Despite the inclusion of uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O’Neill making headlines, O’Neill added that he is “not putting any expectation” on either player.
Graham has been included after scoring 22 goals in 31 appearances for Everton’s under-21 side, while O’Neill impressed in Arsenal’s academy.
However, neither have made a senior appearance at their clubs despite featuring on the bench.
“We’re not putting any expectation on these lads that are here,” O’Neill continued.
Advertisement
“They’ve been in our underage system. They’re still yet to play first team football with their respective clubs, but they’re obviously both at big clubs.
“The next phase for them, the next two or three years is very important. That 18 to 21 period in their career will determine a lot of whether they come through at their respective clubs or whether they go through the loan period.
“A lot of variables in there, but we’re here to let them know that they’re very much in our plans.”
NI face Guinea in Spain on 4 June before travelling to take on France four days later in their final match before the World Cup.
Advertisement
Guinea are ranked 10 places below Northern Ireland in the Fifa rankings with the sides set to meet for the first time in their history.
O’Neill added that they have “done the same level of work that we would try to do in a competitive game” despite footage being hard to access.
“The footage is not as readily accessible, but we know that they’re a team that most of their players are obviously connected to European clubs and they play at different levels throughout Europe,” he added.
“We know that a lot of their players will have come through the French system as well.
Advertisement
“So, we know it will be a tough game against an athletic team [with] a relatively new coach as well, a Portuguese coach, so we know that it will be a tough test.”
A popular AEW star’s recent contract situation led fans to believe CM Punk might be rejoining the promotion, and a mix of excitement and other reactions surfaced online.
The aforementioned star, who is a former TNT Champion, is Jack Perry. The Jungle Boy has been a part of All Elite Wrestling since its inception and has been a regular fixture. Moreover, he has achieved significant accolades, such as becoming the TNT, National, and World Tag Team Champion, and has been part of memorable moments in AEW.
However, recent reports stated that Jack Perry’s contract is set to expire, and he is currently negotiating a deal with the Jacksonville-based promotion. On the other hand, a rumor mill ran regarding CM Punk’s return to All Elite Wrestling amid an extended absence from WWE since the RAW after WrestleMania 42. Interestingly, both men have a heated history, getting into a real-life backstage fight at All In 2023, which led to Punk’s firing from the company and eventual return to WWE.
Advertisement
Upon Perry’s rumored contract situation becoming public, fans exploded with reactions on social media. One fan openly said that AEW was trading him with The Best in the World.
“We’re trading him for cm punk.”
@WrestlePurists @WONF4W We’re trading him for cm punk😭❤️
A major section of the fans either took shots at their heated past or speculated regarding a potential match between them down the line.
Advertisement
@WrestlePurists @WONF4W Could he actually work with Punk ever again?
@WrestlePurists @WONF4W CM Punk vs Jack Perry Summerslam
@WrestlePurists @WONF4W CRY ME A RIVER JACK AND TAKE YOUR PAY CUT 🤣🤣
On the other hand, some fans acknowledged his place and contributions in AEW and believed he would remain with the company.
Advertisement
@TheDrainmaker He’s not going anywhere He’s an integral part of the product & both his performance as well as his booking post his return from injury have been great imo
@TheDrainmaker New contract might mean a push up the card for JP I’m interested to see what happens
CM Punk’s take on AEW President Tony Khan
In an interview on The MMA Hour in 2024, CM Punk gave his take on AEW President and CEO Tony Khan. The Second Saint City said that while Khan was a good person, but lacked leadership skills.
“I don’t like the drama, but the truth is the truth. He’s not a boss, he’s a nice guy, and I think ultimately that is a detriment to the company but it’s not my company. I’m an outsider. I thought I was brought in to sell merchandise and tickets and draw numbers for pay-per-views and stuff, and I clearly did that, but that’s not what the place was about, and some people didn’t like that,” he said.
As the rumors continue to swirl, it remains to be seen where Punk and his former arch-rival, Jack Perry, will eventually end up.
Advertisement
Why did you not like this content?
Advertisement
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith lines up in the secondary during an NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. The longtime defensive leader took the field on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, bringing veteran experience and stability as Minnesota opened its postseason run against an NFC contender. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Will he or won’t he? That’s the question regarding longtime Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith that fans have asked since January: whether the veteran defender will return for Year No. 15. And according to Ben Leber, a former Vikings linebacker, Smith could slow-roll the decision and possibly return after the bye week in October.
It’s the latest in Smith’s return-or-retire saga that remains one of Minnesota’s top summer storylines.
Vikings’ Safety Room Has Enough Flexibility to Wait
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith prepares on the sideline before a home matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The veteran defender went through warm-ups on Sep. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis as teammates stretched nearby and fans settled into their seats ahead of another regular-season test for Brian Flores’ defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Leber on Smith
Leber is quite connected to the Vikings, working as a media member for the club and crossing over into KFAN’s layer of Vikings coverage.
Advertisement
He said on his YouTube channel this week about Smith, “I could see him coming back and saying, ‘Okay, I’ll use the bye week to sort of make sure that I’m in football shape. Maybe be on a snap count for the first game or two after that.’”
“And then after that, he’s playing full-time. But I get the sense that he’s not done. He’ll play for part of the season, but I think that’s a major factor because we saw what happens when he’s not in the lineup.”
If Leber is correct, it would be a first-of-its-kind arrangement for Smith, who has never waited this long to announce his decision.
Advertisement
The Safety Situation
Depending on rookie Jakobe Thomas’s game-readiness — he’s a 3rd-Round rookie from Miami and fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade to the Philadelphia Eagles in April — the safety room is well-stocked, though Smith would obviously provide a familiar veteran boost.
These are the safeties six weeks before training camp without Smith:
Josh Metellus
Jay Ward
Theo Jackson
Jakobe Thomas
Tavierre Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
Metellus played through a torn labrum last year, leading some fans to question his effectiveness. Fully healed, Metellus should be in line for a bounceback year. Ward finished the 2025 campaign strong, even swiping Jackson’s starting job in December.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith participates in pregame drills before a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The longtime defensive leader warmed up on Sep. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis as fans filled the venue and Minnesota prepared for an early-season showdown against one of the NFC’s top contenders. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Thomases will make the active roster, and Jakobe could be an x-factor if Smith remains retired.
Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “While some Vikings fans may want Smith to stay off the roster to focus on younger players like Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas, it feels like there would be a bit of a gaping hole in the Vikings’ secondary without Harrison Smith. Sure, names like Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus have proven they can provide solid play when called upon. The issue is that Metellus is more of a liability if he plays deep safety.”
Advertisement
“If Harrison Smith, who can do everything, doesn’t come back, then we will have to hope that Jay Ward or Jakobe Thomas are ready to step into those shoes. We can take comfort in the fact that Brian Flores is the defensive coordinator. He will surely maximize all of the talent in the room, but he would also love to have Harrison Smith back.”
A Diplomatic Approach to Year No. 15
Minnesota’s bye week occurs after the October 11th game in New Orleans, when the Vikings will either have a 5-0, 4-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-4, or 0-5 record.
If Smith follows the Leber theory, he can basically gauge whether a return to the only NFL employer he’s ever known is worth it. That is — if the Vikings have a 1-4 or 0-5 record, clearly trending in the wrong direction, would it be worth it to come back for one final ride?
Advertisement
On the other hand, if Minnesota hangs tough and posts a winning record in September and October, Smith may not want to miss out on the fun. Leber’s idea enables Smith to “wait and see.”
The Quote from January 2024
Near the end of the 2023 campaign — the “Joshua Dobbs season,” when the Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to an Achilles tear — Smith told reporters, “Whenever I retire, I’m not going to tell you. You’ll figure it out. … I’ll say this, it’s hard to have the ability to play and not have the desire to play. I’m not trying to be ominous or anything. Right now, my shoulder hurts.”
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith lines up on defense during a road contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The veteran playmaker took the field on Sep. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia as Minnesota battled the defending NFC champions in a nationally televised matchup early in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Some have wondered recently if that quote is playing out in real time. Smith boldly told the world that when he retires, the event will transpire without fanfare. Perhaps that’s ongoing, and folks have misinterpreted his current status.
Of course, Leber’s theory this week disagrees. Still, at some point, Smith will fulfill his own prophecy. For 2026’s sake, it’s a matter of now or the 2027 offseason.
Advertisement
Smith turned 37 in February.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Monday begins a week of celebration for those in the Tri-State area in the U.S. For New York Knicks fans, it’s reveling in the team snapping a 53-year title drought with a Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. For those who are Knicks fans and pro wrestling fans, it’s praise for Danhausen, whose “uncursing” of the franchise may have led to that very championship.
Danhausen was everywhere during the week. He was on “SportsCenter” and crashing Pat McAfee’s simulcast of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. His face was printed on T-shirts in the WWE Shop. And now, his face could be on a float or a blimp in middle of the Canyon of Heroes when the Knicks celebrate their championship later this week.
Danhausen talks to the media before Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., on June 8, 2026.(Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE)
Whether you believe it or not, Danhausen’s seance for the Knicks and taking Matt Cardona’s watch as part of the sacrifice to keep the Knicks “uncursed” on “Friday Night SmackDown” proved to work. Jalen Brunson, a mega WWE fan in his own right, scored 45 points in the clincher on his way to becoming the NBA Finals MVP.
The Danhausen praise was palpable on social media.
Remember, he tried to “uncurse” the New York Mets too. However, he explained to Fox News Digital in April that it was more of a “layaway situation.”
The jubilation that Knicks fans experienced, Mets fans, New York Jets fans and maybe even Brooklyn Nets fans might have to pony up some “human monies” to lift the sports curse that is cast on other franchises in the New York metropolitan area.
Advertisement
Danhausen enters the ring during a WWE live event at MEO Arena in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 3, 2026.(Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
For now, Danhausen might be the most over pro wrestler on the WWE roster or any roster across the world. Respect the curse and let’s hope it doesn’t come for you.
Thekla’s war on Stardom
Thekla with the championship at the AEW Double or Nothing event in Queens, N.Y., on May 25, 2026.(Lee South/AEW)
AEW women’s world champion Thekla has set her eyes on Stardom and re-opened the wound that formed following her departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Thekla has admitted that she did get fired from New Japan for attacking director Taro Okada, who is also the president of Stardom. She attacked him again during Slam Fest when Stardom held its showcase in Las Vegas in April. Last week on “Dynamite,” she spit on the Stardom logo ahead of Forbidden Door and called on Stardom to send its best.
Ask and you shall receive, Thekla.
Advertisement
In what’s set to be a wild Forbidden Door pay-per-view, Thekla will put the AEW Women’s World Championship against Starlight Kid – the leader of the Neo Genesis stable and former wonder of Stardom champion.
It might be Thekla’s biggest opponent of her title reign and if she’s not careful, she could easily lose that belt. The Triangle of Madness, which includes Julia Hart and Skye Blue, will have to be on their toes as AZM, Mei Seira, Miyu Amasaki and Ema Maishima could also be lurking in the background to support Starlight Kid.
Slammiversary card builds out
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)’s Slammiversary is inching closer. The event is one of the biggest pay-per-views on the promotion’s calendar and, after last week’s “Impact,” the card got a bit clearer.
Each championship will be defended at the event. Fans in Denver nearly got to see Nic Nemeth call his shot and take an opportunity to defeat Mike Santana for his TNA World Championship, following his match with Eric Young. Instead, Nemeth took his cheap shot at the end of the night but already agreed to the match for Slammiversary.
Advertisement
Pro wrestling fans are still waiting for bated breath to see who will be in the Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship. But here’s what we’ll get so far.
Heather by Elegance and M by Elegance (c) vs. Rosemary and Allie for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship.
Eric Young vs. Ricky Sosa
Eddie Edwards vs. Moose
Lei Ying Lee (c) vs. Xia Brookside for the TNA Knockouts World Championship.
Brian Myers vs. Bear Bronson (c) vs. Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. Vincent and Dutch for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.
Mike Santana (c) vs. Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Championship.
Slammiversary will take place on June 28 at the Agganis Arena in Boston.
TNA dropped a teaser vignette last week and pro wrestling fans have speculated that it could be the return of Amazing Red.
Amazing Red was a TNA original when the company was founded as a territory under the National Wrestling Alliance. He’s a three-time X Division champion and was a tag team champion with Jerry Lynn. He’s performed in several other promotions since then, while also founding House of Glory.
Advertisement
Amazing Red back in TNA and being include in one of the most innovative matches of this generation would certainly draw eyeballs and add to the intrigue of the match, which already includes X Division champion Cedric Alexander and Leon Slater.
Zaria wins singles gold in NXT
Zaria celebrates her win during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on June 9, 2026.(Connor Kvatek/WWE)
A new era began at NXT. Zaria defeated Tatum Paxley to become the new NXT women’s North American champion.
It was a long time coming for Zaria who ended her feud with Sol Ruca just a few weeks prior. Zaria has proved to be a dominant force at NXT and there’s no one, right now, who can step to her.
Paxley’s reign ends after 94 days. She is on the poster for NXT Great American Bash, which is set to take place on June 28.
Advertisement
Who will stand up to Zaria now? Will Paxley get her rematch? Fans will have to tune in on Tuesday to find out.
Miz speaks with Danhausen during SmackDown at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 1, 2026.(Meg Oliphant/WWE)
The Miz reappeared on “SmackDown” after he was electrocuted by Danhausen’s mystery device. He was only speaking in catchphrases. Kit Wilson tried to make Danhausen fix The Miz, but he got electrocuted as well.
WWE women’s U.S. champion Tiffany Stratton appeared on a livestream with Blake Monroe. “The Glamour” smashed Stratton’s head into a cake. It may soon be time for Monroe to have a match and her sights appear to be set on Stratton.
A massive match was set for AEW Forbidden Door. Kenny Omega accepted Zack Sabre Jr.’s challenge and the two global phenoms will do batter in San Jose, California, on June 28.
Killer Kross defended the Major League Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship against Matt Riddle.
Matt Justice went to crazy lengths to try to beat Josh Bishop in a street fight. But Justice’s wild spot from the balcony went awry and Bishop came out the winner.
Lio Rush won the Ring of Honor TV Championship in a three-way match against AR Fox and Action Andretti.
Deonna Purrazzo retain the Ring of Honor Pure Women’s Championship with a victory over Olympia.
Athena retained the Ring of Honor Women’s Championship with a win over Syuri.
Mark Davis retained the AEW National Championship over Ace Austin.
Konosuke Takeshita retained the AEW International Championship with a win over Lee Johnson.
Gabe Kidd made his return to the ring after an injury. He returned at New Japan’s Dominion and declared himself for the G1 Climax.
Gabe Kidd enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan, on Feb. 11, 2026.(Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Shota Umino defeated Andrade and Drilla Moloney to become the new IWGP global heavyweight champion.
Yota Tsuji defeated Callum Newman to become the new IWGP heavyweight champion.
Great-O-Khan and Henare defeated Yuto-Ice and Oskar (The Knockout Brothers) to win the IGWP tag team champions.
Aaron Wolf defeated Ren Narita to win the IWGP Never Openweight Championship.
Yoh defeated Douki to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
MyAEW has been adding new promotions to its streaming service and C4 Wrestling became the latest company to get added to the mix.
The National Wrestling Alliance crowned new women’s tag team champions on “Powerrr.” Kenzie Paige and Kylie Paige (Pretty Empowered) def. Marti Belle and Allysin Kay (The Hex) and Clara Carter and Hollyhood Haley J.
Marcus Rashford will hope to star for England at this summer’s World Cup but faces an uncertain future at Manchester United
10:16, 15 Jun 2026Updated 10:17, 15 Jun 2026
Advertisement
Marcus Rashford faces the prospect of being disappointed as reports emerge claiming that he is set to be denied a spot in England’s starting line-up for their World Cup opener. The Manchester United star is currently with the Three Lions squad for the tournament in North America.
Rashford spent the season on loan at Barcelona from United last term, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions, with such form earning the 28-year-old a spot on the plane that has travelled to North America.
England have made the trip to their base in Kansas City after a training camp in Miami over the last two weeks.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will face Croatia in their Group L opener on Wednesday night in Dallas, and it seems that Rashford may not get a place in the starting line-up.
According to the Daily Mail, Tuchel is expected to start new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon on the left wing in England’s match against Croatia.
It remains to be seen if Rashford will get a spot in the team in a different position, but given that the United forward and Gordon operate on the left side of a forward line, it seems likely that he is set for a place on the bench.
Even if Rashford was to be named on the bench for the clash against Croatia, the United forward will hope to play an important role later in the game if needed.
Advertisement
Rashford featured in both of England’s pre-World Cup friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica, but was named on the bench for the second match, where Gordon was given the nod.
Rashford’s future at United has been uncertain ever since Barcelona decided to sign Gordon from Newcastle in a deal worth £69million.
As a result, there have been rumours that the Spanish giants will no longer pay the £26million clause to sign Rashford on a permanent deal from United.
Advertisement
Reports emerged on Sunday that Rashford has already explored the possibility of returning to United’s first-team squad next season, and is said to have been in regular contact with manager Michael Carrick.
After facing Croatia on Wednesday, England will also take on Ghana and Panama in their remaining World Cup group stage matches, where Rashford will hope to play a key role for his country.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
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.
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) after finishing top of the Super Six tournament in Port Harcourt.
The final round took place on Sunday in Port Harcourt, where Edo Queens played a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens to secure the title. The result took them to 10 points from five matches.
Edo Queens recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat. They finished level on points with Bayelsa Queens, but won the league on goal difference.
Advertisement
It was a repeat of history, as Edo Queens also won their first league title in 2024 after another draw against Bayelsa Queens on the final day.
Bayelsa Queens finished second with 10 points, while Nasarawa Amazons came third with eight points after drawing with Rivers Angels, who ended fourth.
Abia Angels finished fifth with four points, while FC Robo Queens ended the competition in sixth place with three points after a 1-1 draw.
Advertisement
Edo Queens coach Moses Aduku praised his players for their strong response after losing their first match of the tournament.
“We lost the first game, but the players showed character and fought back strongly. I am proud of them,” he said.
He also thanked the Edo State Sports Commission and supporters for their backing throughout the season.
The Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, said the victory was not only about winning a trophy but also about developing young talents for the future.
The coach is the same. The system is the same. The core is the same.
That is nothing against Rod Brind’Amour, considered one of the best behind the bench in the NHL, or Jordan Staal, Jaccob Slavin, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, who have been the centrepiece of the Carolina Hurricanes making the playoffs year after year.
But the difference this year came from all the new talent general manager Eric Tulsky added over the past 17 months to get over the hump. It added up to the franchise winning the Stanley Cup for the second time and first since 2006.
Tulsky took a big swing by acquiring elite winger Mikko Rantanen from Colorado in January 2025 and also got veteran Taylor Hall from Chicago as part of the three-team blockbuster. When Rantanen didn’t want to be part of Carolina’s long-term future, Tulsky traded him to Dallas and received centre Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks, one of which became part of getting defenceman K’Andre Miller on July 1.
Advertisement
Two days later, the Hurricanes won the bidding competition to sign top free agent Nikolaj Ehlers, the speedy winger who gave them just what they needed after seven consecutive postseason appearances without a trip to the final. Falling one goal short so many times in key situations, Ehlers, Stankoven, Hall and Miller put an end to the rite of spring of wondering where that would come from.
All of them fit in with Brind’Amour, who requires his players to commit to a demanding brand of hockey that isn’t for everyone.
“We’ve really focused on finding people who fit the way we want to play,” Tulsky said. “We ask players to play a very distinctive style, and our scouts have done a great job finding players who can come in and look their best playing the way Rod needs them to play.”
The Hurricanes’ run started with a miss
Advertisement
Trading for Rantanen was a huge risk. It involved sending talented forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Avalanche in a gamble that the big Finnish winger was the missing piece.
Rantanen had six points in 13 games with Carolina, and it became clear it was not a good fit. Discussions with Toronto involving Mitch Marner did not lead to him waiving his no-trade clause, and he instead wound up in Las Vegas and was key to the Golden Knights’ run to the final.
Rather than letting the situation play out with the likelihood he would depart in free agency, Tulsky flipped Rantanen to Dallas for Stankoven and a pair of first-round picks. One went to the New York Rangers for Miller, whose presence shored up depth on the blue line.
“We never want to get worried about the what ifs,” Tulsky said. “That being said, sometimes it doesn’t go the way you hoped, and you’ve got to be ready to figure out how you’re going to move forward from there.”
Advertisement
Stankoven led the team with 11 goals during this dominant run of 16 victories in 19 games.
Hurricanes make all the right moves after
It was the same old story every time. The Hurricanes weren’t just a great regular-season team that failed in the playoffs. They won at least one series in six of Brind’Amour’s first seven years as coach, including three trips to the East final.
Tulsky, a former scientist who got into the sport by blogging about it as a fan and was promoted to succeed Don Waddell two years ago, didn’t blow it up. But he didn’t stand pat, either.
Advertisement
The changes — including claiming goaltender Brandon Bussi off waivers from back-to-back champion Florida just before opening night in October — worked out swimmingly. Playing in the NHL for the first time at 27, Bussi won 31 of 39 starts during the season, then stepped in during the final in place of Frederik Andersen and backstopped them the rest of the way, including a shutout in the Game 6 clincher Sunday night.
“We have the confidence in Bus,” Brind’Amour said. “He makes a ton of big saves. Even when there’s breakdowns, we trust him back there, gives us tons of confidence to play our game and just be aggressive all night.”
Aggressive is the Golden Knights’ way, going after every big-name free agent or trade candidate, and it led to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and three runs to the final in their first nine years of existence. But Carolina has also become that team.
“Fundamentally, we want to be aggressive,” Tulsky said. “Rod has the team playing very aggressive on the ice. We want to be aggressive off the ice, too. And when you have a chance to add a really high-end player, we never want to miss out on it.”
Advertisement
Carolina did not miss on Ehlers, who turned out to be key and scored the empty-netter that sealed the title. Getting him, Stankoven, Hall, Miller and others also made longtime holdovers like Staal and grinding forward Jordan Martinook believe they could get the job done.
“When your team is trying to get better all the time, it’s something that you can get behind,” Martinook said. “Obviously, we took a run of Mikko, it didn’t work out, but look what we got from it. Stanks and Key, those are two of the pieces that we got from it. Hallsy was part of that, too. Those are three incredibly important pieces to our team. It just shows that they’re ready to take chances all the time.”
Ivory Coast edged Ecuador (1-0) in their opening World Cup match, thanks to a goal from Amad Diallo. This is Ivory Coast’s first World Cup victory since 2014.
Also in this sports roundup:
Germany got off to a flying start against Curaçao (7-1). The Netherlands and Japan played out a spectacular draw (2-2). In Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory in two years. In rugby, Stade Français qualified for the Top 14 semi-finals. Paris Basket won Game 1 of the Betclic Elite finals. Paul Seixas withdrew from the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, which was won by Isaac del Toro.
Hamzah Sheeraz won the WBO super-middleweight world title last month, and with the unbeaten star willing to have a quick turnaround, a fellow 168lber has declared that he would be ready for a short-notice opportunity to challenge the Brit.
Earlier this week, BoxingScene reported that two world titles could be up for grabs on the undercard, with both Josh Kelly and Sheeraz set for their first defences of super-welterweight and super-middleweight world honours respectively.
Advertisement
While Kelly is reportedly poised to face Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko, Sheeraz’s opponent is unknown, with a top 15 WBO ranking being the only stipulation.
In an interview with Boxing News, 39-year-old Milorad Zizic, who is rated as the WBO #9, shared his willingness to challenge for Sheeraz’s crown, in a fight where he could join Dejan Zlatičanin as the second Montenegrin world champion in boxing history.
“It would mean a lot to me. I live for that goal. It would be a great honour for me, my family, Montenegro, and the entire Balkan region. To become only the second world champion in Montenegro’s history would be something truly special.
“It would mean everything to me. I live for boxing. I truly believe that this fight could become the upset of the decade.”
“Hamzah Sheeraz is a true champion. He’s in his prime, and I have a lot of respect for him. But believe me, he has never faced — and will never face — a puncher as devastating as I am. I respect him as a fighter, but not to the point where I think I can’t beat him. I believe in my abilities, and I’m confident I can make my dream a reality.
“It will be a war from the first bell, I know how it can be. If we fight and he survives five rounds, he will be the winner, but five rounds against me is a long time.
“If Hamzah and his team want this fight, I’m ready. If not, that’s okay too. I’ll keep moving forward, keep working, and stay focused on my journey. My time will come.”
Whilst his lead trainer is Joco Todorovic, Zizic was previously cornered by fan-favourite four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr, who continues to coach him.
Speaking with Boxing News, Jones explained why he believes Zizic would be an interesting test for Sheeraz, agreeing with Zizic’s plan to force a shoot-out.
Advertisement
“Zizic is a very strong puncher, just like Sheeraz is, they are both very strong punchers. Zizic had been off for a minute, but he came back and got four quick wins, he is back active and I think that would be a great fight for Sheeraz.
“Like I said, they are both really good punchers and Sheeraz won’t meet many people that can match his punching power, but Zizic does have punching power like that.”
“He has got to go right to him. He can’t try to box him, he will go right to him. That would probably be the smartest approach because if you box him, with as long as he [Sheeraz] is, he is going to beat you.
“So your best chance is try to and get to him as quick as you can and see if he can take your punches. If you wait, he is going to get you out of there.”
News on Sheeraz’s opponent – should he feature on the card – is expected imminently, with other WBO-rated contenders, Bernardin Jakaj (#12) and Jack Bowen (#14) also available as potential opponents.
The Fifa World Cup 2026 found itself at the centre of yet another controversy, this time involving one of its match officials.
Referee Shaun Evans has come under scrutiny after anti-discrimination campaigners accused him of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacist groups during Germany’s World Cup match against Curacao in Houston on Sunday.
Advertisement
The incident occurred when the television broadcast cut to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room during the match. Critics alleged that Evans appeared to make an upside-down ‘OK’ hand sign, a symbol that has been linked to far-right and white nationalist movements in recent years.
The allegations have sparked calls for Fifa to remove the official from the tournament’s officiating panel.
Advertisement
A split-second image ignites a storm
What might otherwise have been an unremarkable television shot quickly became one of the most discussed moments in the first week of tournament.
Advertisement
Screenshots and video clips of the VAR room circulated on social media, with observers pointing to what they claimed was an upside-down ‘OK’ sign made by Evans while the cameras were focused on match officials.
The guy in the Germany vs. Curaçao VAR room made a hand gesture that is associated with a white supremacist symbol.
How bizarre. pic.twitter.com/zbaPTxPuXq
The symbol has generated controversy internationally over the past decade.
According to reports, the same gesture was displayed by Brenton Tarrant during a court appearance in 2019 following the mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 50 people were killed.
Advertisement
The BBC has also included the upside-down ‘OK’ sign among recognised hate symbols in its reporting on extremist movements.
Anti-discrimination group demands action
Advertisement
The strongest response came from Fare Network, an organisation that campaigns against discrimination in football.
In a sharply worded statement, the group urged Fifa to take immediate action against the official.
Advertisement
“Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘White power’ symbol in global far-right circles.
“Why is a VAR supervisor is using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him? It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol,” it added.
Advertisement
Fare Network argued that football’s global audience should not be exposed to any display that could be interpreted as promoting extremist ideologies.
“We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience. A global television audience should not be subjected to extremist far right individuals using neo-Nazi symbols as they prepare to watch a match. Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup.”
Advertisement
Fifa silent as questions mount
Fifa had not issued any public response to the allegations at the time of writing.
Advertisement
The governing body has spent years promoting anti-discrimination campaigns and has repeatedly stated that racism, extremism and hate speech have no place in football.
The absence of an immediate response has only intensified scrutiny around the incident, particularly given the heightened sensitivity surrounding issues of racism and discrimination at major sporting events.
Advertisement
Whether Fifa chooses to investigate the matter, seek clarification from Evans or take disciplinary action remains unclear.
Another off-field distraction for Fifa
Advertisement
The controversy is the latest off-field issue to overshadow a tournament that has already faced criticism over visa disputes, immigration concerns and ticketing complaints in the build-up to kick-off.
The UFC just placed an $825,000 cherry on top of Justin Gaethje’s crowning achievement. Gaethje’s shocking upset win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 netted him the undisputed lightweight title and two post-fight bonuses.
UFC CEO Dana White previously announced the biggest post-fight bonuses in the promotion’s history to be paid out at UFC Freedom 250. The two Performance of the Night recipients received $425,000, plus $400,000 to each participant in the Fight of the Night.
White announced the big winners at Sunday’s post-fight press conference. Gaethje and Gane, the latter of whom knocked out Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title, netted the two Performance of the Night bonuses. The main event was awarded the Fight of the Night, meaning Gaethje double-dipped while Topuria collected the remaining $400,000.
This marks the third time Gaethje has won Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night in the same fight. He did it in his UFC debut against Michael Johnson, and again when he beat Tony Ferguson for the interim title. He now averages more than 1 bonus per fight inside the Octagon.
Advertisement
The one-time bonus increase is up at least 400% from the promotion’s usual bonus payouts.
The UFC permanently increased its post-fight bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000 at the start of the Paramount+ era. The organization also introduced a new $25,000 incentive for any fighter who scores a stoppage, excluding Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night awardees. White confirmed that the five other fighters who scored knockout wins on Sunday would earn the $25,000 bonuses.
The increased bonuses for UFC Freedom 250 came from contributions from World Liberty Financial and Crypto.com.
UFC 300 held the previous record for largest post-fight bonuses. For one night, the UFC awarded $300,000 performance bonuses to celebrate the milestone card.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login