Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw watched practice action during training camp at TCO Performance Center as players worked through another summer session in Eagan. On August 6, 2026, Darrisaw stood near the sideline in uniform while Minnesota continued evaluating its offensive line before preseason football arrived and the regular season drew closer. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Rookies will report to Minnesota Vikings training camp in 19 days, with veterans arriving a couple of days later, and fans formally invited on August 1st. The time is coming.
And while the club, like every summer, has several fascinating storylines, here’s what we can’t wait to see in Eagan three weeks from now. The items are listed in no particular order.
The Watchlist Has Real Stakes
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas lined up against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium. On January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Thomas worked through title-game action as Miami’s secondary faced Indiana in one of the season’s biggest national college football stages. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
1. The Pecking Order at Safety
This could be moot or less important if Harrison Smith returns to the Vikings, but as of early July, nobody knows if that will happen. Smith is acting mysteriously.
If Smith is gone-gone, the Vikings will unveil a safety unit without him for the first time since 2011. Josh Metellus will start, but after Metellus, it’s a crapshoot to determine the other main starter, among contenders Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and rookie Jakobe Thomas.
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Ward is probably the frontrunner to obtain most safety snaps because he took over as the starter in December. That must be confirmed, though, and training camp will be the first major clue. Generally speaking, the Vikings’ safety room is no longer as straightforward as “Smith and Metellus.”
2. The Seriousness of the QB Battle
We fully understand and embrace the fact that Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will battle at training camp; that’s healthy for a football team. We, however, believe that Murray will prevail rather handily — because he is the better, more experienced quarterback.
So, we ask: How interesting will McCarthy make the competition? Will it go down to the wire? Will preseason games be needed to weigh pros and cons of each combatant? Will Kevin O’Connell see a practice or two and say, “Murray’s our guy, folks.”
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It’s not a sham competition, but McCarthy’s legitimacy as a contender is “to be determined.”
3. Brett Thorson’s Leg
In March, Minnesota signed punter Johnny Hekker, who was the best punter on the planet in 2015. In April, Minnesota signed punter Brett Thorson, who was the best college punter in 2025. We wonder why Hekker is even needed.
There shouldn’t be much mystery about Thorson’s transition to the NFL; he’s the real deal. The Vikings may not have known that Thorson would fall into their lap after the draft in undrafted free agency. Perhaps signing him was a perk that rendered the Hekker signing useless.
Thorson should be the punter in 2026 and for the long haul, but he evidently has to prove it against Hekker at training camp.
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The Vikings always have some form of a kicking battle in the summer. Clockwork.
4. The Dillon Bell Glow-Up
The hype train began for Bell in late April, when, like Thorson, the Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and former NFLer Steve Smith have pounded the table for Bell, who brings WR versatility and a chip on his shoulder to the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray delivered a pass to wide receiver Dillon Bell during minicamp practice at TCO Performance Center. In June 2026, in Eagan, Murray connected with Bell as Minnesota continued offseason workouts and evaluated new offensive combinations, giving the rookie receiver valuable reps alongside the veteran quarterback before training camp arrived. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Boots on the ground also suggest that Bell looked the part at OTAs and minicamp. That’s great — but now Bell must earn a roster spot, dueling Tai Felton, Myles Price, and several other anonymous UDFA wide receivers at training camp.
Can Bell take the momentum through the summer and snag a September roster spot? Felton or Price might have to be cut to make room. You’ve been warned.
5. Caleb Banks and His Foot
Teams shied away from Banks in Round 1 of the draft because he injured his foot in the summer of 2025 and then broke the same foot at the NFL Combine. As a rule of thumb, it’s dangerous to draft big men with bad feet in the 1st Round.
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It’s just that the Vikings didn’t care.
Before the second foot injury, Banks held 1st-Round draft stock; it was just a matter of which DT-needy club would pick him. After the NFL Combine, Banks’s draft hopes fell into Round 2, and he lived there until the Vikings went against the grain, selecting him in Round 1.
Now, listen carefully: Minnesota absolutely cannot afford a draft miss, especially one from the 1st Round. The franchise is trying to emerge from the rubble of failed draft picks like Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Brian Asamoah, and others.
Watching Banks this summer will be a major clue whether the Vikings got this one right. He really can’t afford to “sit out” his rookie season with a bad foot. If so, a 1st-Round pick was not worth it.
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6. Demond Claiborne’s NFL Translation
The Vikings are starved for young legs at running back. It’s been nine years since they drafted Dalvin Cook. After Cook left — and fell off an NFL production cliff — Minnesota has preferred RB1 options like Alexander Mattison, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason. Those veterans are okay, but soon the Vikings must restart the clock with a promising, explosive tailback.
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne carried the football during first-quarter action against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium, adding another road-game snapshot to his college profile. On October 4, 2025, in Blacksburg, Claiborne worked through the Hokies’ defense as the Demon Deacons tried to generate offense in an ACC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images.
In theory, that could be Claiborne, a 6th-Rounder from Wake Forest with 4.37 speed.
Onlookers will be able to tell if Claiborne has the vision and tackle-breaking acumen to succeed as an eventual RB1 at training camp. He’ll provide hints. The early returns, too, are promising.
But he has to make a dent this summer to project well for the future. The question is this: Can Claiborne become a rare late-round RB success story? Or is he just another Ty Chandler or DeWayne McBride?
Do not forget: the Vikings are fundamentally starved for a young playmaking running back.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Switzerland have settled into possession in Vancouver but they haven’t been able to translate it into clear-cut chances.
A nice exchange ends with Embolo losing possession just outside the box, but Diaz can’t make anything of it on the counter.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:09
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Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
The first shot on target comes from Dan Ndoye, as the ball is laid off to him and his fizzes a half-volley too close to Vargas.
The offside flag was up anyway.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:07
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Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
The first half-chance for Colombia as the ball is sent to the back post and Akanji is forced to turn it behind.
(Getty)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:05
Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
Some early possession for the Swiss, though it’s given away cheaply by Akanji.
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Colombia have their first venture towards the Switzerland box but it comes to nothing.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:03
KICK-OFF! Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
We’re underway in Vancouver!
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:00
Switzerland vs Colombia
Both sides are out at BC Place, and we’ll be underway shortly after the national anthems.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:56
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Switzerland vs Colombia
Under 10 minutes until kick-off in the final last-16 tie at the 2026 World Cup.
We’ve had some classics in this round already…will we see another this evening?
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:52
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Switzerland vs Colombia
(Getty)
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:48
World Cup 2026 TV schedule: How to watch every knockout game live in the UK
The last-16 of the 2026 World Cup is delivering bucketloads of drama for fans to watch live on television.
Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.
Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:44
Argentina were doomed – then Lionel Messi did this to change everything
The report from the biggest game of the day…
One of greatest ever knock-out upsets becomes one of the greatest ever comebacks. Egypt might call it one of the great injustices. Argentina, for now, won’t care.
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This 3-2 victory over a spirited and justifiably aggrieved Egypt again exposed so many issues, but also so much fortitude – not least that of probably the greatest player of all time.
The hosts posted 201 for seven on the back of 70 from Phil Salt, with the entire India team only just besting the opener’s score as they were rounded up for 76.
Archer and Tongue were too hot to handle, both seamers pushing the speed gun past 90mph to scatter the power-packed Indian top order in a match-winning new-ball burst.
Tongue claimed career-best figures of four for 28 and Archer took three for 29, with the innings wrapped up 8.2 overs ahead of time.
It was an emphatic result in Nottingham – eclipsing India’s previous worst result in T20s by a massive 45-run margin – and handing the hosts a 2-0 lead with two to play in the Vitality Series.
Manchester United have been busy in the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick aims to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season
Diario AS claims that any sale Real Madrid agrees to this summer must exceed £85million, meaning United will have to drop a hefty sum to secure his signature. It is understood that the France international is keen to stay in Spain but recent transfer activity between United and Madrid could help push the deal forward.
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Former Chelsea defender Desailly has pointed to the move of Raphael Varane as he gave the green light to Tchouameni’s potential move to United. Speaking to sportscasting.com, the ex-France international said: “I’m sure Aurelien Tchouaméni would move to the Premier League, and Manchester United is still a massive club; a massive name.
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“He had a difficult season, but at least he shows leadership. That’s why when you talk about Konaté or Tchouaméni, I’ll always choose Tchouaméni because of his desire. And he also wears my number 8 on his back, so I love him for this!
“I believe that he has that little bit of leadership and the desire to bring the team all together. So it could be a good move for him, just like when Raphaël Varane swapped Madrid for Manchester back in the day.
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“So why not? I would encourage him to go for it and try the Premier League.”
Varane is a prime example of a success story from La Liga to the Premier League, joining United in 2021 for a fee of around £41m. He won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford, making 95 appearances and becoming a defensive stalwart.
Casemiro also made the same move a year later and became a fan favourite at Old Trafford. The defensive midfielder racked up 160 appearances for United, making 40 goal contributions and securing two domestic cups along the way.
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His departure from the club this summer kick-started United’s pursuit of Tchouameni, and the 26-year-old could look to his old Madrid colleagues for inspiration in heading to the Premier League.
Michael Carrick has already secured the £35m signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer and will be keen to add more firepower to his squad as his first season in permanent charge edges closer.
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
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Switzerland take on World Cup dark horses Colombia in Vancouver in the round of 16, stripped of injured 20-year-old breakout star Johan Manzambi. The winners will go on to face title holders Argentina, who survived an almighty scare against Egypt earlier today. Follow our liveblog for minute-by-minute match commentary.
Jannik Sinner believes the work he and his team put in after the French Open has already paid off following his straight-sets victory over Jan-Lennard Struff at Wimbledon.
The world No. 1 defeated Struff 7-5, 7-6(5), 6- 3 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Playing in hot conditions, Sinner admitted he was pleased to get through the match in three sets.
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When asked whether the heat made the victory even more satisfying, the Italian laughed before saying:
“Yeah, thanks for reminding me.”
He then explained how the French Open disappointment led to the important changes behind the scenes.
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“We worked a lot, especially after Paris, trying to understand what went wrong there. We prepared ourselves in the best possible way.”
Sinner said he was especially encouraged by how he felt physically throughout the match.
“It was a huge test today. I felt really, really comfortable on the physical side today. A good step forward.”
Although he hopes not to experience another setback like the one in Paris, Sinner believes his team is now better prepared.
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“If it would happen again like in Paris, I hope not, but if it happens again, we know we need to change some things again.”
The defending Wimbledon champion also praised Struff, describing the German as one of the toughest opponents on tour.
“Very, very tough player to play against. He deserves everything he’s done and achieved in his career.”
Sinner will now head into the Wimbledon semi-finals looking to continue his title defence after another composed performance on grass.
And the photo from that goal was just unreal. It was snapped by Elsa of Getty Images — she’s shot so many incredible sports moments — and just look at it: It’s from inside the net as the ball goes in, with Messi watching from afar and getting ready to celebrate. The rest of the players are watching it, with some realizing what just happened.
It’s so good:
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 07: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera inside of the goal.) Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina scores his team’s second goal past Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi is lifted by teammates as they celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi is thrown in the air in celebration by teammates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Karolina Muchova of Czechia serves against Naomi Osaka of Japan during their Ladies’ Singles quarterfinal match on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Karolina Muchova reached her first Wimbledon semifinal after defeating Naomi Osaka 7-6, 6-4.
The Czech star extended her winning streak to nine consecutive matches, producing another impressive performance to book her place in the last four.
After the match, Muchova laughed when told she looked calm throughout the contest.
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“Oh my God, I was nervous.”
She praised Osaka’s ability to punish even the smallest mistakes.
“She’s an unbelievable athlete. You can’t lose that focus. You have to keep playing every point. If you give her a little chance, she takes it.”
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Muchova also admitted she had never enjoyed playing on Centre Court before the breakthrough.
“I don’t know if you guys know, but I played three times on this court and it was 0-3, so I wasn’t in a very good relationship with this court.”
That finally changed with her biggest Wimbledon win yet.
“I’m super happy we finally made it today and I got that win in front of you all.”
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The victory sends Muchova into her first Wimbledon semifinal and her first Grand Slam semifinal in two years.
She will now face Coco Gauff for a place in the Wimbledon final. Although Gauff leads their head-to-head 6-1, Muchova won their most recent meeting in Stuttgart earlier this year. The semifinal will also be the first time they have faced each other on grass.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes a brilliant catch to remove Jacob Bethell and England lose Tom Banton in the next delivery as Harshit Rana strikes twice for India during the third T20 at Trent Bridge.
Jon Rahm says no, he hasn’t been asked to put his own money back into LIV Golf.
But what if the league made the request?
“Something I’ve learned in life, never say never,” he said Tuesday.
“I’m not going to say absolutely no to anything that can happen in the future.”
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Speaking Tuesday ahead of this week’s Genesis Scottish Open, Rahm had been asked whether he’d help finance the prize fund for the league in which he plays, an idea that a reporter said could be an option while LIV seeks new investors as it’s been told it will no longer be backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. In December of 2023, Rahm left the PGA Tour and signed what has been reported as a nine-figure deal with LIV.
But Rahm said he hasn’t been asked to invest into the tour playing its fifth season. Since the PIF announcement, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has said he’s exploring options, though Rahm said early last month that he wouldn’t be involved in an investor search.
“I know Scott is doing a lot of work trying to find developers,” Rahm said Tuesday. “And there’s many ways around that. As far as putting my money into it, they have not asked me to do that yet.
“So I don’t know if they will or not. It’s not something that they have asked me, but there has been many different avenues to try to make it different, what we’ve had till now. They haven’t asked me to put my money in yet.”
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Several questions during his media session centered around LIV, which was to be expected given the league’s uncertainty — and the fact that Rahm is playing a tournament co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. The latter does not allow players to play on LIV, but the formerly named European Tour, through an agreement, is letting LIV pros into its tournaments, all of which seemingly would lead to at least a different feeling this week, but Rahm said he hasn’t experienced that.
“Not really,” he said. “It’s just another event. Just happy I can — happy that the DP World Tour let me have the opportunity and that I can be here and play what’s not only a great week but a great golf course, great crowd. It’s one of my favorite weeks, so it’s really fun to be here again.”
A reporter also wondered whether Rahm thought that his appearance this week, along with those of other LIV players in the Scottish Open field, would be looked at as “a turning point” in the men’s game.
“Yeah, it could be,” he said. “Yeah, I mean, it’s a fantastic event, and I think a lot of us, if given the opportunity, we are going to continue to play in the events that we like to play. Myself, very thankful and happy that I can be here.”
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Rahm also said he hadn’t seen any of the news announced last week regarding the PGA Tour’s future schedule and format; when told by a reporter that there would be two tours, Rahm said: “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, so it’s not a surprise that that would happen.” A reporter also wondered how difficult it was for Rahm to put himself in the present, while answering questions about the future.
But Rahm said that wasn’t hard.
“Maybe early on,” he said. “I think at this point, seeing whatever some of the headlines that come my way, I can pretty much predict what I’m being asked. I’m ready for what is coming. It’s not entirely a surprise.”
“I also understand it’s everybody’s job to do,” he said later. “I’m ready for it. I like to say I’m an open book, so I like to be as honest as I can.”
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