Sports
Chet Holmgren goes full Ben Simmons in Game 7 disappearing act
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did all he could on Saturday night, but in the end it was too much to overcome that three of OKC’s core guys didn’t play in Game 7. Jalen Williams was out with a hamstring. Ajay Mitchell had a strained calf. And Chet Holmgren caught a case of the Ben Simmons bug.
Yeah, Holmgren was technically on the floor for 33 minutes. He did about as much in that time as Williams and Mitchell did from the bench in street clothes, scoring four points on two shot attempts as the Thunder failed in their mission to become the first repeat NBA champion since the 2018 Warriors.
It’s the Spurs who are marching on to the Finals to face the Knicks after a 111-103 victory in one of the most poised performances you will ever see from a team in a Game 7. It came on the road, against the defending champions, with three players age 22 or younger leading the charge.
Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper were awesome in Game 6 to keep San Antonio’s season alive, and they were awesome again in Game 7 with a combined 48 points, 20 boards and 11 assists. Even those numbers don’t do justice to the absolutely enormous plays each of them made at the most critical points of this game. Huge bucket after huge bucket. Harper and Castle combined for seven offensive rebounds.
This is what it looks like to step up in a big-time moment. Not a single player on the Spurs backed away from the heat of this game for even a single second. Holmgren, on the other hand, looked terrified. You don’t usually want to make that sort of judgment on a guy from afar, but this was too obvious to ignore. The guy wanted nothing to do with Wembanyama. Nothing to do with any pass that came his way. Nothing to do with the moment.
I cannot stress the two shot attempts enough. This was not a case of Holmgren trying to make plays and just running into Wembanyama at every turn, or driving and kicking, or doing anything productive with the ball. He couldn’t get rid of the thing quickly enough.
This is what it looks like to catch a pass, take a look at the guy in front of you, and simply say “no thanks” and hot-potato it right back where it came from, only to basically be forced to try something when it comes back to you and not even being able to stay on your feet.
Meanwhile, this is what Wemby was busy doing to Holmgren.
Let’s also be clear: Wemby wasn’t even Holmgren’s primary defender in this series. The Spurs put wings on him like Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie as Wemby roamed as a paint protector (he basically met Chet at every turn as a help defender), and yet he still couldn’t find a way to exploit the size mismatches as a seven-footer in his own right.
To even say Holmgren was passive on Saturday night would be giving him too much credit. He was basically invisible. Of the four shots he took, zero came in the second half. Zero! That is inexcusable for a guy who will start a five-year, $239 million contract next season. A guy who was voted Third Team All-NBA this season.
It’s exponentially worse that Holmgren pulled this disappearing act in a game in which the Thunder were, as mentioned, already without Williams and Mitchell. In a game like this, you need more than one guy who can create his own offense, and with those two guys out, SGA needed Holmgren more than ever. It makes you consider this answer from SGA after OKC’s Game 4 loss in which Holmgren tallied just three buckets.
That is what you call saying everything without saying anything. So let’s just say it for SGA: Holmgren needed to get himself going. It’s cool that OKC coach Mark Daigneault did the honorable thing and tried to take the blame for Holmgren’s no-show in Game 7, but nobody’s buying that line. It bears repeating, this is a max-contract and All-NBA player. Holmgren averaged 10.7 PPG in this series, down from 17 in the regular season. He was held to single digits twice. If he wasn’t going to do anything offensively, he couldn’t even manage to pull more than four rebounds in Game 7?
Wembanyama is going to outplay pretty much every opponent on most nights, but OKC needed Holmgren to at least pull his weight in this series. The fact that the Thunder made it to Game 7 despite the Mitchell and Williams injuries and Holmgren laying multiple eggs is a credit to their depth, defense, toughness and the ability of SGA to create offense when he’s not shooting efficiently himself.
Alex Caruso gave SGA all the help he could muster. Jared McCain went out firing. Cason Wallace was a stud. Lu Dort, who was terrible all series, is going to get a pass because more is expected of Holmgren, and it should be. If Holmgren has an even halfway decent game on Saturday night the Thunder are probably going to the Finals.
Holmgren is not going to become the next Ben Simmons. He was sensational all season and great through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Wemby just scares him to death. It wasn’t just this game or this series, either. In four regular-season matchups, he averaged just 10.7 PPG on 38% shooting against the Spurs.
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Holmgren takes this matchup personally. Everyone knows that. Wemby treats him like a little brother. He came into this series wanting to prove himself against Wembanyama. But once he lost confidence, which was almost immediately, he was done in this series.
It will be a problem moving forward, because no matter how good Holmgren is against everyone else, Oklahoma City probably isn’t going back to another Finals without going through Wemby, in at least some capacity, for the next decade plus.
That said, the Simmons comp is striking. We all remember the meltdown Game 7 against the Hawks in 2021 in which Simmons was palpably terrified of even having the ball in his hands for fear of being fouled and having to shoot free throws. He ultimately passed up a wide-open dunk attempt for the defining lowlight of his career. In that game, Simmons took four shots. Holmgren taking two in this one felt eerily similar.
It wasn’t the only reason the Thunder lost, but it was the biggest one. No question about it. Before the series started, I wondered whether Holmgren was up for this battle when I wrote the following:
Holmgren struggled mightily against Wembanyama and the Spurs this season. It was a big reason why San Antonio took four of the five matchups, which I don’t put too much weight on, but it can’t be discounted entering this series. The Spurs know they can beat the Thunder. That’s half the battle.
OKC’s equation changes quite a bit if Holmgren emerges as a legit No. 2 scorer to take some weight off of Mitchell and Williams having to do that. He’s averaging 18.6 PPG on 60/39/88 shooting splits so far, but it’s not the Lakers, against whom he averaged 20 PPG with a big 24-and-12 showing in the clincher, or the Suns on the other side. It’s Wembanyama. Whole different ballgame.
Holmgren takes this Wemby matchup personal. Everyone knows that. He tried to do too much in their regular-season matchups, hunting his own buckets outside the offense. It’s a fine line, because has to be aggressive. OKC probably can’t win if he isn’t. Especially if Williams’ hamstring issues pop back up. If Holmgren gets badly outplayed by Wemby, OKC will have a pretty steep hill to climb.
Indeed, Holmgren was badly outplayed by Wembanyama. And in the end, the hill was too steep to climb.
Sports
FIFA says fans in concourses caused empty-seat appearance during matches | FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA on Friday blamed the empty seats during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on fans who watched from the concourses.
There were many visible empty spots at the 45,664-capacity Guadalajara Stadium, with sections in the middle of the stands showing many unoccupied spaces and with other empty seats scattered around the venue. The announced attendance was 44,985 – including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match,” FIFA said, adding that it works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data.
“Please note that, during last night’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match,” the governing body of world soccer said.
There was indeed a significant number of fans standing on the concourses and by the concession stands throughout Thursday’s match.
There were some empty seats in Toronto also On Friday, the stadium in Toronto was close to full for Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil, but there were some empty spots, notably close to the field in the lower bowl, and in a high corner of temporary seating.
Toronto Stadium, with an official capacity of 43,036, is the smallest venue in the tournament and had to have the extra seats added to meet FIFA’s minimum standards. The announced attendance on Friday was 43,002.
It’s a busy sports weekend in Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the New York Yankees and the Canadian Open golf tournament about an hour away.
FIFA charged record high ticket prices for this year’s World Cup FIFA has been charging record ticket prices at the 11 stadiums in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. The soccer body was using dynamic pricing and has repeatedly raised the prices since tickets first went on sale last fall.
Infantino defended those prices Wednesday as fitting in the North American market, but they have been criticized for list prices that have reached five figures.
Before the tournament started on Thursday, 29 games were sold out (with wheelchair seats available for some of those) and 75 had tickets remaining.
Wales pairing Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny continued their impressive start to the World Cup of Darts with a resounding victory over Group C opponents Thailand in Frankfurt, Germany.
Having had to go through group qualifying after Gerwyn Price withdrew, the new Wales pairing opened their campaign by thumping Lithuania 4-1, and then followed that up on Friday by beating Thailand by the same score.
The Welsh duo topped their group to book a Saturday afternoon tie at the Eissporthalle against USA.
Hosts Germany again impressed with a 4-2 win over New Zealand as Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko secured their place in the second round where they will play the Czech Republic.
Republic of Ireland’s William O’Connor and Mickey Mansell clinched top spot in Group D by beating Gibraltar’s Craig Galliano and Justin Hewitt 4-2, earning a tie against Poland.
The top ranked nations – including England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland – enter the tournament in the second round.
England pair Luke Littler and Luke Humphries – the top seeds – face Spain, while defending champions Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney begin their title defence against Belgium.
Scotland duo Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies face Norway, while Netherlands pairing Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen take on Sweden.
France against Latvia completes the round two fixtures.
He’s only 28 years old, but former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson has turned his sights to coaching, evidenced by his presence at Vikings minicamp this week. The fromer pass-catcher is participating in a coaching program that could serve as a springboard to a full-time role, perhaps with the Vikings down the line.
Ex-Vikings safety Bobby McCain is along for the ride, too.
Jackson’s Coaching Pivot Keeps Him Near Vikings’ Orbit
Jackson, McCain Take Career Next Steps
Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifeld wrote Thursday, “Two years ago, WR Trishton Jackson and DB Bobby McCain were leaders on the Vikings scout teams. They returned to Minnesota this week in a different capacity but ready as ever to make an impact, as they participate in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program that runs through training camp.”
“It was easiest to spot both in their new roles Thursday in the IPF, which has a single field compared to multiple outdoors; Jackson helped drill his former position group, and McCain shadowed the secondary. They aren’t the only new visiting coaches, either.”
Jackson is a close friend of Justin Jefferson, so it’s no surprise that he hasn’t strayed far from the Vikings’ orbit.
Kleifeld continued, “O’Connell shared in his opening remarks that along with the two Vikings Legends, the team is adding Isaiah Bishop, P.J. Burkhalter, DeShawn Haney and Johnathan Lloyd as Walsh Diversity Fellows.”
“In regard to Jackson and McCain, O’Connell noted it’s ‘a passion of mine,’ as well as the Wilf family, to help players find their calling once they’re done competing between the lines. He cited offensive assistant and former tight end Ben Ellefson as an example. Ellefson has gained responsibility over the past three seasons, since switching lanes in 2023.”
Jackson’s Time in Minnesota
Jackson’s annual July and August performances generated excitement among Vikings fans. He demonstrated the talent to remain on the roster, delivered strong production, and displayed explosiveness in preseason games that led many to speculate that the Vikings had unearthed a hidden gem.
His 2024 summer tape particularly amplified the narrative. Jackson made plays against the Raiders, Browns, and Eagles, concluding the preseason with nine receptions, 154 yards, and three touchdowns, notably scoring in all three contests — a feat that typically elevates a long-shot wide receiver into serious contention.
However, as the regular season approached, his opportunities largely evaporated.
While Minnesota elevated Jackson from the practice squad twice in 2024, a meaningful role never materialized. He participated in only 10 offensive snaps and two special teams snaps throughout the entire season. Coaches valued him enough to keep him in the organization, but not enough to entrust him with playing time in regular season games.
A similar scenario later unfolded with former Viking Lucky Jackson, who also displayed enough promise to remain a topic of fan discussion but is now a free agent.
From 2021 to 2024, Jackson remained on the fringe of the Vikings’ plans – always close enough to be a factor in August, but never quite able to secure a breakthrough once the regular season began. Now, he’ll try coaching on for size.
Here’s his full player resume:
- Los Angeles Rams (2020)
- Minnesota Vikings (2021–2024)
- Arizona Cardinals (2025)
McCain’s Career
McCain is different than Jackson; he had longevity in the NFL. Over 10 NFL seasons, McCain played in 134 games, starting 87. He accumulated 398 tackles, 45 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He spent most of his career with Miami and Washington, showcasing versatility by playing slot corner, free safety, and strong safety.
His most productive season was in 2021 with Washington, where he started 16 of 17 games, recording 63 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 passes defended.
McCain’s tenure with Minnesota was brief. In 2024, he played only three games for the Vikings, logging 40 defensive snaps and 4 tackles. While PFF assigned him an overall grade of 47.6 and a coverage grade of 46.1, the limited playing time didn’t allow him to blast off in purple.
In summary, McCain was an experienced and versatile defensive back with a history of starting in the NFL. For the Vikings, he served primarily as an emergency option rather than a key contributor. It makes all the sense in the world that he’d turn to coaching. He’s seen some things.
A Sweet Mentor in Keenan McCardell
If Jackson, for example, were to latch onto the Vikings’ staff as a coach, well, he has the blueprint front and center.
Minnesota’s current and longtime wide receiver coach, McCardell, played 16 seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver, then turned to coaching in 2010 and eventually landed in Minnesota, where he’s spent the last six seasons. McCardell has even flirted with offensive coordinator jobs around the league, which will likely accommodate him before too long.
If Jackson needs tips and tricks about coaching staying power, all he has to do is speak to McCardell for advice.
Jackson will turn 29 next March.
Former Gunner Folarin Balogun starred in the USA’s opening-game World Cup win over Paraguay on Friday night, keeping up his excellent form in 2026 so far.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Former Arsenal academy striker Folarin Balogun made a start in the USA’s first game of the 2026 World Cup on Friday night, with the tournament hosts playing against Paraguay.
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Paraguay got an early warning of the dangers Balogun posed when he had a goal disallowed for offside in the 28th minute, but it wasn’t a warning they heeded.
Three minutes later, Balogun pounced on a low deflected cross for fire home a first-time finish for 2-0, before curling home another finish later in the half for his second goal and 3-0. The USA ended up winning the match 4-1.
Arsenal sold Balogun to AS Monaco for around £35m in August 2023, with approximately £26m guaranteed and the rest in potential add-ons.
The striker had a somewhat underwhelming first campaign, only scoring eight goals in 2023/24, and an injury-hit season in 2024/25 halved that tally to just four goals.
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But after a stop-start beginning to 2025/26, Balogun finally began to find his stride in the second half of the campaign.
Since the start of 2026, Balogun has scored 12 goals and assisted three in 24 matches for Monaco, as well as now scoring three in five games for the USA. At one point, the striker went on an eight-game scoring streak in Ligue 1.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
It was generally a disappointing season for Monaco, who only scraped into the Europa Conference League qualifiers with their seventh-place finish, despite being in the Champions League race in April. They were ultimately lucky not to miss out on Europe entirely.
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The team will also be disappointed to have taken a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League tie against PSG, with Balogun scoring both goals, only to go on to lose both the game and the tie.
If Balogun continues to impress at the World Cup, perhaps there might be some interested buyers. Arsenal will be keeping an eye on things, due to their 17.5% sell-on clause in the player’s contract.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher were among the big names to arrive in Boston ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.
A host of celebrities and the Tartan Army have arrived in the Massachusetts capital with celebrations already beginning ahead of the team’s first match.
The team’s Group C opener against Haiti is on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.
Actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan were among other famous guests who were greeted by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.
Butler, star of the movie 300, wore a kilt and football shirt and gave a thumbs up as he arrived at the event held in aid of Street Soccer Scotland.
Also seen arriving at the gala were Gadd, also sporting a kilt, actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, ex-rugby player Gregor Townsend and broadcaster Gordon Smart.
Arriving in a tartan-covered car was Mike Mulraney, the president of the Scottish Football Association, and Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Premier League.
Bars in the city were flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire including the Scotland House at the Anchor Bar, where a water fountain was filled with foam as fans began their celebrations. A group of fans at the Scottish pub The Haven unveiled a massive flag with the slogan “The Party’s Back”.
One fan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing for it, it’s been six months of waiting.” Another said: “I’ve been saving up for months and months to be here.”
Charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson was met with cheers as he completed a 3,000-mile kilted charity walk across the United States in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The 22-year-old managed to complete the hike, which he started in February in Los Angeles, with a day to spare and was met by local pipers at Boston Common on Friday.
There he was also greeted by crowds of supporters, members of the Tartan Army and Scottish expats, some waving Scotland flags as they cheered and chanted “no Scotland, no party”.
Mr Ferguson afterwards said the reception was “everything (he) could have dreamed of”.
Shortly before finishing the walk Mr Ferguson, who is from Paisley, Renfrewshire, also learned the Scottish Government had made a £400,000 donation to his walk – and he has now reached his £1 million fundraising target.
Sports
Brazil vs. Morocco odds, picks, prediction, betting preview, start time for 2026 World Cup match on Saturday
Arguably the two best teams in Group C will meet in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup when Brazil take on Morocco. The South American powerhouses are trying to advance past the quarterfinal round for the first time since finishing fourth at the 2014 World Cup, while Morocco are looking to replicate their dream run from the last tournament, where they made the semifinal.
Those looking to bet on soccer, including Brazil vs. Morocco, can check out the latest FanDuel promo code for a great offer as well as predictions from SportsLine experts like Jon Eimer, who finished 2023 as SportsLine’s No. 1 soccer expert, posting a 248-234-12 (+25.93 units) record on SportsLine article picks. Anyone following his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
Brazil vs. Morocco betting odds
Brazil vs. Morocco betting preview
Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti is at the helm for the Selecao, who have slipped a bit at the World Cup despite remaining near the top of the global rankings. Brazil are dealing with some big injuries ahead of the competition, with Eder Militao and Rodrygo already being ruled out while Neymar battles a nagging calf strain. Morocco got a big boost on the injury front with winger Achraf Hakimi good to go. Morocco’s calling card at the 2022 World Cup was defense, as the side posted clean sheets in the Round of 16 and quarterfinal before conceding two goals to eventual runners-up France.
Brazil’s attacking prowess is well known, and the team has plenty of talent on the front line, headlined by Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta. They have two phenomenal center backs in Marquinhos and Gabriel, though Douglas Santos could also be slotted in there. Morocco’s back line of Hakimi, Issa Diop and Noussair Mazraoui will have to contend with one of the world’s best attacking groups. If they hold firm and force Brazil to bring numbers up, there could be some counter-attacking opportunities for the underdogs.
Brazil vs. Morocco picks, prediction
Morocco +1.5 (-270)
Eimer is taking Morocco +1, noting the team “made it to the semifinals in 2022 and still have their core team together. They looked fantastic against Norway in their friendly.” However, I think it’s worth taking a hit on the price to get the extra half-goal in the event Brazil does find a way to sneak one past Morocco’s defense after many failed attempts. If Morocco can put together a few counters and establish some level of control in the midfield, they’ll have a good chance to stave off most of Brazil’s best efforts.
Morocco double chance (+115)
Those who have more faith in Morocco and are looking for some juicier odds can go with the double chance, which will pay out if the African side win or draw. Brazil have looked sloppy at times in the lead-up to the World Cup and this is still a team that will be adjusting to Ancelotti’s tactics. Morocco have the benefit of experience and confidence, which often overcomes talent disparities early in a competition. There’s a chance Morocco’s defense can frustrate Brazil to the point where the Selecao ultimately settle for a draw. It’s hard to see a Morocco win, but a draw is a real possibility and it’s worth taking both results with the same pick.
Jun 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and grand slam during a nine-run first inning for the Houston Astros, who then hung on for a 10-8 victory over the host Kansas City Royals on Friday night.
Alvarez, an early AL MVP candidate, joins Lee May (1974) and Jeff Bagwell (1994) as Astros to homer twice in one inning. According to ESPN, Alvarez and David Ortiz, from 2008, are the only players since 1920 to hit two home runs and post six RBIs in a first inning.
Alvarez also singled.
Houston’s Brice Matthews clubbed a pinch-hit solo shot in the ninth after the Royals got within 9-8.
The Astros sent 12 men to the plate against the Royals’ Luinder Avila (1-3) in the first.
Jeremy Pena led off with a single and scored when Alvarez found the bullpen over the left-field fence. Christian Walker made it back-to-back homers with a shot to the same spot.
Avila got the next two batters, but Joey Loperfido walked, went to third on Cam Smith’s infield single, coupled with a throwing error by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Taylor Trammell lined an RBI single to center field. Avila then walked Christian Vazquez to load the bases, and followed with a wild pitch to score Houston’s fifth run.
Avila exited after walking Pena to re-load the bags on his 49th pitch. Kansas City’s Mason Black entered and promptly served up Alvarez’s grand slam over the center field wall. Avila, meanwhile, was charged with eight runs while facing 10 batters in two-thirds of an inning. The Royals, however, got five runs back in the bottom of the frame against Houston’s Tatsuya Imai, who was pulled after he threw 38 pitches and retired two of the seven batters he faced.
Three batters into the bottom of the first, Vinnie Pasquantino delivered an RBI single. Maikel Garcia reached on a run-scoring fielder’s choice and scored via Michael Massey’s double to right field, which chased Imai. With Houston’s Steven Okert on the mound, Kameron Misner’s single scored two.
Both bullpens were solid until the bottom of the eighth, when the Royals scored three runs — all charged to Enyel De Los Santos. Massey and Witt each recorded an RBI single and Carter Jensen drew a bases-loaded walk from Bryan King.
Nate Pearson (1-0) pitched two innings for the win. –Field Level Media
Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away.
The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona.
“(Real Madrid have) agreed to appoint Jose Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,” said the 15-time European champions in a statement.
“Jose Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day preseason begins.”
One of football’s most successful yet divisive managers, Mourinho arrives from Benfica, where the Lisbon club completed an unbeaten league campaign but finished third.
Benfica said Wednesday Real Madrid were paying €15 million ($17.25m) for the Portuguese coach.
Read moreManchester United appoint Mourinho as manager
Mourinho managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during an intense period of rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s golden era Barcelona side.
Real Madrid became the first club to reach 100 points in a La Liga season under Mourinho in the 2011-12 campaign, although Barcelona did the same in the subsequent season before Mourinho departed.
Mourinho divided the Real Madrid dressing room, with some players – including predecessor Arbeloa – fiercely loyal to him, while others were at loggerheads with the coach.
Known to rule with an iron fist, Mourinho is charged with bringing Real Madrid’s dressing room egos in check, after multiple conflicts and problems marked a troubled season.
Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was treated in hospital after a row with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni in May, among other flashpoints.
Coaches Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa also could not find a way to successfully deploy star players Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham together without destabilising the balance of the team.
In an appearance on Spanish television earlier in May, Madrid president Florentino Perez credited Mourinho with laying the groundwork for Real Madrid’s last six Champions League titles, achieved in the years after the Portuguese departed.
The chief said he would bring back Mourinho if he was reelected president earlier in June, which he was.
Back on top
Mourinho’s return to Madrid also signifies a jump back to the European elite after several years away from the game’s peak.
The coach burst into the limelight as he won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, before helping Chelsea claim back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
Read moreEuropa League: English teams clear inaugural league phase, Lazio tops standings
Mourinho labelled himself a “special one” as his team dominated the English top flight, before guiding Inter Milan to Champions League glory in 2010 as part of a unique treble for an Italian side.
Madrid chief Perez appointed him to try and stop Guardiola’s powerful Barca team, which he achieved to an extent, in a fractious spell which also disrupted the harmony in the Spanish national team.
Mourinho returned to Chelsea, winning the Premier League in 2015, before modest spells at Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma among other clubs.
He won the EFL Cup and Europa League with Manchester United in 2017 and since then has only lifted the Conference League trophy with Roma in 2022.
The coach was sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce in August 2025 after failing to guide them past Benfica in a Champions League qualification play-off, before he was appointed by the Portuguese side the following month.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
The United States could scarcely have scripted a better start to their World Cup as a Folarin Balogun brace and Gio Reyna curler fired the co-hosts to a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay in front of Hollywood royalty in Los Angeles on Friday.
The hosts took the lead in the tournament’s first game on US soil within seven minutes thanks to an own goal, and by the end of an utterly dominant half the home fans were in dreamland, their side up by three.
Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton were among a sold-out 70,492 crowd as the US – co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada – piled wave after wave of attacks on the South Americans, with Reyna polishing off the win late in stoppage time after Maurício had pulled one back.
The win and emphatic scoreline puts the US in a favourable position already to progress from Group D, which also contains Australia and Turkey.
The night’s only potential sour note was the half-time withdrawal of Christian Pulisic, the US attacking talisman who is carrying the hopes of the nation as they attempt a deep run into the World Cup knockouts for the first time since their quarter-final appearance in 2002.
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Paraguay could not have been more obliging guests from kick-off. In the seventh minute, Weston McKennie picked up the ball in the centre circle and drove upfield, finding Pulisic.
Pulisic darted between two defenders and returned the ball to McKennie, whose pass to striker Balogun was bundled into his own net by a hapless Damian Bobadilla.
The stadium erupted, and a US onslaught began.
The hosts oozed confidence. Both McKennie and Tillman played backheel through balls into the area, while captain Tim Ream sprayed out passes from the heart of defence.
Balogun had a goal ruled out in the 28th minute. He had strayed offside, as had Pulisic in the build-up.
But the Monaco striker had the ball in the net again three minutes later, thanks to a superb ball down the left flank by Antonee Robinson to Pulisic, whose cross to Balogun took a slight fortuitous deflection.
The US added a third on the cusp of half-time. Tillman found Balogun down the right, who evaded Omar Alderete’s challenge, skipped inside Gustavo Gomez and curled his shot perfectly into the top left corner.
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It could have been four or five, with Chris Richards – returning from injury – flashing a header barely an inch wide. The US had 75 per cent possession in the first half.
Now without Pulisic, the hosts sat back slightly in the second half.
Paraguay finally offered a threat. Their dangerous forward Julio Enciso, who started despite a hamstring injury, picked up the ball on the edge of the area and fed in Brazil-born substitute Maurício, who pulled one back.
Reyna scored a superb fourth with the outside of his right foot that curled just inside the far post.
The game had been preceded by a Tinseltown-style opening ceremony. Katy Perry delivered the headline performance, accompanied by singers Future, Tyla, Anitta and K-pop star Lisa.
Performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy beneath enormous “FIFA” letters in the gold favoured by US President Donald Trump – who did not attend, instead wishing the team luck via phone before kick-off.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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