Minnesota Vikings’ roster construction is pretty much complete for 2026, save for a few free agents who could be added here and between now and September. Therefore, it’s time to glance at the team’s weak spots — areas that could be addressed in free agency or just remain somewhat lacking entering the regular season.

The following list ranks the weak spots in ascending order (No. 1 = weakest spot).

Vikings’ Lingering Roster Questions Start in the Trenches

3. Proven Youth at Running Back

Did the Vikings draft a rookie running back in April? They sure did. Does anyone know if that 6th-Rounder will be any good? They do not.

Demond Claiborne has looked good to start the summer, but as a 6th-Rounder, there’s just not much precedent for him to thrive as an eventual bellcow RB1. His upside could be that of an RB2, based on his draft stock. He certainly has the speed — 4.37 — for the job, but folks will monitor his rookie season to see if he has the vision and ability to break tackles that is needed for full NFL staying power.

RotoBaller‘s Will Brady noted this week, “Neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward.”

“Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts.”

Meanwhile, Minnesota has not employed a difference-making young running back since Dalvin Cook, whose career began nine years ago. The Vikings had 16 consecutive years with Adrian Peterson and Cook; it feels like they’ve paid the piper since 2023, with average running back output.

The coach is also accountable. Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, has refused to run the ball at a balanced rate, preferring to throw the rock, often when his team falls behind on the scoreboard.

Minnesota could’ve taken a more serious approach to finding a young running back; there were plenty of options in the 2025 NFL Draft that they brushed aside. Therefore, there’s a lot of hope that Claiborne can become the real deal. If that doesn’t pan out, Minnesota will roll with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, while fans wonder if it will ever spend meaningful draft capital on a running back anytime soon.

2. OLB Depth Compared to Recent Seasons

The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on the second night of the draft, in addition to a 7th-Rounder, for two 3rd-Rounders. One of those picks was spent on safety Jakobe Thomas; the other will live in the draft cabinet until 2027.

That night, Minnesota’s OLB depth chart went from a roster strength — Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner — to a possible weakness. Can Van Ginkel stay healthy for 17 games? Is Turner ready to fulfill his 1st-Round draft stock from 2024?

Behind the pair live Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and UDFA rookie Cam’Ron Stewart. Defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may receive EDGE snaps this season, and the Vikings coaches have claimed that 2nd-Rounder Jake Golday can play off the EDGE as well.

But none of those options pack the punch of Greenard. Fans will merely hope that the OLB3 spot is taken care of by an unknown commodity, whether that’s Richter, Batty, Stewart, Ingram-Dawkins, or Golday.

Until further notice, the supreme OLB depth is gone. The club could also sign a free agent like Jadveon Clowney, Leonard Floyd, or Von Miller, to name a few examples.

1. The Starting Center

The Vikings passed on these centers in free agency:

• Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders)
• Lloyd Cushenberry (Buffalo Bills)
• Luke Fortner (Carolina Panthers)
• Elgton Jenkins (Cleveland Browns)
• Cade Mays (Detroit Lions)

From the draft, many expected Minnesota to spend a 2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-Round pick on one, but that didn’t materialize, either. Instead, these top prospects went elsewhere:

• Jake Slaughter (Los Angeles Chargers)
• Connor Lew (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Sam Hecht (Carolina Panthers)
• Logan Jones (Chicago Bears)

So, it’s Blake Brandel time at center, a man who logged over 300 snaps at the position last season when Ryan Kelly missed games and fired up a 61.4 Pro Football Focus grade as a whole. Brandel could be fantastic at center and continued to improve. He could be mediocre. Or, by midseason or so, Minnesota might be ready to give rookie Gavin Gerhardt a look or tap on third-year center Michael Jurgens’s shoulder.

Center is not a position of strength from a June standpoint, unless Brandel surprises everyone.

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Group K will be decided in style as Colombia and Portugal meet at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, with top spot in the group on the line tonight. Colombia heads into the contest with maximum points after victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, meaning a draw would be enough for Néstor Lorenzo’s side to finish first and secure a favourable Round of 32 tie.

Portugal, however, must win to leapfrog Colombia. Roberto Martínez’s men recovered brilliantly from an opening draw against DR Congo by thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo delivering another standout performance. The Portuguese captain arrives in form after becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups and overtaking Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.

Lionel Messi and Argentina look to maintain perfect run

Argentina heads into its final Group J fixture against World Cup debutant Jordan with qualification already secured and top spot virtually assured. The defending champions have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, defeating Algeria and Austria, with Lionel Messi once again at the heart of their success after producing five goals in two matches and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

With the knockout stage looming, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad, giving fringe players an opportunity to stake their claim for a starting role. Despite potential changes, Argentina remains overwhelming favourite against a Jordan side that has impressed with its fighting spirit but lost both of its matches against Austria and Algeria. 

The Middle Eastern nation has already been eliminated but will be eager to end its maiden World Cup appearance on a positive note. Ranked No. 1 in the world, Argentina is expected to have too much quality and depth as it aims to carry winning momentum into the Round of 32.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Colombia vs Portugal: Starting 11

Colombia starting 11 (probable): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Arias; Rodríguez, Suárez, Díaz.

Portugal starting 11 (probable): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Félix; Ronaldo.

FIFA World Cup 2026 live telecast

The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.

FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming

The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.

Check all the live updates of the June 28 matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 here.

England remain en route – and not just in terms of a hard-fought first place that may yet take them through to the Azteca.

There’s also the way they toiled to confirm it. Thomas Tuchel’s side were again dependent on Jude Bellingham, a set-piece and a record-breaking Harry Kane. The captain became England’s record World Cup goalscorer, with an 11th that ultimately sealed a 2-0 win over Panama.

It isn’t so much football that people in the pub enjoy any more, mind, but one coming out of the more prosaic parts of coaching seminars – at least elevated by Bellingham’s ingenuity.

And if one increasing worry is how England have suddenly stopped creating space around the opposition area, they are offering up a lot around their own.

It gives Tuchel two huge issues to solve, now this World Cup finally gets serious. A last-32 tie against either Senegal or Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta now awaits.

They’re going to have to do a lot of tactical work in between. This is suddenly a team that looks like it has gaps in many areas, especially defence and – for now – midfield. England missed Declan Rice against a resolute Panama. The links weren’t there, with Kane again marked out of the game until the first goal, and even Elliot Anderson more exposed.

Panama were successfully finding openings at one end, and staying solid at the other.

This is of course why Tuchel felt the need to rest Rice in the first place: because they’re going to badly need him. He’s arguably less replaceable than Kane, and even now Reece James.

There is nevertheless one other theory about that approach, and even the concerns that came from this win. Tuchel’s idea increasingly looks like one built for the transitions that will be more apparent in games against the elite sides.

Hence how Kane is so central, and not just as a goalscorer, but also the way his raking balls are intended to release pace out wide. England may enjoy much more of that against sides who seek to control a match.

That might totally stand to reason given the one thing that is now always said is that the real test is how England do against the first proper team they play, but the toughest challenge for now might be getting that far.

Tuchel’s side have now toiled in two matches where they were expected to be in full command. And, yes, they had most of the control but couldn’t really embellish it or take it on with any combinations.

That was where the worry was. If Tuchel has talked enthusiastically about building an intense attack that gets people excited with forwards coming from everywhere, there was none of that here. By contrast, so many attacks broke down with the wrong pass or a bad option.

As early as the 15th second, Tuchel was berating his captain for arching one of those passes straight out of play.

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, back in the starting line-up, couldn’t properly link up with those around them. Rashford at least offered England the urgency they needed, and it was his runs that at least increased the intensity before Bellingham’s game-breaking goal.

Before that, Bellingham himself had looked frustrated, and Morgan Rogers – in for Rice but playing as the 10 – actually couldn’t get into the game.

Ezri Konsa was again exposed.

A central issue, so to speak, might be the one at right-back. With Jarell Quansah in for Reece James, over Djed Spence, England just didn’t have any mobility. They were so flat.

So, they sought to curl in a set piece. On 62 minutes, Saka hit one of his corners, and there was Bellingham to finish. The surprise was that it wasn’t a header. Maybe it couldn’t be against this Panama defence.

Because, after a long period where Thomas Christiansen’s side looked so physically imposing at the back – and much stronger than England – they were suddenly undercut. There was almost an incongruity to how Bellingham deftly turned the ball in on the spin, after so many battles.

It was the little touch of quality that was required. With Panama’s gameplan rumbled, Kane headed in Bellingham’s own cross moments later. Some momentum was back, even if it was never close to the feeling of that 15 minutes against Croatia.

Whether England can regain it may actually depend on the opposition they face.

Maybe that’s why the more leaden nature of these performances isn’t a worry.

Maybe that’s what it’s all building to.

But that’s if they get that far. Because, before then – and a prospective quarter-final against Brazil in Miami – it’s going to be more of this.

England are suddenly built for games that they have to really battle to actually get to.

They stay en route, but it all looks more difficult to navigate than had been anticipated.

Jan 28, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

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Sugar Ray Leonard believes one of his fellow Four Kings was more intimidating than even Mike Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division in his early 20s.

The most physically imposing king was surely Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, who somehow squeezed his 6ft 1in frame down to 147lbs when he collided with Leonard in 1981.

Back then, Sugar Ray claimed a hard-fought 14th-round stoppage before boxing to a controversial draw in their super-middleweight rematch in 1989.

Just over two years earlier, the American had arrived at another contentious result against Marvin Hagler, this time edging their middleweight encounter by split decision.

But while Hearns and Hagler posed enormous threats, Leonard was ultimately most intimidated when he faced Roberto Duran in 1980.

The Panamanian joined the welterweight scene after becoming a world champion at 135lbs, where he dethroned Ken Buchanan with a controversial 13th-round stoppage in 1972.

Even as an undersized contender at 147lbs, Duran was considered a dangerous puncher but was made a sizable underdog against Leonard, who had just scored back-to-back stoppages over Wilfred Benitez and Dave ‘Boy’ Green.

It then came as a major upset when the skilled technician lost a unanimous decision to ‘Hands of Stone’, whose tenacity proved a decisive factor.

Reflecting on their rivalry, Leonard admitted in a resurfaced interview that there was an element of fear attached to his WBC title defence.

“Roberto Duran – he was more intimidating than Mike Tyson. I hate that motherf**ker.”

Despite the manner in which their first encounter unfolded, Leonard ultimately made the necessary adjustments and won their immediate rematch via an eighth-round stoppage.

England play one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the distribution of the fixtures depends on which groups provide the qualifiers.

After it was confirmed Ghana had qualified as third in group L, it meant England had only two possible opponents – third place in group K or Senegal.

If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third-placed team in that group.

That is almost certain to be DR Congo, bar a scenario whereby Portugal lose with a goal difference swing of seven between the teams. Then England would play Portugal.

If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal.

The knockout path is now set for England through to the quarters.

After DR Congo or Senegal, they would play the winners of Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on 5 July.

The potential quarter-final would be in Miami in 11 July against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.

Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey continued on Saturday morning as the Blue Sharks secured a historic place in the Round of 32 with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.

The African debutants finished second in Group H with three points, ahead of two-time world champions Uruguay and 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia. Their reward is a mouth-watering clash against defending champions Argentina on July 3 in Miami.

Here are some of the key lessons from Cape Verde’s historic achievement:

Cape Verde have proved they belong on the world stage

Few gave Cape Verde a chance of progressing from a group that included Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. However, the Blue Sharks defied expectations by remaining unbeaten in all three matches.

They drew against Spain, held Uruguay and secured the point they needed against Saudi Arabia, showing that organisation, discipline and belief can compete with football’s biggest names.

Bubista’s tactical discipline has been crucial

Head coach Bubista deserves enormous credit for building a team capable of frustrating stronger opponents while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.

Against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde created the better opportunities. Willy Semedo tested goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais early on, while Kevin Pina and Laros Duarte both came close to finding the winning goal.

The team’s defensive structure and tactical awareness have been among the biggest reasons behind their success.

Small nations can still dream big

With a population of around 525,000 people, Cape Verde have become one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

Their qualification reminds the football world that success is not always determined by population size, financial power or historical achievements. The Blue Sharks have shown that unity, organisation and determination can overcome the odds.

African football continues to make history

Cape Verde have become the first African nation making its World Cup debut to progress beyond the group stage since Ghana achieved the feat in 2006.

They are also the third African debutants to remain unbeaten during the group stage, underlining the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.

Argentina cannot afford to underestimate them

The celebrations among the Cape Verde players after the final whistle, as they gathered around a phone to follow the conclusion of Spain’s victory over Uruguay, reflected just how much this achievement means.

However, their fairytale journey is far from over. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will be overwhelming favourites in the Round of 32, but Cape Verde have already shown they fear nobody.

If the Blue Sharks have taught the football world anything at this tournament, it is that writing them off is a dangerous mistake.

The race for the golden boot at World Cup 2026 is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage after Cristiano Ronaldo made an emphatic statement to silence the critics, joining Lionel Messi, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the race.

The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria to highlight one of his greatest traits after a penalty miss.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland followed the Argentine with doubles of their own on a dramatic day at the World Cup, with the France captain enduring nearly a two hour delay due to adverse weather.

But after a dismal first outing had many questioning whether he was hampering Portugal’s World Cup hopes, Ronaldo hit a superb brace against Uzbekistan to prove his worth and put himself in contention for the accolade.

Vinicius Jr also stamped his mark with a brace against Scotland while Ousmane Dembele hit a superb hat-trick against Norway to throw his hat in the ring, though Kane failed to add to his opening brace against Croatia as he missed a late sitter against Ghana.

If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings:

World Cup golden boot standings

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 5 goals

2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 4 goals, (2 assists)

= 3. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (1 assist)

= 3. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)

5. Erling Haaland (Norway), 4 goals

6. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)

= 7. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 3 goals (1 assist)

= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 3 goals (1 assist)

= 9. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals

= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 3 goals

= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 3 goals

= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 3 goals

= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 3 goals

= 9. Harry Kane (England), 3 goals

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal in their decisive final Group K fixture against Colombia as the two nations prepare to meet for the first time in senior men’s international football. With top spot in the group still undecided, Portugal captain Ronaldo and Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez expected to headline one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.Colombia enter the contest on six points after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured a place in the Round of 32. Portugal, meanwhile, sit on four points following a draw with DR Congo and a commanding victory over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side must win in Miami to overtake Colombia and finish as Group K winners, while a draw or Colombian victory would see Los Cafeteros remain top of the standings.

Ronaldo ready to lead Portugal once again

There is no doubt surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability.Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and named in the starting XI to face Colombia. Ronaldo was also seen arriving at the Miami stadium ahead of kick-off, a strong indication of his readiness to lead the side.Ronaldo heads into the match in excellent form after bouncing back from criticism following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.Having failed to score in the opening match, the veteran responded emphatically with a first-half brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The performance not only helped Portugal all but secure qualification for the knockout rounds but also saw Ronaldo become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.The victory also marked his first major tournament goal from open play since UEFA Euro 2020, while his emotional “I’m back” celebration reflected his response to suggestions from critics that he should retire or be dropped from the starting lineup.Ronaldo also completed the full 90 minutes against Uzbekistan without any signs of physical fatigue, reinforcing Martínez’s confidence that his captain is ready for another demanding assignment.Saturday’s match will be Ronaldo’s 25th World Cup appearance and his 23rd start at football’s biggest tournament. After starting each of his first 20 World Cup matches, he came off the bench twice during the 2022 edition before returning to the starting lineup in every Portugal match at this tournament.

Portugal’s biggest challenge is expected to come from Colombia captain James Rodríguez, who has been the creative heartbeat of Néstor Lorenzo’s side throughout the group stage.The experienced midfielder started both of Colombia’s victories, playing 72 minutes during the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before completing 58 minutes against DR Congo in a controlled 1-0 victory, where he was withdrawn after helping establish Colombia’s advantage.James has dictated Colombia’s attacking rhythm throughout the tournament and is again expected to start as the South Americans chase a third consecutive victory.Colombia opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before defeating DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz’s 75th-minute winner, results that secured qualification before the final round of group matches.

First meeting carries major knockout implications

Although Portugal and Colombia are both established names in international football, tonight marks the first senior men’s international meeting between the two countries.The occasion has generated enormous interest, with reports suggesting that more than five million ticket applications were submitted for the match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.The stakes extend well beyond simple qualification.Portugal know only victory will be enough to leapfrog Colombia into first place and potentially earn a more favourable Round of 32 draw. Any other result leaves Colombia as Group K winners after an outstanding group-stage campaign.For Roberto Martínez, the selection of Ronaldo underlines the importance Portugal place on winning the group rather than merely progressing.With Ronaldo arriving in confidence after another record-breaking performance and James Rodríguez continuing to conduct Colombia’s attack with his customary composure, the tournament’s first-ever meeting between the two nations promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the final round of group-stage matches.