Three months after leading India to the T20 World Cup title, Suryakumar Yadav has not only lost the captaincy but also his place in India’s T20I setup, with the selectors deciding that the 35-year-old no longer fits into the team’s plans for the next cycle.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that the decision was driven by a combination of form and the need to look ahead to the next World Cup. “With regards to Surya, obviously it’s a tough one having just won the World Cup. But as it happens after most World Cups, we try and reassess what your best way forward is,” Agarkar said after announcing India’s T20I squads for the Ireland and England series. “It was partly his own form but also looking at the next two-year cycle, or a little bit more than two years now till the next World Cup, we thought this was the best way forward,” he added, admitting that replacing a captain who had just delivered a World Cup was “not the easiest sort of discussion to have.”For a player who, at his peak, looked untouchable and redefined T20 batting, the fall has been swift. But was the decision purely about age and succession planning? Or had Suryakumar’s numbers already stopped justifying his status as India’s automatic No. 4?
A deep dive into his performances reveals that while the decline is not as straightforward as it may appear, the selectors’ decision was rooted in a trend that had been building for nearly two years. At first glance, it feels counterintuitive. India has just won the World Cup. Suryakumar remains one of the most accomplished T20 batters of his generation. His captaincy record is excellent. Yet when selectors sit down to build towards the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, sentiment rarely enters the equation. They look at age. They look at fitness. They look at the trajectory.And increasingly, those indicators pointed away from Suryakumar Yadav.The Peak That Made Him UntouchableBefore discussing why India is moving on, it is worth remembering just how extraordinary Suryakumar’s peak was.Between 2022 and early 2023, there was arguably no more destructive batter in T20 cricket.In 2022 alone, he scored 1,158 T20I runs at an average of 48.2 and a strike rate of 187. He followed it with 733 runs in 2023 at an average of 48.9. Across those two seasons, he averaged 48.5 while striking at 173.6.This was the version of SKY that became India’s most important T20 batter. This was the version that became the captain. The problem for India is that this version of SKY has not existed consistently since 2023.
The Decline Is Not ImaginedOne poor series can be ignored, and so can a poor tournament. But it was tough to overlook a worrying trend. The numbers show a decline beginning midway through 2024, then deepening throughout 2025. The comparison between peak SKY and current SKY is stark.The decline is visible everywhere. His average has almost halved, his strike rate has fallen sharply, and so has his six-hitting frequency. Most importantly, he was no longer converting starts into match-shaping innings.The collapse reached its lowest point in 2025. Across 20 T20I innings, Suryakumar managed only 221 runs at an average of 13.8 and failed to register a single fifty. For a batter occupying India’s premium middle-order position, those are impossible numbers to ignore.The Captaincy Can No Longer Protect HimOrdinarily, winning solves everything. And India certainly won under Suryakumar: The Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.A win percentage approaching 77%. But international cricket does not work on leadership alone.
Captains must justify their place as players first. As captain, SKY scored 1232 runs in 52 matches, and since taking full charge in July 2024, he has managed 932 runs in 45 matches while enduring repeated lean spells with the bat.India’s captain was winning, but India’s captain was not performing like India’s best batter.In fact, even though his numbers for India in the middle-order show that he has the most runs by volume by virtue of playing more matches, his impact per innings for the winning case was falling behind. Contrastingly, he was right at the centre of India’s wins during his peak.
Batting Averages of middle-order batters in India’s wins
And for the position that Suryakumar Yadav made his own – the No.4, Successors have already arrived. With Shreyas Iyer coming into the setup as captain, he will be India’s new No.4, but even before that, SKY was losing to his teammates already. Tilak Varma’s numbers, batting at No.4, since January 2024 are impossible to ignore. He averages 50.5 in T20Is compared to Suryakumar’s 26.6. In victories, the gap widens even further. Tilak averages nearly twice as much.
Shivam Dube has also outperformed him post-2024. So the selectors are not moving on from a player who remains clearly India’s best option. They are moving on from a player whose competitors have begun outperforming him.The Contradiction
Suryakumar Yadav’s IPL numbers though give a glimmer of hope. It not a case of SKY losing his touch completely. His 2025 IPL season was arguably the best of his career: 717 runs at an average of 65.2 and since 2024, only Shreyas Iyer has scored more IPL runs among India’s middle-order batters.In 2025, he produced his worst T20I season and his best IPL season simultaneously. Then in 2026 he delivered a strong T20 World Cup campaign while enduring his worst IPL season in nearly a decade.Why Shreyas Iyer Makes SenseThe captaincy switch ultimately says more about India’s future than it does about Suryakumar’s past. Shreyas Iyer is younger. He has built a strong leadership resume. He has demonstrated success across multiple franchises. Most importantly, he can realistically lead India through the entirety of the next cycle. Right now, Suryakumar no longer offers that certainty.
The Wrist Nobody Wants To Talk AboutThen there is the fitness issue. Throughout the T20 World Cup campaign, Suryakumar repeatedly required treatment on his right wrist. The taping became routine. The padding became routine. The medical attention became routine. India’s support staff publicly downplayed concerns, but the images told their own story.At 35, injuries carry different significance than they do at 25. The wrist issue alone may not justify moving on. Combined with declining output, however, it becomes another variable selectors must factor into long-term planning.Peak SKY remains one of the greatest T20 batters the format has seen and the IPL numbers suggest that the skill has not disappeared. But international cricket is ultimately about what comes next.The selectors see a 35-year-old carrying a recurring wrist issue. They see an average of 26.6 since January 2024. They see younger batters outperforming him in the same role. They see a captain who may not even be part of the next World Cup cycle.And they see an opportunity to reset now rather than later.
The French Open women’s final is guaranteed to make history, with Poland’s Maja Chwalinska aiming to become the first qualifier to win the title and Russia’s Mirra Andreeva seeking to become the youngest champion since 1992. The match takes place on Saturday at Roland Garros. FRANCE 24’s Jamaes Vasina reports.
The four remaining Berks teams in the PIAA playoffs advanced Saturday to the semifinals in their respective tournaments.
In boys volleyball, District 3 runnerup Brandywine Heights advanced to Tuesday’s semifinals with a straight set quarterfinal win over District 7 runnerup South Fayette 25-21, 25-13, 28-26.
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The Bullets (20-2) play District 10 champion Meadville in the semifinals on Tuesday at a time and site to be determined.
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In 2A girls lacrosse, District 3 champion Wyomissing and runnerup Twin Valley advanced to Tuesday’s semifinals.
Wyomissing (22-1) defeated District 7 runnerup Quaker Valley 12-2 and the Raiders (20-2) beat Gwynedd Mercy 15-4.
The Spartans play West Chester Rustin on Tuesday and Twin Valley plays Villa Maria Academy.
In boys 2A lacrosse, Twin Valley (18-3) advanced to Tuesday’s semifinals with am 11-9 win over Scranton Prep.
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The Raiders play Penncrest in Tuesday’s semifinals.
The times and sites for the lacrosse matches have not been announced.
Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli stuns Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to snatch pole, Max Verstappen joins front row | Racing News
It was Charles Leclerc, and maybe even the Prince of Monaco, who was deemed to take pole position, but 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli had a different plan. In the first three practice rounds, it was all about Ferrari until the qualifying session came, and Mercedes took pole position for the first time this decade.Monte Carlo, Monaco – There are race weekends in Formula 1, and then there is Monaco.The narrow streets of the Principality have humbled world champions, shattered dreams within inches of steel barriers, and produced some of the sport’s most iconic moments. In 2026, Monaco arrives with a fresh storyline at its center: the rise of Kimi Antonelli.After four consecutive victories and a commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship, the 19-year-old Mercedes prodigy arrived in Monte Carlo carrying the momentum of a future world champion. Yet Monaco represents a challenge unlike any other on the Formula 1 calendar. Raw pace matters, but courage matters more. A driver must dance millimeters from walls while carrying speeds that leave no room for error.As the weekend unfolded from Friday practice through Saturday qualifying, Monaco once again proved why it remains Formula 1’s greatest examination of driver skill.The first practice session around Monaco is rarely about outright speed. It is a gradual process of learning where the grip exists and how close a driver can get to the barriers without becoming their latest victim. The first practice round in Monaco was all about Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc, the Prince of Monaco and the home boy, secured the fastest lap, followed by Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, while Max Verstappen finished third.
Monaco GP – Free practice 1 results (Top 5)
Pos.
Driver
Team
Time / Gap
1
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:13.978
2
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.226s
3
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
+0.513s
4
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.559s
5
George Russell
Mercedes
+1.005s
The second practice session provided a clearer picture of the competitive order. Again, Ferrari dominated the second practice session. Lewis Hamilton topped the second practice session, followed by Charles Leclerc, and again the silent conqueror, Max Verstappen, finished in third position.
Monaco GP – Free practice 2 results (Top 5)
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Pos.
Driver
Team
Time / Gap
1
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:13.026
2
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.111s
3
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
+0.168s
4
George Russell
Mercedes
+0.379s
5
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.503s
Saturday Morning: Antonelli Strikes Back
If Friday belonged to Ferrari, Saturday morning belonged to Antonelli. The Mercedes driver delivered an emphatic statement during final practice, producing the fastest lap of the weekend and reminding rivals why he currently leads the world championship.Kimi won the final practice session, outclassing Ferrari, while Leclerc and Hamilton finished second and third in the last practice round. Antonelli attacked Monaco’s barriers with a confidence rarely seen from a driver of his age. Through the Swimming Pool complex and around Rascasse, the Italian appeared completely at ease, extracting every available millisecond from the Mercedes package.
Monaco GP – Free practice 3 results (Top 5)
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Pos.
Driver
Team
Time / Gap
1
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:12.720
2
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.327s
3
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.331s
4
George Russell
Mercedes
+0.763s
5
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
+0.942s
Qualifying: The Real Monaco Grand Prix
Around Monaco, qualifying often feels more important than the race itself.The circuit’s tight layout leaves precious few overtaking opportunities, making Saturday’s session arguably the most significant hour of the entire weekend. Hamilton delivered a superb lap. Leclerc pushed aggressively in front of his home crowd. Verstappen extracted everything from the Red Bull. But Antonelli saved his best for last. With the pressure at its highest, the Italian produced a stunning lap of 1:12.051 to secure pole position by just 0.043 seconds over Verstappen. It marked Antonelli’s fourth pole position in six races and further reinforced the growing belief that Formula 1 is witnessing the arrival of its next superstar.
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Monaco GP – Qualifying Results & Starting Grid
Pos.
Driver
Team
Q3 Time / Gap
1
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:12.051
2
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
+0.043s
3
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.228s
4
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.300s
5
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull Racing
+0.383s
6
George Russell
Mercedes
+0.394s
7
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.573s
8
Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.714s
9
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
+1.175s
10
Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
+1.361s
11
Alex Albon
Williams
Q2 Elimination
12
Carlos Sainz Jr.
Williams
Q2 Elimination
13
Nico Hülkenberg
Audi
Q2 Elimination
14
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
Q2 Elimination
15
Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
Q2 Elimination
16
Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
Q1 Elimination
17
Esteban Ocon
Haas
Q1 Elimination
18
Sergio Pérez
Cadillac
Q1 Elimination
19
Oliver Bearman
Haas
Q1 Elimination
20
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
Q1 Elimination
21
Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
Q1 Elimination
22
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
Q1 Elimination
Max Was Constant
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Max was always in contention. He finished second in qualifying and will start alongside Kimi Antonelli on the front row. The Red Bull driver has built his reputation on maximizing opportunities under pressure, and starting alongside Antonelli keeps him firmly in contention for victory. Monaco often rewards strategic patience. One mistake, one safety car, or one poorly timed pit stop can transform an entire race.Verstappen knows better than most how quickly circumstances can change. If Antonelli falters, the Dutchman will be perfectly positioned to capitalize.
Ferrari’s Missed Opportunity
Ferrari entered the weekend believing Monaco represented one of its strongest chances to challenge for victory in 2026.The pace was evident throughout practice. The confidence was visible throughout the garage. Yet qualifying ultimately left the team wondering what might have been. Hamilton secured a strong third-place start, while Leclerc’s bid for pole was compromised as he dropped to fourth after another frustrating chapter in his complicated relationship with his home Grand Prix.
The Race Ahead
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Everything now points toward a fascinating strategic battle on Sunday at 6:30 PM IST.Antonelli controls the race from pole position. Verstappen lurks directly behind. Hamilton remains close enough to capitalize on any opportunity. Leclerc carries the hopes of Monaco’s local supporters.
The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago White Sox on Sunday for Game 3 of their series at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Phillies secured an 8-6 victory in Game 1 on Friday, but suffered a 6-3 loss in the next game on Saturday.
Both teams enter the matchup with identical records. Philadelphia (34-30) sits second in the National League East, while Chicago is second in the American League Central.
Game 3 will start at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday. Viewers in Philadelphia can watch on NBCSP. They can listen on 94 WIP, 106.1 Rumba and iHeart App.
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Fans in Chicago can watch on Chicago Sports Network. ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM is their radio option.
White Sox vs. Phillies Odds
Moneyline: Phillies (-167), White Sox (+138)
Run Line: Phillies -1.5 (+119), White Sox +1.5 (-143)
Total Runs: Over 9.5 (-114), Under 9.5 (-105)
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(Source: DraftKings Sportsbook)
(NB: Odds are subject to change)
Preview – Starting Pitchers and Lineups
White Sox starting pitcher
David Sadlin will be on the mound for Chicago on Sunday. The righty pitcher carries a 1-1 record and a high 8.10 ERA.
Sandlin relies on a riding four-seam fastball with a sweeping slider. His success on Sunday will depend on executing his secondary pitches. The righty pitcher will also need to avoid critical mistakes over the middle of the plate.
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White Sox Lineup
LF: Sam Antonacci (L)
3B: Miguel Vargas (R)
DH: Andrew Benintendi (L)
SS: Colson Montgomery (L)
2B: Chase Meidroth (R)
1B: Jacob Gonzalez (L)
CF: Tristan Peters (L)
C: Drew Romo (S)
RF: Rikuu Nishida (L)
Phillies starting pitcher
Aaron Nola will take the bump for the Phillies on Sunday. The All-Star righty holds a 3- record and an inflated 5.55 ERA.
Nola attacks sluggers with a sharp, moving sinker, devastating knuckle curve and a fading changeup. He will need to command the outer edges of the zone to neutralize Chicago’s versatile lefties like Colson Montgomery and Andrew Benintendi.
The starting pitching matchup favors Philadelphia. Moreover, the lethal Phillies offense featuring Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper will likely attack David Sandlin early. Backing the Phillies Money Line (-167) is a logical bet.
Sandlin is prone to giving up hard contact. He also struggles to pitch deep into games. As such, the Phillies’ Run Line at -1.5 (+119) is a good plus-money investment.
Citizens Bank Park is a hitter-friendly venue that amplifies fly-ball power. Expect the Phillies’ bats to carry the heavy lifting while the Chicago Chips away, pushing the contest Over 9.5 (-114).
A long-term Manchester United target revealed his anger at being pushed towards a move to Old Trafford
Frenkie de Jong has admitted he never genuinely entertained the prospect of joining Manchester United despite repeatedly being linked with the Premier League club.
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Before heading to North America with the Netherlands for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the midfielder broke his media silence by speaking to SPORT, where he addressed his falling-out with journalists over the reports linking him to United.
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When asked whether he felt the media was responsible for the public not knowing him on a more personal level, he replied: “A little, yes. That’s why I think I made a mistake by ceasing to speak to the press.
“There was a time when they pressured me to leave the club, and there came a point when I was very angry and didn’t want to talk anymore. But that’s what I was saying before: people only hear opinions or things through the press and newspapers, and they don’t listen to you.”
De Jong pointed to Barca’s severe financial troubles in 2023 as the source of doubt surrounding his future, revealing certain figures at the club were keen to offload him after receiving bids. He said: “Barca was in a bit of a difficult financial situation, and, well, there are always teams that call players to ask if they want to come or not.
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“And I always said no. So there was no option. What happened that summer is that, even though I said no, some teams came to the club and offered money for me. And within Barca – not everyone, but some people – thought they were good offers and wanted to sell me.”
De Jong consistently expressed his wish to stay in Spain but acknowledged a possible exit did enter his thoughts. He added: “That summer I was very clear that I didn’t want to leave. But of course, something always crosses your mind when you’re under pressure or when there’s a situation like that.”
Nevertheless, he stressed that genuine contemplation of departing never materialised before committing the remainder of his peak years to the Spanish heavyweights. He continued: “You think, ‘Maybe I have to leave,’ or ‘Perhaps it would be better for me to go to another team’.
“Of course you think about it sometimes, but actually considering leaving, no.” De Jong is poised to feature in his second World Cup competition this month, with the Netherlands scheduled to take on Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.
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.
A group that will be all about an ageing star looking to eke out one more memorable World Cup, surrounded by younger players who deserve a larger share of the limelight.
But enough about James Rodriguez, the breakthrough of 2014 who continues to knit things together for a lop-sided Colombia side.
DR Congo could easily grind their way into the round of 32, too, while Uzbekistan possess so many unknowns for the average viewer that they will offer intrigue if not quite a guarantee of much excitement.
Group K fixtures
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(all times BST)
Wednesday 17 June, 18:00: Portugal v DR Congo – Houston
Thursday 18 June, 03:00: Uzbekistan v Colombia – Mexico City
Tuesday 23 June, 18:00: Portugal v Uzbekistan – Houston
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Wednesday 24 June 03:00: Colombia v DR Congo – Guadalajara
Sunday 28 June 00:30: Colombia v Portugal – Miami
Sunday 28 June 00:30: DR Congo v Uzbekistan – Atlanta
Portugal
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While those fixated upon superstardom rather than this being a team sport will be salivating at the prospect of Ronaldo facing Lionel Messi in the quarter-finals for the first time at a World Cup – should they both reach that stage as group winners – this is another tournament in which how Portugal’s biggest name is managed will be decisive.
If Roberto Martinez can involve him sufficiently to ensure minimal histrionics without compromising their ability to win matches, there is little reason why a squad so packed with talent cannot reach the latter stages. Yet if Martinez is to persist with Ronaldo it is easy to see them exiting with a whimper.
Goncalo Ramos may have been used sparingly by Paris Saint-Germain this season but he appears a much better fit up top – regardless of personality and status. Few squads have such an impressive midfield unit, while there is plenty of strength at the back.
Fernandes is a key man for Portugal (Reuters)
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Coach: Roberto Martinez
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Star player – Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United: The assist machine who was voted by experts and his peers as Premier League player of the season instead of several Arsenal players is the creative king for his country too, despite their envious selection of playmakers. If he can get on the same wavelength as Ronaldo, or whoever plays up top, early on then they may well thrive.
Breakout talent – Joao Neves, Paris Saint-Germain: This squad is so jam packed with household names that it is impossible to name a breakout in the truest sense. But the PSG midfielder appears the most probable to reach a new level of global appreciation following a stunning campaign. At 21, he is set to elevate his status from one of the world’s best young midfielders to one of the top central players full stop.
When The Leopards made their only previous World Cup appearance, in 1974 as Zaire, they were Africa’s sole representative. This time they are one of 10 and seem a dead cert to acquit themselves more positively.
That would not take much considering the side 52 years ago failed to score and conceded 14 in their three group games, including nine to Yugoslavia, but Sebastien Desabre will also bring a team that should be imbued with enough confidence to make the knockouts if they can defeat Uzbekistan.
Axel Tuanzebe was the hero of an elongated qualifying campaign, scoring the extra-time winner in their intercontinental play-off against Jamaica, and he is one of several familiar to fans of English club football.
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Noah Sadiki, fresh off an impressive campaign at Sunderland, is vital in midfield while Yoane Wissa, the undisputed star, carries the pressure of finding some magic in open play for a team that is organised and difficult to break down.
Star player – Yoane Wissa, Newcastle United: The forward arrives in the US following a campaign of frustration at St James’ Park, where the 29-year-old failed to kick on following a big money move because of a nagging knee injury. Fit now, if he can shine like he did during a final campaign at Brentford their chances of making it out of the group grow immeasurably.
Breakout talent – Ngal’ayel Mukau, Lille: One of several players born in Belgium who instead chose to represent the nation of their elders, the tidy midfielder stood out for Lille this season by delivering a series of all-action box-to-box performances. At 21 he appears a player capable of doing everything well, if not yet dazzling in one specific area.
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Fifa ranking: 45.
Odds to win the World Cup: 1000/1.
Uzbekistan
A squad short of recognisable names to fans focused on Europe, with the exception of Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, must hope for the better teams in this group to trip over themselves.
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Yet is reaching a first World Cup enough cause for celebration following a series of near misses?
With Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s captain in 2006, now shaping a side that kept clean sheets in 10 of 16 qualifiers under his predecessor, Timur Kapadze, and their star player being a centre back, it is easy to conclude that keeping things tight is their biggest asset.
Fourteen of the squad play in the domestic league, which did not begin until late February, while five others are in the Iranian top tier, which has been suspended since the war, meaning Cannavaro will at least have a host of players not carrying the fatigue of their European counterparts.
Any advantage, no matter how minimal, must be sought – although the former Ballon d’Or winner has previously been critical of the lower intensity in the Uzbekistan Super League.
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“It will be very difficult but what I have said to my players is we have nothing to lose,” Cannavaro said of his team’s ambitions. “I just told them to enjoy. To have this opportunity is not normal. We just need to think about enjoying it.”
Cannavaro wants his hard-working team to enjoy their experience. (Reuters)
Star player – Abdukodir Khusanov, Manchester City: Settled in to life at City following a difficult initial outing, he is the poster boy of Cannavaro’s squad. The 22-year-old must be in top form against a trio of tricky attacks.Khusanov will likely be partnered with the experienced Rustam Ashurmatov, one of those based in Iran who has been favoured by Cannavaro in recent friendlies despite a lack of club football, but there is no doubting who the main man is.
Breakout talent – Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Istanbul Basaksehir: In a squad otherwise lacking in creativity, the young winger could capture some attention off the back of a solid campaign with Istanbul Basaksehir. His link-up with clubmate, national team captain and record goalscorer Eldo Shomurodov will be critical if they are to cause a surprise. Shomurodov, 30, scored 22 times in the Turkish SuperLig but Fayzullaev will be the one looking to set him up.
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Fifa ranking: 50.
Odds to win the World Cup: 2000/1.
Colombia
Having beaten both Argentina and Brazil in qualifying, Los Cafeteros return to a first World Cup since 2018 with high expectations.
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James, who missed the Russia campaign having taken centre stage in Brazil, continues to be a key player, pulling the strings for a side in which Luis Diaz has become the headline grabber. At the back there is the potential for solidity without much stardust. Jefferson Lerma sits at the base of midfield with Crystal Palace team-mate Daniel Munoz part of a defence still featuring former Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Davinson Sanchez.
Experience is one of their biggest tools – just two of the 26-man squad is under the age of 25, a dozen are north of 30 – and they are unlikely to be fazed by any of the more glamorous sides.
A friendly against France in March tempered expectations though. They were completely outclassed, three goals down before pulling one back late on against an experimental opposition XI that held Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and others in reserve. The defence must be tighter if they are to reach another quarter-final.
Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), Santiago Arias (Independiente), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Deiver Machado (Nantes)
Midfielders: Richard Rios (Benfica), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Kevin Castano (River Plate), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense), Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Minnesota United), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)
Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernandez (Real Betis), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Luis Suarez (Sporting), Carlos Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama), Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar)
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
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Star player – Luis Diaz, Bayern Munich: Since leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich, the forward has taken another leap into the top tier of superstardom. In qualifying he operated in a hybrid role that was part centre forward, part left winger and contributed seven goals and it does not feel a stretch to say there is a chance he ends this tournament as South America’s best player.
Breakout talent – Luis Suarez, Sporting CP: A late bloomer who did a more than adequate job in filling the gap vacated by Viktor Gyokeres in Lisbon. Internationally he is being hailed as the long-awaited replacement for record scorer Radamel Falcao and having Diaz and Rodriguez creating behind him could mean a profitable tournament.
Fifa ranking: 13.
Odds to win the World Cup: 40/1.
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Prediction
Advancement should be straightforward for Portugal but if Martinez sticks with Ronaldo throughout this appears destined to be another tournament in which they fall short of their maximum level. If the head coach finds a way to use Ronaldo sparingly, without puncturing his ego and risking disharmony, they have the potential to go all the way. And yet few believe that is going to happen. As with many of these groups, the battle for second place is more difficult to predict before a ball is kicked. Colombia are good enough to reach the last-16 – second in this group face the runners-up in England’s pool – but DR Congo’s tricky attack equally seem capable of capturing the minds of neutrals.
Germany made it nine wins out of nine with a 2-1 win over the USA in their last match before the World Cup.
The win, secured by goals from Kai Havertz and Leroy Sane, means they have won four successive friendlies, having also won their last six World Cup qualifiers. But Julian Nagelsmann knows tougher tests than this are not far away.
Just as he had for his club, Arsenal, in the Champions League final, Havertz gave Germany an early lead, this time after just two minutes. The striker, who joined the squad later than anyone else after that final, headed home from close range after just two minutes. Havertz was unmarked to nod home a Joshua Kimmich freekick from the right, with the US defense missing in action.
Germany could not build on the early lead though and were pegged back by Antonee Robinson’s brilliant long range volley on 37 minutes. The left back flashed his effort past Oliver Baumann and into the top corner from just outside the box after Jonathan Tah’s clearing header dropped to his left boot.
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Havertz and Germany hitting form
After a stronger start to the second half for Germany, Havertz was involved again when they retook the lead on 57 minutes. The forward shifted the ball to the onrushing Leroy Sane in the box before the winger drilled home a low, first time, left-footed effort into the bottom corner. Both teams made a number of substitutions soon after, with Havertz and Kimmich among those given a little more rest before Germany open their World Cup campaign against debutants Curacao on June 14.
“All in all, we played a good game. We’re in good form,” Havertz told German broadcaster RTL after the game, adding, “We’re heading into the first game with our heads held high.”
Further substitutions from both sides slowed the game still further but Brendan Aaronson came close to equalizing for the USA in the final minutes, only to be denied by Baumann, allowing Germany to hang on.
Karl injury sours Germany mood despite win
Though the clash in Chicago may have allowed Germany to give most of their likely starters a runout out ahead of the start of the tournament in North America, any morale boost from the win had been offset by injury news that emerged in the buildup.
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Bayern Munich’s attacking midfielder Lennart Karl, 18, was something of a wildcard for Julian Nagelsmann and may have provided a spark often lacking on Saturday. Karl made his breakthrough for the German champions this year and forced his way into national team contention with a string of fearlessly creative displays. He started and made a goal in Germany’s last friendly, a win against Finland, and seemed set to play a significant part in the tournament.
But a thigh injury sustained in the final training session before Saturday’s match meant Karl had to bid a tearful goodbye to the rest of the squad. As nations can make injury replacements to their squad up to 24 hours before their opening game, RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouedraogo will replace him.
“I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny,” said Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the game. “It’s a huge shock for him and all of us that he’s missing the World Cup. It’s only a small consolation that he’s young and has many tournaments ahead of him. We would have loved to have him on the team.”
Neuer short of fitness ahead of Germany World Cup opener
Nagelsmann also had some concerns at the other end of the pitch, and the age spectrum. The coach tempted Karl’s Bayern Munich teammate Manuel Neuer, 40, out of international retirement for one last crack at a second World Cup win, but Neuer has missed both pre-tournament friendly matches with a calf injury. Though Neuer is vastly experienced, he has not played a match since being subbed off in Bayern’s last Bundesliga game on May 16 and missed the German Cup final.
But the Germany coach said after Saturday’s win that he is confident Neuer will start the World Cup opener despite offering a “huge compliment” to Baumann, who will make way for the veteran.
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Even if they do go into that Curacao match on the back of nine consecutive wins and with Neuer fit, the loss of Karl means Nagelsmann has work to do to lift the group before the serious business has even begun.
The final days of any election campaign often throw up surprises. Add Real Madrid into the mix, a club who regularly manage to make the bizarre seem normal, and you can almost guarantee drama.
Voting for the next Real president will take place on Sunday, with Florentino Perez expected to be re-elected. The 79-year-old’s second stint in office at the Bernabeu looks set to be extended this weekend, but that hasn’t stopped rival Enrique Riquelme from taking one last punt at glory.
Riquelme enraged Manchester City when he took to Spanish television programme El Hormiguero earlier this week to claim he would bring Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Bernabeu if elected. City released a statement to say there was “no chance” of the former moving to Madrid, threatening legal action after Riquelme held up a Real shirt with Haaland’s name and the No.9 printed on the back.
The stunt is unlikely to sway voters enough to prevent Perez from securing re-election, and so attention will soon turn to the Real president’s plans, should he indeed secure the win. There will be more than a few interested spectators in the corridors of Old Trafford.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is on Manchester United’s radar but Perez has already confirmed he has no intention of letting the Frenchman leave.
Perez has long been an admirer of Rodri, and with the Spaniard refusing to shut down speculation over his future when asked earlier this week, it’s unclear what the future holds for the City midfielder. City are already understood to be in pole position to secure Elliot Anderson’s signature this summer, but if Rodri were to leave then surely their interest in the Nottingham Forest man would ramp up.
Sandro Tonali is another player being watched by both United and City. Again, if Perez were to want to make Rodri one of his marquee summer signings at Real Madrid, City’s interest in Tonali would only grow and give United another obstacle to overcome if they did pursue a move for the Newcastle midfielder.
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And then there is the €150million (£130m) Perez has pledged to spend on a player he refused to name.
For that sort of money it will almost certainly be an attacking player and while United’s midfield overhaul is their priority this summer, it often takes a big-money move for the transfer market to really click into gear. Whichever club has their pockets lined with Real’s millions, they will want to offset the outgoing with a marquee signing of their own, and so the domino effect begins.
The transfer window is not even open yet, but with the World Cup complicating matters it may be that United fans have to wait until the latter stages of the window to discover who their Casemiro replacement will be. An agreement has been reached with Atalanta to bring Ederson to Old Trafford, but he’s not expected to be the man brought in to replace his fellow countryman.
It’s impossible to tell how the window will pan out for United but, as is the case in most transfer windows, the business done by Real will undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on a lot of clubs across Europe.
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Sunday’s presidential election will see us move a step closer to knowing Real’s plans for the summer.
Eighth-ranked Mirra Andreeva ended the run of 114th-ranked Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska with a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the Roland Garros final on Saturday.
Andreeva became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she landed her third straight French Open in 1992.
Andreeva has been considered a Grand Slam contender since she burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at the 2023 Madrid Open, when she became the third-youngest player to win a main-draw match at a WTA 1000 tournament and made the quarterfinals.
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Lately, Andreeva has had to contend with playing under neutral status and without her country’s flag due to the war with Ukraine.
When she beat Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals, her opponent refused to shake her hand, as has been the custom for Ukrainian players facing Russians ever since the war started in 2022.
Andreeva had little support from the crowd, although there was a shout of “Davai Mirra!” – “Go Mirra” – in Russian late in the match.
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In men’s doubles, top-seeded Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos retained their title with a 6-4, 6-2 win against Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten.
The 2026 French Open men’s final features a surprising matchup, as No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev faces No. 10 seed Flavio Cobolli. Jannik Sinner was upset early in the tournament, while Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw due to a wrist injury. Zverev, who is 0-3 in Grand Slam finals, is arguably the best player to have never won a Slam. Cobolli is trying to become the first Italian man to win the French Open since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Zverev holds a 3-1 advantage in the head-to-head matchup, but they have split their two meetings this season. The latest French Open odds have Zverev priced as a -435 favorite, while Cobolli is +320. Before making any 2026 French Open picks, you need to see who proven SportsLine tennis handicapper Jose Onorato is backing.
Onorato grew up playing competitive tennis in Caracas, Venezuela. After coming to the U.S., he trained with famed coach Nick Bollettieri at IMG Academy in Florida and faced players like Robert Farah, now one of the world’s top-ranked doubles players.
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Onorato has gone 168-106-8 (+107.12 units) on his best bets since 2022. He correctly called Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open (+160), Carlos Alcaraz (+130) in the 2025 French Open and Sinner again at 2025 Wimbledon (+180). He also called Coco Gauff (+700) in the 2025 French Open and Iga Swiatek (+1200) at 2025 Wimbledon. Anybody following his tennis betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.
Zverev has been seeking a Grand Slam title for years, but this is easily his best opportunity since failing to serve out the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem. The German won the Olympic gold in Tokyo and has 58 career wins over top-10 players. He holds a 3-1 edge over Cobolli, splitting their two meetings this year.
Cobolli is the second consecutive Italian to make the French Open final, as Sinner lost in five sets last year. He holds a 3-2 record in tour-level finals, but none of those wins came against top-10 players. This is a unique opportunity for both players, with Zverev priced as a -435 favorite. See Onorato’s picks here.
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