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FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Co-hosts Canada face Switzerland, Qatar challenge | FIFA World Cup 2022

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Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026 may not feature one of the tournament’s traditional giants, but it promises to be among the most competitive sections in the competition. Co-hosts Canada will have the backing of passionate home crowds as they seek their first-ever World Cup points, while Switzerland arrive as the group’s most experienced side.

 


Qatar, appearing at their second World Cup after hosting the tournament in 2022, will be eager to prove they belong on the global stage, while Bosnia and Herzegovina return to the finals for only the second time in their history. With no overwhelming favourite and four teams capable of causing problems, Group B could produce one of the closest qualification races of the group stage.

 

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FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Teams


  • Canada

  • Switzerland

  • Qatar

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina


FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Team analysis


Canada

 


Canada enter the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation and buoyed by significant progress under head coach Jesse Marsch. The former Leeds United manager has transformed the team’s playing style, introducing an aggressive pressing approach that has helped Canada become one of the most exciting sides in the CONCACAF region.

 


The Canadians reached the Copa America semi-finals in 2024 and followed that by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2025 Gold Cup. While they are still searching for their first World Cup points after losing all six of their previous matches at the tournament, this squad appears far stronger and more experienced than previous generations.

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Captain Alphonso Davies remains the face of Canadian football, while Jonathan David continues to lead the attack. Supporting them is a growing core of talented players including Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone and Niko Sigur. With home support and increasing confidence, Canada have a genuine opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.

 


Canada full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Dayne St Clair, Alistair Johnston, Alfie Jones, Luc de Fougerolles, Joel Waterman, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Cyle Larin, Jonathan David, Liam Millar, Tani Oluwaseyi, Derek Cornelius, Jacob Shaffelburg, Moise Bombito, Maxime Crepeau, Tajon Buchanan, Owen Goodman, Alphonso Davies, Ali Ahmed, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Promise David, Nathan Saliba.

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Switzerland

 


Switzerland arrive as the most established World Cup nation in Group B. The Swiss have become one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams, regularly reaching knockout rounds through a combination of tactical discipline, defensive solidity and midfield control.

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Head coach Murat Yakin possesses a squad packed with experience. Granit Xhaka remains the heartbeat of the team and will be appearing at his fourth World Cup, while Manuel Akanji continues to marshal the defence. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is among Europe’s most reliable shot-stoppers and provides an excellent last line of defence.

 


Switzerland may not possess the attacking flair of some of football’s elite nations, but their organisation and tournament know-how make them difficult opponents. Their ability to control games and avoid mistakes could prove decisive in a group where margins are expected to be slim.

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Switzerland full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Gregor Kobel, Miro Muheim, Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Denis Zakaria, Breel Embolo, Remo Freuler, Johan Manzambi, Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye, Yvon Mvogo, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ardon Jashari, Djibril Sow, Christian Fassnacht, Ruben Vargas, Eray Comert, Noah Okafor, Michel Aebischer, Marvin Keller, Fabian Rieder, Zeki Amdouni, Aurele Amenda, Luca Jaquez, Cedric Itten. 

 


Qatar

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Qatar return to the World Cup determined to make a stronger impression than they did as hosts in 2022. Having qualified on merit this time, the Asian side enter the tournament with greater confidence and valuable experience gained from competing on the biggest stage four years ago.

 


Head coach Julen Lopetegui has inherited a talented attacking group led by Akram Afif, one of Asia’s most creative players. Afif remains the focal point of the attack alongside Almoez Ali, while veteran captain Hassan Al Haydos continues to provide leadership and composure.

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Qatar’s matches during qualification were often entertaining and high-scoring, highlighting both their attacking threat and occasional defensive vulnerabilities. If they can find the right balance, they have enough quality to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.

 


Qatar full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Mahmud Abunada, Pedro Miguel, Lucas Mendes, Issa Laye, Jassem Gaber, Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Edmilson Junior, Mohammed Muntari, Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Karim Boudiaf, Ayoub Al Oui, Homam Ahmed, Yusuf Abdurisag, Boualem Khoukhi, Ahmed Al Ganehi, Sultan Al Brake, Almoez Ali, Ahmed Fathy, Salah Zakaria, Meshaal Barsham, Assim Madibo, Tahsin Jamshid, Al Hashmi Al Hussain, Mohamed Manai.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina

 


Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their World Cup place through a dramatic play-off route and arrive with a squad capable of upsetting more fancied opponents. The Balkan nation combines experienced leaders with a promising younger generation, creating a team that should not be underestimated.

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The evergreen Edin Dzeko remains the leader and symbol of Bosnian football. Even at 40, the striker continues to score important goals and provide invaluable experience. Alongside him, Ermedin Demirovic offers attacking support, while defenders Sead Kolasinac and Tarik Muharemovic bring quality and physicality at the back.

 


Head coach Sergej Barbarez has built a resilient side that showed tremendous character in play-off victories over Wales and Italy. If Bosnia can carry that momentum into the tournament, they could emerge as one of Group B’s surprise packages.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Nikola Vasilj, Nihad Mujakic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Tarik Muharemovic, Sead Kolasinac, Benjamin Tahirovic, Amar Dedic, Armin Gigovic, Samed Bazdar, Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Dzeko, Mladen Jurkas, Ivan Basic, Ivan Sunjic, Amar Memic, Amir Hadziahmetovic, Dzenis Burnic, Nikola Katic, Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Stjepan Radeljic, Martin Zlomislic, Haris Tabakovic, Nidal Celik, Jovo Lukic, Ermin Mahmic.


FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Players to watch out for


Canada – Alphonso Davies

 

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The Bayern Munich star is Canada’s biggest name and one of the best left-backs in world football. His pace, attacking instincts and leadership make him the player capable of changing matches on his own.

 


Switzerland – Granit Xhaka

 

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Switzerland’s captain remains the driving force behind the team’s midfield. His passing range, leadership and ability to dictate the tempo make him indispensable to Murat Yakin’s side.

 


Qatar – Akram Afif

 

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The reigning Asian Footballer of the Year remains Qatar’s most dangerous attacking weapon. Creative, unpredictable and capable of producing moments of brilliance, Afif will be central to Qatar’s hopes.

 


Bosnia and Herzegovina – Edin Dzeko

 

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Bosnia’s greatest-ever player continues to defy age. The veteran striker remains a clinical finisher and a leader capable of inspiring his country on the biggest stage.


FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Final standings prediction


Switzerland appear to have the strongest balance across the squad and possess the tournament experience needed to navigate a difficult group. Their defensive structure and midfield control should make them favourites to finish first.

 


Canada’s home advantage and upward trajectory under Jesse Marsch give them a slight edge in the battle for second place. Bosnia and Herzegovina have enough quality to challenge throughout the group stage and could push qualification down to the final matchday, while Qatar’s attacking talent means they cannot be overlooked despite entering as outsiders.

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Predicted standings


  • Switzerland

  • Canada

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Qatar


FIFA WC 2026 Group B: Full schedule


Matchday

Date

Time (IST)

Fixture

Matchday 1

13 June 2026

12:30 AM

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Matchday 1

14 June 2026

12:30 AM

Qatar vs Switzerland

Matchday 2

19 June 2026

12:30 AM

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Matchday 2

19 June 2026

3:30 AM

Canada vs Qatar

Matchday 3

25 June 2026

12:30 AM

Switzerland vs Canada

Matchday 3

25 June 2026

12:30 AM

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar

 

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Antonee Robinson scores rocket goal in USMNT friendly loss to Germany

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The U.S. men’s national team may not have won their friendly World Cup tune-up against Germany on Saturday but Antonee Robinson provided a goal that will definitely get any American fan hyped for what’s potentially to come.

The U.S. trailed 1-0 as the match entered the 37th minute. A corner kick was deflected off a German defender’s head and outside of the box where Robinson was waiting for a rocket shot on goal. He blasted the ball past Oliver Baumann to tie the match at one apiece.

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United States defenders Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream celebrating a goal during a soccer match in Chicago

United States defenders Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream celebrate after Robinson scored a goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Germany in Chicago on June 6, 2026. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

It was Robinson’s fifth international goal for the U.S. and his first this year. He hadn’t scored while playing for the U.S. since 2023.

“Sick. I mean, it’s a sick goal,” Christian Pulisic said after the match.

Robinson said he had never scored a goal like that in a competitive game.

“Going into a World Cup it means a lot to have that kind of in my mind that I’ve scored something like that and a bit of freedom to shoot again if I’m in that position,” he said.

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United States defender Antonee Robinson scoring a goal against Germany in a soccer match

United States defender Antonee Robinson scores against Germany during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in Chicago on June 6, 2026. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

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Germany won the match 2-1.

Despite losing their ninth straight game against a European squad, the Americans felt confident going into the World Cup.

“I mean against a really good team, I thought we were dangerous at times,” Pulisic said. “We had good stretches of possession, defended well for good portions of it. And, yeah, I mean honestly, I think, we’re feeling good.”

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Christian Pulisic celebrating after scoring a goal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte

Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring the second goal for the United States during an international friendly match against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31, 2026. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)

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The U.S. World Cup slate gets underway on Friday against Paraguay.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Gervonta Davis has just 15 days to make fight with undefeated rival or risk losing world title

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Gervonta Davis’ most recent legal trouble seems to be impacting his return to boxing and may see him lose his world title entirely.

‘Tank’ last fought in March of 2025, retaining his WBA lightweight world title via a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. An exhibition fight with Jake Paul later in the year was cancelled when he was accused of domestic violence.

In January, the sanctioning body named Davis ‘champion in recess’ and looked set to order a vacant title bout between Floyd Schoefild and Lucas Bahdi, but instead, as talk of the Baltimore champion’s return began to heat up, ordered him to face Schofield instead.

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Speaking to Mill City Boxing recently, Schofield’s father and trainer said that talks are not currently ongoing, perhaps due to Davis’ fresh legal situation, and that he and his son are waiting for the negotiation period to end for the WBA to make a decision.

“We can’t do anything until the WBA says. [We’re] supposed to be in negotiations for another 20 days with Tank’s people, but according to what the lawyers say, they can’t be in negotiations right now. So, [we’re] in limbo for 20 more days while they got that mandate up. Tank’s people got to make a fight with us within 20 days.”

From Schofield’s update, Davis’ grip on the WBA title appears increasingly uncertain, with the sanctioning body potentially forced to make a decision if the teams fail to make progress. The allotted negotiation period ends on June 22, at which point purse bids could be called, though only if ‘Tank’ is willing and able to defend his belt.

Schofield is undefeated in 19 bouts and, at 23 years old, has a bright future in the sport. His previous world title challenge against Shakur Stevenson was cancelled during fight week when he took unwell.

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Inside Riviera Country Club, the most exclusive clubhouse in golf

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The Vikings’ Biggest Bargain Players for 2026

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Kyler Murray wears his helmet during pregame warmups before a Cardinals game against the Falcons.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray prepares for game action before taking the field at State Farm Stadium. Prior to kickoff on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, Murray donned his helmet and completed pregame routines as the Cardinals readied for a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.

Every NFL team needs affordable players who outperform their contracts, especially those squads truly contending for the Super Bowl. The Minnesota Vikings aspire to those very stakes in 2026, and we are thus here to document the top bargain players on the 2026 roster.

As always with bargain- or value-based player lists, we did not include players on rookie contracts because they’re widely considered affordable.

Here’s the pecking order, ranked from good to great bargain (No. 1 = top bargain).

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Vikings’ Best Contract Values Are the Meal Ticket

Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Vikings bargain players
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel participates in pregame warm-ups before a road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Brandel continued developing as a versatile offensive lineman while preparing for depth and special teams responsibilities. The scene unfolded on Sept. 12, 2021, ahead of Minnesota’s season-opening contest. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.

5. Blake Brandel | C

2026 Cap Hit: $4.5M

Brandel plays every position on the offensive line, and it seems head coach Kevin O’Connell will ask Brandel to be his starting center in 2026. Brandel’s versatility is invaluable — he’s already played tackle, guard, and center for the Vikings since joining the franchise in 2020.

Whether he morphs into a solid center remains to be seen, but his $4.5 million cap hit is team-friendly, no matter what. If he stinks at center, O’Connell can yank him back into the jack-of-all-trades role.

It’s also worth noting that Brandel is eligible for an extension, which could arrive as early as this summer.

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4. Eric Wilson | LB

2026 Cap Hit: $4.1M

Wilson produced Pro Bowl numbers — out of nowhere — in 2025 after the Vikings signed him away from the Green Bay Packers. Fans thought he would play special teams and be a depth asset if Blake Cashman or Ivan Pace Jr. got hurt.

Instead, he became a starter by October, stealing Pace Jr.’s job.

Wilson led the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressures by an off-ball linebacker. Accordingly, Minnesota re-signed him in March. A $4.1 million cap hit is worth it to see if Wilson was a one-hit wonder.

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3. Jauan Jennings | WR

2026 Cap Hit: $9.5M

Before Jennings signed in the Twin Cities, the who’s who of NFL reporting claimed that he wanted “WR2 money.” Well, that can climb all the way up to $30 million. Ask Christian Watson of the Packers, who just snagged an extension worth $28 million per season.

Minnesota paid Jennings $9.5 million for the upcoming season. When the Jennings-to-Minnesota rumor mill kicked up dust, many wondered if the Vikings could afford him under $20 million. The price is half that.

The Vikings have not spent luxuriously at WR3 in years; Jennings provides them with their best WR3 option in eons. A steal of a deal.

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Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings takes questions from reporters after OTA practice in Eagan. Vikings bargain players
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings speaks with reporters following organized team activities at TCO Performance Center. Jennings discussed adapting to a new environment, learning the offense, and building chemistry with teammates after joining Minnesota. The media session took place on May 27, 2026, during the Vikings’ spring OTA schedule. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Star Tribune‘s Michael Rand on Jennings and the Vikings’ WR room: “Any trio of Vikings receivers has a good starting point with Justin Jefferson. He has been in the conversation for the best receiver in the NFL for several years. He’s still part of that chatter even after struggling to make an on-field connection with J.J. McCarthy last season.”

“Add in Jordan Addison, who was very good in 2023 and 2024, and newcomer Jauan Jennings, who has approached 1,000 yards in the past with the San Francisco 49ers, and it is a formidable group. All three are at least capable of being above-average starters, with Jefferson of course having a higher ceiling. Jennings is listed at 6-3, 212 pounds and looks every bit of that.”

It’s not outrageous to claim Minnesota now has a Top 3 corps in the NFL.

“The Vikings haven’t had a receiver that big and physical in quite some time. He’s a very capable (and willing) run blocker who plays with an edge. He’ll also be motivated to have a big season while playing on a one-year contract,” Rand continued.

“All three of Jennings, Addison and Jefferson, in fact, should be motivated this season and their styles should be a good complement to each other. That’s what makes this potentially the best Vikings receiver trio in more than a quarter-century.”

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2. James Pierre | CB

2026 Cap Hit $2.9M

Pierre was a best-kept secret in Pittsburgh, firing up a PFF grade over 86.0 in 2025. Minnesota hired Gerald Alexander from Pittsburgh to replace defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, who picked the Washington Commanders as his next employer (defensive coordinator). Alexander is bringing Pierre with him.

The Vikings paid Jeff Okudah $2.36 million in 2025 for his underwhelming CB3 services. Pierre at $2.9 million is quite the change of pace. A welcome one.

1. Kyler Murray | QB

2026 Cap Hit: $1.3M

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Not only is Murray at $1.3 million for a season the best deal in the NFL, it might be the top value in all of sports — assuming he plays at his peak level in 2026.

Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson meet at midfield after a preseason game between the Cardinals and Ravens. Vikings bargain players
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson meet at midfield following a preseason matchup at State Farm Stadium. The two dynamic quarterbacks shared a postgame exchange after leading their respective teams in exhibition action. The interaction occurred on Aug. 21, 2022, in Glendale following the preseason contest. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The Arizona Cardinals decided to move on from Murray, and like Sam Darnold in 2024, Minnesota has a chance to pounce on supreme value at the most important position on a football team. It’s still mind-boggling that Arizona kicked him out — and that he wound up in Minnesota a few days later. It could be a turning point in Vikings history.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats Tips, Odds and Teams – AFL Round 13 2026

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Adelaide Oval will play host to Thursday’s
Round 13 AFL game between Adelaide Crows and
Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Adelaide Crows vs.
Geelong Cats
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday June 4, 2026 at 7:30 pm

Where: Adelaide Oval

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats Preview

Geelong faces a crucial test of its top-four ambitions when it travels to Adelaide Oval for a Thursday night showdown with the Crows. The Cats were left stunned by Carlton last week after conceding a late goal to fall by four points in one of the games of the season. With several difficult fixtures looming, another loss could prove costly. Adelaide returns from a bye looking to respond after a narrow defeat to Hawthorn in Round 11. The Crows have shown they can challenge the competition’s best but will need to reverse a worrying trend against Geelong, having dropped their past six meetings. In front of a home crowd and with finals positioning becoming increasingly important, Adelaide has an opportunity to make a statement against one of the AFL’s perennial contenders.

Head To Head Bet

We’re tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.62 odds.

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Ex-Man United star Patrice Evra makes Lamine Yamal declaration – ‘ask Cristiano Ronaldo’

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Patrice Evra believes he would have been able to contain Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal during his prime, drawing comparisons with his battles against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Patrice Evra has insisted he would have neutralised Lamine Yamal had the pair gone head-to-head during his pomp, pointing to his duels with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as evidence. The Frenchman squared off against top-tier talent including Carlos Tevez, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard throughout his 20-year career.

Yamal, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the planet’s most highly-rated young talents at just 18. Despite his meteoric rise, the former Manchester United defender voiced complete belief in his own capabilities, maintaining he would have handled the young Spaniard with ease during his heyday.

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Evra is commonly considered one of the finest left-backs of his era. He continues to be celebrated for his defensive solidity and innate authority – skippering both United and France at international level.

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Having monitored Yamal’s progression and with the teenager now poised to spearhead Spain at the World Cup, Evra was pressed for his assessment of the young attacker.

Speaking to ESPN (via Mundo Deportivo), Evra stated that he could have subdued Yamal during his playing career.

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“I’m sorry Lamine, I love you very much, I like you a lot, you are a crack in one-vs-one situations, but in my prime I would have eaten you alive,” the Red Devils’ legend said.

“Ask Cristiano Ronaldo, ask Messi, ask other players when they faced me. I am not a good friend.”

Evra came up against Barcelona in three Champions League finals – suffering defeat in all three, twice with United and once with Juventus. Messi was the difference-maker on every occasion, with the Frenchman powerless to stop him.

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The 45-year-old enjoyed eight years at Old Trafford – six of which were spent alongside Ronaldo. In total, he racked up eight-and-a-half years at the club, turning out 379 times, netting 10 goals and registering 30 assists.

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He is regarded as an animated figure by fans and ex-colleagues, but was entirely focused when it mattered on the pitch. Throughout his spell at United, Evra collected 14 trophies, including five Premier League crowns and the Champions League.

Yamal, who is poised to feature in his maiden World Cup for Spain, is currently rehabilitating from a hamstring problem and is expected to sit out this month’s group fixtures. Luis de la Fuente’s team will face Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

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19-year-old Mirra Andreeva claims first Grand Slam with French Open triumph | Other Sports News

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Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva was already a tennis phenom at age 15 is now at 19, she’s a Grand Slam champion.


The eighth-ranked Andreeva ended the run of 114th-ranked Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska by 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open 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.


“You’re so young and talented. It’s so annoying,” Chwalinska told Andreeva during the awards ceremony.

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When Andreeva executed a backhand cross-court winner on her first match point, she threw her racket into the air and dropped on her knees to the clay to celebrate.

 


During the trophy presentation, Andreeva took the unusual step of thanking herself “for believing in myself, always giving my 100%, even when it’s tough, trying every day to be better as a person and as a player, believing that I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me.


“Only I know how tough it was for me,” Andreeva added. “How nervous I was throughout these two weeks.” 
Chwalinska was attempting to become the first qualifier to capture the Roland Garros title.

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Andreeva was born Siberia and moved to Sochi and eventually France to develop her tennis career.


She drew a loud applause from the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier when she spoke a few words of French during the trophy presentation.


“Thanks for your support today and over these past two marvellous weeks here in Paris,” Andreeva said. “It was very important for me.” 
Alexander Zverev plays Flavio Cobolli in the men’s final on Sunday to conclude the wildest Grand Slam in recent memory.


Breakthrough at 15 
Andreeva has been considered a Grand Slam contender since she burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at the 2023 Madrid Open, where 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, Kostyuk refused to shake her hand, as has been the custom for Ukrainian players facing Russians ever since the war started in 2022.


Andreeva has gone a step further than her coach, Conchita Martinez, who lost the 2000 French Open final to Mary Pierce.


Pierce presented the winner’s trophy to Andreeva.

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Polish fan support 
The final was played under mostly sunny skies but wind was a factor in the first Grand Slam final for both player.


Chwalinska double-faulted on the opening point of the match but she was the first player to hold serve in the fifth game for a 3-2 lead.


But then Andreeva won nine stright games to take control as she found a way to hit through the wind and answer Chwalinska’s array of spins and drop shots.


Andreeva produced 25 winners to Chwalinska’s 10 and also had fewer unforced errors: 26 to 29.

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There was a strong Polish presence in the crowd.


When Chwalinska was introduced, fans held aloft red-and-white Polish flags and chanted her name: “Ma-ja, Ma-ja.” 
Andreeva had little support from the crowd, although there was a shout of “Davai Mirra!” (“Go Mirra”) in Russian late in the match.


Men’s doubles 
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.

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Alexander Zverev vs Flavio Cobolli LIVE Score, French Open 2026 Final: Zverev Breaks Cobolli, Leads 1-0 In First Set

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Alexander Zverev vs Flavio Cobolli Final LIVE Updates, French Open 2026 Men’s Singles: Alexander Zverev vs Flavio Cobolli French Open men’s singles final has begun at the Roland Garros Stadium. Second-seed Zverev aims to win an elusive Grand Slam title as he takes on tenth-seeded Cobolli, who is playing his first-ever major final. While the Italian tennis player faces an uphill task, Zverev, who is playing his fourth Grand Slam final in pursuit of a maiden title, will be keen to use his experience and put pressure on his opponent.

Here are the Live Score and Updates of French Open 2026 men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli:

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Christmas Day & Ronan Whelan Win Betfred Derby at Epsom

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Christmas Day came early for jockey Ronan Whelan as he won his first Betfred Derby at Epsom on Saturday afternoon.

A son of Coolmore stallion Camelot, Christmas Day (7/1) was a two-and-three-quarter length winner over the Tom Marquand-ridden Maltese Cross (12/1).

James J Braddock, the mount of Dylan Browne McMonagle, took third for trainer Joseph O’Brien, two-and-a-half lengths behind the William Haggas-handled runner-up.

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The victory of Christmas Day, in the Coolmore colours, was a 12th win in the race for Aidan O’Brien, who becomes the first trainer to win the race four years in-a-row following the successes of Lambourn (2025), City Of Troy (2024) and Auguste Rodin (2023).

It is also a 50th British classic win for the County Wexford-born handler – his first coming with King Of Kings in the 1998 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The pre-race favourite Benvenuto Cellini, the mount of Ryan Moore, was declared a non-runner after a stewards’ inquiry post-race. The son of Frankel had one leg caught on a bar in the stalls as the race began. As a result, stewards deemed that he was denied a chance of winning and declared him a non-runner.

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Top 5 expert reactions to Suryakumar Yadav being sacked as captain ahead of Ireland and England 2026 T20Is

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In a massive decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sacked Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain ahead of the tour of Ireland and England. He was also dropped from the T20I squad that was picked on Saturday, June 6 for the tour of Ireland and England. Shreyas Iyer was named as the new Team India skipper in T20Is, while Tilak Varma was picked as his deputy.

Earlier this year, Suryakumar led India to victory in the T20 World Cup played at home. However, his form with the bat was scratchy as he managed just one half-century in the ICC event. The 35-year-old also struggled for runs while representing Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026.

There have been mixed reactions over the decision to sack Suryakumar as T20I captain. In this feature, we take a look at top five expert reactions to the move.


#1 Sanjay Manjrekar

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar reckons that, apart from batting form, Suryakumar’s fitness also played a role in him being dropped from the Indian T20I side. He opined that the 35-year-old could have worked a bit harder on his fitness. Speaking on Sony Sports, Manjrekar said:

“Surya losing form at his age made me wonder if he will have a second wind in T20s and become the player he was three to four years back. He’s not a 25 or 30-year-old. And as it panned out, with T20 being a hand-eye coordination game, you need to be supremely fit or young to have the kind of reflexes to meet bat on ball. Age not being on his side and plus, if he could have worked on his fitness a lot more, maybe things would have been slightly different.”

Suryakumar scored 270 runs in 13 innings during MI’s IPL 2026 campaign, averaging 20.76 at a strike rate of 147.54, with two half-centuries.


#2 Ravichandran Ashwin

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the selectors over their decision to sack Suryakumar as T20I captain. Admitting that the MI star’s form has been a concern, he opined that T20 World Cup-winning skipper should have been given a chance to prove himself in the England series. During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin said:

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“Is there a possibility that they could have given Surya a bit more time? And if you feel he’s not walking into your XI, (take the call). Could he have been given that big England series to ask himself to be proving once again as a batter that he belongs in that place? I just think he deserved that after having accomplished such a huge feat in his career.”

In nine innings in T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar scored 242 runs at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72, with a solitary half-century.


#3 Subramaniam Badrinath

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath expressed surprise at the selectors’ decision to sack Suryakumar as T20I captain even though he had led India to World Cup glory. Pointing out that something similar had happened with Rohit Sharma after the Champions Trophy, Badrinath said on (his YouTube channel):

“It’s definitely the end of the road for Suryakumar Yadav. We won’t see him in international cricket anymore. His winning percentage as a T20I captain is extremely high. Yet, these selectors have easily thrown him out. The same thing happened to Rohit Sharma after winning the Champions Trophy. There is a certain ruthlessness in the current team management.”

Rohit led India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE. However, he was subsequently sacked as one-day captain and replaced by Shubman Gill.


#4 Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the manner of Suryakumar’s sacking as T20I captain. According to Chopra, having won the T20 World Cup, the 35-year-old could have been given a farewell series by the selectors. The former India batter commented:

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“The last image you’ll have is him holding the World Cup trophy. World Cup trophy and then he gets dropped from the team. That doesn’t happen, man. That usually doesn’t happen. What I believed was that he should have been given an ‘off-ramp’ like telling him, ‘these are your last two series, play them, we’re making you captain. After this, it’s goodbye.’ If you don’t say goodbye, then we will drop you and that would have been the fair thing to do.”

Having made a belated T20I debut in 2021, Suryakumar has featured in 113 matches and has scored 3,272 runs at an average of 36.35 and a strike rate of 162.94, with four hundreds and 25 half-centuries.


#5 Sadagopan Ramesh

Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh stated that Suryakumar should not be too surprised or disappointed over being removed as T20I captain. Ramesh pointed out that the 35-year-old has been struggling with the willow for a couple of seasons now and opined that the time had come to move on from him. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramesh said:

“Though dropping a captain immediately after he led the side to a World Cup win is surprising, it’s a transition that Surya himself will be able to accept. Yes, he will be disappointed inside. But I feel this move would have been communicated to him weeks after the T20 World Cup itself.”

Suryakumar captained India in 52 T20Is, winning 40 and losing just eight. Two matches ended in a tie, while two produced no result. He ended his captaincy stint with a win percentage of 76.92.