**SPOILER ALERT: Stop reading now if you haven’t attempted today’s Wordle yet.** The solution to Wordle puzzle #1708 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, is **AWAKE**.

Players worldwide logged on to the New York Times Games site this morning to tackle the daily brainteaser, which challenged many with its subtle clues tied to consciousness and rest. The word features five letters, three vowels — including a repeated ‘A’ — and evokes the transition from slumber, as hinted by phrases like “no longer in the land of nod.”

For those still puzzling, here are tiered hints without revealing the full answer:

**Hint 1:** This five-letter word starts with ‘A’ and ends with ‘E’.
**Hint 2:** It contains no repeated consonants but two instances of the same vowel.
**Hint 3:** Synonyms include “alert,” “aroused” or “conscious.”
**Hint 4:** It’s the opposite of “asleep.”
**Hard Mode Hint:** Positions 1, 3 and 5 are vowels.

The puzzle drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users nailing it in three guesses and others struggling through five or six. “AWAKE tripped me up because I kept thinking of words like ‘ABACK’ or ‘AGAPE,’” one X user posted. Wordle Bot, the NYT’s AI companion, recommends starting with “SLATE” for this one, eliminating common letters efficiently.

Yesterday’s puzzle #1707 was “STANK,” continuing a streak of words with unconventional connotations. Recent solutions include “HOIST,” “MOGUL,” “SQUAD” and “ROOST,” showcasing the game’s variety from everyday terms to niche vocabulary.

Since The New York Times acquired Wordle from creator Josh Wardle in early 2022 for a reported low-seven figures, the game has exploded in popularity, attracting millions daily. What began as a private gift for Wardle’s partner in 2013 evolved into a global phenomenon by 2021, spawning apps, merchandise and countless copycats. Today, it anchors the NYT Games suite alongside Spelling Bee, Connections and the Mini Crossword, with over 10 million active players monthly.

The formula remains simple yet addictive: Guess a five-letter word in six tries or fewer, with color-coded feedback — green for correct letter and position, yellow for correct letter wrong spot, gray for absent letters. Hard mode, toggled in settings, enforces use of confirmed hints, appealing to purists.

Strategies abound in 2026. Experts advocate vowel-heavy openers like “ADIEU,” “AUDIO” or “RAISE” to map the board early. Consonant-focused starters such as “SLATE” or “CRANE” — backed by computational analyses — optimize information gain. Avoid repeats initially to maximize coverage. Mid-game, prioritize yellow letters and positional exclusions.

Wordle Bot rates guesses on skill, luck and solve time, offering post-game analysis. For #1708, optimal paths might involve “SLATE” (revealing A, E) followed by “AWAKE” variants like “ABACK” or “AGAVE.”

The game’s cultural impact endures. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Barack Obama share scores on X, while streaks — some exceeding 1,000 days — foster community. Variants like Worldle (geography), Nerdle (math) and Quordle (four puzzles) keep the format fresh.

In 2026, accessibility features shine: Color-blind modes, high-contrast themes and audio cues broaden appeal. NYT reports diverse demographics, from Gen Z sharers to boomer solvers.

Challenges persist. Algorithm tweaks post-acquisition sparked minor backlash, but transparency via the Solver tool — simulating Bot’s process — rebuilt trust. Global time zones create “today’s” variations, with midnight resets in New York.

For #1708, “AWAKE” tested vigilance, fitting its meaning. Players who started strong often solved in four guesses; late vowel reveals prolonged others.

Tomorrow’s #1709 awaits at nytimes.com/games/wordle. Share scores with the classic emoji grid — 🟩🟨⬛ — but beware spoilers.

Wordle’s genius lies in brevity and universality, turning five letters into daily ritual. As Wardle intended, it sparks conversation, frustration and triumph — one puzzle at a time.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage launched with a highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, February 21, 2026, but rain delayed the start shortly after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

The match, designated as Super Eights Match 41 and Group 2 opener, was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. GMT / 9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT), with toss at 6:30 p.m. local. Persistent showers forced covers on the field, interrupting play and raising concerns over a full contest given no reserve day exists for Super Eights fixtures. As of late Saturday local time, conditions remained wet, with updates ongoing via official ICC channels.

Fans seeking livestream access have multiple options depending on location, with free and paid platforms available globally. In India, the match streams live on the JioHotstar app and website, with telecast on Star Sports Network channels. JioHotstar provides comprehensive coverage, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and other regional commentary feeds.

In Pakistan, PTV Sports and PTV Home offer free-to-air broadcast, while digital streaming is available on Tamasha, Myco, Tapmad and ARY Zapp. Urdu commentary enhances local viewing. New Zealand viewers can access the game on Sky Sport channels, with streaming via Sky Sport Now subscription service (starting at NZ$29.99/day or higher plans).

For global audiences in territories without exclusive rights, ICC.tv provides free live streaming of every match, including this one. The platform covers numerous countries where no local broadcaster holds rights, accessible via icc-cricket.com/icc-tv. Viewers in restricted regions (e.g., India, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) may require a VPN to unlock ICC.tv, though official broadcasters take precedence locally.

In the United States and Caribbean, Willow TV streams the match (via Sling or standalone subscription), with ESPN+ offering select coverage in some packages. UK fans watch on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming on NOW. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, accesses the game through SuperSport platforms.

Other regions: Sky Italia covers the tournament for Italian audiences, focusing on key matches; Dialog TV and PEO TV handle Sri Lanka (co-host); and various free-to-air options exist in Bangladesh (T Sports, Nagorik) and elsewhere. Official ICC partners ensure broad reach, with audio commentary available on many platforms.

The rain interruption adds drama to an already intriguing fixture. Pakistan, entering Super Eights after topping their group with three wins in five matches, boast strong spin options suited to Premadasa’s conditions. New Zealand, finishing their group strongly, rely on pace and discipline but face challenges on turning tracks. Pakistan made one change, bringing in Fakhar Zaman, while New Zealand included Ish Sodhi.

Despite the delay, anticipation remains high for a potential low-scoring thriller if play resumes. Dew could favor the chasing side if the match shortens or shifts late. Head-to-head records show a close rivalry, with Pakistan holding a slight edge overall.

Check local listings or the ICC website for real-time updates on resumption. Broadcasters like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz and Al Jazeera provide live text commentary and score updates during delays.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, this Super Eights opener sets the tone for Group 2 battles, with England and Sri Lanka next. Fans worldwide tune in via official channels to catch every ball when conditions allow.

Chelsea welcome struggling Burnley to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in a Premier League Matchweek 27 fixture as the Blues aim to solidify their push for Champions League qualification while the Clarets fight to avoid relegation.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT), with the match available live in the United States exclusively on Peacock. Streaming is also accessible via Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus on devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets and web browsers. In the UK, the game falls under the traditional 3 p.m. Saturday blackout, meaning no live domestic television broadcast, though highlights are available post-match on BBC and Sky Sports platforms. Internationally, check local rights holders such as Star Sports (India), SuperSport (Africa), Optus Sport (Australia) or DAZN in select regions.

Chelsea enter the match in fifth place, chasing a top-four finish under manager Liam Rosenior. The Blues are coming off a mixed run but remain strong at home, where they have won most recent league games in Saturday 3 p.m. slots. Burnley sit 19th, battling relegation with a poor away record and defensive vulnerabilities.

Team News and Injuries

Chelsea are without Marc Cucurella (hamstring), Roméo Lavia (managed return), Dário Essugo and Jamie Gittens (injuries). Filip Jorgensen is sidelined, leaving Robert Sánchez in goal. Reece James is fit to captain, and Cole Palmer is expected to start after recent form.

Burnley miss key players due to suspension and injury, with limited depth exacerbating their struggles. They revert to a stronger XI but face an uphill battle against Chelsea’s attacking options.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto/Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker, Worrall, Estève, Ugochukwu; Humphreys, Edwards; Anthony, Flemming, Hannibal; Laurent.

Prediction and Key Battles

Chelsea are heavy favorites, with predictions favoring a comfortable win — common scorelines include 3-1 or 2-0. The Blues’ superior quality, home advantage and attacking depth (Palmer, Neto, João Pedro) should overwhelm Burnley’s defense, which has conceded heavily. Burnley may counter sporadically but lack firepower.

Key matchups include Cole Palmer exploiting space against Burnley’s midfield and João Pedro testing their backline. Chelsea’s pressing and quick transitions could exploit Burnley’s slow build-up.

How to Watch and Livestream Globally

• United States: Exclusive live stream on Peacock (subscription required; free trial available for new users). No over-the-air TV broadcast.
• United Kingdom: No live TV due to blackout; watch highlights on BBC/Sky post-match.
• India: JioHotstar or Star Sports channels.
• Canada: Fubo Canada.
• Australia: Optus Sport.
• Global fallback: ICC.tv or local rights holders; use VPN if geo-restricted.

The fixture offers Chelsea a chance to build momentum, while Burnley seek points in survival mode. Tune in for what should be a one-sided affair unless the visitors produce a shock.

Available for over a year

Boxing is on the rise with streaming giants now broadcasting major fights and heavy investment from Saudi Arabia reshaping the sport. But for boxers facing money or health problems out of the ring, help is not always easy to come by. As File on 4 Investigates discovers, some in boxing are now working towards a unified approach across the sport, which would help fighters throughout their careers, but can they make it work?

Reporter: Kal Sajad
Producer: Ashley Kennedy
Additional research: Clive Hammond
Technical Producer: Cameron Ward
Production Co-ordinators: Ellis Goodwin & Tim Fernley
Editor: Tara McDermott

Details of organisations offering help and support for the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

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