As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, I find myself asking a question that millions of African football fans have asked for decades: can an African country finally win the World Cup?
For the first time in history, Africa will have 10 representatives at football’s biggest tournament. Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the dreams of more than a billion people across the continent.
When I look at that list, I see more than just football teams. I see decades of struggle, progress, heartbreak and hope.
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I think about Egypt becoming the first African nation to play at the World Cup in 1934. I think about the years when Africa had only one representative and was often treated as an outsider in the global game. I think about Cameroon shocking the world in 1990, Senegal stunning defending champions France in 2002, and Ghana coming within inches of a semi-final place in 2010.
I also remember the pain.
The controversial moments. The missed penalties. The narrow defeats. The feeling that Africa was always close but never quite close enough.
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Then came Qatar 2022.
I watched Morocco achieve something no African country had ever done before. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals. For the first time, I felt that the impossible no longer looked impossible.
Morocco changed the conversation.
Before Qatar, many people spoke about African teams as outsiders. After Qatar, they started talking about African teams as genuine contenders.
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That is why I believe the 2026 World Cup could be the tournament that changes everything.
With 10 teams competing, Africa has never had a stronger presence at the World Cup. The continent has more opportunities than ever before to produce a champion.
But if I had to choose the two African countries most capable of lifting the trophy, my picks would be Senegal and Morocco.
Morocco remains Africa’s strongest football story of recent years. Their success in Qatar was not built on luck. It was built on organisation, discipline, tactical intelligence and belief.
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Many of the players who reached the semi-finals remain at the peak of their careers. They understand what it takes to compete with the world’s elite nations. More importantly, they no longer fear them.
The Atlas Lions have already broken one barrier. Winning the World Cup would be the next.
Senegal is my other favourite.
The Teranga Lions possess something every successful World Cup team needs: experience, physical strength, quality players and a winning mentality.
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Over the last decade, Senegal have consistently remained among Africa’s strongest teams. They won the Africa Cup of Nations, have competed at multiple World Cups and continue to produce players who perform at the highest level in Europe.
Unlike previous generations, this Senegal team understands how to handle pressure. They know how to win difficult matches. They know how to suffer and survive when things are not going their way.
That experience could prove crucial in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup.
Of course, winning the competition will not be easy.
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Traditional powers such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain and England will arrive with the same ambition. History remains firmly on their side.
No African nation has ever reached a World Cup final, let alone won one.
But history is not a law of nature.
Every record exists until someone breaks it.
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For years, people said an African team could never reach the semi-finals. Morocco proved them wrong.
Now people say an African team cannot win the World Cup.
Perhaps they are right.
But perhaps they are only right until someone proves otherwise.
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As I prepare to watch the 2026 World Cup unfold, I cannot ignore the feeling that African football is entering a new era. From Egypt’s lone appearance in 1934 to 10 representatives in 2026, the journey has been remarkable.
The numbers have grown.
The quality has improved.
The belief is stronger than ever.
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And if Africa is finally going to produce a World Cup winner, I believe Morocco and Senegal offer the continent’s best chance of making history.
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.
Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.
“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”
A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.
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He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.
Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.
A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.
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The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.
Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.
Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.
“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.
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“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”
Malaysian MMA fighter Jihin Radzuan and Canadian standout Anastasia Nikolakakos will cross paths on the global stage of ONE Championship on Friday, July 17.
The duo lock horns in an atomweight MMA tiff, which will be part of ONE Fight Night 45: Lessei vs. Rabah on Prime Video in the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
ONE Championship confirmed the bout on its official website earlier today.
This American primetime card will mark Jihin Radzuan’s 15th promotional appearance and an opportunity for ‘Shadow Cat’ to register a second straight triumph in ONE Championship.
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Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
The victory earned the Foxgloves Fight Gym and Fairtex Training Center affiliate an 11th win after back-to-back losses to Macarena Aragon of Argentina and Japan’s Chihiro Sawada.
Before that, the Malaysian warrior racked up an impressive 8-3 slate in the world’s largest martial arts organization, two of her losses coming against eventual ONE women’s atomweight MMA world champions — Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga.
Her list of victims, meanwhile, includes former ONE world title challenger Mei Yamaguchi, Itsuki Hirata, Jenelyn Olsim, Bi Nguyen, and Jomary Torres.
Jihin brings a dangerous world-class arsenal, and she’s equally good on the canvas and in the striking department. She’s displayed her wide array of weapons in all facets of the discipline, and this trait should be her trump card against someone who moves as efficiently as Nikolakakos.
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The undefeated Canadian returns just three months after a successful debut outing in ONE Championship.
At ONE Fight Night 41 this past March, she authored a first-round finish of Victoria Souza inside the Lumpinee Stadium, using her savage hands en route to a ground-and-pound win.
The 36-year-old moved to 6-0 with the win, and it should give her the confidence needed to overcome someone of Jihin Radzuan’s caliber.
Fans can expect an intriguing battle when these two collide in this high-stakes atomweight MMA showdown at ONE Fight Night 45 next month.
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Jihin Radzuan vs. Anastasia Nikolakakos and all the fights confirmed for ONE Fight Night 45 so far
Luke Lessei vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah (Muay Thai – featherweight)
Suablack Tor Pran49 vs. Stephen Irvine (Muay Thai – flyweight)
Black Panther vs. Sean Climaco (Muay Thai – flyweight)
Bokang Masunyane vs. Lee Seung Cheol (MMA – strawweight)
The World Cup opening ceremony took off at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, marking the countdown to the opening group game between Mexico and South Africa.
Latin music and dance numbers gravitated around a massive model of the World Cup trophy in the center of the pitch, ahead of 104 matches over the next 39 days, building to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
The Estadio Azteca, or technically ‘Mexico City Stadium’ for this competition, has a rich World Cup history, as the venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finalsImage: David Leah/firo Sportphoto/picture alliance
In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai” — an Italian slang term meaning “come on” or “give it your all” — the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.
Shakira, Burna Boy and a troupe of dancers took center stage in the ceremonyImage: Kai Pfaffenbach/REUTERS
The game ended with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0.
South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos warned his team ahead of the game that they would have to tune out a raucous and passionate Mexico City crowd in the opening gameImage: Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/picture alliance
Police were out in force in the Mexican capital, not least around the outdoor viewing area in the city center, where there were reports of scuffles as people tried to funnel into the crowded site in the run-up to the game.
Police were out in numbers trying to keep the peace and stop local fans’ excitement from overflowingImage: Ginnette Riquelme/AP Photo/picture alliance
The teams came onto the pitch to cheers from the sellout crowd almost an hour before kickoff was scheduled.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino struck an optimistic note ahead of the opening game, even amid a host of problems ranging from ticket prices and tournament expansion to geopolitical issues like the war in Iran and the exclusion of a Somali referee by US immigration authoritiesImage: Ismael Rosas/Eyepix Group/ABACA/picture alliance
Football World Cup kicks off surrounded by controversy
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Mexico’s Julian Quinones celebrates after scoring the opening goal. (AP Photo)
Not many players have managed to outscore Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Julian Quinones did exactly that in the 2025-26 season. And on Thursday night, the Mexican striker carried that form onto football’s biggest stage, scripting a piece of FIFA World Cup history.The 29-year-old forward, who netted 33 goals in 31 league games for Al Qadsiah — five more than Ronaldo’s tally of 28 goals in 30 matches for Al Nassr — scored the opening goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in front of a packed Estadio Azteca.More significantly, Quinones became the first player from a CONCACAF nation to score the opening goal of a World Cup tournament.
Historic strike sparks Azteca celebrations
With 80,000 fans creating a deafening atmosphere in Mexico City, the co-hosts struck in just the ninth minute. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams attempted to play out from the back, but a misplaced pass and poor control from Sithole allowed Erik Lira to win possession and feed Quinones.The Al Qadsiah star needed no second invitation. From the edge of the box, he unleashed a powerful effort that squeezed through Williams’ legs and into the net, sending the iconic stadium into raptures.It was the earliest opening goal of a World Cup since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany after six minutes against Costa Rica in 2006.While France’s Lucien Laurent remains the first player to score in a World Cup match, having done so against Mexico in 1930, Quinones added his own chapter to the tournament’s rich history. In the previous edition in Qatar in 2022, Ecuador captain Enner Valencia had scored the competition’s first goal against hosts Qatar.
Mexico overpower South Africa
Quinones remained Mexico’s biggest threat throughout the opening half, even striking the post, before veteran striker Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute with a powerful header in his fourth World Cup appearance.South Africa’s task became increasingly difficult after Sithole was sent off early in the second half. Matters worsened when Zwane received another red card in the 83rd minute, reducing the visitors to nine men. Mexico also had a player dismissed in stoppage time, making it a match that produced three red cards.The victory extended Mexico’s remarkable dominance over African opposition to 22 consecutive wins across all competitions, with their last defeat against an African side coming against the same opponents in the 2005 Gold Cup.It was also the 20th World Cup match hosted at the iconic Estadio Azteca — the most by any stadium in tournament history — and Mexico ensured the famous venue witnessed yet another memorable night.For Quinones, though, this was a stage worthy of his growing reputation. First, he finished above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi scoring charts. Now, he has become the man who opened the scoring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a feat no player from the CONCACAF region had ever achieved before.
Marvel Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 14 AFL game between St Kilda Saints and
GWS Giants. The game kicks off at 3:15 pm with St Kilda Saints heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the St Kilda Saints vs.
GWS Giants
game and give you our free tips and bets.
A pivotal clash in the finals race awaits when St Kilda and GWS meet at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Just one win separates the two clubs on the ladder, adding extra significance to an already intriguing matchup. The Saints let a golden opportunity slip last week, surrendering a 33-point lead in a heartbreaking loss to Sydney. GWS arrives fresh from the bye and full of confidence after a commanding victory over Melbourne before the break. Finn Callaghan continues to emerge as one of the competition’s premier midfielders, while Toby Greene remains a constant threat in attack. St Kilda won the earlier meeting between the sides this season, but current form favours the Giants, who have won three of their past four matches.
Real Madrid is bringing back Jose Mourinho for a second stint some 13 years after he left the club, the Spanish powerhouse said Thursday. The Portuguese coach joins on a three-year contract and will officially take charge on July 13, when the preseason starts, the club said. Mourinho left no one in Spain indifferent to his abrasive, yet undeniably successful, managerial style when he first coached Madrid from 2010 to 2013. During his first run, he led Madrid to a Spanish league title and a Copa del Rey crown. Yet he is more remembered for his confrontational personality that ended up splitting his own squad and alienating all but the most hardcore fans, as well as a large part of the local media.
He will now inherit an underachieving team and rejoin a club in disarray.
Madrid hasn’t won a major title in two years with superstar striker Kylian Mbappe onboard. The club went through two coaches in Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa this season.
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The record 15-time European Cup winners have furthermore been embarrassed by series of unseemly events. There was a fight between players, fans jeering the team, and players questioning Arbeloa’s decisions.
Club president Florentino Pérez added to the sense of a club in crisis by giving a press conference to announce he would call early elections, which he then won, while blasting the media for what he considered a campaign to force him to quit.
Pérez’s re-election paved the way for Mourinho’s return.
Mourinho famously proclaimed himself as “a special one” over two decades ago when he was introduced as Chelsea’s coach, having led FC Porto to a surprising Champions League title in 2004.
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He lived up that boastful claim, making Chelsea a Premier League champion before he steered Inter Milan to the 2010 Champions League title, beating a seemingly unstoppable Barcelona en route to the final.
That convinced Pérez that Mourinho was the ideal coach to topple a Barcelona led by Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi in La Liga.
The rivalry between Mourinho and Guardiola took the contests between their clubs to new heights.
Following a 2011 defeat to Barcelona, Mourinho outraged Barcelona supporters, and many neutral ones, by saying he “would be ashamed” to win a Champions League like Guardiola did, claiming Barcelona was favored by the referees. Mourinho even got physical, poking an assistant coach of Guardiola in the eye during a scuffle between their teams later that year.
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But after winning the 2012 La Liga title, Madrid and Mourinho parted ways in 2013 with three years left on his contract. That followed a shock loss in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid and with media reports of him falling out with some of his players like fan favorite Iker Casillas.
Now 63, Mourinho has lost his status of being a serial champion who only coaches the elite clubs.
His brilliant career has dimmed after a frustrating spell at Manchester United from 2016-2018. Since then, he has coached at Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce, and, last season, Benfica.
His only trophy since leaving United was the 2022 Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition, won with Roma.
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But it seems that Pérez believes Mourinho’s experience and his strong personality are just what Madrid needs to take on a Barcelona side that is once again dominant thanks to its new talisman, Lamine Yamal.
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The people hoping Henry Ruggs III could be paroled on Thursday were adamant he’s improved as a person, is remorseful about the accident that killed a woman in a 2021 car crash, and is ready to re-enter society. It was not good enough for the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.
The board denied the parole request by Ruggs, and he may not get out until 2027 when a mandatory parole release date is set.
Former Raiders player Henry Ruggs waits in court for a hearing at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on May 2, 2023. Attorneys announced a plea agreement on felony DUI charges related to a deadly 2021 crash.(K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
It has been nearly five years since Ruggs, a 2020 first-round draft pick for the Las Vegas Raiders, drove his sports car at speeds of up to 156 mph and slammed into a vehicle driven by Tina Tintor.
Tintor, 23, and her dog, Max, were killed as their car burst violently into flames.
Prosecutors at the time said that Ruggs was legally drunk. He had a blood alcohol level of 0.16, which is twice the legal limit, in a test taken within the required two hours after the crash.
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Ruggs spent the evening of Nov. 2, 2021, at Topgolf, a sports entertainment venue in Las Vegas, according to prosecutors.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III stands next to a Chevrolet Corvette involved in a fatal accident in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 2, 2021. Police said Ruggs was driving the Corvette when it hit another vehicle, killing a woman. He will be charged with DUI resulting in death.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ruggs pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced in August 2023 to a three-to-10-year prison sentence.
The prison sentence effectively ended Ruggs’ NFL career, although there have been whispers he’d like to attempt a comeback when he eventually is released. He would be 28 years old if he gets out before the 2027 NFL season.
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Ruggs, in the meantime, completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, participated in prison work and trustee programs, including a stint working at the Nevada governor’s mansion under a state inmate work program, and expressed his remorse about the incident.
Former Las Vegas Raiders player Henry Ruggs III appears in court at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 22, 2021. He was ordered to wear an ankle monitor to measure his alcohol level after missing a court-ordered test. Ruggs faces DUI charges following a fatal car crash.(Bizuayehu Tesfaye-Pool/Getty Images)
That apparently was not enough for the Board.
The Associated Press reported Ruggs will go before the parole board again three months before his Aug. 24, 2027, mandatory parole release date, according to Kathi Baker, executive director of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.
If we are honest, as football fans, we needed this.
We needed an end to the gouging and the politicking and the shambles, to the power games and the bad faith actions of those who run the show.
What we needed was the show.
Thankfully that show has now begun and with the arrival of football the conversations can change a little.
Are Mexico contenders to win it all? No, not on this performance. And yet we can confidently say they will have the greatest home advantage of any team playing at this World Cup, not just because they have easily the most fervent support of the three co-hosts, but also the altitude and potentially the heat, which could benefit them against visitors to this beautifully chaotic, football-mad country.
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And as football finally takes centre-stage, a word for the stage itself.
How magnificent is this glorious Estadio Azteca, blending the scale and steepling heights of the Bernabéu with the culture and traditional feel of the Maracaná. The way that top tier keeps rising into the sky, almost an exponential curve, creates a cauldron in which passion reverberates and the past echoes.
One of football’s true cathedrals, history seeps from its creaking, though recently cleaned, pores: Carlos Alberto’s galloping strike, Pele lifting the World Cup in 1970, the Hand of God, the goal of the century and Diego Maradona hoisting his own Jules Rimet all happened here. What a blessing.
The top photos of the week by AP photojournalists (The Associated Press)
In turn, what a crime to football that that final of this bloated tournament will take place at a soulless tin box in New Jersey rather than one of sport’s greatest and most historic arenas.
What a neat summation of the cultural barbarism Fifa has inflicted upon the tournament in the name of commercial gain.
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The game, though. As discussed, Mexico didn’t send a message today but they did do what was necessary. It has become apparent in recent international breaks that Javier Aguirre would seek more control in games, hence his selection of Erik Lira in a holding role that had shades of an old-fashioned libero. Julian Quiñones may not be a household name around the world but he is Mexico’s best player, and he comes into the tournament positively brimming with confidence after finishing as top scorer in the Saudi Pro League. Given the talent there, that’s not an achievement to simply ignore.
Jimenez celebrates scoring Mexico’s second against South Africa (Getty)
It was he who had the first chance, which would have settled the nerves of a buzzing home crowd, only to go one better and successfully calm them in the ninth minute with the tournament’s opening goal. This wasn’t an iconic goal out of the Siphiwe Tshabalala drawer when these teams met in this same opening fixture in 2010. A heavy touch from Sphephelo Sithole gifted Mexico the goal from which they were always going to struggle to recover from, and when the South Africa midfielder got himself sent off minutes after the break, this game felt as good as over.
A second from an emotional Raul Jimenez secured the win, and Mexico were able to throw into the fray a few of the young talents who may, one would hope, end up making this team of relative control and calm a bit more energetic and exciting.
Mexico’s Cesar Montes reacts after being shown a red card by referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Reuters)
Gilberto Mora is chief among those. The youngest player at the tournament, and the only 17-year-old, he will be playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs within the next year and is very much a player to watch. Armando Gonzalez replaced the veteran Jimenez up front as some would argue he should have done from the start. The Chivas youngster is another player destined for bigger things and likely Europe this summer.
Pining for these younger, more electric talents is not to say that Mexico played badly, far from it. But with the desire for control came what, at times, felt like circulation of the ball that was far too slow. César Montes’ late red card gives them an opportunity to try someone else at centre-back, perhaps the ball-playing Luis Romo, while there are also more attacking options available at right-back.
Mexican fans cheer in the stands during the Fifa World Cup 2026 opener (Getty)
In the end though, Mexico did what was necessary. With the absurd format of this tournament they are already 94% likely to reach the knockout stages and the priority now must be winning the group in order to avoid a tough draw in the round of 32. Even winning the group and finding their way through a knockout game would likely set up a round-of-16 tie with England.
What a night that would be at this historic arena. And as the lights go out on the first match of this World Cup and we are ushered towards the exits, you can’t help but feel that just as football deserves better than Fifa, this stadium, the Colossus of Santa Ursula, deserves better than for its final World Cup match this time around to be in the round of 16.
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It’s up to Aguirre to ensure the same is true for the Mexican team.
Since then, it appears as though terms have been agreed, but the event still hinges on both men being successful in their respective ‘tune-up’ bouts, with ‘AJ’ scheduled to fight Albania’s Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25.
For Fury, an opponent is yet to be announced ahead of a reported August bout, but former unified heavyweight champion and Joshua conquerer, Andy Ruiz Jr, has been mentioned as one potential dance partner.
Speaking to iFL TV, ‘The Destroyer’ vowed that he would ruin Fury’s plans and take his position in a fight with Joshua, if selected as his August opponent.
“I hope so [that I get the Tyson Fury fight], but if they are smart, they wouldn’t take it. What I have been telling everybody is, ‘if I get that fight with Tyson Fury, you best believe; tell Eddie [Hearn], tell Turki [Al-Alshikh], tell everybody that I am going to mess up the plans’, because I am gonna win that damn fight.
“Best believe that I am going to be the one ending up fighting Anthony Joshua, we are going to have that trilogy.”
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Ruiz then went on to reveal his hitlist, where he added Deontay Wilder’s name into the mix, keen for a big fight next, despite being winless since September 2022.
“I would love to fight Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua or [Deontay] Wilder. All of those big fights that we are supposed to make, I want to make ‘em now. Now, I am ready, I am hungry, I want a piece of that pie.”
Fans watch from the stands as the Detroit Lions finish off a victory over the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. On Jan. 5, 2025, Detroit clinched the NFC North title in front of its home crowd, while Minnesota exited the regular season facing major questions and an uncertain offseason ahead. Mandatory Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
When the Minnesota Vikings completed their “competitive rebuild” process in 2024, a Super Bowl window, in theory, should’ve opened. Well, according to Bleacher Report, that window has already closed — and if so, wasn’t really ajar in the first place.
BR’s Brad Gagnon analyzed each NFL team’s current Super Bowl window, and for the Vikings, he essentially said the franchise is cooked.
Why Bleacher Report Thinks Minnesota’s Window Has Closed
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson share a postgame moment following a matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Sept. 21, 2025, the star pass catchers exchanged a brief embrace after the final whistle, highlighting the mutual respect between two of the NFL’s premier offensive playmakers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
BR: Vikings Super Bowl Window Is Closed
That’s a wrap for Minnesota’s Super Bowl aspirations, as Gagnon explained, “Minnesota Vikings: Closed. The talent is there at the skill positions, along the offensive line and on defense, but we need to see something from either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy first.”
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For context, Gagnon noted on the Green Bay Packers, “Green Bay Packers: 2-6 years. The 27-year-old Jordan Love is in his prime and under contract for the next few years, and the Packers are already a perennial playoff team.”
“They’re far from a crossroads, but things get tricky if they can’t deliver the next two years and Love is slated to count $74.2 million against the cap in 2028.”
And for Detroit: “Detroit Lions: 1-4 years. Jared Goff turns 32 this year, and the Lions have had no playoff success the last two seasons. Another failure could mark the end of the run, while a successful rebound could keep the window open into Goff’s mid-30s.”
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The Roster — and Defense — Disagrees
A Super Bowl window remains open because of a trustworthy, borderline-elite defense, and the Vikings found theirs when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. While Kevin O’Connell’s first season delivered wins, drama, and last-minute heroics, Ed Donatell’s defense made every game a coin flip.
Flores then transformed the defense into the roster’s most reliable asset, a crucial development, especially for Kyler Murray, who signed on Minnesota’s dotted line if free agency three months ago.
Murray’s tenure in Arizona often saw him compensating for subpar situations. Defenses were rarely more than adequate, and his supporting cast inconsistently matched his talent. Now, imagine him in Minnesota: Flores’ defense, O’Connell’s play-calling, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and a solid offensive line. Suddenly, an 8.5-win projection seems conservative.
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Last year, the Vikings won nine games with a comparable roster and less consistent quarterback play. While losing Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia stings, Murray offers a significant boost in offensive efficiency. His career EPA+CPOE metrics rival those of Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, and C.J. Stroud.
If the prospect of Mayfield or Lawrence in Minnesota excites fans, Murray should at least spark serious consideration. The Super Bowl window remains open if Murray returns to form and the defense maintains its high standard. The playmakers are in place, the coaching is solid, and the roster is competitive.
It’s just up to the quarterback to deliver.
All Up to Murray — and Maybe McCarthy
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Of course, if Murray simply doesn’t click in O’Connell’s system, all bets are off. Murray has been in the NFL for seven seasons and has worked with two different offenses. He should be able to “figure it out” with experience in his toolkit.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands in the bench area during the second half of a road game against the Washington Commanders. On Sept. 10, 2023, Murray observed action from the sideline at FedExField as Arizona opened its season against an NFC opponent in Landover, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
If he falters, the Vikings won’t hesitate to pass the baton to McCarthy, who’s hungry to resume his development and maturation after a rollercoaster 2025 campaign. In fact, Minnesota is hosting a quarterback battle this summer between Murray and McCarthy. May the best man win.
If both men falter — yes, Minnesota will be back to square one, probably eyeing the 2027 NFL Draft for a new quarterback of the future. The class is trending toward being remarkably deep for that project, if so.
A New GM if BR Is Right
Incidentally, Minnesota hired a new general manager last week, so if Gagnon is correct about a closed Super Bowl window, the Vikings already have a jump on the next step. They won’t have to sack the front office and scratch their heads. Nolan Teasley has already joined the franchiase and will lead the club into the future.
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New Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley speaks with reporters while outlining his vision for the organization. On June 3, 2026, Teasley discussed collaboration between ownership, coaches, and football operations in Eagan, Minnesota, as he began leading the franchise through a significant offseason transition. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
While it’s unclear what quarterback strategy Teasley would pursue, it’s a reasonable bet to assume he’d explore all options, including the aforementioned 2027 rookie class.
But that’s only if Murray and McCarthy utterly stink.
Vegas expects Minnesota to win eight or nine games in 2026 — the same forecast was made before the 2024 campaign when Minnesota ripped off 14 wins under the stewardship of Sam Darnold. They’re also slated to finish in last place in the NFC North, according to sportsbooks.
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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