A disappointed John McGlynn challenged his Falkirk side to show more hunger and bravery after a draw at lower-league Alloa all but ended their hopes of League Cup progression.
The 1-1 draw was followed by Alloa winning the bonus point in the subsequent penalty shootout.
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Winning the group is now beyond the Premiership side, with even a victory in their final game against Stranraer on Saturday unlikely to be enough to secure a best runners-up spot.
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The Falkirk boss admitted it is a time of “transition” at the club, but he remains hopeful that things will start looking up for his squad.
“It wasn’t the result we were looking for. We needed to get three points to have any chance of qualifying,” said McGlynn.
“Our be-all and end-all was to try to qualify. To do that, we needed the points. It wasn’t really the performance we anticipated.
“It wasn’t a great performance by any stretch of the imagination. All the stats will suggest we probably should have won, given what we had, but we weren’t clinical in front of goal and we weren’t convincing enough with the quality of balls into the box.
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“We got some quality balls in, but then we’ve got to be a bit hungrier and a bit braver to go and put our heads on things.
“It’s a massive disappointment. We are in transition. There’s no magic wand. It’s going to take a bit of time.
“It’s the biggest turnover in players we’ve had, and we’ve got players coming in who are still trying to understand the way we play. It’s not quite clicking yet as well as any of us would like, including the fans.
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“It was a good turnout of fans. I thank them for coming and apologise for our performance. It’s not what we’re used to and not what we expect.
“This is going to take a little more time than any of us would like. We’re disappointed and frustrated, but we’re going to stick together and see it through.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 created an “extraordinary opportunity” to showcase the energy, authenticity and welcoming hospitality of the United States, Brand USA president Fred Dixon has said.
The destination marketing organisation for the US, Brand USA unveiled an all-new social-first series, ‘More to Love’, on the day of the World Cup final (Sunday), thanking international fans who travelled to and through the US during the 2026 World Cup and inviting them to return and experience more of the country, according to a statement issued by it.
In line with the campaign, the destination marketing firm, beginning July 20, started boosting the content online with paid amplification in several countries, including India.
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The football World Cup was a 48-team event that played out over the US, Canada and Mexico, and brought football fans to these countries from across the world. Spain lifted the trophy by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final.
“The World Cup created an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the energy, authenticity and welcoming hospitality of the United States,” said Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.
“Insights from our AI-enabled trip planning hub showed that fans wanted to experience much more than the matches, planning road trips between host cities and visits to national parks as part of their journeys,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
‘More to Love’ builds on that interest by thanking travellers for coming, reminding them how much remains to be discovered and inviting them back to explore even more, from all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, to “our 63 national parks and the extraordinary landscapes and landmarks that distinguish our nation,” he said.
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Vaughn Grissom brought some basketball onto the diamond.
In the top of the third inning of the Angels’ 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday at Angel Stadium, Grissom brought the bounce pass into play.
With a runner on first base and one out, Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera hit a ground ball to Grissom at third base. The 25-year-old fielded it cleanly and went to throw to second base to begin the double play.
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Vaughn Grissom runs after hitting an RBI single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21, 2026.(Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
However, the sun was directly in second baseman Oswald Peraza’s eyes. So Grissom, in a very unconventional move, fired the ball into the dirt halfway between him and second base so Peraza could catch the ball on the bounce and avoid the sun.
Peraza fielded Grissom’s bounce pass easily, turned and fired a strike to first baseman Nolan Schanuel to complete the slick double play.
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell is greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21, 2026.(Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
The double play was a highlight in a game filled with strong pitching and defense during the team’s win. Angels starting pitcher Walbert Ureña threw six innings of one-run ball, striking out five hitters while giving up six hits. Ureña lowered his ERA to 2.78 with the performance.
The Angels jumped on the Cardinals early, as five of their 10 hits came in the first inning. Designated hitter Jorge Soler got the scoring started with a two-run double, Grissom drove in Soler with a line drive to right field, and right fielder Jo Adell punctuated the five-run first inning with a two-run home run.
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring on a double by Jorge Soler during the first inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif.(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
For the Angels, it was their fourth straight win, which is tied for their longest winning streak of the season. The Cardinals are trending in the other direction, as they have lost 10 of their last 14 games.
The Angels (41-61) will look to complete a three-game sweep of the Cardinals (51-49) when they play the final game of the set on Wednesday at 4:07 p.m. ET.
Jackline Juma made history in September when she became the first female coach to lead a professional men’s team in the top tier of a major African league. The fact that she got her first win with FC Talanta, a 1-0 victory over Sofapaka in the Kenyan Premier League, was almost secondary.
At the final whistle, her opposite number Robert Matano, one of the country’s most experienced and well-known coaches, seemed to take the loss badly.
“He has won everything and thought that he would get maximum points against me,” Juma told DW. “After the match, he did not say anything or shake hands. On social media, people were saying that it was because he lost against a female coach.”
It remains a rarity to see a female head coach on the sidelines, setting out tactics, making substitutions and shouting instructions.
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“In African football, it’s almost taboo for women to coach or even officiate men’s matches,” Festus Chuma, a journalist with Pulse Kenya, told DW.
“This was something people didn’t think would happen. In many parts of Africa, women are still viewed as inferior, especially in male-dominated fields like football.”
He added that opposing coaches not shaking hands may be just one reaction.
“Acceptance might take some time.”
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Juma’s journey
Juma is used to proving people wrong. While her parents wanted her to be a lawyer, she has always loved football and started playing at a young age.
“I used to sneak [out] to go play with my brother but when I came back it was hell, with quarrels and my mother could not take it anymore,” she said.
That all changed when she got called up to the national team at the age of 16.
“This was my turning point. My parents could not believe there was a national team for women playing football and from then they were supportive.”
Even then, Juma was thinking about the game from a different viewpoint from other players.
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“It gave me a deeper insight of the game compared to just a normal player. Coaching is a calling for me.”
Getting her “A Licence” —the highest football coaching qualification in Africa — in May was a big step. She then received a phone call from the CEO of Talanta.
“He told me ‘we want to bring you in to take over the men’s team.’ It was a shock. I was instructing a coaching class at the time and had to step outside,” she recalled.
“He said ‘you have the capability and you have the licence so why not?’”
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She said she then asked herself the most important question: whether she thought she could do it.
“I believe in myself and agreed to take the job.”
Success depends on Juma’s performance on the pitch
If it’s a first for the men to be coached by a woman, it’s a first for Juma, too.
“Coaching men is totally different from coaching a ladies team,” she said. “There are some aspects that you need to consider in terms of female health. Of course, there is menstruation and at times it interferes with their training. Men are always ready.”
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While the reaction from fans seems to have been largely positive, potentially the biggest obstacle were the players.
Earning her ‘A Licence’ opened new doors for Jackline JumaImage: Eugene Agogo productions
“Like everyone, they were shocked as this had never happened before,” said Juma. “Some thought I could do it, others were unsure but I have faith in my coaching abilities.”
Her philosophy is based on dominance and possession and her coaching role models are Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.
“Her success and long-term position will largely depend on the team’s performance this season,” said journalist Festus Chuma.
“FC Talanta has budgetary challenges and lacks the top-quality players of bigger clubs, which might hinder her despite her experience and qualifications. If she achieves good results, she could potentially land better coaching opportunities, possibly outside Kenya.”
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‘A strong message of empowerment’
Juma has international ambitions on and off the pitch, and hopes that she can inspire girls and become a pioneer for others in Kenya and elsewhere. Juma’s inspiration is needed after recent incidents of violence toward female athletes in the country made headlines around the world.
In September, Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan runner who lived and trained in Kenya, was killed by her ex-boyfriend after he doused her in petrol set her alight. In 2021, Agnes Tirop, a former world champion who came fourth in the 5,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, was stabbed to death by her husband. In the same week, Edith Muthoni, a 27 year-old runner, was killed in a machete attack in Nairobi.
“It shows the world that Kenya is making progress, even in male-dominated fields like football. For women, particularly those in rural areas, this moment represents hope and inspiration. It proves that women can excel and break barriers in any field, regardless of societal expectations.”
As well as points on the pitch, that is what Juma is striving for.
“Let us not be taken that ‘we are only female coaches’ or ‘only female athletes’ but we are all equal,” said Juma. “I want to be an inspiration not only in Kenya, not only in East Africa, not only in Africa but the rest of the world. We have a voice and we should speak out without fear, without intimidation. We can do it.”
All eyes were on UFC in June for the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. It was a perfect event, according to UFC president and CEO Dana White, except for one loud, ugly stain involving UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit.
Hokit was handed a microphone after his second-round TKO win over Derrick Lewis. Hokit, wearing an American flag bandana, yelled into the mic, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
White recently expressed disgust over how the former First Lady was treated, particularly as a wife and a mother.
“It’s f—ing gross, right?” White told Ryan Clark’s “The Pivot” podcast. “It’s inappropriate, the timing of it and everything.”
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Hokit wasn’t originally booked for UFC Freedom 250. His fight with Lewis was a late addition after President Trump specifically requested Lewis for the card. White insisted that he, the UFC and its fighters don’t share Hokit’s views, and expressed frustration for how Hokit spoiled an otherwise spectacular night for the company.
“It’s not the opinion of the UFC. It’s not my opinion or anybody else who fought on that card. It was a really unfortunate thing to happen that night. When you hit this f—ing grand slam home run and have a perfect event in every way that it could be…” White said before trailing off. “You got a f—ing moronic…”
You can read White’s full statement below.
Well, if you look leading into that show, everybody was talking about. You know, got the people that are always gonna say, ‘Oh, this is political. This is a MAGA party. The President is throwing his own birthday party’ and all this bullshit. It’s the 250th birthday of America. To have the opportunity to be able to celebrate that at the White House the way we did. And I said leading up to that event, ‘If you’re far left. If you’re far right. If you’re right down the middle. This show is for everybody that is an American.’ We’re going to talk about the history of America, and it’s at the White House. All this stuff. Obviously, Barack and Michelle Obama are public figures. And when you’re a public figure, you guys know, I’m sure you guys deal with your own level of bullshit and people talking. It’s part of the gig. But what I don’t like is, first of all, former First Lady of the United States. No. 2, a wife, a mother. It’s f—ing gross. Right? It’s inappropriate, the timing of it and everything. I think that people understand. There are people you can’t talk to and can’t change their mind, and you can’t, whatever. Obviously, it’s not the opinion of the UFC. It’s not my opinion or anybody else who fought on that card. It was a really unfortunate thing to happen that night. When you hit this f—ing grand slam home run and have a perfect event in every way that it could be… you got a f—ing moronic, you know, it just. But, you know, other than that, it was a great f—ing night. What are you gonna do?
The card, billed as a celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, took place on the same day as President Trump’s 80th birthday.
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UFC Freedom 250 delivered record-breaking viewership for Paramount+ across the United States and Latin America, more than doubling the previous record set by UFC 324.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will receive a record $2 million if they win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The increased prize money was announced by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe during the CAF Global Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The new reward is the biggest ever for the winners of the competition and shows CAF’s growing investment in women’s football across Africa.
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The Super Falcons will head into the tournament as one of the favourites. Nigeria are the defending champions after winning the last edition held in Morocco and will be looking to add another WAFCON title to their impressive record.
Apart from the prize money and the continental trophy, there is another major reward at stake. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 2026 WAFCON will bring together Africa’s best women’s national teams as they battle for the continental title, a place at the World Cup, and the record $2 million winners’ prize.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been given a four-game touchline ban, with one suspended, for calling the decision to award Celtic a late penalty at Motherwell “disgusting”.
The comments, made at the end of last season when McInnes was in charge of Hearts, related to a stoppage-time spot-kick given for handball that was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Celtic’s 2-1 victory at Fir Park kept them one point behind Hearts, who they beat to the title a few days later in a final-day decider.
Speaking to Sky Sports after a win against Falkirk at Tynecastle, McInnes said: “When you heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it, you just assume what’s happened is they get the penalty.
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“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.
“But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”
McInnes will be in the stands as Rangers open the Scottish Premiership away to Dundee United on 31 July.
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The same conditions will apply for the following league game at home to Hibernian and for a League Cup tie on the weekend of 15/16 August.
Following the late drama at Fir Park, referee John Beaton’s contact details were posted online, with police keeping his home under surveillance. A teenager was then charged “in connection with a data protection offence”.
SFA head of referees Willie Collum backed the call, citing “clear evidence” with Sam Nicholson’s hand and arm “in an unnatural position” and the resulting contact “a punishable handball”.
Motherwell and their former midfielder Elliott Watt have already been sanctioned over social media posts on the matter.
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Watt, who has since joined Turkish club Samsunspor, received a four-match suspension, having described it as “the worst VAR decision in history”.
Motherwell were fined £5,000 for releasing a video with the caption: “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.”
The Scottish FA compliance officer issued complaints to all three parties under disciplinary rule 72 stating that: ‘No recognised football body, club, official, team official or other member of team staff, player or other person under the jurisdiction of the SFA, shall in an interview, a ‘blog’ on the internet, on a social networking or micro-blogging site, or in any other manner calculated or likely to lead to publicity (i) criticise the decision(s) and/or performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character.”
The suspended ban for McInnes will be applicable if he is in breach of rule 72 again before the end of the 2026-27 season.
The basketball world was buzzing Wednesday morning after the Miami Heat inadvertently published a video hinting at the potential return of LeBron James.
James has yet to announce what team he’ll play for in his 24th NBA season.
On Tuesday night, a live stream titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference” and scheduled for July 27 appeared on the Heat’s YouTube channel before being swiftly removed.
The gaffe immediately fueled speculation among fans about whether the 41-year-old superstar is poised to rejoin the franchise with whom he secured two championships.
A team spokesperson told ESPN that the Heat’s social media department was preparing for the possibility of James’ signing and mistakenly uploaded the link to the team’s YouTube page. The Heat did not provide an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and the Heat are all reportedly leading contenders for his signature. The intense anticipation has even extended to the betting markets, with BetOnline Sports & Casino accepting wagers on James’ announcement date, with July 24 currently favored, and Miami emerging as the most likely destination.
However, Rich Paul, James’ long-time friend and agent, stated on a podcast episode released earlier this week that his client would not be rushed into a decision.
“We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said on Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul on Monday. “It’s his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he’ll make it.”
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James said on July 16, “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer.”
“It’s not just about the team,” he continued. “There’s so many other factors that I’m factoring in right now, on what best fits me as a player, what best fits me as a person and what best fits my happiness, and also my family as well.”
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” the Los Angeles Lakers said on social media. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.”
Shawn Porter has assessed whether his former opponent, Errol Spence Jr, is entering a stylistically-favourable showdown against Tim Tszyu.
The two former world champions will collide at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena this Saturday, headlining arguably the biggest event in Australian boxing history.
Originally, it was decided that they would lock horns at a catchweight of 158lbs, only for Spence to request an additional 2lbs following his three years of inactivity.
Back then, many felt Spence had outgrown the 147lb division, yet few would have expected him to jump straight up to 160lbs.
Tszyu, meanwhile, is a natural super-welterweight, having previously defeated Brian Mendoza to claim the WBO strap at 154lbs.
Since that title-winning triumph in 2023, though, the 31-year-old has suffered two defeats against Sebastian Fundora and one particularly brutal stoppage loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev.
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But while it seems that both fighters have a point to prove and are evenly matched, Porter has suggested on his podcast that Spence could take advantage of Tszyu’s lack of movement.
“This fight, stylistically, is better for [Spence] than it is for Tim Tszyu. It’s as simple as that.
“Tim, for me, is too flat-footed. When you’re flat-footed, that takes away from your hand speed.
“He likes to punch in combinations but, along with [doing that], he’s always kept his head on [centreline].”
Porter gave a strong account of himself when he fought Spence in 2019, only for ‘The Truth’ to win by split decision after scoring an 11th-round knockdown.
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, Vikings Territory offered a piece detailing the trio of defenders who have been put on notice. Think players who are fighting for their job and/or roster spot in a unique way due to offseason adds.
Turning the attention toward the offense leads to a predictable focus, so dancing around the issue makes next to no sense.
Indeed, the Vikings are throwing some chin music at J.J. McCarthy. Doing so is not in service of replacing him since Minnesota’s leadership has given up. Rather, the plan involves introducing a player into the mix who is capable of replacing McCarthy: Kyler Murray. That distinction — capable rather than inevitable — is what it’s all about.
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The Vikings & The QB Chin Music
Spending some time on NFL Next Gen Stats can help to clarify what sort of season Mr. McCarthy had in 2025. In particular, the visuals charting the completions he made from week-to-week really drive the point home: McCarthy does better of passing toward the outside of the field.
Opening up the middle of the field would therefore appear to be a way for the kid to improve.
In an ideal world, an NFL passer will be capable of touching just about every blade of grass. Josh Allen can throw a ball that is 50 yards downfield and 5 yards downfield. Allen can throw to the outside and the middle. Essentially, the Bills’ QB1 forces a defense to protect the field vertically, horizontally, and everywhere in between.
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That’s a very important detail. Think of a basketball player who can’t hit a layup with his left hand. The defender can work toward forcing the shooter toward that inefficient option. Similarly, defenses knew about McCarthy’s limitations when facing the Vikings.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks to an official prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Something that would really help McCarthy is being able to threaten the middle of the field. After all, that Justin Jefferson guy happens to be alright at targeting the middle somewhere around 20 yards down the field.
If you need a visual, check out the route charts on Next Gen Stats for Jefferson in 2024 when Sam Darnold was still in town. Plenty of completions took place along the outside. So, too, were there a pile that were in the middle of the field. Note: that’s the point. Attacking everywhere makes it difficult for a defense to overload a particular area.
The Vikings cannot have another season where the starter struggles to feature Mr. Jefferson.
Obviously, the other detail to watch with McCarthy is increased accuracy overall (likely due to greater comfort in the offense alongside better mechanics). The kid saw a terrible 57.6% of his passes completed in 2025. Do note, though, that his receivers sometimes struggled to secure the football.
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Likewise, seeing the offensive line take a step forward as the running game becomes potent would be a nice boost.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) turns upfield after making a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sep. 21, 2025, during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jefferson accelerated into open space following the catch as Minnesota’s offense leaned on its star playmaker in an early-season home matchup against Cincinnati. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
What’s really pouring gasoline onto the fire is the presence of Kyler Murray.
In Murray, the Vikings have somebody who is more than capable of being an NFL starter. What remains to be seen is if Murray will be the best option for the Vikings. See the distinction?
What’s up for debate is not whether the former Cardinal is capable of being a team’s QB1. The Vikings believe that’s the case, leading to the decision to sign him. Rather, what’s actually debatable is whether Murray will give the Vikings a better chance of winning in 2026.
McCarthy’s task involves proving that he remains the franchise passer worthy of being chosen at No. 10 overall even as the QB room boasts a capable placement.
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J.J. McCarthy, 23, is entering his third season in the NFL. Nobody in Minnesota is facing more pressure.
Paredes, along with team-mate Nahuel Molina and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in the fracas seconds after the final whistle blew on Spain’s 1-0 victory in New Jersey, which saw Ferran Torres snatch an extra-time winner.
Fifa has confirmed that no red card was shown to Paredes on the field, but on Monday evening Fifa announced that its disciplinary committee had appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate possible breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code during the incident.
Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE: “I don’t think (Paredes) should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive.
“The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way.”
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Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before hurling Gavi to the ground to the ground by his bib.
Molina appeared to spark the chaotic melee by striking Spain captain Rodri as he ran across to celebrate with his Spain team-mates, while Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo in the face.
It was initially reported by TV broadcasters showing the final that Paredes had been dismissed for his part in the brawl, but Fifa has since indicated this was not the case.
A chaotic post-match brawl broke out after the World Cup final (Reuters)
Argentina had Enzo Fernandez sent off in second-half injury time, with the second yellow card shown for a wild challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Ayala said his altercation with Olmo was “more of a push than a punch” but nevertheless pledged to apologise to Olmo for his conduct.
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He told Capital Radio in Valencia: “When the match ended, I saw a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, and I went over to stop it from escalating, because that’s not who we are.
“I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was simply to go and separate them, nothing more.
“It was more of a push than anything else; it wasn’t a punch. It was a reaction to something that was said, but if I see Olmo, I’ll apologise to him in person.”
Ayala said there had been “a certain animosity” from some quarters towards the Argentina team in general at the World Cup, and added: “They didn’t want our team to do well. We play for our people. In my position, I can’t allow feelings to change my actions. I’m sorry.”
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