The final round of group-stage fixtures continues at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 26, with qualification scenarios becoming clearer across Groups E, F and D.
While some teams have already secured their place in the Round of 32, others are still fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Germany enter the day as Group E winners, the United States have already wrapped up top spot in Group D, while Group F remains one of the most competitive groups in the tournament with three teams still chasing automatic qualification.
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FIFA World Cup June 26 matches
Time (IST)
Match
Group
01:30:00
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast
Group E
01:30:00
Ecuador vs Germany
Group E
04:30:00
Tunisia vs Netherlands
Group F
04:30:00
Japan vs Sweden
Group F
07:30:00
Türkiye vs USA
Group D
07:30:00
Paraguay vs Australia
Group D
Ivory Coast And Curaçao Battle For Second Spot
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Germany have already secured top spot in Group E after winning their opening two matches, leaving the battle for the second qualification berth wide open.
Ivory Coast currently hold the advantage and know that avoiding defeat against Curaçao should be enough to progress. Ecuador remain alive but need a positive result against Germany and help from elsewhere.
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Curaçao have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and still have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds.
Group E Scenario
Germany have already won the group.
Ivory Coast qualify with a win or draw.
Curaçao qualify with a win over Ivory Coast.
Ecuador need a win and favourable results elsewhere to remain in contention.
Key Match
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Curaçao vs Ivory Coast
This is effectively a knockout game. A victory would send Curaçao into the Round of 32 for the first time, while Ivory Coast only need to avoid defeat to secure qualification.
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Group F: The Tightest Group Heads For A Dramatic Finish
Group F remains one of the most unpredictable groups in the competition.
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The Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all remain firmly in the race for the two automatic qualification spots. With only one match remaining, every goal could prove decisive.
The Dutch currently occupy a strong position but are yet to guarantee progression. Japan have impressed throughout the tournament, while Sweden remain capable of overtaking both rivals with a final-day victory. Tunisia have already been eliminated and will be playing only for pride.
Group F Scenario
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Netherlands qualify with a win or draw.
Netherlands win the group with a win and a Japan draw or loss.
Japan qualify with a win or draw.
Japan win the group with a win and a Netherlands draw or loss.
Sweden qualify with a victory.
Tunisia have been eliminated.
Japan vs Sweden
This could effectively decide one of the automatic qualification spots. Sweden need victory, while Japan know that even a draw could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.
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USA Already Through, Australia And Paraguay Fight For Survival
The United States have already secured top spot in Group D after winning their first two matches and are guaranteed a Round of 32 fixture in Santa Clara. That leaves Australia and Paraguay battling for second place.
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Australia enter the final matchday in the stronger position and need only avoid defeat against Paraguay to progress. Paraguay, meanwhile, face a straightforward task: win and they advance. Türkiye have already been eliminated after two defeats.
Group D Scenario
USA have already won the group.
Australia qualify with a win or draw.
Paraguay qualify with a win.
Paraguay could still qualify with a draw depending on third-place rankings, but it is not guaranteed.
Türkiye have been eliminated.
Paraguay vs Australia
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The stakes could not be clearer. Australia only need a point, while Paraguay must push for victory to keep qualification in their own hands.
FIFA World Cup 2026: June 26 Matches Live Streaming and Telecast Details
Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Curaçao and Ivory Coast will kick-start the June 26 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 1:30 am IST in a crucial Group E encounter.
Which two teams will feature in the second game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Ecuador will face Germany in the other Group E fixture, also scheduled to begin at 1:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Tunisia will take on the Netherlands in a Group F clash scheduled to start at 4:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Japan and Sweden will lock horns in the second Group F fixture at 4:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fifth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Türkiye will meet the United States in a Group D encounter beginning at 7:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the sixth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?
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Paraguay and Australia will square off in the other Group D fixture, also starting at 7:30 am IST.
Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 26 matches in India?
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The broadcast of the June 26 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 26 matches in India?
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The live streaming of the June 26 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the ZEE5 app and website for viewers in India.
IND A vs SL A: India A will resume Day 2 of the 1st Unofficial Test in a commanding position at 333/4 against Sri Lanka A at the Galle International Stadium. After a dominant opening day, powered by a superb century from Sai Sudharsan, the visitors will look to build a massive first-innings total and tighten their grip on the contest.
Day 1 Recap
India A ended the opening day on 333/4 in 86 overs, with Sai Sudharsan producing a classy century to lay the foundation for a dominant total. After the top order did its job, captain Dhruv Jurel (57)* and Shaik Rasheed (48)* frustrated the hosts with an unbeaten 98-run partnership, ensuring India A finished the day firmly in control.
For Sri Lanka A, left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera claimed the first breakthrough by dismissing opener Ayush Pandey (25), but the hosts struggled to make further inroads as India’s middle order batted with discipline and composure.
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Day 2 Outlook
India A will aim to capitalize on their strong position by extending the Jurel-Rasheed partnership beyond the 100-run mark in the morning session. With plenty of batting still to come, the visitors will be eyeing a first-innings total in excess of 500 before unleashing their bowling attack.
Sri Lanka A, meanwhile, desperately need early wickets to prevent India A from piling on an imposing score. The first hour with the relatively newer ball could prove crucial if the hosts are to claw their way back into the contest.
Pitch Report
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The Galle International Stadium surface is expected to remain batting-friendly during the opening sessions of Day 2, offering good pace and carry. However, as the match progresses and the footmarks become more pronounced, the pitch is likely to assist the spinners with increased turn and variable bounce, making batting progressively more challenging later in the game.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann vehemently disagreed with Deniz Undav’s claims that Ecuador ‘wanted it more’ following his team’s defeat to the South American side.
Ecuador came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final group game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result kept Ecuador’s qualification hopes for the knockout rounds alive while Germany’s victories in each of their first two games had already confirmed their spot in the Round of 32.
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Leroy Sane controversially put the Germans ahead less than two minutes into the clash, but Ecuador responded shortly after through a long-range strike from Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo. 13 minutes from time, Gonzalo Plata prodded home from close range, giving Ecuador a crucial three points on the evening.
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Speaking to Magenta TV after the match, Undav, who is currently Germany’s leading goalscorer in the 2026 World Cup, claimed his country lost their final group stage game because Ecuador wanted it more.
“I had the feeling they wanted it more than we did,” the forward said. “Ecuador were more aggressive, more tenacious. We have to learn from this that we also have to give it our all. They gave 100 percent in every action, they were involved in every challenge. We also weren’t as focused as in the first two games. We have to fight back more. But it’s not the end of the world.”
Speaking to the same outlet, Nagelsmann strongly disagreed with Undav, branding his remarks as ‘nonsense’.
“Ecuador wanted it more than we did? That’s nonsense,” the coach said.
Germany made a statement in their opener, defeating debutants Curacao 7-1, before defeating Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in their second game. By winning their group, Die Mannschaft will playa third-place side from Group A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.
“The opponent wanted to win more than us” – Germany captain Kimmich echoes Undav’s sentiments after loss to Ecuador
Like Undav, Joshua Kimmich claimed Ecuador ‘deserved’ all three points, insisting that they showed more desire to win. The result marked Ecuador’s first win over a European opponent since 2013.
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“The atmosphere was amazing. You could feel that there were many people from Ecuador,’ captain Joshua Kimmich told reporters. “The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us, and you can really feel it, especially in the second half. This is why they won today, really deserved.”
Elsewhere, the result ended the European side’s 11-match winning run, one shy of the team record in 1979-80.
Is Virat Kohli going to be in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad? That is a topic that neither head coach Gautam Gambhir nor BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has directly addressed, instead maintaining a non-committal stance. With just over a year to go to the World Cup, most people expect Kohli to be on the plane to South Africa, but there isn’t 100% certainty. Over the last couple of years, there have also been several reports and rumours over potential friction between Gambhir, Agarkar and Kohli.
The Indian team management’s non-committal approach towards Kohli has left doubts in the minds of experts and fans over what exactly he needs to achieve to guarantee his spot in India’s 2027 World Cup side. Is it his form, is it his fitness, or both, or something else?
During IPL 2026, Kohli himself stated that he does not want to belong in a space where he feels that he has to prove himself:
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“If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space. Because I am being honest to my preparation,” Kohli had said on the RCB podcast.
Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is among those who have called for clarity regarding Kohli’s place in India’s World Cup plans. In a recent YouTube video, Ashwin urged the selectors to make up their mind over Kohli immediately and make him comfortable, putting an end to the doubt once and for all.
Amidst any persisting doubt over Kohli and the need to manage him as a player and person, there is one arena that Gambhir and Agarkar can look at to handle the situation.
Should Team India take notes from RCB?
“He’s been there for so long, he knows how to get the job done. All you need to do is give him respect, give him his space and allow him to do his thing. Most of the coaching revolves around that. Just let him be, with him knowing that we have his back no matter what.
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“He’s in the big league – the Michael Jordans, the Novak Djokovics, the Roger Federers. As long as you don’t interfere in his process, you respect him for the person that he is with the bat and off the field, he will create magic for you.”
These are words of Dinesh Karthik, the mentor and batting coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Virat Kohli’s IPL team that has created history by winning back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026.
Kohli’s records and numbers for RCB, particularly in recent years, speak for themselves. Even during periods of drought in international cricket, Kohli has been a guaranteed run-machine at the world’s most competitive franchise cricket league. In 2026, Kohli became the first player in IPL history to score 600+ runs in four consecutive seasons.
But beyond the numbers, Kohli’s desire to deliver for RCB makes him stand out. Kohli shed tears of joy after the IPL 2025 final victory, and overcame the pain of hamstring injury to guide his team to IPL 2026 final victory.
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Those moments showed why Kohli is peerless – even at 37 – at leading a team to victory. Those moments showed how Kohli thrives at his absolute best when he is given the comfort to operate at his own pace.
During his IPL years, Gambhir regarded RCB as his favourite rival, clashing many a time with Kohli on the field. But now sitting on the Indian cricket hotseat, he could follow RCB’s tried-and-tested mantra when it comes to handling India’s biggest cricket superstar.
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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jake Golday carries the football during minicamp practice in Eagan as Minnesota works through offseason drills. Golday, a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, participated in June 2026 while coaches evaluated his athletic profile, coverage range, and early fit in Brian Flores’ defense. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
If you want the Minnesota Vikings to use rookie Jake Golday like they use outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, it looks like you’re in for a treat.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently spoke about Golday’s skill set, and when asked how his traits compare to Van Ginkel’s, he did not balk at the comparison.
Brian Flores Has a Fun New LB Puzzle to Solve
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday smiles during spring practice at Nippert Stadium as preparations continued for the upcoming season. The linebacker emerged as one of the program’s notable defensive contributors while participating in drills and position work during camp activities. April 12, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare-Imagn Images.
O’Connell on Golday
A reporter asked O’Connell if Van Ginkel is a reasonable comp for Golday, and O’Connell replied, “He has some of those characteristics to him. We were fortunate enough to get him where we did.”
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Golday also said about Van Ginkel, “I’m my own person at the end of the day, but I can’t complain about that comparison. He’s an amazing player so I strive to be like a guy like that. He just looks so calm out there all the time. It’s just crazy how he gets to the ball every single play. I’m like, ‘Dude, you’ve got to teach me your ways.’”
Nothing can be definitively learned about Golday’s eventual usage in June, but it’s safe to assume that he probably isn’t a pure off-ball linebacker. The hints suggest that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will use him as a pass rusher at times.
Solving the Current OLB3 Mystery?
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On the second night of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, along with a 7th-Rounder, for two 3rd-Round picks. They evidently could not afford Greenard’s asking price of $100 million over the next four years.
Instantly, Minnesota’s OLB room went from a roster strength to a roster question mark, mainly because of uncertainty about the depth behind Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Could an unsung player like Bo Richter or Tyler Batty really climb the ranks enough to do some damage at OLB3?
Well, that question may be moot if Golday sees action as a Van Ginkel-like hybrid. After all, drafting an off-ball linebacker in Round 2 is a little high; it just makes more sense if Minnesota chose Golday knowing he could provide EDGE tools. Outside linebackers frequently fly off the board in early rounds. Inside linebackers are rarer.
Perhaps Flores will use Golday as an EDGE right away, eliminating the OLB concerns.
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Zone Coverage‘s Trevor Ripley noted earlier this month, “Minnesota drafted Golday to address a future need, but he may be too good to keep in the garage for a year. There’s a world where, despite the recent extension, Golday surpasses Wilson on the depth chart at some point this season.”
“It may be a bit nebulous what his actual role will be for much of training camp and maybe even into the preseason. But Flores might find a way to get the rookie on the field in any way he can — whether it be edge, off-ball, or maybe even the designated diver on Tush Push calls. Golday could certainly handle all of it.”
Avoiding the Round 2 EDGE Rusher Scourge
Of course, Golday must beat the odds if he’s used in an EDGE capacity. A little-known fact: there’s something about Round 2 EDGE rushers that just don’t take off in the NFL.
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Vikings linebacker Jake Golday appears during a Cincinnati football feature discussing his development and responsibilities within the Bearcats defense. The behind-the-scenes segment highlighted the linebacker room and offseason preparation as the program approached fall camp. Aug. 8, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Cincinnati Bearcats Football-YouTube.
Since 2020, these OLBs and DEs have been picked in the 2nd Round:
Nik Bonitto (DEN, 2022)
Tuli Tuipulotu (LAC, 2023)
A.J. Epenesa (BUF, 2020)
Azeez Ojulari (NYG, 2021)
Yetur Gross-Matos (CAR, 2020)
Jeremy Chinn (CAR, 2020)
Braden Fiske (LAR, 2024)
Willie Gay Jr. (KAN, 2020)
Dayo Odeyingbo (IND, 2021)
Arnold Ebiketie (ATL, 2022)
Keion White (NWE, 2023)
Logan Hall (TAM, 2022)
Sam Williams (DAL, 2022)
Boye Mafe (SEA, 2022)
Josh Paschal (DET, 2022)
Boogie Basham (BUF, 2021)
Derrick Hall (SEA, 2023)
Nic Scourton (CAR, 2025)
Marlon Davidson (ATL, 2020)
Donovan Ezeiruaku (DAL, 2025)
David Ojabo (BAL, 2022)
Darrell Taylor (SEA, 2020)
Chris Braswell (TAM, 2024)
Isaiah Foskey (NOR, 2023)
Mike Green (BAL, 2025)
Drake Jackson (SFO, 2022)
Marshawn Kneeland (DAL, 2024)
BJ Ojulari (ARI, 2023)
Oluwafemi Oladejo (TEN, 2025)
JT Tuimoloau (IND, 2025)
Joshua Uche (NWE, 2020)
Based on expectations from draft night, that group has not lived up to expectations. There are some hits, but overall, picking an EDGE in Round 2 has not been fruitful over the last several years.
More Clues at Training Camp on the Way
The next stop in determining Golday’s role is training camp, which gets underway in late July and, for fans, on August 1st. Coaches are saying all the right things about Golday’s versatility, but the rubber will hit the road in Eagan five weeks from now.
Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Joe Royer speaks with linebacker Jake Golday during practice at the Sheakley Athletic Performance Center in Cincinnati. Golday remained around the team despite being unavailable for competition while continuing workouts and preparations alongside teammates. Dec. 18, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare-Imagn Images.
Sometimes, rookies are not ready right away, so that’s another Golday storyline to monitor: whether as a pure ILB or OLB-ILB mix, will Golday be ready for Week 1?
The general update is that coaches plan to use him like Van Ginkel. It’s a tough act to follow because Van Ginkel’s is so efficient, but Golday is ready to give it a whirl.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones celebrates after scoring a first-quarter touchdown against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The veteran back energized the home crowd with an early trip to the end zone during an important NFC North matchup. Oct. 20, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Aaron Jones enters Year No. 3 with the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 and Year No. 10 in the pros. This week, he sent a message to his naysayers on Instagram — he ain’t washed.
A strange account used that term to describe Jones, and he’s evidently using it as fuel. He didn’t hesitate to correct the record.
Jones Thinks the Doubters Have It Wrong
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. carries the football against the Detroit Lions during first-half action at Ford Field. The veteran running back remained a focal point of Minnesota’s offense, using his vision and burst to generate yards against a tough divisional opponent. Nov. 2, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-Imagn Images.
Jones: I’m Not Washed
An Instagram account called “VikesVision” that posts graphics of players with bold adjectives in the background found its way to Jones this week, affixing the “washed” label.
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Jones commented, “When the lights come on, it’s Showtyme 😈. Silence the doubters and haters! When I first got in the league, he’s not good enough. He’s too small. Next they say, he’s injury prone — played in just as many games as your favorite backs.”
“Numbers Don’t lie. Line them up with the worlds best! The thing is, no one ever expected me to be here but ME! 10 in and I ain’t stopping now 😤💛🙏🏾.”
It is unclear why VikesVision arbitrarily called Jones washed in the first place. It’s a pro-Vikings account.
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Stint with the Vikings So Far
Last year was a mixed bag for Jones due to injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. His health has always been a primary concern; he’s exceptional when active, but his absence is felt when he’s sidelined. Despite the shortened season, he still managed a respectable 747 yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns, a solid performance for a running back approaching 30.
His most productive season with the team was 2024, his inaugural year in Minnesota, where he amassed 1,546 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns. Interestingly, Justin Jefferson recorded the exact same yardage total that season.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Vikings’ success hinges on Jones staying healthy. While his play is valuable, by December at 32, he’s not a long-term solution.
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Beyond his on-field contributions, Jones’s leadership is crucial. With fullback C.J. Ham retired and safety Harrison Smith’s future uncertain, retaining a veteran presence was important for the Vikings, and Jones fills that role effectively.
Accepting a Paycut
Meanwhile, Jones accepted a paycut to stay in Minnesota this season. The Vikings lowered his base salary to $5.5 million, and he signed off on that arrangement,
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones carries the football during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jones helped Minnesota close out another victory by providing steady production on the ground late in the contest. Sept. 22, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
It was likely that Jones and his agent poked around the NFL’s free-agent landscape and quickly realized he would not fetch more than $5.5 million with a new team, making it a no-brainer to remain in Minnesota at a reduced price.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz remarked in March, “Keeping Jones around at roughly 60 percent of his previous base salary makes some sense for the Vikings, especially with the free agent running back class being pretty picked over already. The former longtime Packer should still have some juice left as part of a committee backfield.”
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Minnesota also lowered tight end T.J. Hockenson’s salary, so it was apparent that the franchise wanted to keep its veteran leadership — on its terms.
Shared Backfield?
Remember last year, when the Vikings rolled into the regular season with Jones and Jordan Mason as the main running backs? That’s happening again, and this time, it’s a complete mystery about the true RB1. That is — no one knows who will take the first hand-off from Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Mason rushed for 758 yards on 159 attempts in 16 games, with 6 touchdowns. Jones missed five games, accruing 458 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 132 carries. Mason logged 4.8 yards per carry — Jones at 4.2
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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones runs onto the field before a road game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The veteran returned to face his former team after spending seven seasons with the Packers before joining Minnesota. Sept. 29, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.
Minnesota’s backfield should be in good hands, though it lacks a youthful spark unless 6th-Round rookie Demond Claiborne turns heads right away.
FantasyLife‘s Ian Hartitz noted on Claiborne last month, “As for Claiborne: Maybe there could be something here! Ace NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler’s one-line summary for the Wake Forest product was, “A low-calorie De’Von Achane: small, darting, electric.” There are some warranted size (5-foot-9, 188 pounds) and “little things” concerns, but then again, this isn’t exactly a depth chart full of world-beaters.”
“Ultimately, Jones might not be someone you’re thrilled to plug in as your RB2, but he’s undoubtedly a value based on his projection (RB32) vs. ADP (RB40). A similar sentiment is true for Mason, who, at a minimum, seems priced closer to his floor than his ceiling. I’m dubious Claiborne ever gets a chance at a fantasy-viable role, but you could imagine what it’d be like if he did.’
Jones will turn 32 in December.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Elliot Anderson finally looks set to join Manchester City after an agreement was reached for the Nottingham Forest midfielder
22:07, 25 Jun 2026Updated 23:06, 25 Jun 2026
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Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson.
The England midfielder has been City’s priority addition since the season ended with several offers beyond into the triple-figures launched. The latest of those is reported to be a staggering £116million with Forest finally accepting those terms.
While an agreement has been struck on a fee, it is claimed that Anderson still needs to finalise personal terms, but is expected to undergo a medical in New York on Friday.
The signing of Anderson is quite the coup for City in their post-Pep Guardiola era with his former assistant Enzo Maresca set to take over.
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Manchester United were also interested in signing the 23-year-old but quickly moved onto other targets upon learning of his lofty asking price.
A mini-rebuild is expected at Etihad Stadium this summer with stalwarts Bernardo Silva and John Stones departing. Joskvo Gvardiol and Rodri have also been linked with departures.
With a deal for Anderson sealed, City may well intensity their efforts for Sandro Tonali with the Newcastle United midfielder also on their radar.
Tottenham are currently attempting to sign the Italian but their two reported offers are yet to meet his £100m asking price.
Arsenal have also been linked with the former AC Milan star but now appear more focused on his club team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.
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Both London clubs have also identified Mateus Fernandes as a target with the West Ham star the midfielder Man United switched focus onto after it became clear that Anderson would likely be heading to City.
The former Newcastle ace has started both of England’s World Cup group games with Thomas Tuchel confirming ahead of the tournament he would not stop his players sealing transfers while in camp.
1 min read Last Updated : Jun 26 2026 | 7:13 AM IST
Gonzalo Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute, and Ecuador advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup by rallying for a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.
Germany, which clinched first place in Group E with victories in its first two games, went ahead on Leroy Sane’s second-minute goal. Nilson Angulo scored Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute.
Plata scored after a corner kick was nodded on by Kevin Rodriguez. Neuer, the 40-year-old Germany goalkeeper who came out of international retirement for the World Cup, was about the grasp the ball when Plata raised his left foot and with a toe put the ball into the net.
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Ecuador finished third in the group with four points and advanced past the group stage for the second time, the first since a round of 16 game in 2002.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ecuador produced a stunning comeback to beat Germany 2-1 and book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The South Americans had failed to score in their opening two Group E matches, drawing with Curaçao and losing to Ivory Coast. But they saved their best performance for last as they came from behind to defeat the group winners in New Jersey.
Germany took the lead after just two minutes when Leroy Sane finished calmly after a clever pass from Florian Wirtz.
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Ecuador were unhappy with the goal, believing Pedro Vite had been fouled by Aleksandar Pavlovic moments earlier. However, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
The decision appeared to inspire Ecuador, who equalised seven minutes later. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo fired a low shot past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 1-1.
Ecuador continued to attack after the break and got the winning goal in the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest from a corner to beat Neuer and spark wild celebrations among the Ecuador fans.
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Angulo was one of Ecuador’s standout players and was named Man of the Match after causing Germany problems throughout the game.
Germany, who had already secured qualification before kick-off, looked below their best and could not find a way back into the match.
The victory gives Ecuador a place in the Round of 32, where they could face England if results in the other groups go their way.
The result also dealt a blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
Turkiye vs USA LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Updates: With qualification already secured and top spot in Group D guaranteed, the United States can approach its final group-stage match against Turkey with freedom and flexibility. Back-to-back wins over Paraguay and Australia have ensured Mauricio Pochettino’s side will enter the Round of 32 as group winners, making this fixture at Los Angeles Stadium largely a chance to manage resources ahead of the knockout phase.
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Gen Z journalist Eli Thompson and recovered gambling addict LJ Ruggiero raise alarm about the rapid increase in sports betting addiction, particularly among young men. They highlight the prevalence of online gambling apps, the deceptive nature of small bets escalating into significant losses and the impact of gambling addiction compared to substance abuse, urging early intervention.
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The rise of legalized sports betting has led to a rise of online abuse that athletes have had to deal with while trying to perform on a daily basis in their respective sports.
Fanatics Sportsbook, which has become the fastest-growing sportsbook in the United States, is trying to combat that social media abuse with a groundbreaking partnership announced on Thursday.
Fanatics Sportsbook has partnered with Integrity Compliance 360, Inc. (IC360) and Signify Group to establish the Bad Actor Program, designed to tame online hostility toward athletes, which is ever-increasing across social platforms.
A team member stands inside the Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 14, 2025.(Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This important step in safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in legalized sports betting will begin at the start of football season in the U.S., which comes at the start of college football in late August.
IC360 will collaborate with Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service to monitor for targeted abusive and threatening content across multiple social platforms. If problematic abuse and threats toward athletes, organizations and teams are detected, those individuals behind the accounts will be placed into IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor program.
It’s a similar platform as IC360’s ProhiBet, which helps restrict wagering by athletes, coaches and trainers. The Bad Actor program will provide sportsbooks with the ability to restrict wagering by those who are threatening athletes and coaches.
“This groundbreaking program will hold bettors accountable for threats made against players, coaches, and officials,” Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said in a statement. “It falls in line with our core values at Fanatics — respect and tolerance for the athletes and coaches that play the games that we love. We encourage other operators to join the initiative because there is no sports betting potential loss that should embolden a sports betting customer to threaten or harass an athlete online.”
Also, as part of Threat Matrix’s monitoring of global sports competitions, athletes and officials will be encouraged to report abusive direct messages to expedite the process. Once submitted, Signify will analyze reports, assess the severity of the messages and escalate serious cases to its in-house specialists for detailed investigation. And if behavior crosses to a criminal threshold, the proper law enforcement agencies will be contacted.
Fanatics Sportsbook will also be suspending or permanently terminating a customer’s account if it is determine they have engaged in abusive, threatening, defamatory or harassing conduct of any kind toward sports officials, players or coaches. As the sportsbook enforces a zero-tolerance policy for bettors who engage in threatening conduct, the Bad Actor program only escalates that key pillar of the company.
The Fanatics Sportsbook app is displayed on a smartphone in New Hyde Park, N.Y., on Sept. 17, 2025.(Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Threats of violence and harassment in sports at arenas and on social media are increasing at an alarming rate, undermining the integrity of the sports betting industry,” Scott Sadin, co-CEO of IC360, said in a statement. “Addressing the individuals with ProhiBet Bad and Threat Matrix is crucial to protecting athletes and other stakeholders from serious, long-term harm.”
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Too many times athletes have come forward, sharing their direct messages where sports bettors have sent threats, used vulgar language and much more. Arthur Bouquier, who was the No. 219-ranked men’s tennis player in the world at the time, revealed a scary message he received in 2025, where a bettor who lost his wager, “I will come after you.”
“French tennis is so mediocre right now that French players stick to playing at home to avoid embarrassment abroad,” the message to Bouquier read. “Let me remind you that you don’t achieve much when you leave France – it shows the limits of your tennis game.
“I swear, if you lose, I will never forgive you. I will track you and your family down just to hurt you, even if it means going to prison. Might as well, because if I lose these 2000 euros, I’ll be on the streets, so my life won’t make sense anymore – I might as well spend my days in prison.”
The Fanatics Sportsbook logo appears on a smartphone in New Hyde Park, N.Y., on Sept. 17, 2025.(Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Fanatics Sportsbook hopes the Bad Actor program helps deter and punish abusive online offenders, while showing those involved in the sports world that they can identify those who cross the line and deal with them accordingly.
As King said, Fanatics Sportsbook hopes the rest of the sports betting world follows suit to maintain the integrity of an industry that continues to evolve.
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