Kirk Cousins experienced six productive seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, starting in 2018 with a free-agent contract and ending in 2023 with an Achilles tendon tear. The Las Vegas Raiders now employ him, and Cousins recently revealed that Las Vegas’s OTAs were the most productive he’s ever encountered.
While the comment wasn’t thoroughly insulting, it painted current Vikings skipper Kevin O’Connell in a negative light.
Kubiak Connection Puts Cousins’ Vikings Years Back under the Microscope
Image 1 CSR: Kirk Cousins speaks with reporters after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, explaining his early fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense during a media session on Apr. 6, 2026, in Henderson, Nevada, while discussing new teammates, including Brock Bowers, and early organizational expectations after joining the franchise three weeks into free agency that spring. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Cousins on Raiders OTAs
Cousins chatted with Rich Eisen last week, commenting on OTAs: “I told him after OTAs, ‘Coach, this is probably the most urgent and most productive OTAs I’ve ever been a part of.’ That starts with him as a head coach.”
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“He created a sense of urgency from Day One, all the way through the 10-week program, and I thought we got a lot of work done. We’ve got a long ways to go, but we laid a good foundation.”
By implication, the statements made Cousins’s OTAs in Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta look bad.
Well, What Type of Operations Are the Vikings Running?
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It certainly isn’t bad or wrong for Cousins to compliment Kubiak for finely-tuned OTAs. In fact, for Las Vegas’s sake, it’s great.
But one must wonder: what is Kubiak, a first-time head coach and former Vikings offensive coordinator, doing that O’Connell and other coaches from Cousins’ past are not? Is he conducting a more serious schedule? Is it more relaxed and hence more enjoyable?
If anything, Cousins should be confused by Kubiak’s OTAs — they should be inferior to O’Connell’s because it’s Kubiak’s first crack at them. Yet, that isn’t the case. Kubiak already has the special sauce.
Cousins’s Outlook in Las Vegas
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The Raiders signed Cousins for one central reason: to patch over rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza when he’s ready. Las Vegas used the first overall pick in the draft on Mendoza from Indiana. No matter what, he’ll be under center before too long.
However, the Raiders want to take the transition slowly. They believe in the benefit of watching and learning, meaning Cousins will probably take the first snaps on offense for Kubiak in September. He could even be the starter for most of 2026. Since Cousins left Minnesota in 2024 free agency, he’s encountered ups and downs, added by the Atlanta Falcons to be their QB1 solution but cast aside six weeks later after the shocking draft selection of Michael Penix Jr.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak addresses reporters during the NFL’s offseason gathering, discussing his staff, offensive direction, and quarterback plan on Mar. 31, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting as the franchise mapped out his first full season under a new Raiders regime that spring. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
In Las Vegas, Cousins hopes to keep Mendoza on the bench for one season and maybe even author a playoff trip that has eluded him since 2022.
He’ll attempt the feat with a suspect group of playmakers, which include Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers at tight end — and that’s about it. The Raiders have one of the NFL’s worst wide receiving corps, featuring Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech, and Tre Tucker. Oofta.
Vikings OTAs Considered a Success in 2026
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In Minnesota, OTAs are complete, and all attention has shifted to training camp in four weeks. The Vikings continue to promote and highlight their oft-advertised quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, while also providing encouraging injury updates on rookies Caleb Banks and Christian Darrisaw. Both men are trending to be ready for training camp.
New Vikings playmakers also moved the needle, including veteran wideout Jauan Jennings — who is apparently a “dirtbag,” but in a good way, according to Murray — rookie running back Demond Claiborne and wide receiver Dillon Bell.
Las Vegas is expected to win six or seven games this season. Blogging Dirty‘s Jason Kandel spoke lowly of Cousins last weekend, noting, “Don’t let his 5-3 record as a starter in 2025 fool you. The four-time Pro Bowler couldn’t do anything. He was a statue in the pocket, and if the bar was ‘be a better fit for Zac Robinson’s offense than Penix’, that’s not a tough bar to clear.”
“Falcons Cousins was nothing like the guy we saw in Minnesota. And Raiders are primed to learn the same lesson the Falcons did. As a short-term bridge starter he’s okay, but Kubiak has made it clear they wouldn’t mind starting him for most of 2026. He’s a good mentor for Mendoza, but he leaves a lot to be desired as a placeholder given his signs of age.”
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Kirk Cousins appears on the Ladies of Fox Sports Radio show set during Super Bowl week, fielding questions about his career, future, and veteran quarterback perspective on Feb. 6, 2026, in San Francisco, California, from inside the Super Bowl LX media center at Moscone Center as NFL coverage filled the week. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Cousins has always been a divisive creature.
Kandel concluded, “While the Raiders have some pieces in place, the fact of the matter is that Kirk Cousins isn’t all that great anymore. He’s slow, turnover-prone, and playing behind a bad offensive line. If an elite Falcons offense couldn’t save him, nothing will. He should embrace being a backup and slowly phase out.”
Cousins will turn 38 in August.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
France begin their knockout campaign against Sweden at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, looking to maintain their unbeaten record after three consecutive group stage victories. Les Bleus are heavy favourites against the Scandinavians, but complacency could prove costly as Les Tricolores hunt for a round of 16 berth against Paraguay. Follow our liveblog to see how things unfold.
Olise measures his shot perfectly but it flies past the left post! France are creating chance after chance, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing brilliant saves from Zetterström.
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But the ball simply WON’T GO IN.
11 shots, 5 on goal for France
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Genius move from Olise!
Michael Olise unleashes an acrobatic bicycle kick that nearly opens the scoring, but the ball cannons off the right post! Ousmane Dembélé follows up on the rebound but his effort just misses the target. So close once again for Les Bleus!
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Rabiot goes close again!
Adrien Rabiot attempts another long-range effort, but this time his ambitious strike sails over the bar. The French midfielder is having an outstanding start to the match!
And another one! Kyks this time!
The Bleus are in the ascendancy! France are pushing hard, creating chances in quick succession and applying sustained pressure on the Swedish defence. Les Bleus are dominating possession and territory as they search for the breakthrough against a retreating Swedish side
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What a chance for Les Bleus!
Rabiot has a golden opportunity inside the penalty area after receiving a perfect pass but fires directly at Zetterström, who makes an excellent save.
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Maignan denies Isak!
Isak connects with the ball from close range and strikes towards the bottom right corner, but Mike Maignan produces a magnificent save to keep the ball out!
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Time for a cooling break in New Jersey!
GOAL RULED OUT!
Mbappé celebrates after finding the back of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag goes up for offside!
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Barcola’s solo run
Bradley Barcola weaves through Sweden’s defence with impressive skill and finds himself in a promising position inside the box. The French winger strikes at goal but sends his effort well over the crossbar!
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Mbappé’s long-range attempt
Kylian Mbappé tries his luck from distance, firing a low drive towards goal. The French captain’s opening attempt lacks the strength needed to trouble Zetterström.
Digne’s effort denied!
Lucas Digne strikes from distance after creating space for himself, unleashing a powerful low drive towards goal!
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Stroud’s cross goes astray
Stroud attempts a hopeful cross from the flank, but the delivery is too long and doesn’t reach any Swedish teammate
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France in control
Slick passing moves from France as the Bleus are dominating the tempo with neat, intricate one-touch football
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Zetterström claims the ball
Olise sends a long cross towards Barcola, but Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström rushes off his line to gather the ball before the French winger can capitalise
Sweden clear the danger
France are awarded a free kick after a foul on Ousmane Dembélé, but the Swedish defence is alert and clears the resulting set piece. Les Bleus’ early attempt to test the opposition is repelled as Sweden remain compact
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And off we go!
Time for the anthems!
We will start with La Marseillaise!
And then “Du gamla, du fria”, the Swedish national anthem!
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10 minutes until kick-off!!
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Les Bleus ready to fight!
20 minutes until kick-off
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‘We are supporting France because they have amazing baguette’
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‘At least three goals’ for France, says Les Bleus supporter
“At least three goals, I think,” says this French supporter ahead of the match. “Maybe 3-1, because the defence isn’t perfect. It should be a match played with complete control.”
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Live from the MetLife stadium with France 24 teams on the ground
Lucas Digne gets the start at left-back ahead of Lucas Hernandez, while Bradley Barcola partners in attack instead of Désiré Doué
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Les Tricolores’ starting XI
Les Bleus are focused!
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Team Sveridge ready to fight!
France topped their group with an impressive unbeaten run, winning all three group matches to secure first place with maximum points. Didier Deschamps‘ side have shown attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the group stage, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s elite teams heading into the knockout rounds.
Sweden, meanwhile, claimed a place in the Round of 32 after a mixed campaign that saw them finish second in their group with 4 points from 3 matches. Gyokeres’ side showed resilience to advance but face a stern test against the tournament favorites. France are seeking to extend their winning streak and move one step closer to ultimately claiming the trophy, while Sweden will attempt to upset the odds and cause a major shock in New Jersey.
Knockout rounds in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already produced unpredictability, setting up no safety in sight for tournament favorites and endless possibilities for underdogs. What happens next between two perennial hopefuls is truly up for grabs as tournament co-hosts Mexico and Ecuador meet on Tuesday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico is coming off an impressive group stage run, where they conceded zero goals and won all three games, closing on the group stage with a 3-0 win over Czechia. Ecuador bounced back from the dead, after failing to score in their opening two games, and rallied to defeat Germany in the final group game for their first win of the tournament.
It’s a heavyweight battle between two defensive squads who have found the goal scoring late in the group stages. This will be the second World Cup meeting, with the 2002 group game ending in a 2-1 victory for Mexico. But there’s plenty of familiarity and tension, as the last three meetings between the two sides have ended in draws, leading many to lean towards the odds of another similar outcome in this round of 32 knockout match.
El Tri will be motivated and confident as hosts. Head coach Javier Aguirre has been in this position before and has shown off his own evolution. Perhaps not so much in formations and style, but in trust and in player rotations.
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It leaves fewer questions about who will remain in goal moving forward after Mexican soccer legend Memo Ochoa got a hero’s send-off in the last match, with Tala Rangel subbed off in the 75th minute. Now in his third knockout round on the sidelines with Mexico, there’s an experienced presence who is also open to evolving but without drastic shifts.
“When preparing ourselves, time was restrictive, but the same thing applies to Ecuador, so it’s basically the same thing for both of us,” Aguirre told the media about the quick turnaround to prep for knockouts.
Rangel is no doubt Mexico’s starting keeper for as long as El Tri remain in the tournament. Aguirre also rested stand-out midfielder Erik Lira last week and gave 17-year-old Gilberto Mora his first senior World Cup start against Czechia. So it leaves more curiosity about who Aguirre will start in the knockout rounds for a Mexico side that are showing they have a deeper roster than others gave them credit for.
“The level of maturity. Their age range goes from 17 to 23. Of course, there are more senior players now, and they’re infectious. I’m 67, and I used to think I was like the father of kids, and this time around I’m their grandfather, basically,” he joked.
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“But they are fearless. They are not afraid of success. They’re not afraid to go out there and find what they want, so they’re infectious … I don’t know if they’re all quite positive-minded. I don’t know if that’s alike amongst them, but whenever I talk to them, I really try to find out what’s going on in their minds, what they’re thinking about, but the common denominator is the optimism. I’m really cautious. I am experienced, and I’ve fought many battles. Some of them I’ve won, some others I’ve lost. And, we are hopeful. I’m not gonna stop it. I’m not going to stop or refrain anybody from dreaming.”
There’s no denying what momentum can do for a team, and Ecuador have finally found some of their own at the perfect time. While other squads might rue the thought of Mexico City and its altitude, La Tri are more equipped to handle the pressure that comes with stepping into Estadio Azteca. Though head coach Sebastian Beccacece would have prefered less travel delays getting into Mexico, there’s value in being fresh off a recent win.
After their comeback victory over Germany, the group have nothing to lose, making them a dangerous team to face in the knockouts. The squad is also relatively healthy, with a great defensive core led by Moises Caicedo in the middle with Willian Pacho and Piero Hinacapie in tow. If Enner Valencia can finally turn it up in front of the goal, they’ll be difficult to stop in transition.
How to watch Mexico vs. Ecuador
Date: Tuesday, June 30 | Time: 9 p.m. ET Location: Estadio Azteca — Mexico City, Mexico TV: Fox (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free) Odds: Mexico -178 | Draw +125 | Ecuador +146
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Mexico vs. Ecuador predicted starting lineups
Mexico: Jose Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Gilberto Mora; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones
Ecuador: Hernan Galindez; Alan Franco, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; John Yeboah, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Nilson Angulo; Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata
With three consecutive draws between them in the last four years, look for two defensively-minded teams to be cautious and to pick and choose their moments of attack in a narrow and cagey match. Mexico’s ability to find the scoring in their games more quickly gives them a slight advantage. Pick: Mexico 1, Ecuador 0
Golazo 48 Nations: Follow the World Cup all summer long
Golazo 48 Nations is your all-access destination for the World Cup, with wall-to-wall coverage across the CBS Sports Golazo Network. From the first whistle to the final recap, the entire Golazo crew will guide fans through every moment of the tournament.
Each day begins with Morning Footy, setting the stage with the latest news, storylines, and previews ahead of kickoff. From there, Golazo Matchday and Golazo Matchnight deliver reaction and analysis as the action unfolds. Fans can also tune in for coverage of USMNT matches with the Call It What You Want team, as well as reaction to other marquee matchups.
The day wraps with Scoreline, a comprehensive nightly recap of every result, moment, and storyline from across the tournament. Altogether, the Golazo Network will deliver up to 12 hours of programming each matchday, available across the Golazo Network and its YouTube channel.
As a milestone American birthday approaches, where better to be this week than the heartland?
It is the annual trip to the Quad Cities area for the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill., one last State-side stop before we go overseas for the Scottish Open and then the season’s final major, the Open Championship.
Established in 1971, the John Deer Classic has made its home at TPC Deere Run since D.A. Weibring designed the course in 2000. Like last week’s Travelers Championship, this event typically draws large and enthusiastic crowds. The fields are not always star-spangled but fireworks often show up in the way of birdie barrages and long-shot winners, some of them destined to become big names.
The golf course is a par 71 that measures just over 7,300 yards. There are 11 par 4s, four par 3s, and three par 5s. The fairways are wide, bordered by very penal rough, and the Bentgrass greens are large and fast. The formula around here is pretty straightforward. Neither distance nor accuracy off the tee has proven to be a must. This event is more about approach play, hitting greens in regulation, being a demon with the wedges, finding a hot putter for a few days, and racking up a bunch of birdies. Over the last 10 editions of this tournament, the average winning score is 22-under par.
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As far as correlated courses, I believe we can go back to where we were last week at TPC River Highlands. I also used Detroit Golf Club (Rocket Classic); TPC Craig Ranch (Byron Nelson); Black Desert Resort in Southern Utah (Black Desert Championship), and a pair of recent Canadian Open venues, Oakdale Golf & Country Club and TPC Toronto.
In the hopes of pyrotechnics, I have put nine outright-to-win wagers on the card this week, though I’ll temper that by noting that the overall outlay is low to normal, as some of my selections are the darkest of dark horses.
In line with the holiday weekend, let’s see if we can stumble upon something explosive.
Mitchell is our lone selection from near the top of this week’s board. He is one of the best players in this field and I like the way he has been going of late. He has one career win on the PGA Tour has come close to adding a second on several occasions. This might finally be the time and place. Mitchell has finished as high as seventh here in the past and was fifth at TPC Craig Ranch last month. He was also brilliant just two weeks ago, finishing fourth at the U.S. Open. Over the last 24 rounds, he is fourth in this field for Birdie or Better Percentage and is 14th for Strokes Gained: Par 4s.
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Ryo Hisatsune (50-1)
Hisatune is still looking for his first PGA Tour win, but he hasn’t missed a cut since the Sony Open in January. He is arguably the best ball striker in this field. It will be up to the putter if he figures on contending. He ranks second on Tour in Total Birdies.
Andrew Novak (50-1)
Novak’s lone Tour victory came in the team event in New Orleans two years ago. He’s still seeking his fist individual title. He, too, is a premier ball strike. He hasn’t ever missed a cut here in three tries and finished seventh in 2024. Novak was ninth at Oakdale in 2023 and 14th at TPC Toronto in 2024.
Taylor Moore (80-1)
Moore knows how to win, having have done so at the Valspar Championship in 2023. He finished runner-up earlier this season at the Cognizant Classic and is fresh off a top 15 last mont at TPC Craig Ranch. He has finished sixth, fourth, and 10th at Detroit Golf Club and ranks 10th in this field over the last 24 rounds for Birdies or Better Percentage. He is 26th in this field for SG: Putting (Bentgrass).
Kevin Yu (80-1)
Another ball striker extraordinaire who has shown good form of late. Yu’s last start was a top 30 finish at TPC Toronto, where he was sixth in that field for SG: Off the Tee, eighth for SG: Approach, and was No. 1 that week for Greens in Regulation. He took third at TPC Toronto in 2025. He’s never finished worse than 21st at Deere Run and was sixth in 2023. Over the last 24-rounds, Yu ranks seventh in this field for Birdie or Better Percentage and is 17th for SG: Par 4s.
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Ben Kohles (80-1)
Earlier this month, Kohles won for the fifth time in his career on the Korn Ferry Tour and followed that up with a top 25 finish at Shinnecock Hills at the U.S. Open. He’s been top 20 at Black Desert and at the Rocket Mortgage in Detroit, and was runner-up at TPC Craig Ranch in 2024. He is especially accurate off the tee and ranks second in this field in SG: Approach over the last 24-rounds.
Jimmy Stanger (225-1)
Time to venture into the deep, dark, depths of the betting board. Stanger made a splash just a few weeks ago at TPC Toronto where he finished fourth. He is long off the tee and elite with the putter putter. Stanger finished No. 1 in that field in Canada for SG: Putting for the week and was 10th in Greens in Regulation.
Erik van Rooyan (275-1)
EVR always seems to be at or near the top of the leaderboard in ol’-fashioned birdies fests. That’s in part because he ranks 15th in this field for SG: Putting (Bentgrass) and is 10th for Birdie or Better Percentage over the last 24-rounds. He missed eight cuts in a row to begin this season but has since made seven straight, including 19th at the Byron Nelson and 20th at TPC Toronto. Van Rooyan was runner-up at the Nelson in 2024 and sixth at the Rocket Classic that same season.
Tyler Duncan (400-1)
Hailing from the Midwest, Duncan is familiar with this part of the country and has finished as high as 12th at TPC Deere Run. He’s accurate off the tee, dials in the approach shots from 75-150 yards, and possesses a deft short game, ranking 11th in this field for Scrambling over the last 24-rounds and is 33rd for SG: Putting (Bentgrass).
June 28, 2026; Irvine, California, U.S.; Sergino Dest of the U.S. during training. Mandatory Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images
The U.S. Men’s National Team haven’t won a World Cup knockout match since 2002 nor have they defeated a European side in any competition in more than five years.
For the current squad, it’s not about revisiting history but making history when the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in a round of 32 match in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday. The winner will advance to the round of 16 to meet Belgium or Senegal on July 6 in Seattle.
“Honestly, I don’t even think any of us are thinking about it,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said. “I think it’s just about putting in good performances. If we do everything that we’ve done up to this point we’re going to put ourselves in the best possible position to move on in the tournament.”
The U.S. is confident in advancing despite losing 3-2 to Turkey on June 25 in what was a meaningless match because the Americans already had clinched first place in Group D. Nearly all of the starters from the first two matches did not play but the lineup is expected to return to form on Wednesday.
“It’s a knockout round and if you want to win this trophy, the World Cup, you have to beat everyone and be able to beat everyone, from Europe or Africa it doesn’t matter,” midfielder Sergino Dest said. “We just want to win.”
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Star Christian Pulisic (calf) could return to the starting lineup. He left the first match at halftime, missed the second game and returned to play 33 minutes as a substitute against Turkey.
Pulisic said he’s ready to play 90 minutes — or 120, if needed.
“I’m feeling good this week, and I’m definitely ready to go for tomorrow,” Pulisic told reporters Tuesday.
The FIFA rankings list the U.S. as No. 15, Bosnia and Herzegovina as No. 61.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina were third in Group B and will present a similar defensive-minded philosophy employed by the first two U.S. opponents that resulted in a 4-1 win over Paraguay and 2-0 blanking of Australia by the Americans.
“Just move the ball quick as you possibly can side to side, getting runs in behind and just really unbalancing their shape,” Ream said. “It sounds simple and that’s really the key to any team you play, no matter if they’re playing the low block, medium block, high press, whatever you want to call it.”
The difference, though, is the physicality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led all teams through the group stages with 46 fouls.
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“We will try to create problems and of course win the game,” Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez said.
The matchup is intriguing for Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic, 21, who is from Appleton, Wis. He played one match for the U.S. in a friendly vs. Slovenia in January 2024 before using his dual citizenship to switch countries later that year.
He scored the clinching penalty in the shootout that led Bosnia and Herzegovina to defeat Italy and qualify for the World Cup. He started the first and third World Cup matches and came off the bench in the second.
Bajraktarevic will see familiar faces on the opposing team because Dest and Ricardo Pepi are teammates at Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven.
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“That will be great for me,” Bajraktarevic said of the match. “It doesn’t really matter who we play next. Obviously, we are ready for everything.”
For the Americans, the last time they reached the round of 16 was 2002 when they went directly there from the group stage under the 32-team format. They downed Mexico 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals.
This year is the first World Cup with 48 teams, prompting an extra round.
The U.S. is winless in 13 matches (two ties) against a European side since a 2-1 win vs. Northern Ireland on March 28, 2021. They have lost 10 straight, beginning with a 3-1 setback to Netherlands in the round of 16 in 2022.
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None of that matters to U.S forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice against Paraguay.
“It’s crunch time, it’s knockout football,” he said. “You lose, you go home, so this is the business end and this is the stage where, in my opinion, the big players step forward and the big players carry the pressure and make things happen.”
Norwegian fans cheer after victory in the round of 16 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway during the 2026 World Cup, in Oslo, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Javad Parsa/NTB via AP)
Erling Haaland delivered when Norway needed him most, scoring five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire and send his side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa’s superb first-half opener had given Norway the lead before substitute Amad Diallo hauled the Ivorians level in the 74th minute, but Haaland’s decisive intervention ensured Ståle Solbakken’s side survived a sustained spell of pressure to book a blockbuster meeting with Brazil.
Norway strike first before Côte d’Ivoire’s pressure grows
The Round of 32 contest at Dallas Stadium unfolded exactly as anticipated, with Côte d’Ivoire controlling possession while Norway looked to punish them in transition. Emerse Faé’s side enjoyed 52 per cent of the ball, completed 442 passes at an 86 per cent accuracy rate and repeatedly forced Norway backwards, yet the Scandinavian side remained disciplined inside their compact defensive structure and were far more clinical whenever opportunities appeared.
Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer (3) stops the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Elephants continually attacked through the flanks, finishing the evening with 14 corner kicks compared to Norway’s three, but the Norwegian back line dealt confidently with the aerial deliveries while waiting for openings to counter. Their breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute through a move that perfectly reflected their game plan. Martin Ødegaard initiated the transition from midfield before the ball was worked quickly into the left channel for Antonio Nusa. The winger squared up Guéla Doué, shifted the ball inside onto his stronger foot and created just enough space to shoot. His curling effort arced beautifully beyond Yahia Fofana before clipping the inside of the top-right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance and handing Norway a 1-0 lead against the run of possession.
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Norway’s Antonio Nusa (20) reacts during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Diallo’s impact changes the game before Haaland has the final say
Côte d’Ivoire emerged after the break determined to overturn the deficit and steadily increased the pressure around Norway’s penalty area. Despite producing 14 shots to Norway’s nine and forcing repeated defensive interventions, clear chances remained limited as the European side continued to protect the central areas effectively.
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Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15), right, scores his side’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Faé’s changes eventually paid dividends in the 74th minute. Nicolas Pépé found space just outside the area before linking neatly with substitute Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger combined quickly with Pépé in a sharp one-two, slipped between two Norwegian defenders and calmly swept a low finish beyond Ørjan Nyland to make it 1-1, capping an energetic cameo that appeared to shift momentum firmly towards Côte d’Ivoire.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
With the game entering its closing stages, the contest opened up dramatically as both teams chased a winner rather than settling for extra time. Norway found it in the 85th minute through their biggest star. Patrick Berg won possession high up the pitch and immediately drove a dangerous low ball into the six-yard box. Haaland anticipated the delivery quicker than anyone, escaped the attention of Emmanuel Agbadou and stabbed a first-time finish beyond Fofana from close range to restore Norway’s advantage and silence the Ivorian supporters.
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Clinical Norway withstand late pressure to reach the last 16
The closing minutes saw Côte d’Ivoire throw everything forward in search of another equaliser, but Norway held firm to complete one of the tournament’s biggest knockout victories so far. Although Norway finished with only 48 per cent possession and completed 411 passes compared to Côte d’Ivoire’s 442, their superior efficiency proved decisive. They converted two of their three shots on target, while the Ivorians managed only one goal despite registering five efforts on target from 14 attempts overall. Norway also completed 89 per cent of their passes, slightly outperforming Côte d’Ivoire’s 86 per cent despite seeing less of the ball. Defensively, the Scandinavian side absorbed enormous pressure throughout the contest. They cleared repeated deliveries from the 14 corners they conceded, committed 14 fouls to break up attacks and received two yellow cards, while Côte d’Ivoire finished with 11 fouls and one booking. The victory sends Norway into the Round of 16, where they will face five-time champions Brazil in New York on July 5. Côte d’Ivoire’s tournament ends after an impressive but ultimately unsuccessful effort in which territorial dominance, possession and attacking volume were undone by Norway’s composure in both penalty areas and Haaland’s decisive late finish.
Jalen Duren had a very underwhelming postseason for the Detroit Pistons. Despite being a third-team All-NBA selection, the production simply wasn’t there for Duren in the playoffs.
He went from averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65% shooting to just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting a horrific 51% from the field. At points during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, he was benched for third-string big, Paul Reed. Offensively and defensively, it was an utter slog for Durren, and that leaves Detroit in an unfortunately precarious position.
Even with a slightly underwhelming playoff performance, Detroit would likely have been willing to give Duren a max contract; however, with his struggles to even stay on the court, his future as a Piston looks murky at best.
Duren’s team seems frustrated that Detroit has not gotten close to a max-money offer, and he is now seriously looking elsewhere in free agency. I’m not sure the Pistons are too upset with this outcome, and now feel like they could flip Duren in a sign-and-trade. The main suitor appears to be the Sacramento Kings, and I just don’t think they have anything to offer that’s worthwhile in a potential trade.
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The Kings have three pieces that Detroit has rumored to be interested in. The main piece is Domantas Sabonis, who would immediately provide a spark on offense for the Pistons. Detroit could also try to fix Keegan Murray, who has steadily declined from a very solid sophomore season in the league. Lastly, they could take on Zach LaVine’s albatross of a contract and hope he could be a secondary scorer next to Cade Cunningham.
These all feel like such losing decisions to me. If you aren’t able to build off the success you had this past season, you risk frustrating Cunningham and having him demand a trade out. I’m just not sure two aging guys on horrible deals, or a rehabilitation program, are going to be what keeps Cade happy.
Duren has had massive playoff struggles in his first two go-arounds, but you’ve got to remember he’s only 22-years-old. Tying him down to a max extension comes with risks, but he was an All-NBA selection this past season. I’m willing to bet on him raising his playoff output, then two 30-year-olds deciding they’re going to play impactful basketball in the latter halves of their careers.
There’s not a lot of centers making All-NBA teams at this point in their careers. Giving up on one for very flawed alternatives does not feel like the fix.
Manchester United look set to miss out on Mateus Fernandes, who is closing in on an £85 million move to Tottenham.
Former Manchester United and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has said that United shouldn’t be too disappointed at missing out on Mateus Fernandes, with the midfielder not at the level that the club require. The Portugal international was a key target for United this summer, but now looks set to sign for Tottenham.
The news is the latest blow in the search for a new midfielder this summer, with another target in Elliot Anderson closing in on a £116 million move to Manchester City. It has led to some suggestions that the club could change tack in the transfer window and look for cheaper, but more raw alternatives.
However, Sheringham has appeared to suggest that United should instead go the other way, and target top players, no matter what the cost.
“Man Utd fans shouldn’t be upset at missing out on Mateus Fernandes – he simply isn’t good enough for the club,” he told ComeOn.
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“I wasn’t so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham this year. A lot of West Ham fans think he’ll go on to bigger and better things but the jury’s still out for me on Fernandes.
“Manchester United need top players. They’ve already got enough decent players. They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again.
“It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen.
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“Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you’ll end up in the same situation.
“It’s not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead.”
United are preparing for a return to the Champions League in the 2026/27 season, after a third-place finish last season. It will be their first appearance in the competition since the 2023/24 season.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
SECOND SET! Serena Williams 3-6 7-6 (8-6) Maya Joint
A 122mph ACE from Williams! Now she gets set point! Incredible. How does Joint respond!
She’s close to an ace, but out. A gripping rally… Joint is pushing but Williams holds on… JOINT GOES LONG AND WILLIAMS FORCES A THIRD!
WOW! Match point saved and the 44-year-old is still fighting!
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This is epic (AP)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:16
TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (6-6) Maya Joint
Williams finds the first serve… Centre Court holds its breath… Williams powers the forehand winner! Match point saved!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:15
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TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (5-6) Maya Joint
Joint rattles out two quick points after drawing errors from Williams. Back on serve, she finds accuracy. An ace out wide and she moves ahead once more! If Joint loses either of the next two points, Williams will have set point on serve.
Joint gets Willams moving, switching the direction of her groundstrokes. Williams slices into the net. Then she blasts the backhand return wide. Instead, it will be match point to Joint!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:14
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TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (3-2) Maya Joint
An error from Williams on the first point, putting a short forehand into the net. But Joint then goes long on the return. Williams returns the favour: long on the forehand. First serves will be crucial for Williams here. She finds one, then powers the forehand winner down the line!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:10
TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 Maya Joint
A hold from Joint sends us into a tiebreak. Williams stumbles a little chasing after the Joint winner, directed past her. After that epic last game, this is far simpler for the Australian. An ace out wide is followed by another. Love-hold. TIEBREAK!
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Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:08
HOLD! Serena Williams 3-6 6-5 Maya Joint*
Williams, pushed slightly wide, nets on the forehand. Another break point, Williams is slo close to the line on the second serve, so is Joint on the return. This is gripping, but Joint fires long!
Another deuce…. How Williams would love a big first serve now, but Joint is generous enough to miss the return. On game point, Joint steadies and puts the forehand past a standing Williams.
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Williams cracks the backhand winner – now she finds a first serve! Joint goes out, and Williams holds on! Four break points saved, and she’s still fighting! That was just pure grit.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:05
*Serena Williams 3-6 5-5 Maya Joint
Oh no. That’s a bad time to make a double fault from Williams! Joint then steps up and cracks the return, which Williams slumps into the net.
Three break points. Williams saves the first but may be tiring, she can’t find the first serve. Joint squirts a backhand return wide. Another saved.
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Another return missed by Joint! Williams is hanging on and gets back to deuce.
Another miss from Joint – this coming while the room for the forehand winner was open.
This would be some escape… Williams thinks the ball from Joint landed long… some of the crowd did too. But no, she nets and Joint hangs on.
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:01
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*Serena Williams 3-6 5-5 Maya Joint
Joint takes a deep breath, steps up to the baseline, and fires a series of first serves which Williams can’t return. Back level.
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 20:55
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Serena Williams 3-6 5-4 Maya Joint*
For the first time in the second set, Williams LEADS. Joint cracks a backhand into the net and Williams has won back-to-back games to edge in front. Huge pressure now on Joint, who must hold serve to stay in this decider.
Oooh this is electric now.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 20:52
BREAK! *Serena Williams 3-6 4-4 Maya Joint
I wonder how the match would have gone had Williams been this aggressive in the first set. She starts by cracking a backhand return, then following in to put away the volley.
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Two errors follow from Williams and she shrieks in frustration, but then she produces another crisp backhand return. It’s followed by an error from Joint and Williams will get another break point chance.
Joint knifes the backhand down the line…. but there’s Williams to put away the volley!
Nov 09, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; NBA logo on the basket during the game between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Bucks defeated the Knicks 107-80. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Bids for all 12 planned future franchises of the soon-to-launch NBA Europe reached $500 million with some as high as $1 billion, Sportico reported Tuesday.
The NBA intends to launch NBA Europe by 2017, with 12 of the league’s 16 teams to be built from the ground up. Bids to own franchises in a dozen previously selected cities were due Monday.
The 12 predetermined cities are Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Berlin; Istanbul; London; Lyon, France; Madrid; Manchester, England; Milan; Munich; Paris; and Rome.
Reports have indicated that Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is a potential investor in the Rome franchise.
“We’re extremely encouraged by the final bids we received for permanent franchises,” Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “This will be the biggest influx of capital European basketball has ever seen, and we have clear front-runners in each of our 12 target cities, including many existing basketball and football clubs. We will now work with the NBA and FIBA Boards to finalize the long-form agreements.”
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The report indicated that as many as 20 existing basketball and soccer clubs in Europe submitted ownership bids. NBA owners are not allowed to own teams in the new league.
The 16-team NBA Europe will be filled out with four existing FIBA franchises from various overseas leagues that will earn their way into the new league.
The reported bids for franchises met initial projections. Sports Business Journal reported earlier this year that potential owners would pay between $500 million and $1 billion for a franchise.
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Sportico reported earlier this week that the NBA will fund financial losses as NBA Europe tries to establish itself. The 12 new permanent franchises are projected to at least break even in three years.
All future league equity will be split evenly between current NBA owners and ownership groups of the 12 new franchises.
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