18 hours ago
Twenty-six races are in the books. The points have been reset. And now the real fight begins.
NASCAR's 16-driver Chase field opens its 10-race championship run Sunday night with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. But the regular season left behind more than race winners and a postseason field.
There were run-ins, rivalries, manufacturer battles and even a legal fight away from the track.
Before the green flag falls on NASCAR's first Chase since the championship format was overhauled, here are six of the biggest feuds, clashes and tension points that helped shape the 2026 regular season.
One of the season's wildest confrontations came at Martinsville.
#field #race #twenty
NASCAR's 16-driver Chase field opens its 10-race championship run Sunday night with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. But the regular season left behind more than race winners and a postseason field.
There were run-ins, rivalries, manufacturer battles and even a legal fight away from the track.
Before the green flag falls on NASCAR's first Chase since the championship format was overhauled, here are six of the biggest feuds, clashes and tension points that helped shape the 2026 regular season.
One of the season's wildest confrontations came at Martinsville.
#field #race #twenty
6 days ago
Minutes after reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger had decided to retire from international football, the German defender has made it official and announced that he has brought his time with the national team to an end.
The 33-year-old veteran star confirmed the same with an emotional post on his social media, in which he explained the reasoning behind his decision to move on from Die Mannschaft.
Kicking things off, Rudiger mentioned that after much deliberation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, he felt that it was the right time for him to hang up his national team boots to make way for the new generation.
"After giving it some thought, the time has come for me to bring my career with the national team to a close and make way for the younger generation," he wrote.
Looking back at his journey with the national team, Rudiger elaborated: "When I first pulled on the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up playing 86 international matches.
#rudiger #national #make #real
The 33-year-old veteran star confirmed the same with an emotional post on his social media, in which he explained the reasoning behind his decision to move on from Die Mannschaft.
Kicking things off, Rudiger mentioned that after much deliberation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, he felt that it was the right time for him to hang up his national team boots to make way for the new generation.
"After giving it some thought, the time has come for me to bring my career with the national team to a close and make way for the younger generation," he wrote.
Looking back at his journey with the national team, Rudiger elaborated: "When I first pulled on the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up playing 86 international matches.
#rudiger #national #make #real
9 days ago
CLEVELAND — Last summer, the Guardians found themselves embroiled in one of the wildest storylines around baseball, as closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz were placed on leave for their alleged roles in a gambling scheme.
It's possible the Guardians might end up being involved in one of the oddest stories around the league in 2026 as well.
Major League Baseball reportedly opened an investigation and then suspended a sought-after Dominican prospect for an alleged scheme that included a fake name, age, birth certificate and even gravestone in order to falsify his identity and make him appear to be younger, according to an ESPN report.
David Severino was purportedly a switch-hitting infielder around the age of 14. He reportedly agreed to a $2.8 million deal with the Guardians that would be finalized in 2029, when he'd turn 17 and be eligible to sign.
But, it turns out his real name is Daury David Severino Damaso, and he's actually 16 years old, according to the reported investigation. Allegedly, with the consent of his parents and with the help of a trainer, the identity of David Severino Damaso was created to appear to be Daury's younger brother. A fake, late-filed birth registration was made under that name, along with falsified medical records.
#name #league
It's possible the Guardians might end up being involved in one of the oddest stories around the league in 2026 as well.
Major League Baseball reportedly opened an investigation and then suspended a sought-after Dominican prospect for an alleged scheme that included a fake name, age, birth certificate and even gravestone in order to falsify his identity and make him appear to be younger, according to an ESPN report.
David Severino was purportedly a switch-hitting infielder around the age of 14. He reportedly agreed to a $2.8 million deal with the Guardians that would be finalized in 2029, when he'd turn 17 and be eligible to sign.
But, it turns out his real name is Daury David Severino Damaso, and he's actually 16 years old, according to the reported investigation. Allegedly, with the consent of his parents and with the help of a trainer, the identity of David Severino Damaso was created to appear to be Daury's younger brother. A fake, late-filed birth registration was made under that name, along with falsified medical records.
#name #league
14 days ago
Miss USA 2026 is back on Aug. 27 in Miami and, as they prepare to take the stage, contestants are recalling their "most memorable" wardrobe malfunctions
Some women list experiences with ripped dresses, mismatched earrings and makeup stains among the wardrobe malfunctions they've had
Many tell PEOPLE that avoiding a wardrobe malfunction isn't entirely possible, but they emphasize the value of preparation, backup outfits and quick thinking to overcome them when they strike
Despite the countless hours of rehearsals and practice that go into a pageant, there is no amount of preparation that can stop a wardrobe malfunction from happening when you least expect it.
Luckily for the contestants gearing up to walk the stage in the 2026 Miss USA competition in Miami, Fla., on Aug. 27, years of experience in the pageant world and other competitive arenas (dance, livestock competitions and more) have caused them to develop creative solutions to even the most devastating wardrobe malfunctions on the fly.
Some contestants recall the usual, dreaded dress rip or getting a stain on their garments just before walking on stage, while others open up about the wildest malfunctions that prompted them to start incorporating new preventative methods into their pre-pageant rituals.
Other contestants have been lucky to avoid malfunctions throughout their pageant career, but have experienced moments in other parts of their lives or witnessed their fellow pageant contestants step on stage in outfits held together by safety pins and string.
Read on to hear some of the contestants' tellings PEOPLE about their worst malfunctions, and what they learned along the way.
Vivica Lewandowski on Feb. 10, 2024 in New York City.
Credit: Chance Yeh/Getty
#malfunctions #stage
Some women list experiences with ripped dresses, mismatched earrings and makeup stains among the wardrobe malfunctions they've had
Many tell PEOPLE that avoiding a wardrobe malfunction isn't entirely possible, but they emphasize the value of preparation, backup outfits and quick thinking to overcome them when they strike
Despite the countless hours of rehearsals and practice that go into a pageant, there is no amount of preparation that can stop a wardrobe malfunction from happening when you least expect it.
Luckily for the contestants gearing up to walk the stage in the 2026 Miss USA competition in Miami, Fla., on Aug. 27, years of experience in the pageant world and other competitive arenas (dance, livestock competitions and more) have caused them to develop creative solutions to even the most devastating wardrobe malfunctions on the fly.
Some contestants recall the usual, dreaded dress rip or getting a stain on their garments just before walking on stage, while others open up about the wildest malfunctions that prompted them to start incorporating new preventative methods into their pre-pageant rituals.
Other contestants have been lucky to avoid malfunctions throughout their pageant career, but have experienced moments in other parts of their lives or witnessed their fellow pageant contestants step on stage in outfits held together by safety pins and string.
Read on to hear some of the contestants' tellings PEOPLE about their worst malfunctions, and what they learned along the way.
Vivica Lewandowski on Feb. 10, 2024 in New York City.
Credit: Chance Yeh/Getty
#malfunctions #stage
18 days ago
Just as everyone thought, the wild, wild west days of college football were behind them, and a new chapter begins. The latest development in player eligibility may be the wildest yet.
This week, a group of former college football players was granted a temporary restraining order after a federal judge in Louisiana ruled in their favor. The ruling allows them to enter the transfer portal, even though some of them are on NFL rosters.
One of those players was Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz shared on Thursday that Wright had entered the NCAA transfer portal. Wright's decision comes after the ruling gave players seven days to enter the portal while regaining a year's worth of eligibility.
Wright went undrafted in April's 2026 NFL Draft and initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. They released him, and he signed with the Browns on August 11. Wright was on the Browns' roster for their first preseason game of the year last Saturday, but he did not play.
#Browns #portal #college #ruling
This week, a group of former college football players was granted a temporary restraining order after a federal judge in Louisiana ruled in their favor. The ruling allows them to enter the transfer portal, even though some of them are on NFL rosters.
One of those players was Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz shared on Thursday that Wright had entered the NCAA transfer portal. Wright's decision comes after the ruling gave players seven days to enter the portal while regaining a year's worth of eligibility.
Wright went undrafted in April's 2026 NFL Draft and initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. They released him, and he signed with the Browns on August 11. Wright was on the Browns' roster for their first preseason game of the year last Saturday, but he did not play.
#Browns #portal #college #ruling
23 days ago
There has never, in the long and celebrated history of Major League Baseball, been a better debut than the one Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez authored at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon as Baez became the first player to ever go deep in the first three plate appearances of a career.
The 23-year-old slugger got things started with a bang, pulverizing the 0-0 pitch of his first at-bat 449 feet over the batter's eye in dead center. That sent the Cardinals' dugout into a frenzy. Players banged uncontrollably on the dugout railing. Coaches stood shellshocked, mouths agape. Baez couldn't stop smiling as he floated around the bases. It was a magnificent opening salvo for a player whose calling card is light-tower power. It was also just the start.
Baez went yard again in his second trip to the dish. Savvy veteran Matthew Boyd tried to sneak a full-count changeup past Baez. The hulking slugger turned it into a souvenir, pulling the offering down the left-field line over the ivy and into the seats. But he wasn't done. With a runner on first in the top of the sixth, Baez got the better of Boyd once again, poking an outer-half slider into the front row in right. Three at-bats; three homers, all to different parts of the yard. It was a debut beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
It was quite a Day 1 in the big leagues for St. Louis' Joshua Baez. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
For Baez, the Cardinals' 8-4 victory was the experience of a lifetime and an appropriate introduction to the big league ball fans that might spend the next decade watching him turn hangers into bangers.
#three #debut
The 23-year-old slugger got things started with a bang, pulverizing the 0-0 pitch of his first at-bat 449 feet over the batter's eye in dead center. That sent the Cardinals' dugout into a frenzy. Players banged uncontrollably on the dugout railing. Coaches stood shellshocked, mouths agape. Baez couldn't stop smiling as he floated around the bases. It was a magnificent opening salvo for a player whose calling card is light-tower power. It was also just the start.
Baez went yard again in his second trip to the dish. Savvy veteran Matthew Boyd tried to sneak a full-count changeup past Baez. The hulking slugger turned it into a souvenir, pulling the offering down the left-field line over the ivy and into the seats. But he wasn't done. With a runner on first in the top of the sixth, Baez got the better of Boyd once again, poking an outer-half slider into the front row in right. Three at-bats; three homers, all to different parts of the yard. It was a debut beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
It was quite a Day 1 in the big leagues for St. Louis' Joshua Baez. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
For Baez, the Cardinals' 8-4 victory was the experience of a lifetime and an appropriate introduction to the big league ball fans that might spend the next decade watching him turn hangers into bangers.
#three #debut
1 month ago
The UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House's South Lawn, a celebration of the U.S.'s 250th birthday and Donald Trump's 80th on June 14, was well-received by fans, despite some of the lewd comments made by fighter Josh Hokit about former First Lady Michelle Obama, which UFC President Dana White himself even called "disgusting."
Even with Hokit's transgression, the atmosphere was undeniable, with podcaster Joe Rogan, who commentated the event, saying, "That was the wildest experience that I've ever had in my 20-whatever years of calling combat sports. There's nothing even close."
White said that Paramount CEO David Ellison was thirlled with the event's impact on the Paramount+ streaming service.
"In every way you can measure success, … it was monstrous tonight. You don't get calls from billionaires flipping out too often," he said of speaking with Ellison.
Still, for all its successes, White insisted in the event's aftermath that the event was a one-time affair.
#even #ellison #freedom
Even with Hokit's transgression, the atmosphere was undeniable, with podcaster Joe Rogan, who commentated the event, saying, "That was the wildest experience that I've ever had in my 20-whatever years of calling combat sports. There's nothing even close."
White said that Paramount CEO David Ellison was thirlled with the event's impact on the Paramount+ streaming service.
"In every way you can measure success, … it was monstrous tonight. You don't get calls from billionaires flipping out too often," he said of speaking with Ellison.
Still, for all its successes, White insisted in the event's aftermath that the event was a one-time affair.
#even #ellison #freedom
2 months ago
Ty Lawson shared his reaction on Thursday after reports about his alleged shoplifting arrest made the rounds on social media, and the former NBA guard didn't hold back in his rant.
In his social media posts, the former Denver Nuggets star claims he experienced racism during his encounter with the police officers in Castle Rock, Colorado, over the alleged incident.
"I'm not going to lie. Being black in America is tough… Being lied by a pasty face white woman wild… stay outta castle rock Colorado!!!!" Lawson wrote on X. "This is the wildest and more racist s–t I been thru."
MORE: NBA offseason report card grades for all 30 teams
Lawson was taken into custody by the Castle Rock Police Department on July 16 after a liquor store worker accused the former Nuggets guard of stealing a $34 bottle of ***** o's vodka while drunk. He is facing one charge of theft of less than $300 and is due in court for a pretrial conference next month.
#castle #rock
In his social media posts, the former Denver Nuggets star claims he experienced racism during his encounter with the police officers in Castle Rock, Colorado, over the alleged incident.
"I'm not going to lie. Being black in America is tough… Being lied by a pasty face white woman wild… stay outta castle rock Colorado!!!!" Lawson wrote on X. "This is the wildest and more racist s–t I been thru."
MORE: NBA offseason report card grades for all 30 teams
Lawson was taken into custody by the Castle Rock Police Department on July 16 after a liquor store worker accused the former Nuggets guard of stealing a $34 bottle of ***** o's vodka while drunk. He is facing one charge of theft of less than $300 and is due in court for a pretrial conference next month.
#castle #rock
2 months ago
LAS VEGAS – Ryan Gandra met the media Saturday after his win over Zach Reese at UFC 329.
Gandra (10-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) picked up his second first-round win in the UFC when he took out Reese (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) on the prelims at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Brazilian needed just 75 seconds for the win.
Afterward, he said he'd love to fight former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who recently announced he'll move away from his longtime training home at City Kickboxing for a fresh start after losses in five of his last six fights, and four straight.
"I'm not one to pick fights or choose opponents. It's beyond my wildest dreams to actually be a part of this and to be here. I'm happy to have the opportunities. But you talk about a dream fight, I've always had the dream of fighting Adesanya," Gandra said at his post-fight news conference. "(He's) someone I've dreamed of fighting my entire life, and I've wanted to have the opportunity to fight him. The dream is kept alive. That would be my dream fight."
Check out Gandra's post-fight interview in the video above.
Gandra (10-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) picked up his second first-round win in the UFC when he took out Reese (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) on the prelims at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Brazilian needed just 75 seconds for the win.
Afterward, he said he'd love to fight former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who recently announced he'll move away from his longtime training home at City Kickboxing for a fresh start after losses in five of his last six fights, and four straight.
"I'm not one to pick fights or choose opponents. It's beyond my wildest dreams to actually be a part of this and to be here. I'm happy to have the opportunities. But you talk about a dream fight, I've always had the dream of fighting Adesanya," Gandra said at his post-fight news conference. "(He's) someone I've dreamed of fighting my entire life, and I've wanted to have the opportunity to fight him. The dream is kept alive. That would be my dream fight."
Check out Gandra's post-fight interview in the video above.
2 months ago
The 2026 NFL offseason has slowed to a crawl now that the players have gone on break for the summer. For a team like the Atlanta Falcons, training camp can't come soon enough. With a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator and possibly a new starting quarterback, it makes every rep that much more important.
While American football won't really get going until August, the rest of the country has been glued to the World Cup. On Tuesday, Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in one of the wildest endings we've ever seen.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Tom Brady declares Argentina's win a bigger upset than his infamous 28-3 comeback against Atlanta, ESPN shouts out both of the Terrell brothers, CBS Sports praises Bijan Robinson, and we spotlight rookie Zachariah Branch.
It didn't take long before Tuesday's World Cup finish started drawing comparisons to another infamous comeback. The New England Patriots' Super Bowl victory over the Falcons is widely considered the greatest comeback in sports history. Tom Brady led the Patriots back from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to secure a 34-28 overtime win.
After Argentina defeated Egypt, Brady hopped on social media to declare the World Cup showdown as the new greatest comeback ever. "Yeah, so that might top 28-3," Brady posted following Tuesday's World Cup match.
While American football won't really get going until August, the rest of the country has been glued to the World Cup. On Tuesday, Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in one of the wildest endings we've ever seen.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Tom Brady declares Argentina's win a bigger upset than his infamous 28-3 comeback against Atlanta, ESPN shouts out both of the Terrell brothers, CBS Sports praises Bijan Robinson, and we spotlight rookie Zachariah Branch.
It didn't take long before Tuesday's World Cup finish started drawing comparisons to another infamous comeback. The New England Patriots' Super Bowl victory over the Falcons is widely considered the greatest comeback in sports history. Tom Brady led the Patriots back from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to secure a 34-28 overtime win.
After Argentina defeated Egypt, Brady hopped on social media to declare the World Cup showdown as the new greatest comeback ever. "Yeah, so that might top 28-3," Brady posted following Tuesday's World Cup match.
2 months ago
Argentina’s 3-2 stunner over Egypt Tuesday was the wildest game of a World Cup that’s been filled with thrillers.
And the comeback from a 2-0 deficit late in the second half was the first of its kind.
Per Greg Harvey of OptaStats, no team in World Cup history has rallied from a two-goal deficit in the 75th minute or later to secure a win in regulation.
That stat alone in is remarkable, regardless of who was on the field. But the fact that it was Argentina and Lionel Messi that mounted the comeback makes it that much more sensational.
The win ensured that Argentina would not fall in one of the great upsets in World Cup history. It kept the reigning champs’ hopes alive of securing a second consecutive World Cup ***** le. And it ensured that 39-year-old Messi would play in at least one more World Cup game.
And the comeback from a 2-0 deficit late in the second half was the first of its kind.
Per Greg Harvey of OptaStats, no team in World Cup history has rallied from a two-goal deficit in the 75th minute or later to secure a win in regulation.
That stat alone in is remarkable, regardless of who was on the field. But the fact that it was Argentina and Lionel Messi that mounted the comeback makes it that much more sensational.
The win ensured that Argentina would not fall in one of the great upsets in World Cup history. It kept the reigning champs’ hopes alive of securing a second consecutive World Cup ***** le. And it ensured that 39-year-old Messi would play in at least one more World Cup game.
2 months ago
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has never been short on bold ideas. Now, a reported plan involving Bill Belichick has made its way into the public eye — and it would've been one of the wildest moves of both Payton and Belichick's coaching careers.
Payton considered making an unusual proposal to Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner after Belichick and the New England Patriots parted ways in 2024, according to ESPN's Seth Wickersham. That proposal: for Denver to hire Belichick as the team's head coach until he earned 15 more wins, enough to pass legendary head coach Don Shula for the NFL's all-time coaching wins record. As part of the plan, Payton would've temporarily stepped aside as head coach and moved into an **** istant head coach role while continuing to run Denver's offense. Once Belichick broke the record, Payton would've moved back into the head-coaching role.
That setup never came together, with Wickersham writing that it was ultimately too complicated and "maybe too fanciful." Still, it's fascinating from a Saints perspective because of how much the idea says about Payton, the longtime coach in New Orleans.
The plan would not have been a normal succession plan or even a blockbuster move; nothing like it has taken place in NFL history. It would've been one legendary head coach temporarily handing the **** le to another, all so Belichick could chase that final record.
For Payton, the appeal likely would've been staying close enough to still shape the offense and to get a break from head-coaching duties, while giving the Broncos a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pair two of the most accomplished coaches of the 21st century. It never happened, but it's an idea that very few people other than Sean Payton would even think about.
Payton considered making an unusual proposal to Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner after Belichick and the New England Patriots parted ways in 2024, according to ESPN's Seth Wickersham. That proposal: for Denver to hire Belichick as the team's head coach until he earned 15 more wins, enough to pass legendary head coach Don Shula for the NFL's all-time coaching wins record. As part of the plan, Payton would've temporarily stepped aside as head coach and moved into an **** istant head coach role while continuing to run Denver's offense. Once Belichick broke the record, Payton would've moved back into the head-coaching role.
That setup never came together, with Wickersham writing that it was ultimately too complicated and "maybe too fanciful." Still, it's fascinating from a Saints perspective because of how much the idea says about Payton, the longtime coach in New Orleans.
The plan would not have been a normal succession plan or even a blockbuster move; nothing like it has taken place in NFL history. It would've been one legendary head coach temporarily handing the **** le to another, all so Belichick could chase that final record.
For Payton, the appeal likely would've been staying close enough to still shape the offense and to get a break from head-coaching duties, while giving the Broncos a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pair two of the most accomplished coaches of the 21st century. It never happened, but it's an idea that very few people other than Sean Payton would even think about.
2 months ago
Atlanta was treated to one of the wildest matches at the 2026 World Cup, and directly at the center of the action was none other than Lionel Messi. With Argentina trailing 2-0 after a goal in the 68th minute by Mostafa Zico, Messi and company needed some magic to keep their World Cup alive. Fortunately, they got it quickly, with Romero scoring in the 79th minute, followed by Messi's incredible goal in the 83rd minute.
All of a sudden, fans in Atlanta were witnessing one of the most impressive World Cup comebacks, and it was capped off in the 93rd minute by a header from Fernandez to give Argentina its first lead at 3-2 as time was ticking down. The comeback was one of the best in recent sports memory, with many immediately comparing it to the 28-3 Atlanta Falcons' loss to the New England Patriots.
Among those who made the comparison was none other than former Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady. However, Brady even admitted that this game may have topped his own comeback.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Tom Brady couldn’t wait to compare Argentina’s comeback to 28-3 Super Bowl
All of a sudden, fans in Atlanta were witnessing one of the most impressive World Cup comebacks, and it was capped off in the 93rd minute by a header from Fernandez to give Argentina its first lead at 3-2 as time was ticking down. The comeback was one of the best in recent sports memory, with many immediately comparing it to the 28-3 Atlanta Falcons' loss to the New England Patriots.
Among those who made the comparison was none other than former Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady. However, Brady even admitted that this game may have topped his own comeback.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Tom Brady couldn’t wait to compare Argentina’s comeback to 28-3 Super Bowl
2 months ago
Call it “Balogun-Gate.”
The debate over whether Folarin Balogun’s suspension should have been overturned is generating some of the wildest sports media hot takes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the young U.S. men’s national team star now set to take the pitch tonight against Belgium in the critical Round of 16 match, media fulminations over his last-minute reprieve are shattering brick and concrete.
It started with President Donald Trump’s involvement in getting FIFA to review the one-game suspension against the U.S. striker for fouling Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Team USA’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory.
Yes, it appears that Trump is strong-arming FIFA. True, that red card was a dubious call against Team USA’s best player. But our polarizing president is reviled in much of the media. The thought of Trump clumsily intervening in the beautiful game drove some from the soccer establishment into a pearl-clutching frenzy on Monday.
The debate over whether Folarin Balogun’s suspension should have been overturned is generating some of the wildest sports media hot takes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the young U.S. men’s national team star now set to take the pitch tonight against Belgium in the critical Round of 16 match, media fulminations over his last-minute reprieve are shattering brick and concrete.
It started with President Donald Trump’s involvement in getting FIFA to review the one-game suspension against the U.S. striker for fouling Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Team USA’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory.
Yes, it appears that Trump is strong-arming FIFA. True, that red card was a dubious call against Team USA’s best player. But our polarizing president is reviled in much of the media. The thought of Trump clumsily intervening in the beautiful game drove some from the soccer establishment into a pearl-clutching frenzy on Monday.
2 months ago
The race to win the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup took another dramatic turn Wednesday, with England surviving a scare, Belgium pulling off one of the wildest comebacks in tournament history against Senegal, and Team USA advancing while suffering a potentially costly blow.
As knockout-round chaos continues to reshape the bracket, fans are increasingly searching for one question above all others: Who will win the World Cup 2026?
France remains the betting favorite after its dominant win over Sweden, but recent upsets, stunning comebacks and the Americans' growing momentum have made the ******* le race far less predictable.
Belgium delivered one of the tournament's most remarkable results, rallying from a 2-0 deficit after the 85th minute against Senegal before the comeback win in extra time. The result instantly became one of the defining moments of the knockout stage and sent Belgium soaring up the latest odds boards.
Team USA is riding the wave with another win — becoming the first U.S. men's team to win three matches at a single World Cup. However, the victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina came at a high cost, after star striker Folarin Balogun received a red card, leaving the Americans without one of their top attacking threats heading into a Round of 16 showdown against Belgium on Monday.
As knockout-round chaos continues to reshape the bracket, fans are increasingly searching for one question above all others: Who will win the World Cup 2026?
France remains the betting favorite after its dominant win over Sweden, but recent upsets, stunning comebacks and the Americans' growing momentum have made the ******* le race far less predictable.
Belgium delivered one of the tournament's most remarkable results, rallying from a 2-0 deficit after the 85th minute against Senegal before the comeback win in extra time. The result instantly became one of the defining moments of the knockout stage and sent Belgium soaring up the latest odds boards.
Team USA is riding the wave with another win — becoming the first U.S. men's team to win three matches at a single World Cup. However, the victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina came at a high cost, after star striker Folarin Balogun received a red card, leaving the Americans without one of their top attacking threats heading into a Round of 16 showdown against Belgium on Monday.
3 months ago
If winning a point against Spain with a heroic defensive performance wasn’t enough to make you fall in love with Cape Verde, they provided a definitive claim to become everyone’s favorite team in World Cup 2026 thanks to a remarkable 2-2 draw against Uruguay that gives them a real chance to reach the knockout rounds in their first-ever appearance.
When Agustín Canobbio scored Uruguay’s second goal just before halftime to take the lead and all the momentum, it seemed as though Cape Verde’s magic carpet ride was about to end in the second half as the superior team looked set to take over in Miami.
But an incredible show of resilience and the ability to take advantage of a horrible error by the Uruguay defense allowed them to score a huge equalizer, and cult hero Vozinha showed up again to help his nation pick up a second point in two games against the strongest teams in the group.
A win against Saudi Arabia in the group finale will secure second place, which no one ever thought was possible when the World Cup began. But Cape Verde’s unwavering belief has them in a position to realize their wildest dreams, and the entire world now has no choice but to be behind them.
No one will argue that this is the best Belgium side we’ve ever seen, but the young talent around Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku is certainly good enough to have more than just two points in this World Cup after two games against Egypt and Iran.
When Agustín Canobbio scored Uruguay’s second goal just before halftime to take the lead and all the momentum, it seemed as though Cape Verde’s magic carpet ride was about to end in the second half as the superior team looked set to take over in Miami.
But an incredible show of resilience and the ability to take advantage of a horrible error by the Uruguay defense allowed them to score a huge equalizer, and cult hero Vozinha showed up again to help his nation pick up a second point in two games against the strongest teams in the group.
A win against Saudi Arabia in the group finale will secure second place, which no one ever thought was possible when the World Cup began. But Cape Verde’s unwavering belief has them in a position to realize their wildest dreams, and the entire world now has no choice but to be behind them.
No one will argue that this is the best Belgium side we’ve ever seen, but the young talent around Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku is certainly good enough to have more than just two points in this World Cup after two games against Egypt and Iran.
3 months ago
Lewis Hamilton says he was struggling to find the words to express how much his first victory for Ferrari meant to him after winning the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion, in his second season with the team, won from Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris.
That made it the first all-British podium in F1 since the 1968 United States Grand Prix, won by Sir Jackie Stewart from Graham Hill and John Surtees.
Hamilton had a difficult first season with Ferrari, failing to finish on the podium in any of the 24 grands prix, though he did win the sprint race in China.
He said: "How do you find the right words to express an emotion that's beyond your wildest dreams?"
The seven-time champion, in his second season with the team, won from Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris.
That made it the first all-British podium in F1 since the 1968 United States Grand Prix, won by Sir Jackie Stewart from Graham Hill and John Surtees.
Hamilton had a difficult first season with Ferrari, failing to finish on the podium in any of the 24 grands prix, though he did win the sprint race in China.
He said: "How do you find the right words to express an emotion that's beyond your wildest dreams?"
3 months ago
At a glance, San Antonio's 3-point efficiency in Game 3 — 12-for-34, 35.3% — doesn't jump off the page. In fact, over the course of the NBA Finals, the Spurs are converting just over 11 3s per game at a 32.1% clip, figures that would rank 26th and dead last during the regular season.
However, it's not simply what outside shots the Spurs are generating that's given them an olive branch in this series after they cut the Knicks' lead to 2-1 following Game 3's 115-111 win. It's how those are being generated, a result of personnel, decision-making and ***** ing — all of which are intended to maximize Victor Wembanyama's presence — that's quietly changing how this matchup is viewed, particularly when both Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie are on the floor.
Prior to the start of the Finals, we observed an oddity surrounding Vassell and Champagnie's joint efficiency. For seven grueling games against the defending champions, there was never a game in which both shooters finished better than 40% from deep, together. The lack of consistency allowed Oklahoma City's aggressive, funneling defense to take more risks than required, essentially conceding outside shots in favor of a complete erasure in the middle of the floor.
In Game 1, the Knicks picked up where the Thunder left off. Champagnie was effective, hitting five 3s at a 50% clip, but his partner Vassell struggled, missing all but one of his six attempts. In Game 2, however, their fortunes improved. The Spurs still lost the game (off the back, literally, of one of the wildest sequences in recent Finals history), but Vassell and Champagnie finished with 43% and 40% marks, respectively.
Game 3 was a continuation of San Antonio's shooting success pertaining to those two, Vassell connecting on 75% of his 3s and Champagnie at 43%. It comes as no surprise that San Antonio's best-performing lineup in terms of shot quality on Monday — a +17 in 19 possessions — was also their most-used lineup, featuring both Vassell and Champagnie. The improved and concerted playmaking prowess from Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox worked in tandem with the Spurs premier shooters to maximize efficiency."
However, it's not simply what outside shots the Spurs are generating that's given them an olive branch in this series after they cut the Knicks' lead to 2-1 following Game 3's 115-111 win. It's how those are being generated, a result of personnel, decision-making and ***** ing — all of which are intended to maximize Victor Wembanyama's presence — that's quietly changing how this matchup is viewed, particularly when both Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie are on the floor.
Prior to the start of the Finals, we observed an oddity surrounding Vassell and Champagnie's joint efficiency. For seven grueling games against the defending champions, there was never a game in which both shooters finished better than 40% from deep, together. The lack of consistency allowed Oklahoma City's aggressive, funneling defense to take more risks than required, essentially conceding outside shots in favor of a complete erasure in the middle of the floor.
In Game 1, the Knicks picked up where the Thunder left off. Champagnie was effective, hitting five 3s at a 50% clip, but his partner Vassell struggled, missing all but one of his six attempts. In Game 2, however, their fortunes improved. The Spurs still lost the game (off the back, literally, of one of the wildest sequences in recent Finals history), but Vassell and Champagnie finished with 43% and 40% marks, respectively.
Game 3 was a continuation of San Antonio's shooting success pertaining to those two, Vassell connecting on 75% of his 3s and Champagnie at 43%. It comes as no surprise that San Antonio's best-performing lineup in terms of shot quality on Monday — a +17 in 19 possessions — was also their most-used lineup, featuring both Vassell and Champagnie. The improved and concerted playmaking prowess from Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox worked in tandem with the Spurs premier shooters to maximize efficiency."
3 months ago
A mental lapse may cost a PGA Tour winner a spot in the U.S. Open.
On a wild day of U.S. Open final qualifying, the wildest moment occurred in Ontario to conclude an eight-for-three playoff. Down to three players vying for one spot, Max McGreevy made birdie to punch his ticket to Shinnecock, but Matt Wallace and Adam Svensson still needed to settle who would be first alternate from the site.
RELATED: Everything you need to know from U.S. Open final qualifying
Svensson ended that quickly, however, when, not realizing the full situation, he picked up his ball marker instead of putting for par. With Wallace already in with par, that gave Wallace the top alternate spot—and likely means the Englishman will wind up at Shinnecock.
"This is a big deal, it's a really big deal," Golf Channel's Brandon de Jonge said. "There's a good opportunity that Matt Wallace is going to play. Often we see the first alternate get in, it's a big mistake made there by Adam Svensson and, unfortunately, at the end of a long day, you can make these type of mental errors."
On a wild day of U.S. Open final qualifying, the wildest moment occurred in Ontario to conclude an eight-for-three playoff. Down to three players vying for one spot, Max McGreevy made birdie to punch his ticket to Shinnecock, but Matt Wallace and Adam Svensson still needed to settle who would be first alternate from the site.
RELATED: Everything you need to know from U.S. Open final qualifying
Svensson ended that quickly, however, when, not realizing the full situation, he picked up his ball marker instead of putting for par. With Wallace already in with par, that gave Wallace the top alternate spot—and likely means the Englishman will wind up at Shinnecock.
"This is a big deal, it's a really big deal," Golf Channel's Brandon de Jonge said. "There's a good opportunity that Matt Wallace is going to play. Often we see the first alternate get in, it's a big mistake made there by Adam Svensson and, unfortunately, at the end of a long day, you can make these type of mental errors."
3 months ago
Shea Theodore scored the winning goal 5:38 into the second overtime period on Saturday to give Vegas a 5-4 victory over Carolina in one of the wildest games in Stanley Cup Final history.
The Golden Knights seized a 2-1 edge in the NHL's best-of-seven championship series with game four set for Tuesday, also in Las Vegas.
Theodore, who leads all defensemen with six playoff goals, got a measure of redemption after his penalty late in the third period set up Carolina's equalizer after Vegas led 4-0.
"That can't happen again," said Theodore.
"Defensively we have to be sharper. I fired that puck out of play with three minutes left. That's on me. I was fortunate to get it back there in overtime."
The Golden Knights seized a 2-1 edge in the NHL's best-of-seven championship series with game four set for Tuesday, also in Las Vegas.
Theodore, who leads all defensemen with six playoff goals, got a measure of redemption after his penalty late in the third period set up Carolina's equalizer after Vegas led 4-0.
"That can't happen again," said Theodore.
"Defensively we have to be sharper. I fired that puck out of play with three minutes left. That's on me. I was fortunate to get it back there in overtime."
3 months ago
Long before they became two of the most dynamic athletes on the planet, Fabricio “Hokage” Andrey and reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis shared a much simpler beginning.
As kids, they survived the sweltering heat of Manaus’s grappling rooms together, forging a brotherhood anchored in shared sacrifice.
Andrey will now look to extend his flawless 3-0 promotional run against British standout Owen Jones at ONE Fight Night 44 on Prime Video. The 10-minute featherweight submission grappling clash goes down on Friday, June 26, in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ahead of his highly anticipated return, the 26-year-old took time to reflect on the childhood friend who shared his wildest martial arts dreams.
The pair ascended through the colored belt ranks side-by-side. While they have since taken different paths, with Andrey joining Alliance and Reis forming Agora Jiu-Jitsu, their familial connection remains completely untouched.
As kids, they survived the sweltering heat of Manaus’s grappling rooms together, forging a brotherhood anchored in shared sacrifice.
Andrey will now look to extend his flawless 3-0 promotional run against British standout Owen Jones at ONE Fight Night 44 on Prime Video. The 10-minute featherweight submission grappling clash goes down on Friday, June 26, in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ahead of his highly anticipated return, the 26-year-old took time to reflect on the childhood friend who shared his wildest martial arts dreams.
The pair ascended through the colored belt ranks side-by-side. While they have since taken different paths, with Andrey joining Alliance and Reis forming Agora Jiu-Jitsu, their familial connection remains completely untouched.
3 months ago
It wasn’t a great series for the Houston Astros against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home this week as they lost two out of the three in eventual blowout fashion. The gap in the American League West division race has gotten bigger even as the team has gotten healthier.
However, it wasn’t a complete waste, as the Astros ended up with their wildest win of the season in an 11-9 thriller on Wednesday night at Daikin Park. Houston seemed completely dead in the water throughout this game, having gone down 8-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Astros were 0-32 so far in the 2026 season having trailed through seven innings. That somehow changed against all odds as the Astros stormed back on offense and **** ed the game right out of the Pirates’ hands. Here’s how the magical Astros comeback happened.
This was supposed to be a special pitching duel between two of the best pitchers in baseball at the moment: Spencer Arrighetti and Paul Skenes. Most believed this would be a low-scoring game, but lo and behold, baseball strikes again. 20 total runs, 26 total hits combined between both teams. Neither starter could get to five innings and they were not even the story of the game.
It was a comeback out of nowhere for the Astros. Down 8-3 with two outs in the seventh, Isaac Paredes blasted a two-run homer to the Crawford Boxes that cut the deficit down to three. However, the Pirates added another run in the eighth.
However, it wasn’t a complete waste, as the Astros ended up with their wildest win of the season in an 11-9 thriller on Wednesday night at Daikin Park. Houston seemed completely dead in the water throughout this game, having gone down 8-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Astros were 0-32 so far in the 2026 season having trailed through seven innings. That somehow changed against all odds as the Astros stormed back on offense and **** ed the game right out of the Pirates’ hands. Here’s how the magical Astros comeback happened.
This was supposed to be a special pitching duel between two of the best pitchers in baseball at the moment: Spencer Arrighetti and Paul Skenes. Most believed this would be a low-scoring game, but lo and behold, baseball strikes again. 20 total runs, 26 total hits combined between both teams. Neither starter could get to five innings and they were not even the story of the game.
It was a comeback out of nowhere for the Astros. Down 8-3 with two outs in the seventh, Isaac Paredes blasted a two-run homer to the Crawford Boxes that cut the deficit down to three. However, the Pirates added another run in the eighth.
3 months ago
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
This year's French Open has been one of the books, with some of the wildest and most unexpected upsets the tournament has ever seen. As we head into the women's final this Saturday, two players who have never made it to a Grand Slam final before will vie for the 2026 ****** le. No. 8 Mirra Andreeva of Russia and Maja Chwalińska of Poland, who entered the tournament as a qualifier, will play in the women's final on Saturday, June 6, at 9 am ET.
The 2026 French Open women's final match between Andreeva and Chwalińska will air on TNT, with all the action also streaming on HBO Max. Here's what to know about watching the 2026 French Open live, including the full schedule, where to stream for less in the U.S., and more.
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT
This year's French Open has been one of the books, with some of the wildest and most unexpected upsets the tournament has ever seen. As we head into the women's final this Saturday, two players who have never made it to a Grand Slam final before will vie for the 2026 ****** le. No. 8 Mirra Andreeva of Russia and Maja Chwalińska of Poland, who entered the tournament as a qualifier, will play in the women's final on Saturday, June 6, at 9 am ET.
The 2026 French Open women's final match between Andreeva and Chwalińska will air on TNT, with all the action also streaming on HBO Max. Here's what to know about watching the 2026 French Open live, including the full schedule, where to stream for less in the U.S., and more.
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT
4 months ago
Veteran QB Taylor Heinicke retires from NFL at 33: ‘Excited for this next chapte...
Veteran NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after a seven-year career as a pro.
Heinicke, 33, spent time with the Texans, Panthers, the Washington franchise, Falcons and Chargers.
“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote in an Instagram post. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.
“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!”
Heinicke hasn’t played in the NFL since 2024, when he was with the Chargers.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
Veteran NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after a seven-year career as a pro.
Heinicke, 33, spent time with the Texans, Panthers, the Washington franchise, Falcons and Chargers.
“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote in an Instagram post. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.
“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!”
Heinicke hasn’t played in the NFL since 2024, when he was with the Chargers.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
