The Nike swoosh will be absent from the World Cup final, a stark indicator of rival Adidas’s dominance on the tournament’s biggest stage.

Argentina’s semi-final victory over England on Wednesday extinguished the sportswear giant’s hopes of sponsoring a team in Sunday’s ultimate match.

Amid a fierce brand battle both on and off the pitch, the outcome represents a significant visibility boost for Adidas, which outfits both finalists: Argentina and Spain. Adidas had sponsored a total of 14 national teams in the tournament, while none of Nike’s 12 teams, including semi-finalists England and France, managed to secure a spot in the final.

This outcome arrives as Nike grapples with years of steadily shrinking market share, having heavily relied on the tournament for a much-needed boost in sales and visibility.

The company signaled last month that CEO Elliott Hill’s turnaround strategy faces significant obstacles, with persistent weakness in China and a cautious outlook overshadowing a modest fourth-quarter revenue beat. Nike’s shares have lost nearly a third of their value this year as investors grow impatient with Hill’s progress.

Morningstar analyst David Swartz underscored the deeper challenges facing Nike, stating, “There are more important issues, such as footwear innovation, inventory control, and stabilizing sales and margins in China.” He added, “Adidas got more publicity, but that’s just the way it goes.”

A Nike spokesperson maintained the company’s long-term perspective, asserting that “our vision for football has never been tied to a single moment.” Meanwhile, Adidas called the World Cup final a “proud moment” for the company, though it declined to share specific sales projections.

Despite its teams not reaching the final, Nike invested significantly in the tournament. It unveiled two new Mercurial soccer boots, partnered with local streetwear designers, and refreshed soccer merchandise at over 5,000 Nike and wholesale stores globally. Its “Rip the Script” World Cup campaign, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe and Kim Kardashian, garnered 1.5 billion views in its first week, with national team kits selling 2.5 times more than during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

However, Adidas, an official World Cup sponsor, has emerged as the “clear winner” in the athletic footwear and apparel market, according to Drake MacFarlane, a research analyst at M Science. Stronger momentum in the U.S. and Europe helped the brand gain share from Nike in the second quarter. While World Cup demand offered a lift, Adidas’ improvement extends beyond the event, whereas Nike continues to face pressure in Europe.

M Science data shows Adidas’s share of the footwear market rose to 19.2% in June, up from 16.0% a year earlier, while Nike continued to shed share. Adidas executives reported robust bookings for World Cup products, totaling around 250 million euros (\$292 million) in the first quarter, with similar figures anticipated for the current quarter.

India’s Virat Kohli (ANI Photo)

Virat Kohli added another milestone to his glittering career during the second ODI against England, moving past Australian great Ricky Ponting to become the fifth-most capped player in the history of international cricket. The match marked Kohli’s 561st international appearance, taking him ahead of Ponting’s tally of 560 matches. Only four players now stand above the former India captain on the all-time list, with Sachin Tendulkar continuing to hold the record.

Most international appearances

Kohli celebrated the landmark with another composed innings, scoring 65 off 66 balls before falling to Jofra Archer for the second successive ODI in the series. Archer, reintroduced into the attack to break India’s flourishing partnership, struck with a back-of-a-length delivery that forced Kohli into a mistimed pull. The ball flew off the top edge and Adil Rashid completed a comfortable catch running in from third man. Before his dismissal, Kohli played a key role in stabilising India’s innings. He first added 60 runs with Rohit Sharma after the opener made 26, before stitching together a 67-run stand with Shreyas Iyer to put India in a commanding position. The half-century also saw Kohli achieve another notable feat. It was his 14th score of 50 or more in ODIs against England, drawing level with West Indies legend Viv Richards for the second-most such scores against the opposition. Only Kumar Sangakkara, with 15 fifty-plus scores against England, sits ahead of the Indian batting star. Kohli’s latest milestone further underlines his remarkable longevity across formats. Since making his international debut in 2008, the 37-year-old has amassed more than 28,000 international runs while becoming one of only a handful of cricketers to feature in over 560 matches for their country.

CommBank Stadium will play host to Thursday’s
Round 20 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and
Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs.
Brisbane Broncos
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday July 16, 2026 at 7:50 pm

Where: CommBank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos Odds

Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos Preview

Both sides return from the bye with plenty to play for, but for very different reasons. Penrith remains firmly in the premiership hunt, while Brisbane is running out of chances to revive its season. The Broncos regain a host of representative stars, including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh, giving them their strongest side in weeks.

Nathan Cleary returns to club football after earning the Wally Lewis Medal and shapes as the key to Penrith controlling the contest. His kicking game and composure should gradually wear Brisbane down, although the Broncos’ returning firepower makes them capable of causing an upset if they can stay in the arm wrestle early.

The “Most Marketable” independent professional wrestler on the scene presently, Richard Holliday, is set to take on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) star Elijah at Awesome Championship Wrestling’s (ACW) Indypendence Day on Saturday night in New York.

Holliday’s rumored WWE signing has been the talk of the pro wrestling landscape since Fightful Select first mentioned it earlier this month.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Ben Bishop offers support to Richard Holliday at Awesome Championship Wrestling. (Jay Vogel)

Since then, he left his boots in the ring after a match with Game Changer Wrestling and embraced his fellow wrestlers Ben Bishop, Jack Vaughn and Tommy Invincible in their own version of the “Curtain Call” following a match at Fight Factory Wrestling’s The War on the Shore 3.

Tommy Dreamer, who will also have a match at Indypendence Day, shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital about the possibility of Holliday going to WWE.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Awesome Championship Wrestling star Richard Holliday was in action at Reckoning on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Fox News Digital)

“I hope so. I think he’s a really, really good wrestler. I like him personally,” Dreamer said. “He’s really worked hard on every indie to try to get his name out there and if he gets that opportunity, he’ll have to work even harder.”

The Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) legend also lauded Elijah’s work ethic.

“And Elijah, I worked with him very, very closely in TNA. He is a superstar. He is very unique in his songwriting and his wrestling,” he said. “Always wanting to be better. When you meet him, you will be like, ‘Holy crap, I didn’t think this guy was this big.’ He’s always meal prepping. You see him in the back, not only is he playing guitar, but I mean he takes his craft very, very seriously and just overall should be a good match.”

Still, Dreamer implored that fans should get out to see Holliday while the ticket to get in the door is reasonably priced.

Tommy Dreamer makes his way down the ring (Provided to Fox News Digital)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“But if the rumors are true, for Richard Holliday, it’s awesome. And it’s another way to see somebody before you can’t see them anymore because then they’re under a whole other regime if that is the case,” he said.

Ocean Protect Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 20 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and
Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs.
Newcastle Knights
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday July 17, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Where: Ocean Protect Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Odds

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Preview

Cronulla enters Round 20 in ominous attacking form after producing another 50-point performance, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall continuing to steer one of the competition’s most dangerous offences. The Sharks have found their rhythm at the right time and will be confident of extending their momentum at home.

Newcastle faces a tougher assignment after losing Jacob Saifiti, with the veteran forward’s absence leaving a significant hole through the middle. The Knights have shown they can trouble quality sides, but they’ll need to match Cronulla’s physicality before their playmakers can have an influence. If the Sharks dominate possession again, they should create enough opportunities to secure another important victory.

Argentina fans burn England flags (Screengrabs)

Argentina’s victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final sparked massive celebrations across Buenos Aires, but some fans drew criticism after burning England flags and displaying coffins decorated with the St George’s Cross. Videos and photos also showed supporters chanting songs linked to the Falklands War, while some carried Falklands-themed flags during the celebrations.The Falkland Islands became a major talking point before, during and after the match. Ahead of the game, Argentina’s Vice President referred to England as “usurping pirates”, while President Javier Milei reiterated his country’s claim over the islands, saying, “We are doing everything humanly possible to bring the Falkland Islands back into Argentine hands. Sovereignty is not negotiable.”During the match, fans from both countries booed each other’s national anthems. Following the match, however, it was the clips of Argentina fans burning England flags that have been making the rounds on social media.Watch:After Argentina’s 2-1 comeback win in Atlanta, several players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine). Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were among those seen posing with it. Argentina had previously been fined by FIFA in 2014 for displaying a similar banner before a friendly.Lionel Messi helped Argentina overturn an early deficit by setting up two late goals to send the defending champions into the World Cup final and eliminate England. After the game, midfielder Leandro Paredes reinforced Argentina’s stance, saying the Falklands “will always be Argentine”.The celebrations also extended to Ushuaia, where fans gathered near a Falklands War veterans’ memorial. Britain and Argentina fought the 1982 Falklands War after Argentina invaded the islands. The conflict claimed the lives of hundreds on both sides, and the islands have remained a British Overseas Territory since then. Reports suggest FIFA could again review Argentina’s post-match celebrations over the political banner.

To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement.

Accept


Manage my choices

One of your browser extensions seems to be blocking the video player from loading. To watch this content, you may need to disable it on this site.

Try again

From the show

World Cup Debrief

Reading time
1 min

The defending champions strike again. Led 1-0 after Anthony Gordon opened the score for England, Argentina kept believing and turned the game on its head. Guided by Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni’s men sealed a 2-1 victory after an injury-time winner saw them book a spot against Spain in the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel opted to defend after taking the lead, a choice that backfired as the Three Lions’ time in the United States comes to an end.

A few stars who missed time last year with torn ligaments and broken bones still face uphill battles to get back on the field for 2026. Big names like Patrick Mahomes and Malik Nabers are among those on recovery watch, as it is no guarantee that they are ready to suit up in Week 1.

Players on the mend offered updates on their situations earlier this summer at OTAs and minicamp, though, so in many cases their rehabilitation timelines are already roughly defined.

Here is the latest on all of the most notable injuries across the NFL heading into training camp.

Advertisement

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs

Injury: Torn ACL and LCL

Timeline: Pushing hard for Week 1

The Chiefs watched their 2025 postseason hopes end when Patrick Mahomes went down with a knee injury in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers. Tearing both ligaments generally makes the recovery timeline longer than that for an ACL tear alone, but Mahomes has been on or ahead of schedule all offseason. Whether or not he is ready to suit up for the opener, the arrival of star running back Kenneth Walker III will take some of the pressure off him in the backfield.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Injury: Loose bodies in knee

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

The timing of Rashee Rice’s surgery to remove loose bodies from his knee could not have been much worse, as he was jailed days later for violating his probation. The Chiefs’ medical staff constructed a recovery plan that allowed the wide receiver to rehabilitate his knee as well as possible during his month behind bars. Coach Andy Reid said he anticipates Rice being ready for training camp.

Drake Maye, QB, Patriots

Injury: Shoulder pain

Timeline: Already returned to full participation

Drake Maye landed on his throwing shoulder on a run in the AFC Championship Game, and the result was an injury that lasted through the Super Bowl. He received a pain-killing injection ahead of the 29-13 loss to the Seahawks but did not require surgery after the Patriots‘ postseason run. Maye instead rested in the early part of the offseason and was back to full strength by the start of OTAs.

Bo Nix, QB, Broncos

Injury: Fractured ankle; bone spurs

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

A broken ankle cut Bo Nix’s 2025 season short and contributed to the Broncos falling short of the Super Bowl. Not only did Nix have a procedure to repair the ankle, but he also underwent a second surgery in April to remove bone spurs, which caused swelling during his recovery from the initial injury. He was a limited participant in minicamp and said he will be back to full speed for the start of training camp.

Advertisement

Daniel Jones, QB, Colts

Injury: Torn Achilles; fractured fibula

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

The fractured fibula Daniel Jones played through in the middle of last season became secondary to the Achilles tear he sustained in December. While this particular tendon injury was in many cases a career-ender until very recently, Jones is already back on the practice field and said last week that he is “cleared to do everything,” which sets him up to start the opener. The question is whether he will return to the breakout form he displayed in 2025.

Alec Pierce, WR, Colts

Injury: Ankle soreness

Timeline: Could miss entire preseason

The same month he signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Colts, Alec Pierce underwent ankle surgery to address soreness that had popped up in 2024 and had become progressively worse last season. Pierce had the procedure after PRP treatment in January, which did not deliver the desired improvement. The four-to-six-month recovery period puts him at risk of missing all of training camp since he had the surgery in late March.

Micah Parsons, EDGE, Packers

Injury: Torn ACL; damaged meniscus

Timeline: Targeting return for postseason

The Packers‘ prized 2025 acquisition did not even complete one full season with his new team before sustaining a serious injury. Micah Parsons tore his ACL the same day Mahomes sustained that injury in December, but it appears highly unlikely he will beat the quarterback back onto the field. Parsons said last month that he will not be cleared to practice until September, which makes him a candidate to open the season on the PUP list. His stated goal is to avoid reinjury and to be available for the playoffs, so he might not return until the later end of his recovery timeline.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers

Injury: Torn Achilles

Timeline: Targeting Week 1 return

Although his injury generally carries a rehab window in the 8-12 month range, George Kittle is optimistic about being available for Week 1. He tore his Achilles in a January playoff game and is ahead of schedule in his recovery, thanks to the fact that he suffered a clean tear relatively high up the tendon. That the 49ers open the season in Australia potentially throws a wrench in his availability, but even if he suits up one week later, he would still be on the field far earlier than initially anticipated.

Advertisement

Nick Bosa, EDGE, 49ers

Injury: Torn ACL

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

While he did not participate in on-field practice during OTAs and minicamp, Nick Bosa said last month at the 49ers’ facility that he has been working out in preparation for his availability in the early stages of training camp. Bosa was one of countless 49ers to suffer season-ending injuries early in 2025. Because his knee issue occurred in Week 3, he had nearly all year to work through his rehab, setting him up to play right out of the gate in 2026.

Mykel Williams, EDGE, 49ers

Injury: Torn ACL

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

Six weeks after Bosa tore his ACL, his young position mate went down with the same injury. Mykel Williams shouldered a heavy load as a rookie, starting all nine games before his promising debut campaign came to a premature end. He should have an opportunity to put together a full Year 2, as the expectation is that he will be available early in training camp, if not for the start. It is imperative for the 49ers that both Williams and Bosa get back to full speed, as the pass rush was abysmal without them.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons

Injury: Torn ACL

Timeline: Aiming to participate in training camp

Michael Penix Jr. tore his right ACL twice in college and suffered the same injury in his left knee during his second NFL season. While he said he will be fully cleared for the start of training camp, it is not known whether or not that will come to fruition. His absence from live drills has provided Tua Tagovailoa the opportunity to take command of the quarterback competition, and even if Penix is able to practice between now and Week 1, it is far from a guarantee that he will beat out his new veteran teammate for the starting job.

Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks

Injury: Torn ACL

Timeline: Could start Week 1; Initially anticipated to miss multiple weeks

If Zach Charbonnet’s recovery follows the typical torn ACL timeline, he might not make his season debut until at least October. But coach Mike Macdonald said that “everything’s possible” when asked if the Seahawks’ projected No. 1 running back could play in the Week 1 Super Bowl rematch against the Patriots. If he sits until later in the year, it will test Seattle’s running back depth and likely elevate rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price into the lineup.

Advertisement

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

Injury: Torn ACL; damaged meniscus

Timeline: Could participate in training camp

Jim Harbaugh said that the issue Malik Nabers sustained last September was “not a simple knee” injury, which clouded the outlook for his availability at the start of 2026. In addition to the ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery he underwent late last October, Nabers also required a cleanup procedure this spring to remove scar tissue that caused stiffness in his knee. While each update this offseason seemed to make matters more uncertain, Harbaugh said Tuesday that he expects Nabers to work his way into training camp “one way or another,” which could set him up to miss minimal time at the start of the year.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants

Injury: Open tibia fracture; dislocated ankle

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

A gruesome lower-leg injury cut Cam Skattebo’s thrilling rookie season short in October. His ankle was in strong enough shape, however, for him to participate in team drills during minicamp. Harbaugh said Tuesday that Skattebo will also participate in full early on in training camp and that he remains further along in his recovery than Nabers.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Injury: Fractured fibula; dislocated ankle

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

Quinshon Judkins nearly made it through his promising rookie season unscathed but suffered a devastating lower-leg injury in Week 16, ending his campaign after 14 starts. The broken bone and dislocation were only expected to hamper him for four to six months, though, and that timeline played out as he became a full participant in OTAs and minicamp. Judkins should be on the field in Week 1 and aims to add to an already strong early-career tally of 827 yards and seven touchdowns.

Kerby Joseph, S, Lions

Injury: Bone bruise in knee; chronic knee issue

Timeline: Uncertain

The Lions seem to be in the dark about Kerby Joseph and when he will return to game action, if ever. Coach Dan Campbell said, “I honestly do not know” when asked what to expect. The knee ailment first popped up in last year’s training camp, and while Joseph attempted to play through it, he missed more than half the season and remains shut down from football activities. Campbell said he anticipates learning more in camp.

Advertisement

Brian Branch, S, Lions

Injury: Torn Achilles

Timeline: Expected to return no earlier than December

Joseph is not the only star Lions safety battling a significant injury as Brian Branch continues to battle back from a torn Achilles he suffered last Dec. 4. Campbell said Branch is unlikely to return before December and that anything before that would be a bonus. That makes him a clear candidate to open the season on the PUP list and contributes to immense concern on the back end of a Detroit defense that was obliterated by injuries last year.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jaguars

Injury: Torn LCL

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

A torn LCL robbed Travis Hunter of a potentially magical rookie season, as he was just starting to find his footing in the Jaguars‘ offense when he sustained the injury in an October practice. He underwent surgery about a month later and has now completed his rehab, setting him up to participate in Jacksonville’s training camp in full capacity. Jaguars leadership said the plan is to primarily play Hunter at cornerback during his sophomore season, but that he will continue to weave into the wide receiver rotation, as well.

Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Raiders

Injury: Torn meniscus

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

When Maxx Crosby injured his meniscus in Week 7 last year, nobody could have foreseen the implications it would have on his status with the Raiders. He and the team butted heads over his placement on injured reserve later in the year, and about two months after his surgery, his health was the reason a blockbuster trade to the Ravens fell through. Crosby says all of that is in the past and that he is committed to Las Vegas this year, and if so, he could be in the lineup come Week 1. The two-time All-Pro edge rusher rehabbed during OTAs but may be a full participant at the start of training camp.

De’Von Achane, RB, Dolphins

Injury: Shoulder surgery

Timeline: Expected to start Week 1

De’Von Achane underwent minor surgery to address a shoulder issue and was therefore not ready for a full workload during OTAs and minicamp. New Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said the procedure was related to the injury that sidelined Achane for the final game of the 2025 regular season. So long as he avoids any setbacks this summer, the dynamic running back should be available at the start of the campaign.