For years, the Minnesota Vikings have experienced some dominant performances from their edge rushers. Recently, it has been the combination of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. This season, that group was split up when Greenard was seen as too expensive and sent to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That was an understandable move, both from a salary cap perspective and from a current roster construction perspective. Dallas Turner was a first-round pick just two years ago, and a starter to show breakout ability as he filled in for an injured Greenard last season.

Brian Flores May Need Another Reliable Pass Rusher

Now tasked with being the man opposite Van Ginkel, Turner won’t have anywhere to hide. Flores loves to blitz, and he’ll be reliant on both Van Ginkel and Turner. The former has proven his ability in this defense, while the latter will need to substantiate it.

If things go sideways early for Turner, the Minnesota Vikings could be in for a world of hurt. Van Ginkel missed time with a neck injury last season, and the cupboards are bare behind the youngster Turner. Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss are the only players with any level of familiarity behind the two Vikings starting edge rushers, and they leave plenty to be desired.

Turner had eight sacks in 17 games last season (10 starts). It stands to reason that he could be in line for greater production if he’s given more runway. There’s also the possibility that he simply gets exposed, and Minnesota is left wondering what happened.

At this stage of free agency, the open market doesn’t have a ton of ideal options. Hasson Reddick, Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, and Denico Autry are all big names over 30 years old. Yetur Gross-Matos is 28 and may still be ascending. No matter what, though, Minnesota doesn’t have a whole lot to spend.

The Vikings reallocated the savings from Greenard into the deal they signed with wide receiver Jauan Jennings. That move bolstered the offense, but Flores utilized pressure to help out the secondary last season. If he’s not going to be able to do that this time around, or can’t rely on the people he has, the group could be exposed pretty quickly.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

The pre-fight feeling was that this occasion bordered on the absurd as a sanctioned world title contest, but Verhoeven went a long way to proving the boxing fraternity wrong.

“I am super proud of my performance, and hopefully the boxing world embraces me as a boxer. I am amazingly happy to be here,” Verhoeven said.

He emerged with huge credit, underlining his credentials as an awkward, physical operator for any heavyweight.

But was this his best chance, fuelled by the element of surprise?

The crossover blueprint is familiar, with MMA fighter Francis Ngannou famously going close to an extraordinary boxing win against Tyson Fury in 2023 before being stopped early on by Joshua in his second outing.

Usyk’s stock, for the first time in his career, with take a hit on the back of this – and debate around the result and a potential second meeting is only likely to intensify.

Afterwards, WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel entered the ring to make his case.

“I have waited so long for this fight. I am ready and I think Germany is ready for the fight. Let’s do it in a German stadium. I think all the fans want it,” Kabayel said.

Usyk, who has previously suggested he may have two more fights after Verhoeven, responded: “Let’s do it, no problem. I am ready, brother.”

Whatever comes next, Usyk endured the toughest night of his career against a man few in boxing gave a chance.

Canelo Alvarez has weighed in with his take on the controversial stoppage between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.

The boxing world has been vocal with their reaction after Usyk was able to successfully defend his heavyweight crown against Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

For a long period it appeared that it wouldn’t be a successful defence though, with the ending coming in the 11th round when referee Mark Lyson stopped the contest, many viewers believing prematurely.

Verhoeven had performed way above expectations as he caused Usyk plenty of problems throughout the bout, but despite recovering from the knockdown he received, the kickboxing star was stopped on his feet and denied the chance to enter the 12th round.

Tony Bellew is one who believes that Verhoeven should have been given the chance to continue, but Mexican superstar Canelo doesn’t share the same view.

Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Canelo revealed that he agreed with the referee’s decision.

“It was a good fight. I don’t think so [that it was was an early stoppage], I think they saved a brutal knockout.”

Usyk is now expected to take some time out before making a decision on his next move, with some fans calling for an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, while others want him to now face WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

As for Canelo, he returns to action in September as he looks to claim world honours again when he takes on WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Will Suryakumar Yadav continue as India captain? According to a report in PTI, quoting a senior BCCI source, Suryakumar Yadav’s future as India’s T20I captain could primarily be decided by head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the national selection committee is not entirely convinced that he can make it to the team purely as a batter. “Initially, the selectors thought that the IPL would help Suryakumar regain form like the last edition when he crossed 700 runs. But strangely, there hasn’t been any technical course correction in his game. Even the rookiest of pacers are just bowling straight hard lengths, and he has no answer. Selectors don’t see him playing the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is as simple as that,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.

Meanwhile, the corridors of power in Indian cricket are already buzzing with names of possible successors.

Shreyas Iyer remains a powerful contender, armed with tactical sharpness and a strong personality. But whether he and Gambhir can seamlessly coexist remains a question.

Those within the system haven’t forgotten Iyer’s quiet disappointment when Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2024 IPL triumph was widely projected as Gambhir’s victory as mentor. Then there is Shubman Gill, whose stocks have soared yet again after another prolific IPL season, leading Gujarat Titans with authority.

Gill, in fact, was originally viewed by Agarkar and company as the long-term all-format leader before a dip in form ahead of the T20 World Cup derailed those plans.

If Suryakumar exits, Gill’s reintegration into the T20 side is a possibility, although it comes with its own set of complexities.

The think tank could comfortably envision Gill at the top, with Sanju Samson at No. 3 and Ishan Kishan slotting in at four.

However, the rapid rise of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is believed to be on the fast track with an eye on the 2028 Olympics, adds another fascinating dimension to the succession puzzle.

And finally, there is Tilak Varma, a name quietly gathering momentum in influential circles.

“Don’t rule out Tilak if Surya is sacked. There’s a reason that Tilak has been made captain for the tri-nation A series where selectors would get to see his leadership skills,” the source added.

For now, Indian cricket once again stands at a crossroads where form, future planning and power dynamics are intersecting.

And somewhere amid all the whispers, statistics and succession plans, one reality looms large — Suryakumar’s fate may ultimately depend on whether Gambhir still believes his captain deserves one final series.

With PTI inputs

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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks toward the bench during the second half of Game 3 in the Western Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday, May 22, 2026, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

SAN ANTONIO — It’s tempting, but the San Antonio Spurs will not play Victor Wembanyama every minute of regulation against Oklahoma City even as they trail the Thunder 2-1 in the Western Conference finals.

Instead, San Antonio has to find a way to play better when Wembanyama rests because Oklahoma City is dominating when the 7-foot-4 star from France is on the bench.

The Thunder are two wins away from returning to the NBA Finals with Game 4 on Sunday in San Antonio.

READ: NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama says Game 4 will show what Spurs are made of

Oklahoma City has won two straight by an average of 12 points since Wembanyama had 41 points, 24 rebounds and three rebounds in 49 minutes during San Antonio’s 122-115 double-overtime victory in Game 1 on Monday.

As the Spurs seek solutions, playing Wembanyama more minutes is intriguing but not viable.

“The idea is there,” San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said, smiling, “but, yeah, I think as we’ve seen it, him fresh or somewhat fresh is still the best. … We don’t want to sacrifice our style of play and the identity that we’ve been building since October.”

The Spurs were a plus-4 in Wembanyama’s 39 minutes in Game 3’s 123-108 loss to the Thunder on Friday. That number may seem inconsequential, but San Antonio was minus-15 as a team and its main reserves were in the negative by double digits.

MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a team-high 26 points, but the rest of the starters combined for 21 points.

Their scoring wasn’t needed Friday.

READ: NBA Playoffs: Bench boosts Thunder past Spurs in Game 3

Oklahoma City’s bench outscored San Antonio’s 76-23 and were a combined 14 for 29 on 3-pointers. The 76 bench points are the most in the conference finals since the NBA went to the 16-team playoff format in 1984.

“We’ve dealt with a lot of injuries throughout the year, but it’s built us,” Thunder center Jaylin Williams said. “It’s built us as a team. It’s built us as players to be ready for the moment, to be ready when your name is called.”

Williams had a playoff career-high 18 points, and fellow reserve Jared McCain finished with 24 points.

The Spurs opened Game 3 on a 15-0 run, the longest run to open a game in the conference finals since the play-by-play era began in 1997. San Antonio led 19-4 when Wembanyama subbed out with seven minutes remaining in the quarter but the Thunder cut the deficit to 24-19 when he returned with 3:44 remaining in the first.

The Thunder’s depth also allows them to throw multiple bodies and looks to wear on Wembanyama and the Spurs.

“I know I’m not going to play as many minutes as (Wembanyama) is, so the minutes I’m out there I’m trying to make his job as tough as I can make it,” Williams said.

READ: NBA Playoffs: Spurs, Thunder battle injuries in West finals

Making matters worse for the Spurs is two of their primary playmakers and scorers are battling injuries.

Point guards De’Aaron Fox (sprained right ankle) and Dylan Harper (right adductor soreness) played in Game 3 but were not at 100%. Fox also appeared to injure his left ankle in the third quarter but returned shortly after exiting for the locker room.

“They came out of the game, finished on their own accord,” Johnson said. “I took them out, so that’s a plus and as of now we expect them to be ready to go. So, those guys are giving us all they got, and I commend them and tip my cap because they’re competing … and they’re not 100%.”

There was no update on their playing status as of Sunday afternoon.

The diminished health of Fox and Harper along with Oklahoma City’s physicality has slowed San Antonio’s usual breakneck pace offensively.

The Spurs played reserve center Luke Kornet alongside Wembanyama at times Friday in an attempt to improve its rebounding and spark a faster pace, but the Thunder limited that as well.

“That’s been good for us all year,” Castle said of the Spurs’ pace. “I don’t think it’s just against them that it’s crucial that we have those possessions, but, I mean, I think that comes from getting stops first.”

Castle did not want to give away any strategy, but he did say the Spurs discovered some “schematic stuff” that should fix their lapses on both ends for Game 4.

Regardless, San Antonio has to find a way to keep playing with Wembanyama on the bench.

“I feel like each and every one of us has got to be better,” Wembanyama said. “Yeah, I think it’s just that as a team, as an organization, there’s a lot of new experiences. We’re just going to have to find the answers.”

Morocco national football team arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the weight of history and expectation after their remarkable run in Qatar four years ago. The Atlas Lions stunned the footballing world in 2022 by defeating Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages, becoming the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semifinal. Having previously advanced beyond the group stage only once back in 1986, Morocco now face the challenge of proving their success was no fluke.

Led by the ever-dangerous Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the world’s best attacking right-backs, Morocco possess a squad filled with quality and experience. Brahim Díaz is also set to feature in his first World Cup after switching international allegiance from Spain in 2023, adding even more creativity to the side. While several heroes from the 2022 campaign remain central figures, a new generation of talent is also expected to emerge during the tournament.

Morocco’s road to qualification was dominant from start to finish. They won all eight of their qualifying matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding just twice. The Atlas Lions comfortably topped their group with a nine-point advantage over nearest challengers Niger, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking consistency throughout the campaign.

Morocco’s Group C in FIFA World Cup 2026

Morocco

Brazil

Scotland

Haiti

Morocco looking for another positive display

Achraf Hakimi will once again be the driving force behind Morocco’s ambitions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs in world football, the Paris Saint-Germain star brings pace, creativity and attacking threat down the right flank. Fresh off a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2025, Hakimi’s overlapping runs and ability to influence games in the final third make him one of Morocco’s most dangerous weapons.

Morocco’s Key Strengths

Morocco national football team thrive in quick transitional football rather than slow possession-based play. Their attacking approach is built around speed, direct movement and exploiting spaces in wide areas, especially through the attacking runs of Achraf Hakimi. Morocco are also extremely well-organised defensively, maintaining a compact shape without the ball and showing impressive discipline across all areas of the pitch. Their structure and tactical awareness make them difficult opponents to break down.

Morocco’s Weaknesses

While Morocco are dangerous on the counterattack, they can struggle creatively when forced to dominate possession against defensive opponents. Breaking down deep defensive blocks remains a challenge, particularly against teams willing to sit back and defend in numbers. In matches where Morocco are expected to control the tempo and create consistently through the middle, their attacking rhythm can sometimes become predictable and less effective.

Very few managers in football history can claim to be as successful and dominant as the Spanish legend Pep Guardiola. Premier League side Manchester City were well aware of the tactical brilliance of the Spaniard when they hired him as manager in 2016.

Pep did not let the management or fans down, as in 10 years as City boss he led them to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2023.

However, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Pep’s time as Manchester City manager is set to conclude after the ongoing 2025-26 season following a historic 10-year run that established City as one of the biggest clubs in the world, while also making them favourites to win almost every tournament they entered.

But how exactly was Pep able to achieve that? Let’s take a look.

Man City before the Guardiola era

Before understanding how Pep completely changed Manchester City’s landscape, it is important to know how they performed at the highest level before his arrival.

The Premier League once revolved around the so-called “Big Five”, which included Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as these clubs dominated English football for years.

However, by the early 2010s, Manchester City had started challenging the established order at every level possible, effectively expanding the “Big Five” into a “Big Six”.

City won their first Premier League title in the 2011-12 season under Roberto Mancini, when Sergio Aguero’s last-minute goal on the final matchday helped them finish above Manchester United. They won their second league title two years later in the 2013-14 season under Manuel Pellegrini.

Pep Guardiola as City manager (year-by-year performance)

2016-17: Building the Guardiola blueprint

Pep Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City was always expected to be one of transition. Arriving in England with a reputation for tactical brilliance, he spent much of the campaign assessing his squad and reshaping the team around his philosophy. Kevin De Bruyne quickly became central to City’s style, but despite flashes of promise, Guardiola’s debut year ended without silverware as City finished third in the Premier League and were knocked out by Monaco in the Champions League Round of 16.

2017-18: Birth of the Centurions

Guardiola’s revolution truly came alive in his second season. New arrivals such as Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Ederson transformed the spine of the team as City played some of the most dominant football English football had ever seen. They won the League Cup and stormed to the Premier League title with a record 100 points and 106 goals, finishing miles ahead of the competition. Although Liverpool ended their Champions League hopes, City had firmly established themselves as England’s most feared side.

2018-19: Three trophies, one statement

Manchester City were pushed to the limit by Liverpool in a thrilling title race, but Guardiola’s side held their nerve. Winning their final 14 league matches, City retained the Premier League crown with 98 points. They also lifted the League Cup and FA Cup, completing a historic domestic treble. While domestic dominance continued, Europe remained elusive as Tottenham ended their Champions League dream in dramatic fashion.

2019-20: Pandemic pause, painful setback

City’s hold over English football slipped as Liverpool ended their dominance in the Premier League. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the season, creating unusual circumstances in both domestic and European football. Guardiola’s side impressed by eliminating Real Madrid in the Champions League, but a shocking defeat to Lyon in Lisbon ended another European campaign in frustration. Their only trophy came in the League Cup, offering little comfort in an otherwise disappointing year.

2020-21: Champions again, Europe slips away

After an inconsistent start, Guardiola rebuilt City’s defensive core with the arrival of Rúben Dias. That move transformed the team as City regained the Premier League title and once again lifted the League Cup. More importantly, Guardiola guided the club to its first Champions League final. But the dream ended painfully in Porto, where Chelsea’s narrow win denied City their first European crown.

2021-22: Five minutes that changed everything

One of the most dramatic title races in Premier League history ended in unforgettable fashion. On the final day, City trailed Aston Villa 2-0 and looked on the verge of collapse. Then came a remarkable five-minute turnaround led by Ilkay Gündogan and Rodri, sealing another Premier League triumph. Yet in Europe, heartbreak returned as Real Madrid staged a late comeback in the semi-finals to crush City’s hopes once again.

2022-23: The season of immortality

This was Guardiola’s masterpiece. The arrival of Erling Haaland added a ruthless edge to City’s attack, while Guardiola’s tactical evolution made the team nearly unstoppable. City won the Premier League, FA Cup and finally the Champions League, completing a historic treble. Rodri’s winning goal against Inter Milan in Istanbul delivered the one trophy Guardiola had craved most.

2023-24: Keeping the crown

After making history, City showed they were far from done. Guardiola’s side won their final nine league games to edge Arsenal and secure another Premier League title. But Europe again brought frustration, with Real Madrid knocking them out on penalties in the Champions League quarter-finals. The campaign also ended with an FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United, though Guardiola’s domestic dominance remained intact.

2024-25: When City lost their edge

For one of the few times under Guardiola, City looked vulnerable. An ageing squad struggled to maintain the same intensity, while injuries and inconsistency exposed cracks in the system. Guardiola admitted it was one of his toughest campaigns as City ended the season without major silverware. Losing to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final summed up a frustrating and forgettable year.

2025-26: One final flourish

Guardiola’s final season brought another rebuild, with younger players stepping up to form the next core of the squad. Although City started slowly and their title hopes faded early, they recovered strongly to push Arsenal deep into the race. Success in the League Cup and FA Cup ensured Guardiola signed off with silverware. While Real Madrid once again ended City’s Champions League ambitions, his farewell season still reflected resilience, renewal and a fitting final flourish.

Full list of trophies City won with Pep Guardiola:

Guardiola’s final message to Manchester City fans

As Pep Guardiola prepares to leave Manchester City, the iconic manager shared an emotional farewell message, reflecting on his deep bond with the club, the city and its people after a defining era. Guardiola said there was no major reason behind his exit, only a feeling that it was the right time to step away.

He praised Manchester’s hardworking spirit, resilience, history and strong sense of community, saying he came to understand what made the city unique and how that same mentality shaped his teams. Looking back, Guardiola recalled both triumphs and setbacks, stressing that City’s success was built on hard work, sacrifice and belief.

He also remembered difficult moments, including the Manchester Arena attack and losing his mother during Covid-19, thanking the club and fans for their support. Guardiola praised his players for creating a lasting legacy before thanking the supporters, staff and city, calling Manchester “my place” in a heartfelt goodbye.

One of the best to grace the Premier League sidelines

Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been one of the most successful in the club’s history. Since taking charge on July 1, 2016, the Spanish manager has overseen 592 matches, winning 416 of them while drawing 87 and losing 89.

Under his leadership, City have scored an impressive 1,422 goals and conceded 520, reflecting the team’s attacking dominance and consistency. Guardiola has maintained a remarkable win percentage of 70.27%, underlining his impact in transforming City into a domestic and European powerhouse during his era at the club.

Despite his departure, Guardiola will forever be remembered as one of the best managers to ever grace the Premier League sidelines, and any club would be ready to welcome him with open arms if he ever decided to return.

Man City will host a celebratory open-top bus parade on Bank Holiday Monday

Manchester City will be celebrating the men’s, women’s and academy teams’ 2025/26 campaigns with an open-top bus parade taking place on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25). The parade will begin its course in the city centre and will make its way to the Co-op Live for an ‘After Party’.

The event will also be paying tribute to departing Pep Guardiola, following confirmation that the Manchester City manager will leave this summer after ten years at the Etihad.

Fans wanting to show support for the club and for Pep are being encouraged to join in with the free celebrations along the parade route. Alternatively, fans can also buy tickets for ‘The After Party’ taking place at Co-op Live.

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The route will commence in the Northern Quarter of Manchester City Centre at 4pm. There will be a kick-off moment involving all the teams before buses set off down Newton Street towards Ancoats, at around 5pm.

From there, the parade will make its way down Great Ancoats Street, before turning onto Pollard Street. It will then continue on to the Ashton New Road until it comes to a close outside the Etihad Stadium at the Colin Bell Stand Reception.

Manchester City has confirmed a new extended last entry time for Co-op Live, and fans with tickets to ‘The After Party’ will now be able to enter the arena until 6pm. This will feature live music and entertainment as well as player interviews from both the men’s and women’s teams along with special guests.

The club have confirmed that ‘The After Party’ will include an onstage appearance from former captain Fernandinho as well as Oasis icon Noel Gallagher and famous Stockport band, Blossoms. The show will also include performances by Doves and Alex Spencer as well as DJ sets from Sam Divine and Mike Joyce.

Entry times have been extended to allow fans the opportunity to view the start of the parade, with the club previously stating there would be no entry permitted at the Co-op Live arena after 5pm. The parade will also be shown inside the Co-op Live for those attending ‘The After Party’.

Doors for ‘The After Party’ will open at Co-op Live at 3pm, with player arrival at 6.30pm. The event is expected to close at 8pm.

The United States — one of the World Cup’s three host nations — has reportedly finalized its 26-player roster for this summer’s highly anticipated tournament.

Although U.S. Soccer is not expected to formally announce the roster until after Memorial Day, reports citing sources say Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Turner and Sebastian Berhalter are among the expected selections. Sebastian is the son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. Aaronson suited up for Team USA during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Sources also told The Athletic that Gio Reyna is expected to be included on the roster for Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup run as USMNT manager.

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Gio Reyna of the United States walks down the pitch during the second half of an international friendly against Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 31, 2026. (Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

Since being sent home from the 2022 World Cup over what were described as behavioral issues, Reyna has remained one of the more polarizing figures in the U.S. player pool despite his talent. The 23-year-old logged a total of 509 minutes for Borussia Mönchengladbach this season.

As questions about Reyna’s future with the national team continued to swirl, the son of former U.S. star Claudio Reyna recently highlighted the special chance to play on the international stage.

ALEXI LALAS DOESN’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT TEAM USA PRESSURE DURING HOME WORLD CUP: ‘CRY ME A RIVER’

“I’m just hoping and waiting for the call-up, it would be an honor,” Reyna said. “The national team means a lot to me. … I’d love to be there, have an impact on the team. It would be a dream to represent my country at the World Cup.”

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on during the international friendly match between the United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 31, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Roster cutdowns inevitably bring tough decisions, and reports indicate Real Salt Lake standout Diego Luna did not make the final World Cup squad. Luna developed into a key member of the USMNT’s rotation in 2025.

Luna has scored four goals in 18 matches for the national team, adding to the 22 goals he has recorded over the past three seasons with Real Salt Lake.

The United States men’s national soccer team poses for a group photo before an international friendly against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium on Nov. 18, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

Zavier Gozo, who plays in the MLS for Real Salt Lake, was also told he would not compete on the national team this summer.

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The USMNT begins its World Cup campaign June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

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