadium.
Produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, the new season of NFL Top 100 features short-form episodes that reveal the league's top players, as voted on exclusively by current NFL players. Episodes debut on X on weekdays through Friday, September 4, and will air later on NFL+, as well as on other NFL-owned and operated social media platforms.
#episodes #offseason
No. 66 is Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London.
London started 12 games for the Falcons in 2025 and finished with 68 receptions for 919 yards and 7 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 13.5 yards per catch and, during the offseason, signed a four-year, $141 million contract extension, including $100 million guaranteed, to stay with the Falcons through 2030.
London and the Falcons will host the Chiefs in Week 10 on Sunday, November 15, at Mercedes Stadium.
Produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, the new season of NFL Top 100 features short-form episodes that reveal the league's top players, as voted on exclusively by current NFL players. Episodes debut on X on weekdays through Friday, September 4, and will air later on NFL+, as well as on other NFL-owned and operated social media platforms.
#episodes #offseason
3 days ago
Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta has delved into George Russell's recent woes, as the team identified a software issue compounded by the Briton's older power unit.
Russell and his squad have been mystified by a lack of top speed relative to team-mate Kimi Antonelli at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Mercedes' lead racer attempted to tweak his driving style, to no avail, as his troubles were linked to the power unit's software code resulting in an imbalance in energy distribution.
Read Also:
Mercedes identifies George Russell's F1 power unit software issue
"As we all know, it's a very complex new set of regulations with the power unit," Resta said. "It's quite early days. We've just done 10 races so far, and there is a lot to learn. We are still learning a lot together, ourselves and our colleagues at HPP. We found a bug in our software, and we had to react to it.
#resta #russell
Russell and his squad have been mystified by a lack of top speed relative to team-mate Kimi Antonelli at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Mercedes' lead racer attempted to tweak his driving style, to no avail, as his troubles were linked to the power unit's software code resulting in an imbalance in energy distribution.
Read Also:
Mercedes identifies George Russell's F1 power unit software issue
"As we all know, it's a very complex new set of regulations with the power unit," Resta said. "It's quite early days. We've just done 10 races so far, and there is a lot to learn. We are still learning a lot together, ourselves and our colleagues at HPP. We found a bug in our software, and we had to react to it.
#resta #russell
4 days ago
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Shame on me. Win the SEC twice in a row over the teams that league media had thought would take home the trophy? Well then people decide they won't be fooled again.
The ******* embled voters at SEC Media Days have tabbed the Red and Black to be back in Atlanta this December. Georgia is projected to finish first in the SEC, according to the predicted order of finish poll conducted at Media Days. The Bulldogs comfortably beat out the Texas Longhorns for the top spot ahead of the 2026 season.
The 'Dawgs received 88 votes to be crowned SEC Champions on December 5 in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Texas being picked to be the Bulldogs' opponent. The ''Horns picked up 57 votes to win the ******* le under the leadership of reputed genius Steve Sarkisian and golden child Arch Manning, who has one more year to win one of the three Heisman Trophies Longhorn fans ******* ured me he'd pick up before leaving Austin.
Before you get too excited, bear in mind that only 10 times since the league began playing a championship game in 1992 has the predicted preseason champion at SEC Media Days gone on to win the SEC Championship Game. But there's no doubt that a Bulldog team bringing back loads of talent and experience on both sides of the ball will be a contender once again.
Go 'Dawgs!!!
#shame
The ******* embled voters at SEC Media Days have tabbed the Red and Black to be back in Atlanta this December. Georgia is projected to finish first in the SEC, according to the predicted order of finish poll conducted at Media Days. The Bulldogs comfortably beat out the Texas Longhorns for the top spot ahead of the 2026 season.
The 'Dawgs received 88 votes to be crowned SEC Champions on December 5 in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Texas being picked to be the Bulldogs' opponent. The ''Horns picked up 57 votes to win the ******* le under the leadership of reputed genius Steve Sarkisian and golden child Arch Manning, who has one more year to win one of the three Heisman Trophies Longhorn fans ******* ured me he'd pick up before leaving Austin.
Before you get too excited, bear in mind that only 10 times since the league began playing a championship game in 1992 has the predicted preseason champion at SEC Media Days gone on to win the SEC Championship Game. But there's no doubt that a Bulldog team bringing back loads of talent and experience on both sides of the ball will be a contender once again.
Go 'Dawgs!!!
#shame
4 days ago
Kimi Antonelli has admitted it is “mentally draining” fighting to become world champion for the first time – as the Italian teenager laid out his plan to dominate Formula One and become an all-time great.
The 19-year-old, in just his second season, heads into Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix with a 45-point buffer at the top of the standings after winning six of the 10 rounds staged.
Lewis Hamilton, the man whose shoes he filled at Mercedes, is currently his closest rival, with team-mate George Russell 50 points back.
Antonelli endured a turbulent first year in the sport – finishing 169 points behind Russell – but he has largely been in a class of one so far to create a narrative that securing this year’s crown could be the first of many.
And in an interview with the Press **** ociation, Antonelli said: “That is the goal, to be one of the best in the sport and win as much as possible.
#first #russell #become
The 19-year-old, in just his second season, heads into Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix with a 45-point buffer at the top of the standings after winning six of the 10 rounds staged.
Lewis Hamilton, the man whose shoes he filled at Mercedes, is currently his closest rival, with team-mate George Russell 50 points back.
Antonelli endured a turbulent first year in the sport – finishing 169 points behind Russell – but he has largely been in a class of one so far to create a narrative that securing this year’s crown could be the first of many.
And in an interview with the Press **** ociation, Antonelli said: “That is the goal, to be one of the best in the sport and win as much as possible.
#first #russell #become
4 days ago
Drivers have been vocal about how the complex energy deployment needs of the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars have impacted how they have to be driven, with the reliance on energy harvesting causing a big mental shift in how to approach faster corners.
Mercedes driver George Russell is one driver who has struggled to gel with his machinery this year, which has come more naturally to his championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
Norris, whose McLaren team has only finished on the podium four times this year as it tries to reel in Mercedes, appeared to have little sympathy for Russell's plight in what is still F1 fastest car in 2026.
"I mean, I've had to change my driving style every single year of my life," Norris said in Hungary. "I guess for him it's worked for 20 years, for me it's not worked. My driving style worked back in 2018 when I did my test year. That's probably about it. Ever since then I've had to change.
"I think the more experience you have in Formula 1, the better equipped you should be. If you're not ready to adapt to a different car, then you're not at a good enough level. It's our job, it's what we've got paid millions to do. It's to drive any car you get given, whether it's a good one, a bad one, an easy one or a hard one. You have to do it."
#norris #energy #team #change
Mercedes driver George Russell is one driver who has struggled to gel with his machinery this year, which has come more naturally to his championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
Norris, whose McLaren team has only finished on the podium four times this year as it tries to reel in Mercedes, appeared to have little sympathy for Russell's plight in what is still F1 fastest car in 2026.
"I mean, I've had to change my driving style every single year of my life," Norris said in Hungary. "I guess for him it's worked for 20 years, for me it's not worked. My driving style worked back in 2018 when I did my test year. That's probably about it. Ever since then I've had to change.
"I think the more experience you have in Formula 1, the better equipped you should be. If you're not ready to adapt to a different car, then you're not at a good enough level. It's our job, it's what we've got paid millions to do. It's to drive any car you get given, whether it's a good one, a bad one, an easy one or a hard one. You have to do it."
#norris #energy #team #change
5 days ago
LAS VEGAS (AP) — An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Thursday's announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.
"We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money," Cuban said.
John Fisher is the majority owner of the A's and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
#falcons
Thursday's announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.
"We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money," Cuban said.
John Fisher is the majority owner of the A's and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
#falcons
5 days ago
Kimi Antonelli will miss first practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix as Mercedes fulfiil one of their mandatory rookie driver sessions.
Antonelli, who leads the world championship by 45 points after 10 rounds, will step aside for Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti at the Hungaroring.
F1 teams are mandated to run a rookie twice in each car over the course of the season and usually opt for a normal race weekend – with three practice sessions – at a well-known circuit to give their youngsters a chance.
As such, four other teams will also use FP1 on Friday to run a rookie, with F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli replacing Oscar Piastri at McLaren.
Another notable rookie is former IndyCar star Colton Herta, a test driver at Cadillac, replacing Valtteri Bottas on Friday.
#driver #Friday #sessions
Antonelli, who leads the world championship by 45 points after 10 rounds, will step aside for Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti at the Hungaroring.
F1 teams are mandated to run a rookie twice in each car over the course of the season and usually opt for a normal race weekend – with three practice sessions – at a well-known circuit to give their youngsters a chance.
As such, four other teams will also use FP1 on Friday to run a rookie, with F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli replacing Oscar Piastri at McLaren.
Another notable rookie is former IndyCar star Colton Herta, a test driver at Cadillac, replacing Valtteri Bottas on Friday.
#driver #Friday #sessions
7 days ago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 18: during Saturday Night's Main Event at Madison Square Garden on July 18, 2026 in New York, United States. (Photo by WWE)
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from Madison Square Garden may have been Bayley's farewell.
Or at least somebody wants you to think that.
Whether it's WWE finessing the gossipy wrestling tabloids or AEW top star Mercedes Mone teasing her best friend's imminent debut, Bayley's recent angle with Lyra Valkyria this past Saturday sparked inescapable rumors of Pamela Martinez's exit.
"[Bayley's] either gone, or they want you to think she's gone," said Bryan Alvarez of "Wrestling Observer Radio."
#york
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from Madison Square Garden may have been Bayley's farewell.
Or at least somebody wants you to think that.
Whether it's WWE finessing the gossipy wrestling tabloids or AEW top star Mercedes Mone teasing her best friend's imminent debut, Bayley's recent angle with Lyra Valkyria this past Saturday sparked inescapable rumors of Pamela Martinez's exit.
"[Bayley's] either gone, or they want you to think she's gone," said Bryan Alvarez of "Wrestling Observer Radio."
#york
12 days ago
Hesai Group (NASDAQ:HSAI) is one of the 10 Fastest Growing Consumer Stocks to Buy Now.
On June 30, 2026, Hesai Group (NASDAQ:HSAI) announced in a regulatory filing that shareholders approved all proposed resolutions at its annual general meeting held on June 26. The approvals included an 8-for-1 stock split proposal. Following the shareholder resolutions, the share subdivision became effective on Friday, July 10, and dealings in the subdivided Class B ordinary shares began at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10.
In May, Citi lowered the firm's price target on Hesai to $28.60 from $33 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. Citi said it adjusted revenue and net profit forecasts "towards a more conservative level" and lowered its multiple due to the EV sector's likely weaker-than-expected Q2 shipment trend.
photo by Business-laptop-campaign-creators on Unsplash
On May 19, Hesai reported Q1 EPS of 4c, compared with 1c last year, and revenue of $98.7M, compared with $72.4M last year. Q1 total lidar shipments were 471,723 units, up 140.9% from 195,818 units in the corresponding period of 2025. CEO Yifan Li said the first quarter marked a "transformative chapter" as Hesai began its strategic evolution from spatial perception to spatial intelligence, while noting that the company serves as a strategic lidar partner and confirmed supplier for Mercedes-Benz models, enabling L3 autonomy.
On June 30, 2026, Hesai Group (NASDAQ:HSAI) announced in a regulatory filing that shareholders approved all proposed resolutions at its annual general meeting held on June 26. The approvals included an 8-for-1 stock split proposal. Following the shareholder resolutions, the share subdivision became effective on Friday, July 10, and dealings in the subdivided Class B ordinary shares began at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10.
In May, Citi lowered the firm's price target on Hesai to $28.60 from $33 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. Citi said it adjusted revenue and net profit forecasts "towards a more conservative level" and lowered its multiple due to the EV sector's likely weaker-than-expected Q2 shipment trend.
photo by Business-laptop-campaign-creators on Unsplash
On May 19, Hesai reported Q1 EPS of 4c, compared with 1c last year, and revenue of $98.7M, compared with $72.4M last year. Q1 total lidar shipments were 471,723 units, up 140.9% from 195,818 units in the corresponding period of 2025. CEO Yifan Li said the first quarter marked a "transformative chapter" as Hesai began its strategic evolution from spatial perception to spatial intelligence, while noting that the company serves as a strategic lidar partner and confirmed supplier for Mercedes-Benz models, enabling L3 autonomy.
13 days ago
Wednesday's World Cup semifinal game between England and Argentina carries plenty of drama. On the field and off.
Via the London Times, a meeting of FIFA, the FBI, and the Atlanta police department has resulted in a determination that it will be the "highest risk" game of the entire tournament.
There's a history between the teams — and the countries. Per the report, the Falklands War of 1982 continues to be a sticking point, 44 years later.
The FIFA ticketing policy will result in the fans being intermingled throughout much of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, official ticket allocations for the two teams will be at opposite ends of the stadium, with each group having its own entrance in order to limit the possibility of incidents.
The two teams last faced each other in a 2005 "friendly." Three years earlier, England beat Argentina on a penalty kick by David Beckham. (The attempt was the result of a foul committed by Mauricio Pochettino, the current coach of the U.S. team.)
Via the London Times, a meeting of FIFA, the FBI, and the Atlanta police department has resulted in a determination that it will be the "highest risk" game of the entire tournament.
There's a history between the teams — and the countries. Per the report, the Falklands War of 1982 continues to be a sticking point, 44 years later.
The FIFA ticketing policy will result in the fans being intermingled throughout much of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, official ticket allocations for the two teams will be at opposite ends of the stadium, with each group having its own entrance in order to limit the possibility of incidents.
The two teams last faced each other in a 2005 "friendly." Three years earlier, England beat Argentina on a penalty kick by David Beckham. (The attempt was the result of a foul committed by Mauricio Pochettino, the current coach of the U.S. team.)
13 days ago
Day 35 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the second semifinal. England meets Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in a renewal of one of football's most storied rivalries.
This is their sixth all-time World Cup meeting, with the winner facing Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, July 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Time/TV: 3:00 PM ET on Fox at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Why watch: This rivalry has produced some of the World Cup's biggest talking points, including Maradona's 1986 "Hand of God" goal and David Beckham's 1998 red card. The matchup promises to give us another iconic moment on the world's stage as both countries will love their chances of lifting the trophy on Sunday.
This is their sixth all-time World Cup meeting, with the winner facing Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, July 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Time/TV: 3:00 PM ET on Fox at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Why watch: This rivalry has produced some of the World Cup's biggest talking points, including Maradona's 1986 "Hand of God" goal and David Beckham's 1998 red card. The matchup promises to give us another iconic moment on the world's stage as both countries will love their chances of lifting the trophy on Sunday.
13 days ago
ATLANTA — Six coaches have tried to stop Lionel Messi at this World Cup and for the most part, they have all failed.
Of course, slowing the Argentina legend is far easier said than done. Even at 39, Messi has been in scintillating form at his sixth career World Cup.
Messi has eight goals in six matches at the tournament, leading Argentina to the semifinal against England on Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta.
The seventh coach in the procession is England boss Thomas Tuchel. Faced with the vexing question of how to slow down Messi, Tuchel said he was considering deploying one of his midfielders as a Messi spy during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"I was thinking about if we do a proper old school man-mark," Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, July 14. "I'm not sure if we'll follow through with this idea, but it crossed my mind."
Of course, slowing the Argentina legend is far easier said than done. Even at 39, Messi has been in scintillating form at his sixth career World Cup.
Messi has eight goals in six matches at the tournament, leading Argentina to the semifinal against England on Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta.
The seventh coach in the procession is England boss Thomas Tuchel. Faced with the vexing question of how to slow down Messi, Tuchel said he was considering deploying one of his midfielders as a Messi spy during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"I was thinking about if we do a proper old school man-mark," Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, July 14. "I'm not sure if we'll follow through with this idea, but it crossed my mind."
14 days ago
BMW solidified its position as the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. with strong second-quarter sales, a result that comes as many rivals experienced declines.
The timing of BMW's impressive quarter is important. One of the brand's largest markets, China, has gone in the opposite direction in 2026, forcing BMW (BMWYY) to revise its outlook for the year.
While U.S. demand can't fully offset the China slowdown, the growth in U.S. sales gives BMW a resilient and profitable market it can rely on. It's also a source of stability at a time when rivals like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi have seen sales slide.
Excluding the smaller Mini brand, BMW sold 102,713 vehicles in the U.S. in Q2, a healthy year-over-year increase of 13%. First-half sales reached 186,944 units, up by 4.7%.
103,257 of those models were larger, more expensive SUVs.
The timing of BMW's impressive quarter is important. One of the brand's largest markets, China, has gone in the opposite direction in 2026, forcing BMW (BMWYY) to revise its outlook for the year.
While U.S. demand can't fully offset the China slowdown, the growth in U.S. sales gives BMW a resilient and profitable market it can rely on. It's also a source of stability at a time when rivals like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi have seen sales slide.
Excluding the smaller Mini brand, BMW sold 102,713 vehicles in the U.S. in Q2, a healthy year-over-year increase of 13%. First-half sales reached 186,944 units, up by 4.7%.
103,257 of those models were larger, more expensive SUVs.
14 days ago
England and Argentina are set to face off for the first time in more than 20 years in Atlanta on Wednesday, and they will do so with a place in the 2026 World Cup final on the line.
WATCH — England vs Argentina
At this tournament alone, Messi will have realized a pair of career firsts: a World Cup hat trick, and his first-ever game against England. The last England and Argentina played was a friendly in 2005. Messi missed the game due to suspension, after he was sent off 47 seconds into his international debut.
Both sides needed extra time to dispatch their quarterfinal foes — England 2-1 over Norway; Argentina 3-1 over Switzerland.
Kick off time: 3 pm ET Wednesday, July 15
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
TV Channel: Telemundo
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock, en Espanol
WATCH — England vs Argentina
At this tournament alone, Messi will have realized a pair of career firsts: a World Cup hat trick, and his first-ever game against England. The last England and Argentina played was a friendly in 2005. Messi missed the game due to suspension, after he was sent off 47 seconds into his international debut.
Both sides needed extra time to dispatch their quarterfinal foes — England 2-1 over Norway; Argentina 3-1 over Switzerland.
Kick off time: 3 pm ET Wednesday, July 15
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
TV Channel: Telemundo
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock, en Espanol
14 days ago
England are eyeing a first appearance in a World Cup final in 60 years as they take on Lionel Messi's reigning champions Argentina in the last four in Atlanta on Wednesday.
AFP Sport looks at key battles likely to decide the outcome of the game at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Spain waiting in the final.
Messi v Guehi and O'Reilly
Lionel Messi has his sights set on back-to-back World Cup triumphs. But after his exertions to help drag Argentina this far, and now aged 39, does he have it in him to inspire the Albiceleste past England?
The great number 10 will occupy his usual ***** e in the inside-right position, with the freedom to drift out wide. The responsibility to keep tabs on him will likely fall to Nico O'Reilly and Marc Guehi.
AFP Sport looks at key battles likely to decide the outcome of the game at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Spain waiting in the final.
Messi v Guehi and O'Reilly
Lionel Messi has his sights set on back-to-back World Cup triumphs. But after his exertions to help drag Argentina this far, and now aged 39, does he have it in him to inspire the Albiceleste past England?
The great number 10 will occupy his usual ***** e in the inside-right position, with the freedom to drift out wide. The responsibility to keep tabs on him will likely fall to Nico O'Reilly and Marc Guehi.
14 days ago
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is still leading the championship race, but things have gotten tight after two straight races with car troubles and the surge of George Russell.
George Russell has capitalized by cutting down his deficit, gaining a total of 41 points over the last two races.
He is now within 25 points of Antonelli, who will certainly have pressure to deliver a clean weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Reliability and car issues have become a big talking point about the Mercedes engine, given Antonelli’s two pointless races, though Russell has also grown in confidence with the car.
F1 experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe debated if it is the car underneath Antonelli or Russell that is the bigger threat to the Italian’s ****** le contention.
George Russell has capitalized by cutting down his deficit, gaining a total of 41 points over the last two races.
He is now within 25 points of Antonelli, who will certainly have pressure to deliver a clean weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Reliability and car issues have become a big talking point about the Mercedes engine, given Antonelli’s two pointless races, though Russell has also grown in confidence with the car.
F1 experts Jolyon Palmer and James Hinchcliffe debated if it is the car underneath Antonelli or Russell that is the bigger threat to the Italian’s ****** le contention.
14 days ago
As has been the case for the past two years, persistent rumors suggest that Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is leaving his only Formula 1 team, though it may be best to wait for now.
Verstappen has been linked heavily to Mercedes in the past, though the Dutchman ended up staying with the incumbent team.
Now, the team connected to Verstappen is McLaren, which is rumored to be in talks with his camp and eyeing him as a teammate to pair with Lando Norris.
The move would come at an odd point considering McLaren has two young drivers tied down for the foreseeable future, and Oscar Piastri should have his best driving ahead of him.
However, with McLaren publicly backing their lineup and Mercedes looking quite comfortable, the only other possible option is Ferrari, though they are also seemingly set.
Verstappen has been linked heavily to Mercedes in the past, though the Dutchman ended up staying with the incumbent team.
Now, the team connected to Verstappen is McLaren, which is rumored to be in talks with his camp and eyeing him as a teammate to pair with Lando Norris.
The move would come at an odd point considering McLaren has two young drivers tied down for the foreseeable future, and Oscar Piastri should have his best driving ahead of him.
However, with McLaren publicly backing their lineup and Mercedes looking quite comfortable, the only other possible option is Ferrari, though they are also seemingly set.
14 days ago
BMW solidified its position as the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. with strong second-quarter sales, a result that comes as many rivals experienced declines.
The timing of BMW's impressive quarter is important. One of the brand's largest markets, China, has gone in the opposite direction in 2026, forcing BMW (BMWYY) to revise its outlook for the year.
While U.S. demand can't fully offset the China slowdown, the growth in U.S. sales gives BMW a resilient and profitable market it can rely on. It's also a source of stability at a time when rivals like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi have seen sales slide.
Excluding the smaller Mini brand, BMW sold 102,713 vehicles in the U.S. in Q2, a healthy year-over-year increase of 13%. First-half sales reached 186,944 units, up by 4.7%.
103,257 of those models were larger, more expensive SUVs.
The timing of BMW's impressive quarter is important. One of the brand's largest markets, China, has gone in the opposite direction in 2026, forcing BMW (BMWYY) to revise its outlook for the year.
While U.S. demand can't fully offset the China slowdown, the growth in U.S. sales gives BMW a resilient and profitable market it can rely on. It's also a source of stability at a time when rivals like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi have seen sales slide.
Excluding the smaller Mini brand, BMW sold 102,713 vehicles in the U.S. in Q2, a healthy year-over-year increase of 13%. First-half sales reached 186,944 units, up by 4.7%.
103,257 of those models were larger, more expensive SUVs.
14 days ago
Mercedes-Benz has completed a €1bn ($1.14bn) expansion of its Kecskemét plant in Hungary.
The upgrade forms part of Mercedes-Benz Business Plan 2022–2026 that is aimed at "sustainably strengthening the competitiveness, efficiency and future viability of its entire production network".
The site has grown from 200 to 440ha, making it Mercedes-Benz's biggest plant in Hungary and one of the largest globally, the group noted.
Mercedes-Benz Group member of the board of management of production, quality and supply chain management Michael Schiebe said: "With the plant extension in Kecskemét, we are increasing the resilience and flexibility of our global production network. This site defines the future of our manufacturing: intelligent, connected, digital and consistently focused on efficiency, quality and sustainability.
"This enables us to competitively produce models such as the GLB and the new electric C-Class while at the same time strengthening the entire production network. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the team on site for their exceptional and passionate commitment."
The upgrade forms part of Mercedes-Benz Business Plan 2022–2026 that is aimed at "sustainably strengthening the competitiveness, efficiency and future viability of its entire production network".
The site has grown from 200 to 440ha, making it Mercedes-Benz's biggest plant in Hungary and one of the largest globally, the group noted.
Mercedes-Benz Group member of the board of management of production, quality and supply chain management Michael Schiebe said: "With the plant extension in Kecskemét, we are increasing the resilience and flexibility of our global production network. This site defines the future of our manufacturing: intelligent, connected, digital and consistently focused on efficiency, quality and sustainability.
"This enables us to competitively produce models such as the GLB and the new electric C-Class while at the same time strengthening the entire production network. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the team on site for their exceptional and passionate commitment."
15 days ago
SAN DIEGO – Former NFL wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has reached a deal with prosecutors in San Diego to have two felony insurance fraud charges against him dismissed if he meets certain conditions within 60 days, including 50 hours of volunteer work service and a $2,500 payment to the driver whose car he rear-ended in September.
Jeffery, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, was arrested in April after failing to appear in court for his arraignment on these charges in March. He allegedly had no insurance when his 2021 Mercedes-Benz crashed into another car from behind on northbound Interstate 5 in San Diego Sept. 21. But he filed an insurance claim stating the accident occurred Sept. 28, not Sept. 21, after obtaining a new insurance policy Sept. 24, three days after the crash actually happened, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
The insurance company denied the claim after obtaining evidence from the other driver that documented the actual date of the accident.
The conditions for dismissal were signed July 10 by Jeffery, his attorney Brian Watwins and San Diego Deputy District Attorney H. Meliana Johnson, according to a copy of the document obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Those conditions are:
∎ $840.46 paid to Kemper Insurance.
Jeffery, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, was arrested in April after failing to appear in court for his arraignment on these charges in March. He allegedly had no insurance when his 2021 Mercedes-Benz crashed into another car from behind on northbound Interstate 5 in San Diego Sept. 21. But he filed an insurance claim stating the accident occurred Sept. 28, not Sept. 21, after obtaining a new insurance policy Sept. 24, three days after the crash actually happened, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
The insurance company denied the claim after obtaining evidence from the other driver that documented the actual date of the accident.
The conditions for dismissal were signed July 10 by Jeffery, his attorney Brian Watwins and San Diego Deputy District Attorney H. Meliana Johnson, according to a copy of the document obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Those conditions are:
∎ $840.46 paid to Kemper Insurance.
15 days ago
With the calendar set to flip to July, it is a perfect time to check the standings.
The Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings, that is.
Kimi Antonelli remains in the lead ahead of the British Grand Prix, thanks to a string of five consecutive wins, but teammate George Russell pulled within 40 points of the young Mercedes driver thanks to Sunday’s win at the Austrian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is lurking as well, in the wake of his first Grand Prix win for Ferrari, coming at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix a few weeks ago.
Here are the 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship standings following the British Grand Prix.
Here are the current F1 Drivers’ Championship standings, following the British Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings, that is.
Kimi Antonelli remains in the lead ahead of the British Grand Prix, thanks to a string of five consecutive wins, but teammate George Russell pulled within 40 points of the young Mercedes driver thanks to Sunday’s win at the Austrian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is lurking as well, in the wake of his first Grand Prix win for Ferrari, coming at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix a few weeks ago.
Here are the 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship standings following the British Grand Prix.
Here are the current F1 Drivers’ Championship standings, following the British Grand Prix.
16 days ago
Round 10 of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, from 17-19 July.
Kimi Antonelli's lead at the top of the drivers' championship over Mercedes team-mate George Russell has been narrowed to 25 points after he failed to score points in the main race at the British Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc won the race at Silverstone ahead of Russell and his Scuderia team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Sunday's 44-lap race at Spa starts at 14:00 BST.
Leclerc wins dramatic race from Russell and Hamilton
Kimi Antonelli's lead at the top of the drivers' championship over Mercedes team-mate George Russell has been narrowed to 25 points after he failed to score points in the main race at the British Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc won the race at Silverstone ahead of Russell and his Scuderia team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Sunday's 44-lap race at Spa starts at 14:00 BST.
Leclerc wins dramatic race from Russell and Hamilton
16 days ago
The 2026 World Cup semifinals are officially here and the final four teams will soon be down to two.
France, Spain, England and Argentina all punched their tickets to the tournament's semifinals and now have head-to-head matchups to see who can advance to the World Cup final. On Tuesday, July 14, France takes on Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and on Wednesday, July 15, Argentina faces England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
No one knows who will make it out of the semifinals just yet, but until then, you may be wondering how FIFA ranks the remaining four teams left in the World Cup. If that's you, USA TODAY has you covered.
Here are the FIFA rankings of the teams left in the World Cup as of July 12:
More: World Cup isn't rigged. It's taken a page from March Madness | Opinion
France, Spain, England and Argentina all punched their tickets to the tournament's semifinals and now have head-to-head matchups to see who can advance to the World Cup final. On Tuesday, July 14, France takes on Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and on Wednesday, July 15, Argentina faces England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
No one knows who will make it out of the semifinals just yet, but until then, you may be wondering how FIFA ranks the remaining four teams left in the World Cup. If that's you, USA TODAY has you covered.
Here are the FIFA rankings of the teams left in the World Cup as of July 12:
More: World Cup isn't rigged. It's taken a page from March Madness | Opinion
16 days ago
After Argentina's epic comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, they outlasted Switzerland in extra time in the quarterfinals. Does that mean they're in the clear moving forward? Absolutely not.
Lionel Messi and company play their toughest opponent yet on Wednesday, July 15, with a semifinal matchup against Harry Kane and the English.
You can imagine how bad the fans in England want the World Cup. They're chanting "Football's Coming Home." They believe they've earned a victory, but nothing is earned until you take down the king. That's exactly what will need to happen as England looks to not only knock Messi off his pedestal, but take down the defending World Cup champions, Argentina.
A showdown of this magnitude can't be missed. So, whether you're going in person, watching on your television at home, or just following the news online, here's when and where this highly-anticipated World Cup semifinal matchup is going down.
The Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal will be played at Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET.
Lionel Messi and company play their toughest opponent yet on Wednesday, July 15, with a semifinal matchup against Harry Kane and the English.
You can imagine how bad the fans in England want the World Cup. They're chanting "Football's Coming Home." They believe they've earned a victory, but nothing is earned until you take down the king. That's exactly what will need to happen as England looks to not only knock Messi off his pedestal, but take down the defending World Cup champions, Argentina.
A showdown of this magnitude can't be missed. So, whether you're going in person, watching on your television at home, or just following the news online, here's when and where this highly-anticipated World Cup semifinal matchup is going down.
The Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal will be played at Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET.
16 days ago
HONG KONG (AP) — Major German carmakers saw sharp quarterly sales declines in China as domestic demand weakened and competition heated up in the world's biggest auto market.
At Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche, China sales for the April-June quarter plummeted between 30% and 41% compared with the same period a year ago, according to company data released over the past week.
For the first half of this year, they all reported a more than 20% year-on-year drop in China. The falling China sales have squeezed their overall profits and in some cases offset gains from other regions.
This also comes at a time when these legacy German carmakers are faced with intensified competition from Chinese automakers outside of China, including in Europe, as leading Chinese brands like BYD make inroads overseas.
The latest quarterly sales declines were some of the steepest seen for the German automakers in China, said Lei Xing, an independent auto ******* yst.
At Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche, China sales for the April-June quarter plummeted between 30% and 41% compared with the same period a year ago, according to company data released over the past week.
For the first half of this year, they all reported a more than 20% year-on-year drop in China. The falling China sales have squeezed their overall profits and in some cases offset gains from other regions.
This also comes at a time when these legacy German carmakers are faced with intensified competition from Chinese automakers outside of China, including in Europe, as leading Chinese brands like BYD make inroads overseas.
The latest quarterly sales declines were some of the steepest seen for the German automakers in China, said Lei Xing, an independent auto ******* yst.
16 days ago
Guenther Steiner has urged the FIA to introduce permanent, full-time stewards and increase the use of artificial intelligence to prevent a repeat of the anticlimactic end to the British Grand Prix.
The race at Silverstone, which saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claim his first victory of the season ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and his own team-mate Lewis Hamilton, ended behind the safety car.
The safety car was deployed on lap 48 of 52 when Red Bull's Max Verstappen spun out and became beached in the gravel at Stowe corner. While it initially seemed as though racing would resume before the end of the race, with the notice that the safety car would come in being shown on the broadcasts, the race finished under safety car conditions.
The FIA later confirmed that the message had been shown in error and explained that there were not enough laps left to complete the unlapping process, which is why the safety car stayed out.
During an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner did not hold back in his **** sment of the situation.
The race at Silverstone, which saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claim his first victory of the season ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and his own team-mate Lewis Hamilton, ended behind the safety car.
The safety car was deployed on lap 48 of 52 when Red Bull's Max Verstappen spun out and became beached in the gravel at Stowe corner. While it initially seemed as though racing would resume before the end of the race, with the notice that the safety car would come in being shown on the broadcasts, the race finished under safety car conditions.
The FIA later confirmed that the message had been shown in error and explained that there were not enough laps left to complete the unlapping process, which is why the safety car stayed out.
During an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner did not hold back in his **** sment of the situation.
17 days ago
Day 31 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the end of the quarterfinal stage, with the final two matchups taking place. Norway and England meet in Miami for the first match of the day. Argentina and Switzerland close out the round in Kansas City in the night cap.
The winners of both matches move on to the semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, July 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Time/TV: 5:00 PM ET on Fox at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida
Why watch: This may be the most intriguing of all the quarterfinals. The upstart Norway taking on the perennial powerhouse in England is only scratching the surface. Two of the best strikers in the world face off, trying to lift their sides to the semis. Erling Haaland is at the peak of his powers after his brace sent Brazil packing. Can he do the same to the country he was born in? Meanwhile, England are coming off the most chaotic match of the whole tournament. How will they rebound after surviving the Azteca?
The winners of both matches move on to the semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, July 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Time/TV: 5:00 PM ET on Fox at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida
Why watch: This may be the most intriguing of all the quarterfinals. The upstart Norway taking on the perennial powerhouse in England is only scratching the surface. Two of the best strikers in the world face off, trying to lift their sides to the semis. Erling Haaland is at the peak of his powers after his brace sent Brazil packing. Can he do the same to the country he was born in? Meanwhile, England are coming off the most chaotic match of the whole tournament. How will they rebound after surviving the Azteca?
18 days ago
Jenson ******* on has argued that Lewis Hamilton's return to form is primarily down to the latest generation of Formula 1 machinery suiting his driving style, rather than simply settling into his new surroundings at Ferrari.
The seven-time champion has bounced back this season. He secured his first grand prix podium finish as a Ferrari driver with third place at the Chinese Grand Prix.
He went on to secure two further podiums with second place finishes at the Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix before celebrating his maiden Ferrari grand prix win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Hamilton moved to Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 after a 12-year stint with Mercedes. The 41-year-old struggled during his first season with the Maranello outfit as he adjusted to the new team, but while ******* on agreed that Hamilton becoming more comfortable within the team this year has played a part in his return to form, he believes the new-regulation cars have had more of an impact.
"I'm sure over the winter they had time to sit down and discuss what worked for him, what doesn't work for him," ******* on explained during an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show.
The seven-time champion has bounced back this season. He secured his first grand prix podium finish as a Ferrari driver with third place at the Chinese Grand Prix.
He went on to secure two further podiums with second place finishes at the Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix before celebrating his maiden Ferrari grand prix win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Hamilton moved to Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 after a 12-year stint with Mercedes. The 41-year-old struggled during his first season with the Maranello outfit as he adjusted to the new team, but while ******* on agreed that Hamilton becoming more comfortable within the team this year has played a part in his return to form, he believes the new-regulation cars have had more of an impact.
"I'm sure over the winter they had time to sit down and discuss what worked for him, what doesn't work for him," ******* on explained during an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show.
