Jimmy Alapag admitted that returning to the Philippines wasn’t an option six years ago when, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family left for the United States to pursue better opportunities.
“At the time, maybe not,” Alapag told the Inquirer on Tuesday, when asked if this homecoming was in any way planned. “[But that was] just because of the pandemic.”
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And when an offer to coach in the PBA, NLEX in this case, came—a chance which is very hard to pass up on—Alapag knew it was time to take the gang back home.
It has turned into a full-circle moment for the “Mighty Mouse,” the former Talk ‘N Text and national five-star.
“The time we spent in the US and the NBA, it was invaluable,” Alapag continued. “I think it allowed me to grow as a coach and now puts me in a better position to not only help NLEX, but hopefully Philippine basketball in the future.”
Alapag returned this week to begin his new coaching challenge, which is to turn the fortunes of a Road Warriors squad that has struggled to build on past elimination round successes into deep playoff runs.
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The former Gilas Pilipinas star comes in carrying experience gained in the NBA as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
He joined the Kings staff during the 2023-24 season from their G League affiliate Stockton Kings, after gaining a good impression on then-coach Mike Brown, who, just weeks ago steered the New York Knicks to the NBA championship.
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“Coach Brown is big on the team being connected,” Alapag said. “You hear that word a lot with coach Brown. He strives to have his players and his team be connected on and off the court.”
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It’s one of the things Alapag will try to have the Road Warriors buy into.
He inherits a lineup that is going to be led by Robert Bolick, the superstar guard known for his high-scoring offense and facilitating skills.
“Obviously, he’s played at a very high level,” Alapag said. “I think he’s been in the running for the MVP the past few seasons. I think it’s just to continue to help him with his growth as a player.
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“It’s not winning MVP when you have arguably the greatest player ever to play in the PBA, June Mar Fajardo, is still around,” Alapag went on. “But whatever I can do to help him and help him to have even more success in his career, that’s why I’m here.”
Alapag’s hiring became official on Monday after meeting team owner Manny Pangilinan and NLEX officials.
Before Tuesday’s press conference, he was at the Road Warriors’ tuneup game against the Blackwater Bossing at the University of the Philippines campus.
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He watched from the sidelines, allowing the assistants to run the show while getting a first-hand look at the team, as he asked team personnel questions on several players.
Tottenham have won the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham after submitting an £85million bid to sign the player, a fee Man Utd wouldn’t match.
Manchester United refused to match Tottenham’s £85million bid for Mateus Fernandes after judging it outside of their valuation of West Ham’s 21-year-old midfielder.
United have pushed hard to sign Fernandes, who emerged as their top midfield target after they pulled out of the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but it is Spurs who look set to land the one-cap Portugal international.
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United were unwilling to match that bid, which meets West Ham’s asking price for a player they signed from Southampton for £38million last season.
Old Trafford sources also claimed that it wasn’t clear which club Fernandes wanted to sign for this summer. United made it a key cornerstone of their transfer strategy last year to focus on players who wanted to play for the club, but insiders claim it wasn’t clear throughout the process whether that was the case with Fernandes.
The decision not to rival Tottenham for the signature of Fernandes means United have now missed out on both of their leading midfield targets this summer. Manchester City have agreed a £116million deal to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
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Despite the latest setback to their plans to reshape the midfield this summer, United remain confident they will strengthen in that area and take encouragement from their transfer record last summer, when they remained patient to land Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for a spend of around £235million.
They have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta for an initial £35million this summer, with the Brazilian midfielder set to complete his move once his country are out of the World Cup.
United will now turn their attention to other midfield targets. They have an interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and continue to admire Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
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.
Former New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin poses prior to Game Three between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. AFP
Jeremy Lin has played all over the world and, unsurprisingly, every team he has faced has left a lasting impression.
One of those came in 2024 when Lin suited up for the New Taipei Kings in the East Asia Super League. During that campaign, he went up against the Meralco Bolts and put on a show against the PBA club.
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And if there was one thing that stayed with him after that matchup, it was the Bolts’ speed.
“They have tremendous speed, they’re very quick laterally and that’s something that sticks out to me with Filipino players and teams,” he said during the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational at OCBC Arena in Singapore on Sunday.
“A lot of them are extremely athletic. They can jump high and move quickly, and that stuck out to me as well.”
In that 2024 meeting, Lin powered New Taipei to an 89-77 victory over Meralco at PhilSports Arena.
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Despite the Bolts’ speed and athleticism, Lin finished with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.
The 2019 NBA champion, however, had more to say about Filipino basketball than just the talent on the floor.
The man who sparked “Linsanity” also praised Filipinos’ passion for the game and the respect they show their opponents.
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“The Filipino squads in the PBA are, first off, very respectful. They play hard, they play to win,” he said.
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A current WWE star recently spoke about his early days on the main roster, and figuring out that Vince McMahon was actually pushing him from behind the scenes.
Austin Theory had started off in NXT, moving to the main roster in 2021. Over the next few months, Vince McMahon was shown giving him advice and taking an active interest in his run. Theory eventually won the Money in the Bank contract, although he wasn’t able to win a title with it.
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When Austin Theory became the WWE United States Champion, he apparently understood that Vince McMahon was pushing him quickly up the ranks. Speaking on the ImPAULsive podcast, Theory stated:
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“When I got to the main roster, I didn’t even kind of realized like Vince (McMahon) was like pushing me and behind me until like I remember when I won the US title and I became the youngest US champ. But at the end of that match, Vince wanted all the heels to come out, hold me up in the ring, and then as I left the ring, he came out at the end on the stage and held my arm. And I think in that moment, I was like, whoa, like something’s going on here. Like we’re going places, you know?”
You can check out his comments below:
Austin Theory has previously explained why he joined The Vision in WWE
According to Austin Theory, joining The Vision was a calculated step.
Speaking on RAW Recap last year, the WWE star had stated:
“Well, to me, it’s about the future, and that’s exactly what The Vision is about. And it’s about taking, and that’s what I’m all about now. I’m not waiting for opportunities, and not looking at my past and saying, ‘Hey, I beat John Cena. Give me something. Somebody hand me another opportunity.’ No, we just take, and that’s how it feels now being in The Vision, just going to take everything,” Theory said.
While Theory has achieved quite a lot in The Vision, he currently does not hold any titles. What is planned for him next is something fans will have to stay tuned to know.
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Liberte, Egalite, Mbappe. Or maybe it was Liberte, Egalite, Olise. France delivered another mission statement of a performance, another wonderful endorsement of their footballing philosophy taking them closer to a return to New York for a third consecutive World Cup final.
They are making history and making memories. The scorer par excellence and the creator nonpareil brought their artistry to the evisceration of Sweden. One day, perhaps, Graham Potter and his team may be able to cushion their disappointment with the knowledge they witnessed something special from the same pitch.
In Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, France have two candidates for the Golden Ball and if a certain diminutive Argentinian provides competition, this was an illustration of the contrasting strengths of Les Bleus’ devastating double act. Mbappe, with unerring brilliance, got the goals that almost seem a guarantee on such a stage, a third brace of the tournament taking him to nine in his last five World Cup matches.
Denied time and again by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Olise got everything but the goal; arguably he was inches from scoring the best of the tournament with an acrobatic volley, but he showed surgical precision with defence-piercing passes. Maybe no one in the global game does it better these days. There was something fitting that France’s third goal came from a glorious Olise pass and a trademark Mbappe finish. It is a formula that could carry them to glory at the MetLife.
For a manager whose tournament has been tarnished by tragedy, a return came with a welcome from the French footballing family. His captain Mbappe greeted him with a hug when he made the breakthrough. His team delivered an exhibition. Deschamps, for so long damned with faint praise, should be missed when he moves on.
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If France played with the handbrake on in Euro 2024, now Deschamps has released it. He is often described as a pragmatist, but perhaps, late in his tenure, he has discovered a purism. Or maybe it is just pragmatic to unleash his talents.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to inspire another victory for France (Getty)
He has enviable options in attack. Many a manager must wish he could choose between Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. Deschamps opted for the latter to complete his front four and saw the winger marry his scintillating speed with a lovely goal.
It was sandwiched by Mbappe’s latest double as a roadrunner left a record-breaker in the dust behind him. In the space of eight days, Miroslav Klose has gone from being the highest ever scorer in World Cups to occupying third place. He was demoted by Mbappe, whose second of the day was his 18th in all, his sixth of the tournament, his fourth in New York. He may be France’s greatest gift to the Big Apple since the Statue of Liberty.
He is now only one behind Lionel Messi in the all-time standings, level with the Argentina captain in a battle for the Golden Boot that also includes Erling Haaland. Olise, meanwhile, already has five assists which, in a historical context, puts him only one adrift of Pele.
Bradley Barcola scored France’s second goal having been set up expertly by Michael Olise (Reuters)
Ousmane Dembele has four in the United States, all for Mbappe. The latest came just before the interval, from a quickly-taken corner, enabling Mbappe to whip and curl a shot in. Like the skipper’s second goal, it came from his preferred inside-left channel.
Mbappe may have been a contentious choice as captain by Deschamps but now he is the personification of this team. The first half consisted of two halves: Sweden were relatively comfortable in the first, overwhelmed in the second. As they discovered, there is something seductive about France when they up the pace. It is slick and quick, a team going through the gears. Sweden were the victims of a sleek, stylish assault.
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Initially, it seemed France were finding ways not to score. Mbappe had a goal disallowed for a narrow offside call and then shot against the near post. Olise’s bicycle kick rebounded off the other post, Dembele shooting wide from the rebound. Each of his hat-trick against Norway may have been a harder chance. Zetterstrom clawed a shot from Olise past the post. Seconds later, however, the Derby goalkeeper was beaten by Mbappe.
Olise set up two of the goals, making it five assists for the tournament, as France swept Sweden aside (Getty)
After 15 shots before the break, France delivered a couple of classy goals after it. Olise supplied a penetrative pass, the unfortunate Gustaf Lagerbielke ending up on his knees in his attempt to cut it out, before Barcola’s first-time finish. Then, from a spectacular team move, Olise found Mbappe; he found the Swedish net.
Appropriately, Mbappe and Olise exited the game together, both taken off to a deafening ovation. Deschamps’ version of taking pity on Sweden was to introduce Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta. The beleaguered, battered Swedes may reflect on the chance Elliot Stroud blasted wide on the stroke of half-time. In reality, though, they were just outclassed.
And so, after the cull of the European superpowers saw Germany and the Netherlands fall, France surged on. They will take the tricolore to Philadelphia for Independence Day, though not for the expected neighbourly clash with Julian Nagelsmann’s team. Although maybe Germany’s elimination by Paraguay was just a cunning piece of planning to avoid being embarrassed by Mbappe and Olise.
But City may well look to strengthen further in midfield given Bernardo Silva has departed, Rodri reportedly faces summer surgery on an unspecified injury and there remains long-term uncertainty around the future of the Spain international. Nico Gonzalez could also be sold this summer.
That could prompt Roberto De Zerbi’s men to shelve plans to sign Tonali given the outlay spent on Fernandes as well as elsewhere in the squad with more than £50m spent on Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke
City could be in pole position to capitalise but it remains to be seen how this plays out. The Blues will not be held to ransom on a deal and will walk away from the transfer if they don’t believe the move represents value for money.
Kylian Mbappe etched his name further into football history after becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, scoring twice as France defeated Sweden 3-0 to book their place in the last 16 against Paraguay.
The France captain took his tally of goals in World Cup knockout matches to 10, surpassing every player in the competition’s history. His brace also moved him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings, with both players now on six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the scorching conditions in New Jersey, France dominated proceedings from the opening whistle and looked determined to put the game beyond Sweden early on.
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Mbappe thought he had opened the scoring in the 20th minute, only for the offside flag to deny him. The striker then struck the post moments later after being picked out by Jules Kounde’s low cross with the goal at his mercy.
France continued to press, with Michael Olise rattling the woodwork with a spectacular scissor-kick effort before Ousmane Dembele fired the rebound wide.
Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom produced a series of excellent saves to frustrate the French attack, but he could do little to stop Mbappe from making history just before half-time.
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The forward raced onto a perfectly weighted pass from Dembele, beat Viktor Gyokeres with a clever stepover, and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner to become the outright leading scorer in World Cup knockout history.
Sweden had an immediate chance to respond after the restart, but Elliot Stroud fired over from close range when presented with a golden opportunity.
France took full control eight minutes into the second half when Bradley Barcola latched onto an intelligent pass from Olise and drilled his effort into the near post to double the advantage.
Mbappe then put the result beyond doubt in the 74th minute. Once again, Olise provided the assist, finding the French captain in space before he curled a composed finish past Widell Zetterstrom for his second goal of the match and sixth of the tournament.
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The victory sends France into the last 16, where they will face Paraguay, who stunned Germany on penalties, in Philadelphia on Saturday, 4 July.
For Mbappe, however, the night belonged to history. Already one of the greatest players of his generation, the French superstar has now become the most prolific player ever in World Cup knockout football.
U.S Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has admitted that he was delighted to see Iran knocked out of the FIFA World Cup. He added that they were not welcome in the country after their recent visa issues.
Speaking to Sports Business Journal, Mullin said that he sang and danced when he got to know about Iran’s elimination. He added that they were the hardest team to work with in terms of visa and said:
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“I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the U.S. soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance. Very happy they’re going back because there wasn’t a single team that we dealt with more than them.”
Meanwhile, an FFIRI official has anonymously told The Athletic that they were not surprised at the treatment they got from the U.S. officials. He added that Mullin’s celebrations at their elimination says more about the U.S Homeland Security Secretary and said:
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“Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of U.S. officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks. These remarks once again demonstrate that U.S. officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organizing a global sporting event. The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team.”
“It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage. After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”
Iran were forced to stay in Mexico and had to travel in and out of the United States on the day of their match.
Iran were an inch away from making FIFA World Cup knockouts
Iran scored a late goal against Egypt when the scoreline was 1-1, but Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal was disallowed as his foot was an inch offside. They had to return from the FIFA World Cup without a win, having drawn all their matches in the group against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt.
Iran were in contention to make the Round of 32 as they finished third, but a goal difference of zero saw them eliminated.
Fans have reacted to a viral video of Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu apologising to his players following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Samurai Blue suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 32 on Monday, June 29.
Second-half goals from Casemiro (56′) and Gabriel Martinelli (90+6′) completed a turnaround for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after Kaishu Sano’s 29th-minute opener. Japan finished as runners-up in Group F, collecting five points. They drew the Netherlands (2-2), trashed Tunisia (4-0) and shared the spoils with Sweden (1-1).
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However, it was a gesture from coach Moriyasu after their elimination that won fans’ hearts, earning him respect and admiration. In an Instagram clip posted by @24hourne, the 57-year-old manager gathered his players and staff members at the Houston Stadium and apologised to them, taking full responsibility for the side’s elimination.
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He broke down in tears while giving his speech, and fans were amazed by his humility and leadership. One fan commented:
“How humble is he , almost cried watching the match.”
“They lost the match, but won million of hearts”, another said.
“A lot of respect for the coach and the team”, chimed in another.
“The world needs more leaders like this. Respect”, an impressed fan wrote.
“This is the kind of leadership, morals and accountability we need in our everyday lives here, and for all people”, another added.
The Japanese national team and fans have continuously won the admiration of many through their displays of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect. The Samurai Blues’ best finish at the FIFA World Cup is reaching the Round of 16, a feat they haveachieved four times in their history (2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022).
Brazil star Matheus Cunha explains his “five-star” hand gesture towards Japan star
Brazil star Matheus Cunha has explained the reason behind his hand gesture towards Japan forward Kento Shiogai. Following the win over the Asian side, the camera captured the Manchester United forward showing five fingers to Shiogai.
Explaining his action, Cunha said it was a response to Shiogai’s pre-match comments about Brazil not being a top football powerhouse compared to France and Argentina.
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“I have nothing against Japan, they are great but he said some things about Brazil that we can’t accept. It’s about respect for us and our shirt”, he said (as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X).
Following their Round of 32 victory, Brazil will now face Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5.
The knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with an intriguing all-European contest as France meet Sweden in the Round of 32 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. There is no margin for error now. One team will move a step closer to the trophy, while the other will see its World Cup campaign come to an immediate end.
France arrive carrying the momentum of one of the tournament’s most convincing group-stage performances. Didier Deschamps guided Les Bleus to a flawless record in Group I, winning all three matches to finish on nine points while scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice. Their efficiency at both ends of the pitch has reinforced their status as genuine title contenders, with Opta’s projections and bookmakers continuing to place them among the strongest favourites remaining in the competition.
Sweden, meanwhile, have travelled a far more demanding road to reach the knockout rounds. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side finished third in Group F after recording one victory, one draw and one defeat, collecting four points to qualify among the tournament’s best third-placed nations. Their campaign has been defined by attacking ambition rather than defensive certainty. Sweden have scored seven goals across three matches but have also allowed seven at the opposite end, making them one of the competition’s most entertaining teams heading into the elimination stage.
Both sides arrive with notable selection concerns. France must cope without Marcus Thuram, who has been ruled out through injury, while Sweden have suffered a significant setback with first-choice central defender Isak Hien unavailable, leaving an already vulnerable back line further weakened against one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.
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France’s strength lies in the depth and variety of their squad. Kylian Mbappé continues to spearhead the attack, supported by the pace and creativity of Ousmane Dembélé and Michaël Olise. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provide balance in midfield, while William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano anchor a defence that has looked increasingly assured throughout the tournament.
Sweden possess threats capable of troubling any opponent. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres form one of the most physical forward pairings still left in the competition, Lucas Bergvall has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the midfield, and Anthony Elanga’s pace offers a constant outlet on the counterattack.
This will also be a historic occasion. Despite sharing a long footballing history, France and Sweden have never previously met at a FIFA World Cup. Across 23 meetings in all competitions, France have won 12 times compared to Sweden’s six victories, with five matches finishing in draws.
France bring the pedigree of two World Cup titles, won in 1998 and 2018, while Sweden continue their search for a first global crown after their best finish of third place in 1994. The reward for the winner is already known. Paraguay await in the Round of 16 after producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties. France enter as favourites, but Sweden have already shown throughout this World Cup that they are capable of making life uncomfortable for more fancied opponents.
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