FIFA has officially approved Iran’s request to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following concerns surrounding logistics, travel restrictions and visa-related complications. The decision was confirmed by Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), after a series of meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul and a follow-up confirmation webinar.Why Iran requested the relocationAccording to Iranian football authorities, the move was primarily driven by practical and logistical challenges linked to operating directly from the United States during the tournament. One of the major factors behind the request was the desire to avoid potential visa and travel complications for players, staff and support personnel entering the US.By setting up camp in Tijuana, Iran can reportedly simplify travel arrangements while also taking advantage of direct flights operated by Iran Air.Tijuana’s location also offers a strategic advantage. Situated just south of the US border near San Diego, the city provides relatively quick access to Iran’s group-stage venues in the United States. Flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take less than an hour, significantly reducing travel time compared to the team’s original training base in Tucson, Arizona.Iran’s 2026 World Cup group-stage scheduleDespite shifting their base camp to Mexico, Iran will still play all of their Group G matches inside the United States:
June 15: vs New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium
June 21: vs Belgium national football team at SoFi Stadium
June 26: vs Egypt national football team at Lumen Field
Political tensions continue around Iran’s participation
The relocation decision comes amid growing political sensitivities surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Earlier this month, Canada denied entry to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress, reportedly citing alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.Despite the controversy, Iranian football officials have insisted that Team Melli will compete in the tournament.In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, the FFIRI stated:“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.”The federation also emphasized that Iran would participate “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play a major role for Portugal at the prestigious summer tournament. Despite being 41 years old, Ronaldo has been a consistent starter for the Selecao under current head coach Roberto Martinez.
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F1 racer Charles Leclerc was speaking to the media before the Montreal Grand Prix, when asked who he’d be supporting for the 2026 World Cup, he said (via beIN SPORTS on Instagram):
“I’m the worst person you can ask this question to…I don’t really follow football that much. I mean, the first memories I have from football were me playing it, and it is not a good memory.
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“But I really enjoy watching good games, so I’ll definitely be watching. I’m disappointed Italy is not a part of the World Cup this year. I’ll be looking at friends, it would be cool if Ronaldo can win with Portugal before stopping, so I will follow that.”
The upcoming World Cup is expected to be Ronaldo’s last major tournament for his country, as he’d be 43 when the next major international event rolls around. In a recent interview, he admitted that he’d look to retire in 1-2 years. He said (via ESPN):
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon I mean probably one, two years.
“I’m enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it’s really soon, because I give everything for football. I’m in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top goal scorer, has won multiple titles across various leagues, won 5 UEFA Champions League titles, and 5 Ballon d’Ors. A World Cup triumph would be a feather in his cap that would cement his legacy among the greats of football.
Former Portugal star details Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact in the World Cup squad
Former Selecao star Ricardo Quaresma believes Portugal will be extra motivated to win the World Cup because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the squad. Speaking during the unveiling of Portugal’s new kit, Quaresma said (via Daily Mail):
“They won the Nations League, so that’s what I’m saying. We have more will to win because Cristiano is there. It’s his last World Cup and they want Cristiano to win that title. The expectation is high, it’s very high, because they have quality for that, because if they didn’t have it, we wouldn’t have had that whole expectation.”
Portugal are in Group K in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in their group stage fixtures.
CINCINNATI — Four years after considering retirement, Bryan Torres made it to the major leagues at age 28 and homered for the St. Louis Cardinals in his debut.
“Eleven years to get to here,” Torres said, fighting back tears after helping the Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 in the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader. “I’m not a homer guy. Today, my debut, it just happened. I’ve been learning to manage the pressure. When the heart is going too fast, you have to slow things down. I felt a little pounding in my chest today.”
Torres, who first played minor league ball in 2015, hit seventh and played left field.
With dyed blond hair and wearing thick eye black, he worked a full-count walk from Chris Paddack (0-6) in the second, singled on a cutter in the fourth, grounded out in the sixth, flied out in the seventh and homered on a 95.2 mph fastball from Jose Franco in the ninth, driving the 2-1 pitch into the first row of the right-center field seats.
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“There’s not many words to describe this moment,” he said.
Cardinals fans at the game, many of them waving their shirts, kept chanting his name and three batters later induced a curtain call.
“All those guys bring us some energy,” Torres said.
Torres became the third Cardinals player since 1900 with multiple hits that included a home run in his debut, the first since Bobby Smith at Cincinnati on April 16, 1957.
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“Pretty neat, man,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “There’s moments throughout the year that you take a step back and get to enjoy. That’s one of them. You could tell, even in his first at-bat, there’s a calmness to him in the box.”
Torres also played left field and batted seventh in the nightcap, going 1 for 4 with a single and a walk as the Reds won 7-6 in 11 innings.
Torres signed a minor league contract with Milwaukee in 2015, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco organization in December 2019, became a free agent after the 2021 season and spent two years with the independent Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association.
“I’m not going to lie, at one moment, I thought I’d retire,” he said. “In that moment, I decided I wanted to give myself a chance, and if I did, give it 100%.”
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He signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in September 2023, hit .331 with 28 doubles, two homers, 56 RBIs and 33 stolen bases at Double-A Springfield, then was promoted to Triple-A Memphis and batted .328 with 16 doubles, nine homers 51 RBIs in 2025.
He was added to the 40-man roster last November and played for Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic, going 2 for 6 with a double, three walks and three runs.
“I’m going to try to get him out there as much as possible,” Marmol said. “This is a left-handed bat who understands the strike zone, finds a way on base, a real pesky at-bat. I like his skill set.”
Torres was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday after hitting .336 with 10 doubles, two homers, 16 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 36 games.
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“I was in (the) clubhouse sitting in my seat and my manager, Ben Johnson, said: ‘I’ve got some good news for you. Bryan Torres is going to The Show,’” Torres recalled. “Everyone started yelling and jumping up and down. Some of them started crying with me.”
Several family members were at Great American Ball Park. His first call was to his mother, Lissette Crespo.
“Since I was a young kid, 4 years old, she lost all her weekends to bring me to the stadium,” he said. “During the week, she always (brought) me to the park to practice, to play.”
His parents traveled from Puerto Rico on Friday only for that night’s game to be rained out.
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“It was very emotional. He was crying and when I received it I cried with him,” his mom said during the Cardinals’ telecast. ”That was a special moment.”
Torres took the roster spot of outfielder Nathan Church, placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder strain. He became the oldest position player to debut for the Cardinals since catcher Alberto Rosario at age 29 in 2016. Left-hander Nick Raquet debuted last season for St. Louis, also at 29.
“It’s been a very long and tough road, and not the usual road,” Torres said. “Everything happens for a reason. My family is very happy. We’re living the dream, basically.”
On Friday afternoon, after Si Woo Kim carded a (somehow disappointing) 60, the best quote came from his playing partner.
“It’s always fun to watch Si Woo do his thing,” Scottie Scheffler said, an idea he detailed a moment earlier: “I felt like I was hitting all my shots to 15, 20 feet and Si Woo was hitting all his shots to like 8 feet or closer.”
Scheffler and Kim are Dallas pals and were rightfully grouped together during the first two rounds of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, held in Dallas. The vibes were great but, as tends to happen at golf tournaments, the friendly vibes are about to change. Entering the final round, Scheffler and Kim will play together again … in Sunday’s final pairing. Kim will start with a two-shot lead.
Beating Scottie Scheffler on any day is difficult, as Kim knows very well. He plays practice rounds with Scheffler on occasion. But to beat him over 72 holes is what puzzles every pro golfer these days. The longer the race, the more time for Scheffler to hang around and elevate, the closer to the top of the leaderboard he gets. Saturday was a nice reminder.
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Kim was beating him by five when the day began, but after taking his foot off the gas during Saturday’s front nine, he found himself tied with the game’s best player by the time he reached the 13th hole. An in-form Scheffler is simply inevitable.
Kim’s caddie had stepped in to tell his player he was rushing and he needed to calm down. That’ll happen on a birdies-everywhere golf course. But it’ll happen even more when the Scheffler is a name listed on the leaderboard. The way Kim was thinking post-round, at least he’ll now be able to keep track of Scheffler up close.
Andrew Catalon and the CBS broadcast crew were quick to point out that it could be an oddly comfy pairing for Kim, given his friendship with Scheffler. But we’ve seen comfy pairings head the wrong direction, too, where both players slip down the leaderboard together. That doesn’t feel likely to happen, and chances are if Kim beats Scheffler on Sunday, he’ll win the tournament. But to pay so much attention to your playing partner can only create a bit of a blind spot to the others racing around one of the easiest golf courses they’ll face all season long.
Wyndham Clark has found form this week and is tied with Scheffler, two back. A handful of others sit at 17 under, four back. They’ll all play a bunch of gettable holes before Kim even reaches the 1st tee. Even though he admitted he wanted Scheffler in his pairing, Kim seems to understand that tomorrow will be a shootout either way.
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“This course is definitely not a protecting course,” he said Saturday night. “I still going to have to shoot six to nine under for a win, especially with Scottie. I’m just going to play same attitude as the first two days and try to make birdies where I can and then stay aggressive, and we’ll see.”
May 17, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Football Club midfielder Mark Delgado (8) competes for the ball with Nashville SC midfielder Alex Muyl (19) during the second half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images
The Seattle Sounders and host Los Angeles FC would both like a good result Sunday night heading into the six-week break for the FIFA World Cup.
The Sounders (7-2-3, 24 points) had a nine-match MLS unbeaten streak (6-0-3) snapped last weekend with a 2-0 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy.
“We learned some things from that game and it’s not fun when you’re learning things and losing points that you feel like you should be earning,” said midfielder Paul Rothrock, who leads the Sounders with four goals in league play. “I think this last weekend was a slice of humble pie for us.”
Forward Danny Musovski had to leave the match against the Galaxy after losing a tooth in the sixth minute but will be available for selection on Sunday. Defender Alex Roldan (hamstring) remains questionable, according to coach Brian Schmetzer.
The Sounders have allowed just 10 goals this season, tied for the fewest in the league, though half of those have come in the past three matches.
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After a strong start to the season, LAFC (6-5-3, 21 points) has lost its past three league matches and have won just once in their past eight (1-5-2), putting coach Marc Dos Santos’ job in jeopardy.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who set a record by opening the season with six straight shutouts, missed last weekend’s 3-2 loss to Nashville SC with an undisclosed leg injury and isn’t expected to be available Sunday. Thomas Hasal made his second start of 2026 and allowed three goals, while making only one save.
Son Heung-Min leads the league with nine assists but has yet to score.
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“I don’t think the problem is with the coach’s tactics. Recently, we’ve had some bad luck, and opposing goalkeepers have made many saves,” Son told the U.S. edition of Goal.
“Ultimately, the biggest responsibility lies with me. I can’t blame anyone else. I haven’t lost the feeling for scoring goals. I’m not too worried about the current dry spell.”
Denis Bouanga leads LAFC with 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists), and David Martinez has scored five times.
LAFC has never lost a regular-season game at home against the Sounders (8-0-1), winning the past five in a row, though Seattle has a pair of playoff wins at BMO Stadium.
Sixty-five people were taken into police custody after a huge brawl broke out late on Thursday in Paris involving supporters of OGC Nice, which left six people injured, including one seriously.
The violent clashes involving knifes and broken bottles marred the run-up to the French Cup final against Lens on Friday, compounding Nice’s woes after a nightmare season marked by run-ins with irate fans and an ongoing battle to avoid relegation.
Police said around 100 Nice supporters gathered late in the evening in the Canal Saint-Martin area popular with revellers, in the 10th arrondissement (district) of Paris, “clearly looking for a fight”. Amateur videos on social media showed masked individuals attacking a local bar and hurling chairs at the premises.
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Six people were injured, including one person in a serious condition. One victim “was struck in the throat by a shard of glass and (another) was stabbed in the back”, a police source told local daily Le Parisien.
Another source said a bread knife with a 20 cm blade and traces of blood was also found on the ground. The source said some of the victims were bystanders with no connection to the football fan scene.
Police seized knives and other weapons, along with balaclavas and padded gloves.
“These are certainly fringe groups, as the vast majority of Nice supporters are due to arrive in Paris today,” said Philippe Diallo, the head of the French Football Federation, speaking on France Info radio.
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“This is everything we dislike about football – namely violence – when a French Cup final is supposed to be a celebration,” he added.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire accused Nice fans, “some of whom are known to have links to the far right”, of “accosting and violently attacking” Parisians.
Friday’s final at the Stade de France has been labelled “high-risk” due to the animosity between Nice and supporters of local giants Paris Saint-Germain, with over 2,000 police officers deployed.
The violence has cast a shadow over the final showdown against northern club Lens, whose remarkable season has been a polar opposite of Nice’s.
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Based in the eponymous football-crazy former mining town, Lens finished second to all-conquering PSG in Ligue 1, falling not far short of a first French title since 1998. Now they are hoping to win the French Cup for the first time in their history, having lost all three previous final appearances.
Victory for the “Sang et Or” (Blood and Gold, after their red and yellow jersey) on Friday would complete a superb run which has already seen them qualify for the Champions League.
Nice, in contrast, ended their Ligue 1 campaign in the relegation play-off place after winning just two of their last 24 games. Last week’s 0-0 draw with bottom club Metz ended with angry fans invading the pitch, throwing smoke bombs and forcing players to run to the dressing room for cover.
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The Riviera club must win a two-legged play-off next week against Saint-Etienne to remain in Ligue 1. They have been ordered to play the home leg behind closed doors as a punishment following the pitch invasion.
It’s a sobering finale for a club that has had high ambitions since it was acquired by Britain’s Ineos in 2019 and has had three top-five finishes since then. Nice were dumped out of the Champions League in the preliminary rounds in August and their season quickly went south.
In November, players, staff, and management had a run-in with hundreds of angry fans gathered outside the training centre. The altercation pushed several players to seek an early exit in the January transfer window.
Nobody gives them a chance against Lens, but history could repeat itself here: as well as the year of their last Cup win, 1997 was also the last year they were relegated.
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“It is still a final, so of course we will give our all. But the two matches that come after are more important,” the club’s president Jean-Pierre Rivère acknowledged ahead of the game. “We want to stay in Ligue 1. That is our only ambition.”
Marcus Rashford may have made his final appearance in Spain as Manchester United assess the fallout following Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat at Valencia
Marcus Rashford has done everything he can to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona following his final appearance on loan for the club. The forward is due for a return to Manchester United this summer after featuring in a disappointing 3-1 defeat Valencia on Saturday to sign off his temporary stint.
It’s now up to Barca as to whether they’ll stump up the £26million they’ve long known will be enough to sign Rashford permanently. However, some stinging criticism of the 28-year-old’s contribution in a limp defeat against Los Che revealed he’s still proving himself for some.
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Sport‘s single-word summary to describe Rashford’s performance at the Mestalla was “tough” as it rated him a six out of 10. However, that was only the start of the scrutiny as the Catalan daily proceeded to unpack what it perceived as a lazy performance from the forward.
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“That’s the typical adjective used to describe someone who runs a lot but doesn’t finish anything,” read the rest of his review. “At Barca, you have to demand more from a winger, beyond the Englishman’s extraordinary stats.
Rashford completed 89 per cent of his passes against Valencia (32 in total), the second-highest of any Barca starter not in defence. However, he failed to register a shot at the Mestalla and completed just one dribble (one of only three Barca starters to do so).
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Mundo Deportivo wasn’t quite as scathing in its own assessment of what may be Rashford’s farewell display. Instead, more stability was demanded of the Englishman after his display was dubbed “intermittent.”
The summary continued: “Lacking consistency in his play, with moments of prominence thanks to his crosses into the box, and too many minutes spent missing.”
It perhaps shouldn’t be forgotten it was only a fortnight ago Rashford scored a sensational free-kick in El Clasico to help clinch the title. That finish brought his figures up to 14 goals and 14 assists on loan at Barca.
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It would perhaps be unrealistic to expect those moments every week and his numbers speak for themselves. However, just as has been the case at times for United in the past, a steadier delivery of those flash-in-the-pan moments is the desire.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Finally, Football Espana awarded Rashford a 6.5 out of 10 and described his last outing in Barca colours as “bright at times.” However, it went on to say that “in possibly his final Barcelona appearance, Rashford was unable to make an impact in attack.”
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Many have long considered the £26m permanent clause in Rashford’s contract to be a bargain fee. And his form in La Liga has only helped convince there’s value to be had by the Catalans should they desire.
Girona and Mallorca were relegated after playing their last games of the La Liga season on Saturday, while Robert Lewandowski bid farewell to Barcelona as did Dani Carvajal to Real Madrid.
Girona and Mallorca both needed to win and for other results to favor them to make a last-gasp escape from the bottom three spots. They had no such luck and both will join last-placed Real Oviedo in the second division next season.
A victory would have saved Girona but the team that just two seasons ago finished third in La Liga couldn’t better a 1-1 home draw with Elche. That result meant Elche ensured its safety.
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Mallorca beat Oviedo 3-0 but its goal difference with Osasuna and Levante did it in.
“I am torn up. It’s our fault we are going down,” Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder said.
Celta Vigo locked up a sixth-place finish and the resulting Europa League berth after beating Sevilla 1-0.
Getafe is going to the Conference League after securing seventh place with a 1-0 win over Osasuna.
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Champion Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis had already locked up the top five spots and the resulting Champions League berths before the last round.
The season concludes on Sunday with Atletico at Villarreal to see which finishes third.
Lewandowski scores in last game
Lewandowski scored in his last game for Barcelona, netting the champion’s only goal in a 3-1 loss at Valencia.
The 37-year-old striker and Barcelona decided to part ways this summer after he spent four seasons at the club. His goal at Mestalla Stadium was No. 120 in blue and burgundy.
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Barcelona clinched the league title with three rounds remaining.
Carvajal and Arbeloa say adios
Carvajal received ovations from the Santiago Bernabeu and wept when he was substituted in the veteran right back’s last game for Real Madrid.
Carvajal, whose contract is about to expire, assisted Gonzalo Garcia for the opening goal. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe added goals in the 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Carvajal, 34, helped Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013 as its top-choice right back – until the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.
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“Today I can’t stop recalling the golden age we shared,” a tearful Carvajal told the stadium when given a microphone after the game.
Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa also bowed out four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. He was unable to turn things around for a Madrid that finished second and without a trophy this campaign. Spanish media speculates that Jose Mourinho is close to returning to Madrid.
Defender David Alaba also played his last match for Madrid.
Azpilicueta retires
Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta played his last match as a professional before retiring when Sevilla visited Celta.
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The 36-year-old Azpilicueta helped win multiple trophies with Chelsea, including two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League, when he was team captain.
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high fives Dennis Schroder #8 against the New York Knicks during the third quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP
CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell has lacked his customary explosiveness and not looked like himself through three games of the Eastern Conference finals. Something seems off with the All-Star guard.
The Cavs couldn’t match New York’s force, firepower or balance despite being on their home floor and lost Game 3 to the Knicks 121-108 on Saturday night to fall into a perilous postseason hole in the best-of-seven series.
No team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit, and the Cavs aren’t showing signs of becoming the first in 164 tries.
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Mitchell did what he could, scoring 23 points. But he didn’t have his burst and committed five of his team’s 18 turnovers as the Cavs couldn’t contain the Knicks, who were cheered on a by a raucous group of New York fans that invaded Rocket Arena.
Following the game, Mitchell sat in a chair behind the table before his media interview and stared blankly at a box score underscoring New York’s dominance.
Asked what it’s going to take to avoid a sweep and win Game 4 on Monday night, Mitchell was succinct.
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“Let’s start with making some shots,” he said. “Let’s start with getting some stops and making some free throws.”
Mitchell’s first trip to a conference final after so many second-round exits hasn’t gone as hoped. The Cavs, who were pushed to seven games by Toronto and Detroit earlier in the playoffs, blew a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
They battled for much of Game 2 before fading and are now dragging physically after weeks of playing every other day. The Knicks, who had time to rest after sweeping Philadelphia in the second round, are taking advantage of Cleveland’s heavy legs.
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“We did it to ourselves,” Mitchell said. “We can’t be mad now.”
Just as in the first two games, New York was the more aggressive team in the early going, jumping to a 9-1 lead in the opening two minutes and forcing Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson to call a timeout. The Cavs regrouped, but their sloppiness combined with New York’s ability to get out in transition and score proved too much.
“Their physicality and energy level was higher than ours,” Atkinson said. “They were the more physical team and we couldn’t get to that level. Whatever the stats say, they were the better team. They’re playing great basketball. They’re on a hell of a run and we haven’t been able to stop the momentum.”
The Cavs had seized it in the series opener before a stunning collapse that has already provided Mitchell with a lasting lesson.
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“Don’t lose Game 1 after being up 22,” he said when asked about what’s soured his conference final debut. “But hey, it happened and now we have to find a way to get back from 3-0. We just have to find a way. We were up 22. It’s on us.”
In the closing minutes, thousands of blue-and-orange-clad New York fans were hollering “Knicks in 4!” and serenading Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who scored 30 points and added six assists, with chants of “M-V-P” at the foul line.
Those moments normally belong only to Mitchell in Cleveland. But the Knicks are taking everything away from the Cavs. Mitchell said the noise wasn’t unexpected.
“I’m from New York, this doesn’t shock me,” he said. “They do it in every arena. It’s like (Dallas) Cowboys fans. It’s just who they are. It wasn’t just a Cleveland thing. That’s how Knicks fans are. I was one back in the day. That had nothing to do with what’s going on in Cleveland. We didn’t get it done for our home crowd tonight.”
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Before the game, Atkinson described Mitchell’s physical issues as merely “bumps and bruises.” The All-Star, who left the floor for treatment in the first quarter, is now dealing with the mental strain of a deficit that’s probably too large to overtake.
Mitchell, though, isn’t giving up.
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“We have an opportunity to get one (win) on Monday,” he said. “Then go back to New York and get one there and come back here.”
May 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (L) and third baseman Alec Bohm (R) slap hands after scoring during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Zack Wheeler pitched six strong innings as the Philadelphia Phillies notched a 3-0 victory over the visiting Cleveland Guardians to snap their seven-game winning streak.
Bryson Stott knocked in two runs for Philadelphia, which had dropped its previous three games. Bryce Harper chipped in three hits and scored twice for the Phillies in a game that began two hours late due to rain.
Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi (3-5) allowed three runs and six hits in five innings, striking out five and walking one. The Guardians totaled only three hits against Wheeler and a trio of relievers.
The first three innings were uneventful as each team managed only one hit.
Rhys Hoskins doubled with one out in the second, but Wheeler (4-0) rebounded to retire Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez. In the following frame, J.T. Realmuto singled to lead off the inning before Cecconi took care of the next three batters.
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After getting shut out in Friday’s series opener and blanked over the first three frames Saturday, the Phillies finally broke through in the fourth. Harper and Alec Bohm singled with one out and advanced on a grounder before Stott’s two-out hit up the middle made it 2-0.
Wheeler followed with a 1-2-3 fifth and then retired all three hitters he faced in the sixth, ending his night at 99 pitches. In all, the right-hander allowed two hits and a walk while striking out six and dropping his ERA to 1.67.
Philadelphia tacked on an insurance run in the sixth. Harper and Bohm reached against Cecconi to start the inning before Matt Festa came on and walked Realmuto with one out. Adolis Garcia drew a free pass with the bases loaded to force in the third run of the game.
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Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering took the mound for the seventh and struck out two in a 1-2-3 frame. Brad Keller had no issues in the eighth, striking out Patrick Bailey to end the inning.
Jhoan Duran, who allowed the decisive home run in Friday’s series opener, worked around a leadoff baserunner in the ninth to pick up the save.
Aug 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Matt Hennessy (61) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings probably shouldn’t trade too many of their draft picks from the next class — the 2027 rookies are supposed to be fantastic — but there’s always room to consider a deal or two. These are the swaps we’d recommend this summer.
Minnesota has a few roster spots worth monitoring, especially at EDGE, center, safety, and running back.
It’s also encouraging that Minnesota doesn’t have many whopping roster deficiencies. Still, we’d consider the following options.
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A Few Sensible Trade Ideas Remain before Vikings Camp in July
Listed in no particular order, here’s the summer 2026 trade docket from VikingsTerritory.
Washington defensive lineman Bralen Trice (DL49) participates in drills during the NFL Combine on Feb. 29, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Trice entered the pre-draft process as one of the more intriguing EDGE defenders in his class after a productive collegiate career showcasing physicality, pass-rushing power, and disruptive backfield presence at Washington. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. 7th-Round Pick to ATL for Bralen Trice (OLB)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Trice in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. To date, his career has been ravaged by injuries, so much so that he hasn’t played in a regular season game. He’s pitched a shutout — and not in a good way.
Naturally, the Falcons’ brass has proceeded in the last two offseasons as if Brice will never play. They’ve constructed EDGE depth as if he doesn’t exist, perhaps making him expendable.
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The Vikings, meanwhile, don’t need a starting outside linebacker. They have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner ready for duty. But trading a late-round pick for Trice — or signing him late August if he gets cut — might check some boxes.
Because of injuries, there’s no way to know if Trice is sitting on untapped potential. It’s worth a 7th-Rounder to find out.
2. Theo Jackson (S) to WAS for a 6th-Round Pick
Minnesota employs these safeties as of May 23rd:
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Josh Metellus
Jay Ward
Theo Jackson
Jakobe Thomas
Tavierre Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
This group will contain seven men if Harrison Smith returns for one more ride. And in 2025, the Vikings benched Jackson down the stretch in favor of Ward.
Ward could be a starting safety when Week 1 rolls around.
Therefore, Minnesota should trade Jackson to Washington if it knows he may be a release candidate in August. Why the Commanders? Washington hired Daronte Jones as its new defensive coordinator, and he worked as the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator. Jones knows Jackson. The Commanders could use a little bit of safety depth, especially someone Jones knows — like Jackson.
3. 6th-Round Pick to DAL for Matt Hennessy (C)
Hennessy was a 3rd-Round pick in 2020, and he has this Pro Football Focus resume:
He’s 28 and has not been given a fair shake at center in five years — when he played wonderfully. Hennessy also won’t start this year in Dallas because the Cowboys have Cooper Beebe lined up for the job.
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Matt Hennessy (61) watches the action during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 9, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Hennessy provided veteran offensive line depth for San Francisco while competing for positioning and rotational opportunities during the preseason matchup against Denver. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For a team that needs a center, Hennessy is worth a 6th- or 7th-Rounder. He may be more efficient than Blake Brandel.
4. 5th-Round Pick to ARI for Trey Benson (RB)
Do the Vikings have a full running back room? Yes. Should they take a flyer on Benson? Also yes.
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Benson’s career has not taken off, as injuries have prevented his ascent. Now, he’s buried in Arizona, a part of this RB depth chart:
Jeremiyah Love
Tyler Allgeier
James Conner
Trey Benson
Bam Knight
Corey Kiner
It’s the Love-Allgeier-Conner show in the desert.
SI.com‘s Donnie Druin on Benson’s trade availability: “Benson is probably the most obvious trade candidate on the Cardinals after what transpired the last few months. Dealing with injuries and just simple inconsistent play, the Florida State product saw James Conner’s contract restructured and Tyler Allgeier signed in free agency before Arizona spent the third overall pick on Jeremiyah Love.”
“Now, Benson is RB4 on the depth chart and could be fighting for a roster spot with fellow running back Bam Knight, who has more special teams prowess than Benson. Of course injuries could change this dynamic, though the former Day 2 pick could be available for pennies on the dollar if the Cardinals were interested in getting something from Benson rather than cutting him.”
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) carries the football against the Seattle Seahawks on Sep. 25, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Benson continued developing into a featured offensive contributor for Arizona while showcasing his speed and physical rushing style during an NFC West matchup against Seattle. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Like Trice at the top of the list, there’s also a chance that Benson gets released in a few months. The Vikings — and many teams — should give Benson a look.
He’s 23. Once upon a time, he was forecasted as a trustworthy RB1 prospect, especially in the dynasty fantasy football community.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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