FOX Business’ Madison Alworth reports live from Fanatics Fest in New York City, detailing the immense gathering of sports fans and athletes. CEO Lance Fensterman reveals that mega-stars such as Serena Williams and David Beckham are attending. The festival anticipates 200,000 attendees over its four-day run, showcasing its significant growth since 2022.
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Fanatics Fest is a viral moment waiting to happen considering the plethora of superstars under one Manhattan roof, and perhaps the first one came on Thursday’s opening day at the Javits Center in the Raising Cane’s activation.
It was a legendary combination of Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and 500 gallons of Raising Cane’s famous sauce filled in a dunk tank. Brady, whose accuracy with a football is still unmatched, didn’t miss his target.
Gronkowski went splashing into the sauce, as Brady and Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves joined the masses in celebrating one of the coolest moments to kick off Fanatics Fest.
Todd Graves, Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady attend Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center in New York City on July 16, 2026.(Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Before Brady’s toss pulled the seat out from under his favorite tight end when they were both in the NFL, Fox News Digital caught up with Graves to find out how a dunk tank filled with his brand’s famous sauce came to be.
“I never thought of a Cane’s Sauce dunk tank, but partnering with Fanatics and Fanatics Fest, which is great,” Graves explained. “They’re amazing partners. One, Michael Rubin and I have been friends, and talk about business, help each other out in many different ways. A rising tide lifts all boats. Before we started partnering with Fanatics, I loved what he was doing, I loved the fanfare, I loved having sports and entertainment figure heads – everybody from Tom Brady to Kevin Hart , right? All that together, I was like, ‘Man, let’s partner. Let’s do this deal.’
“With Fanatics Fest, partnering with them wasn’t just like, ‘Here, come, do whatever you think of.’ No, it was, ‘Let’s put our minds together and do what we can.’ So, they came up with the idea. Actually [CEO of OBB Media] Michael Ratner was like, ‘Let’s do a Cane’s Sauce dunk tank.’ I was like, ‘Yes!’ And he was like, ‘Let’s do Brady dunking Gronk.’ Oh my God, I couldn’t think of two better people doing it.”
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Graves believed the moment was going to be “legendary” and “going to be something in Cane’s lore” forever. And when the brand opened its first doors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Aug. 28, 1996, Graves wasn’t thinking 30 years down the road two of the most recognizable athletes in the country would be making this happen.
“The crews are already so excited about it. The fans will love it. What better guy like Gronk, and to have Brady hit the target. It’s ideal,” Graves added.
Tom Brady throws football during Raising Cane’s dunk tank event, where Rob Gronkowski fell into 500 gallons of Cane’s Sauce.(Raising Cane’s)
Brady and Gronkowski got the crowd going with a little chicken Hail Mary moment, with the quarterback tossing some Cane’s chicken fingers into a cup of sauce the tight end was holding. But then, the moment of truth.
In classic Gronkowski fashion, he was chirping Brady from his seat, but the FOX Sports NFL colleagues knew what the end result was going to be with that. Brady toyed with Gronkowski at first, hitting a Cane’s logo just above the target on purpose, and did so again with a different one.
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Then, on his third throw, Brady struck true, and all of the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Gronkowski caused a Cane’s Sauce explosion when he fell in. There was a splash zone if you were close enough, and it was a moment fans, media and everyone else who witnessed it couldn’t stop talking about.
As Gronkowski wiped the sauce from his eyes, and Brady calmed down from all the laughter he caused, Graves was right there to thank them both for the epic moment he’ll never forget.
Todd Graves, Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady attend the Cane’s Sauce Dunk Tank Showdown hosted by Graves at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York City on July 16, 2026.(Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Raising Cane’s)
“Through growth, I have 100,000 crew members now, and we have 1,000 locations and we’re about to turn 30. For me to walk in here and see our logos up here and see people that want to come and be a part of Cane’s, it’s a dream come true. To do a dunk tank, and Tom Brady and Gronk want to do that, I built a brand that’s special to my crew and customers. So, an absolute dream. I always have to pinch myself and part of my job is doing things like this, which is great,” Graves said.
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“We love what we do. I love my company, I love my crew and customers. This is just something I think we can do some fun for them, because I know how much I’m going to enjoy it.”
The SmackDown main event was the equivalent of a Premium Live Event main event as Cody Rhodes faced Gunther in a huge grudge match. During the bout, a WWE star made a huge return.
As Gunther made his entrance for the main event, Cody Rhodes attacked him in an act of revenge. During the match itself, CM Punk came out to keep a check on The Ring General. CM Punk had expressed his dissatisfaction at Adam Pearce announcing that if Gunther and Sami Zayn win, they will be added to the WWE title match at SummerSlam 2026. He was also not pleased with Cody for taking on a match just one night before their high-stakes headliner at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
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With a little under four minutes remaining before the show came to a close, Sami Zayn returned and took Punk out in an act of vengeance. Things broke down into a DQ finish, and SmackDown went off the air with Gunther and Sami Zayn brawling with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
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Gunther and Sami Zayn are far from friends. In fact, it was Sami Zayn who dethroned Gunther a couple of years ago to end his record-breaking reign as the Intercontinental Champion. However, they are now on the same page and will be extra motivated to make sure that they get an entry into the WWE title picture at SummerSlam.
Still, Sami Zayn is far from a bad guy. He was simply resentful of CM Punk for dethroning him because he likely felt it was unfair that he had to defend his WWE Championship on a show he didn’t even belong to. The entire sequence of events has been crazy, and this was the kind of explosive end that was needed on SmackDown, as little else of substance occurred on the show.
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Jul 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Poor air quality in Northeast Ohio postponed the series opener between the Cleveland Guardians and visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, forcing the teams to play a doubleheader Saturday.
Drifting smoke from the Canadian forest fires is expected to persist throughout the day/night twin bill, but the National Weather Service expects it to dissipate to safer levels for the players and fans.
In the rescheduled game at 1:10 p.m., Cleveland right-hander Gavin Williams (10-4, 3.81 ERA) takes on Pittsburgh right-hander Jared Jones (1-1, 4.37). That was the scheduled matchup Friday.
The Guardians will promote left-hander Logan T. Allen (0-0, 0.00 ERA) from Triple-A Columbus to pitch the 7:10 p.m. nightcap. The Pirates haven’t announced a Game 2 starter.
“We can’t control the weather. We can’t control Mother Nature,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “We’ve got to do what’s best and what’s smart for both teams and for the fans. It’s just not safe to be out in that environment if it’s not playable.”
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The Guardians have won four straight and returned from the All-Star break in a virtual tie with the Chicago White Sox atop the American League Central. Pittsburgh, which will play its second doubleheader in eight days, sits two games out of the final National League wild-card spot.
“Let’s keep playing good baseball and we can revisit that in a month or two,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “I have no idea what the standings look like, but I know the feel in the clubhouse — and the way the game looks that we’re putting out there — looks really good.”
Pittsburgh entered the break with its best record in 10 years, three games above .500 after beating the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers three times in 30 hours.
The series featured a huge performance by rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, who had a three-homer, eight-RBI doubleheader. He hit .417 with nine RBIs over the set, raising his season numbers to .309 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in 94 at-bats.
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“It’s been fun to be a part of, so we’ll keep it rolling,” said All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who is slated to start Sunday’s series finale. “We’re in a good spot and I’m super confident in our ability to show up after the break.
“There’s a lot of baseball left to play. It’s going to be a fun year.”
Jones starts for the first time since throwing six perfect innings against the Atlanta Braves on July 8, striking out eight before being lifted after just 77 pitches. He has never faced the Guardians.
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Pirates manager Don Kelly admitted pulling Jones “sucks,” but wasn’t willing to overwork his surgically repaired pitching elbow. He remains under a limited pitch count.
“Coming off of surgery and everything, we just can’t push him,” Kelly said.
The Guardians counter with Williams, who is second in the AL in wins and third with 134 strikeouts and was arguably the biggest All-Star snub in the circuit. Williams will pitch against Pittsburgh for the first time.
Known as the “Big Rig,” he worked seven innings, recorded 11 strikeouts and gave up two runs in beating the Minnesota Twins on July 9. That win preceded a three-game road sweep of the Miami Marlins heading into the break.
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“Hopefully we’ll come back fresh and ready to rock,” Cleveland rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter said.
Allen was a fixture in the Guardians’ rotation from 2023-2025, making 73 starts, but has only pitched four innings in relief for them this year. He is 1-0 with a 0.84 ERA in two career starts against Pittsburgh.
The Toronto Tempo can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to their injury luck.
Forward Nyara Sabally suffered a rib injury late in Friday’s 111-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream and was unable to return.
The injury occurred with three minutes left in the fourth quarter after trying to defend a drive from Dream forward Angel Reese. She grabbed at her midsection and went down to the floor after the play, then returned to the Tempo locker room.
“That was a hard hit. She’s not feeling great at the moment, just hurt her ribs,” head coach Sandy Brondello said after the game. “We don’t know what that is at the moment… Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”
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She had 16 points, one rebound and two assists in 21 minutes before exiting.
Sabally, 26, has dealt with a handful of injuries this season, including a knee injury earlier in July, a hamstring issue in June and a neck problem in May. She has eight games over the course of the year.
Despite missing time, the fourth-year forward has had a career year with the Tempo, averaging 11.4 points, five rebounds and 1.1 blocks heading into Friday’s action.
The Tempo (10-15) are also currently dealing with injuries to Kiki Rice (ankle) and Brittany Sykes (plantar fasciitis).
Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94), defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) on field against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings usually make at least one trade each summer, and sometimes more. According to NFL writer Wynston Wilcox, the purple team could swing for the fences this go-around, doing additional business with the Philadelphia Eagles after the Jonathan Greenard trade by finalizing a deal for defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The idea is quite zany, considering Minnesota’s investment in two rookie defensive tackles, but a take is a take.
Vikings DT Plan Makes the Idea Unlikely
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wilcox: Vikings Should Be on Carter Trade List
Wilcox of FanSided suggested a 2nd- and 5th-Round pick would push the deal over the finish line for the Vikings and also mentioned the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders as alternate destinations.
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He explained from Minnesota’s standpoint, “The Vikings don’t really have any player they could give up in a deal that wouldn’t gash this roster, so they’ll have to resort to draft capital, which could be a hefty price to pay. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are at odds a bit, but he doesn’t have a potential out in his contract until 2028, according to Spotrac.”
“That means a move for J.J. McCarthy just wouldn’t make too much sense right now. The Vikings don’t really have receiver depth either, so they’re stuck with giving up draft capital to land Carter. That said, he’s a beast and would instantly make this defensive line better.”
Carter is a Top 10 defensive tackle in the NFL right now.
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“They went the young route, releasing Javon Hargrave and then trading Jonathan Allen to the Cincinnati Bengals. They drafted Domonique Orange and Caleb Banks as their future, but adding Carter would ensure they stay in championship contention,” Wilcox continued.
As a point of clarification, Allen wasn’t traded. The veteran was a post-June 1st cut who opted for the Bengals as a free agent.
“When you want stars on your team, it’s costly, but the Vikings can’t ignore how big of an addition Carter would be.”
The Vikings Have Their Version of Carter: Caleb Banks
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Minnesota drafted Banks — somewhat shockingly — in Round 1 three months ago to be their Carter. Swinging a deal for Carter may not inherently put Banks on the back burner, but it would crowd the position, especially for a team that just used 1st-Round draft capital on a high-profile defensive tackle.
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walk off the field after a victory against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
Meanwhile, the Vikings also employ Jalen Redmond, who has fully blossomed as a long-term, startable interior defensive lineman. Adding Carter would presumably demote Redmond; either that — or Banks wouldn’t get much playing time because you can’t trade for Carter and bench Carter.
In short, Minnesota has hope for a Carter of its own; it’s Banks.
Just Not Enough Space for the Investment
Between signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave last year (later released), cultivating Redmond since 2024, and drafting Banks, along with 3rd-Round defensive tackle Domonique Orange, Minnesota has adequately addressed a long-ignored DT position. It’s great that Carter would be in play for the Vikings, but the timing is off.
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Minnesota should focus on developing its current defensive tackles rather than trading 2nd-Round capital for an established veteran.
Seahawks assistant general manager Nolan Teasley speaks during a behind-the-scenes feature examining Seattle’s preparation for the NFL Draft. The video offered a look inside the club’s scouting and personnel departments, detailing how evaluators study prospects, compare grades, and build the team’s draft board following the NFL Combine. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
For example, if the new general manager is desperate to sell 2nd-Round draft picks, defensive tackle should be low on his list. DT might even be the deepest position on the depth chart.
Other Logical Trade Options
Pretend Teasley is looking to wheel and deal, aspiring to go all-in right now, like the Los Angeles Rams. He might choose to get rich at one of the following positions — not defensive tackle:
Running Back
Outside Linebacker
Cornerback
Instead of trading for Carter, Minnesota could theoretically debate whether Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders is worth the squeeze of two 1st-Rounders. It’s probably more valuable for Minnesota to hang on to its picks, but Crosby would arguably have a greater impact than Carter.
Teasley, too, could just keep his draft picks. No one would be too upset about it.
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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
After a 53-year wait, the New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship, sparking celebrations across New York City. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manhattan for a historic ticker-tape parade, turning a Thursday workday into a spontaneous holiday as the city honored its victorious team.
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If you can dream it, you can achieve it — that’s the mindset New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has heading into the second half of the 2026 MLB season.
In 2024, Chisholm and the Yankees were close to snapping the “Big Four” sports league championship drought in New York. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the team the Yankees will begin their second half against on Friday night in the Bronx, ended that Fall Classic in five games in their favor.
But Chisholm got to witness what a title parade looks like in New York this past month, as the New York Knicks broke a 53-year drought and sent the five boroughs and the surrounding tri-state area into a complete frenzy of joy, tears and countless other emotions.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees smiles during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 25, 2026.(Natalie Reid/MLB Photos)
It’s the obvious goal for every MLB team to win the World Series in October, especially for the 27-time champions in pinstripes. But Chisholm told Fox News Digital that his conversations with Knicks players during their NBA title celebration only heightened his need to hoist a trophy himself.
“Me and a couple of my teammates talked about it, and a couple of [Knicks] talked about it as well. I talked to Jalen about it, and just seeing how it felt. Hearing it out of his voice and him getting the goosebumps all over again talking about it. It’s just a feeling you want to experience,” Chisholm said, while highlighting his collaboration with Corona as part of their limited-edition Beach Connect Series jerseys.
Chisholm, an impending free agent, wouldn’t even discuss the future past the World Series because he wants to remain in the present as the Yankees try to cement their spot in the postseason.
It was a rough few weeks for New York heading toward the All-Star break, but they ripped off four straight wins to get momentum back before the reset.
They’ve also been playing without their three-time MVP slugger Aaron Judge, who remains out due to a rib injury. Despite his recovery taking longer than expected – Judge hasn’t been cleared to do baseball activities – the Yankees’ captain remains in good spirits, helping his team wherever he can.
Josh Hart of the New York Knicks and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees talk before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium in New York.(New York Yankees/Getty Images)
“He’s still a big voice in the clubhouse for us. He comes to a lot of road games where he doesn’t have to,” Chisholm explained. “He could stay home and rest and do his rehab, but he still makes a point to come and be with the boys and try to help lead us. Even though he can’t help us on the field, he tries to help us when he can off the field. We’re still rallying around him.
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“He’s still the most positive guy in the clubhouse every day, so we can’t wait to get him back and turn everything up.”
Judge is crucial to the Yankees’ World Series hopes, as they look to hoist their first trophy since the 2009 season. For the Yankees and its fan base, that feels like a century long, but Chisholm knows he and his teammates will continue to fight to break that drought.
He wants to be on the parade float just as the Knicks were.
“You have dreams about it sometimes,” Chisholm admitted. “You sit there, you got to sleep, and you wake up like, ‘Dang, that’s what I want.’ I’ve had that dream of us partying on the parade after we won the World Series, and New York going as crazy it did for the Knicks for us. That’s all we’re looking for.”
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New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrates his two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Detroit on June 23, 2026.(Paul Sancya/Associated Press)
“LA PLAYA” MENTALITY COMES TO LIFE
The All-Star break means peak summer, which Corona used to help fans savor the moment with six Corona Beach Connect Series jerseys all co-designed by six MLB All-Stars including Chisholm.
Along with Chisholm, Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, Houston Astros’ Jeremy Peña and Philadelphia Phillies Cristopher Sánchez each added their flair to a jersey inspired by their beach memories.
Corona’s Beach Connect Series brings together six MLB All-Stars, including New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., to help fans savor the summer days where baseball and beach life connect.(Corona)
For Chisholm, the first-ever Bahamian All-Star in MLB history showcased his fashion chops with vibrant colors, textures and sounds of his island that he calls home. There’s turquoise water, pink sand, musicians on the front to pay homage to his love for music off the field, and a conch shell patch that is a meaningful nod to his roots.
“I just feel like it was an inspiration of how I grew up, where I’m from, the person that I am. I feel like me and Corona have a lot in common, especially with the beach mindset,” Chisholm said. “I feel like the beach mindset is my normal mindset, you know what I mean? It’s all about chill, the music, the seafood. It’s playing in the sand with your family. Just enjoying the day, chilling and relaxing. So, that’s what I feel like we came up with it with the concept.”
Jul 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and guard Olivia Miles (5) react late during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The WNBA All-Star break is fast approaching, and the Minnesota Lynx are looking forward to a chance to rest their bodies and catch their breath.
“This is sort of a tough stretch for us,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “We got off to such a fast start, and we’re maybe that runner that ran really fast and is right now trying to really push themselves to get to that finish line. The finish line for us is the All-Star break.”
But three more games remain for the Lynx before they can hit reset.
Minnesota (19-6) will go for its fifth win in a row when it tips off against the Portland Fire (11-14) on Saturday evening in Minneapolis. The game marks the end of a four-game homestand for the Lynx, who are 9-4 on their home court this season.
The Lynx hope to have standout rookie Olivia Miles back on the court Saturday. Miles left the Lynx’s most recent game after she rolled her ankle, but she returned to the bench late in the game and joined her teammates on the court after their win over the Los Angeles Sparks.
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Miles averages a team-high 19.3 points and 5.7 assists on the season. She is shooting 50.5% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc.
If Miles is out, or if she is limited by the ankle injury, Courtney Williams could take on a bigger role in the backcourt. Williams (15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists per game) has provided a steady veteran presence alongside Miles this season and said she’ll do whatever is required of her.
“I don’t ever want to force it,” Williams said. “Always just kind of want to plug in where we need (support) the most, so whether that is scoring … whether that is, you know, stepping up and having to play the point guard.”
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The Fire are coming off a 75-56 win over the Washington Mystics. Carla Leite led the team with 14 points and five assists, Serah Williams scored 12 points and Sarah Ashlee Barker had 10.
Leite leads Portland with 15.2 ppg on the season. Bridget Carleton, a former Lynx sharpshooter whom the Fire selected in the expansion draft, is second on the team with 13.2 points per game.
Portland coach Alex Sarama praised his players for their recent success on defense, particularly after they held the Mystics to 56 points.
“A huge part of the game plan was shrinking the floor as much as possible,” Sarama said. “(We were) playing heavily in the gaps, digging on post-ups and really building a wall so they couldn’t see space to get downhill.”
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Kayla McBride will look to stay hot for the Lynx. She has led the team in scoring in each of the past six games, including a 24-point effort in their latest win against the Sparks.
Asked about how he viewed the last 35 minutes of the game having had time to reflect, Tuchel said he felt “the same way – that we were too passive”.
“If you’re asking if I regret my decision, if this is the question, then I don’t regret my decisions,” he added.
“I felt that the momentum switches in the match. And I tried to help my team…
“I took several decisions, trusting my instinct, my intuition, my experience, trusting my competitiveness, and I took the decision in order to help the team and get the result. We didn’t get the result.
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“So I take, of course, the responsibility and for these decisions. I would regret if I didn’t help. I would regret if we didn’t react.”
Tuchel said he was not willing to engage “in this kind of game” over who is to blame.
“No problem,” he said. “This is the deal that you sign up for, but I will not engage.
“For me, there is no-one to blame. If you need someone to blame, I take the responsibility. I’m the head coach.”
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Asked why England’s record goalscorer Kane played so deep in the latter stages, he said: “What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes?
“Why we defended in a deep block. Well, that’s what you do if you defend in a block. We were not active enough.”
Tuchel said Argentina had “played with a lot of momentum after our goal”.
“They had a lot of offensive changes, and a lot of offensive positions,” the 52-year-old added.
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“We could not stop the crosses, and we could not stop the runners into the box.
“So we decided to play a back five, to have more width in the field, to be closer to the guys who cross.
“We just became too passive, and Argentina, by the way, found another gear and they found the total flow.
“We played in the semi-final against the reigning world champions.
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“We were 85 minutes 1-0 up. We played against the best player in the world, and we lost 2-1, which is painful.”
Tuchel was asked if he had studied data which showed England’s physical performance levels against Argentina were lower than the DR Congo game in the same stadium earlier in the tournament.
He said “even if we don’t want to admit it because it feels like an excuse”, the Mexico game with 10 men in the altitude of the Azteca Stadium and the heat against Norway in Miami “cost us more than we maybe thought”.
“The players literally gave everything physically [in] every single match. If you see this data drop, there must be a reason behind it, because the motivation was through the roof,” he said.
Amid growing speculation over the ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former India batter Mohammed Kaif has thrown his weight behind the veteran duo, insisting their experience will be crucial if India are to challenge for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.The debate over Rohit and Virat’s places in India’s World Cup plans has intensified in recent weeks, with social media abuzz over reports suggesting one or both senior batters could be phased out before the marquee tournament. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently dismissed rumours that the third ODI against England at Lord’s would be Rohit’s final appearance in the format.Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif said India cannot afford to overlook the experience of Rohit and Virat, especially considering the conditions expected in South Africa.
‘India will need Rohit and Virat in South Africa’
Kaif said the 2027 World Cup will present a completely different challenge compared to previous editions, making the presence of experienced campaigners invaluable.“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup. The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form,” Mohammed Kaif said.
Draws Lionel Messi comparison
Kaif compared Rohit and Virat’s importance to that of football legend Lionel Messi, saying experienced players often contribute beyond just scoring runs or goals.“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an assist. That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is for India in World Cup” he added. The former India batter added that the value of experience remains the same across sports.“Whether it’s football or cricket, experience plays a huge role. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered among the greatest ODI players, so India will 100 percent need them, especially under captain Shubman Gill in South African conditions,” Kaif concluded.
Minnesota Vikings fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Nov 9, 2025, watching late-game action unfold as tension builds in the closing moments of a tightly contested matchup between two playoff-caliber teams. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Sportsbooks predict the Minnesota Vikings will finish 8-9 or 9-8 in 2026, two records they’ve landed twice in the last five years (2021, 2025). And according to Bleacher Report, a website that described each NFL team with one word this week, Minnesota should be “praying.”
Yes, that’s the word to describe the 2026 Vikings — praying.
Vikings’ Ceiling Depends on Several Bets Paying Off
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches practice activities during the club’s international preparation ahead of a regular-season game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Brad Gagnon: ‘Praying’ Is the Appropriate Word for Vikings
Gagnon assigned one word to each NFL squad, and on the praying angle for Minnesota, he explained, “Hands clenched, knees on the floor, and an attempt to manifest success from either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy. Because if they can get strong quarterback play, the sky is the limit for this team.”
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Gagnon also called the Green Bay Packers “stable,” while giving the Chicago Bears an “evolving” label.
The use of the term “praying” was one of Gagnon’s goofiest.
A Chance for It All to Click
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Minnesota’s defense is an excellent starting point because it has solid evidence supporting its prowess.
Since Brian Flores took over in Minneapolis, the Vikings’ defense has transformed into one of the best in the NFL. They currently rank second in the league for EPA per play during his tenure. In fact, last season, the defense carried the team while the quarterback situation was uncertain.
The recent additions to the defense are particularly intriguing. Caleb Banks is a standout addition on the front line; Domonique Orange, too, brings power to the interior; Jake Golday provides depth at linebacker; and Jakobe Thomas is a promising young talent in the safety position.
The Vikings focused heavily on bolstering their defense in the draft, a departure from their usual offensive-oriented strategy. By prioritizing size, youth, and long-term solutions on defense, they made a strategic statement. Of note is Dallas Turner, whose story gained prominence after Jonathan Greenard’s trade to Philadelphia in April, creating an opportunity for Turner to shine. He must generate evil pressure on quarterbacks to make the Greenard trade worthwhile.
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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is shown on Jan. 13, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
On the offensive side, the key figure is Murray. The Vikings are counting on him to replicate Sam Darnold’s success in 2024 under Kevin O’Connell’s guidance. With Murray’s natural talent, playmaking abilities, and a stronger supporting cast than his previous team in Arizona, he can reclaim his career in the Twin Cities.
Justin Jefferson remains the focal point of the offense, with Jordan Addison as a threat to defenses overly focused on Jefferson. Jauan Jennings, a free-agent newcomer, brings a gritty edge as WR3, while T.J. Hockenson offers a reliable target in the middle, crucial for O’Connell’s offensive schemes.
Murray has not had such a talented group of playmakers before, at least not all at the same time on the same roster.
J.J. McCarthy is also in contention. If Murray starts, McCarthy could serve as an insurance plan. However, if McCarthy earns the starting position this summer at training camp, it will mean he dethroned Murray — quite the feat — and be ready for his second season as the full-time starter.
The running back situation is straightforward but remains intriguing. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are expected to lead the charge, with Demond Claiborne, a 6th-Round pick, presenting sleeper potential. Claiborne could emerge as an unsung speedster, mainly because injuries usually derail Jones.
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The main uncertainty surrounding the team is whether the defense can maintain its strength and if the offense can find its rhythm. That’s the problem with the Vikings as of late: when one side is cooking, the other isn’t following suit. Perhaps the worlds will merge in 2026.
A Built-In Restarts if Prayers Fail
And if the plan does not work, well, Minnesota has a safety valve ready — named Nolan Teasley.
The Vikings hired a new general manager at the end of May, who can either guide the ship as it sails successfully or take it off the water and repair it. Think of it this way: if the prayers don’t work, the franchise won’t start from square one. Instead, Teasley will already be established in his role for about eight months, and he’d begin implementing his vision for the short and long term.
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When most clubs start over, firing the general manager and hiring a new one is a prerequisite. Minnesota did that this offseason.
Vikings Fans Are Pretty Damn Used to This
Speaking of praying and prayers, Vikings fans are used to this.
In the Super Bowl era (since 1966), the Vikings have a .563 win percentage, which ranks fourth in the NFL in those last sixty years. They are the only team in the Top 16 of win percentage during the timeframe without a Super Bowl triumph.
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So when Gagnon says to pray for the Vikings, the team’s fanbase already does that — pretty frequently. It’s nothing new.
The Vikings’ first regular season game, home against the Green Bay Packers, is 58 days away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Canelo Alvarez is set to challenge for Christian Mbilli’s WBC super-middleweight world title in October, hoping to return to the 168lb throne at the first time of asking, but there is now another contender who is eyeing up a Canelo fight, under one condition.
Mbilli became one of the beneficiaries of Crawford’s move as he was elevated to WBC world champion and subsequently targeted for a lucrative showdown with Canelo. Similarly, Jose Armando Resendiz was upgraded to WBA super-middleweight champion, only to then lose the belt to Jaime Munguia.
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Speaking with K.O. Artist Sports, Matchroom Boxing Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that he had been targeting a bout between Munguia and his fighter Diego Pacheco, but admitted that the Tijuana-born champion’s world title win has made negotiations more difficult.
“The one that we really wanted [for Pacheco] was Jaime Munguia. I spoke to Fernando Beltran many times about that fight, it is a huge fight for Los Angeles. He went on and done brilliant and won a world title, so now we would be challenging for the belt, which sometimes makes it a bit more difficult to work out a deal.”
Hearn then went on to explain why he believes Pacheco could secure a world title shot against Canelo, if the four-division world champion is able to overcome Mbilli in three months’ time.
“I don’t think that Diego is going to struggle to get a shot, whether that is against Hamzah [Sheeraz], whether that is against Munguia, whether that is against Canelo Alvarez.
“You look at Canelo, if he beats Mbilli, and Diego is coming through and looking good; he will be 26 or 27-0, from Los Angeles, Mexican-American – he is a good contender for a Canelo Alvarez fight.”
Pacheco is set to headline the Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, as he fights on home soil in California against the New York-born Immanuwel Aleem.
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