France’s Pauline Astier, left, and France’s Marine Johannes react after the Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinal match between the China and France in Berlin, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

BERLIN— Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün led France to the semifinals of the women’s FIBA World Cup for the first time by beating China 90-61 on Thursday, joining the United States among the final four.

Both Johannès and Salaün scored 15 points while Gabby Williams contributed 14 as the Olympic finalists put themselves in contention for a first World Cup medal since the inaugural tournament in 1953, when France finished third in the final round.

“It means a lot,” Williams said of reaching the semifinals for the first time. “We want to be one of the greatest teams ever to put on the French jersey. Obviously we have a big goal this tournament, but it’s great to check this off the list.”

Chants of “Allez les Bleues” rang around the Berlin Arena before Williams opened the scoring, and the French supporters made sure they were heard for the rest of the game as their team dominated on the court below. France has been fluid and free-scoring, beating its four opponents so far by a combined 156 points.

The team set a tournament record for 3-pointers in a single game by netting 22 in its final group game on Monday. The French players connected on 14 of 37 attempts Thursday, with Johannès and Salaün scoring three triples each.

“We are lucky because we are a group that have known each other for a couple of years now,” Salaün said of France’s team spirit. “We went through a lot of things, the Olympics, training camp(s), so we just know each other and we know what we want. We have a goal and we want to do everything to get to this goal.”

Salaün had an ice pack bound to her right knee. France coach Jean Aime Toupane told The Associated Press it was just a precaution.

Two spots to be decided

France awaits the Germany-Belgium winner later Thursday, while Spain faces Australia in the last quarterfinal for a semifinal showdown with the U.S. on Saturday.

The four-time defending champion Americans routed Hungary 108-56 in the first quarterfinal earlier Thursday with Napheesa Collier scoring 19 points to stretch their winning run in the tournament to 34 games since a semifinal loss to Russia in the 2006 semifinals.

Zhang’s impact limited

The French defense limited the impact of China’s 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, who had the attention of two French players any time she received the ball. The 19-year-old sensation was held scoreless over her 7 minutes, 18 seconds of play in the first half, though she contributed in defense with three blocks before halftime.

There was nothing Zhang could do to stop Johannès from scoring successive 3-pointers in the third quarter, when she also got on the scoreboard. Zhang finished the game with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Han Xu, who had a double-double in each of her four games at the tournament, again led China with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up top prospect Josue De Paula straight from Double-A, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. The Athletic was the first to report.

De Paula is expected to get at-bats at designated hitter after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Wednesday that Shohei Ohtani will be heading to the IL.

De Paula, 21, is the No. 6 ranked prospect in baseball and the highest-rated outfielder. He spent the 2026 season with the Dodgers’ Double-A minor league affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers, and hit 27 home runs in 588 plate appearances, while posting a slash line of .303/.401/.547. He also had stolen 31 games in 123 games.

Prior to being signed by the Dodgers out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, he played out of El Niche Academy. He signed a $397,500 contract with the Dodgers in January 2022.

De Paula was named the 2025 Futures Game MVP.

Gai Waterhouse, following in the footsteps of her father Tommy Smith, has long been a prominent figure during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

With her training partner Adrian Bott based in Sydney, Waterhouse has been able to dedicate more of her time to Melbourne during the spring racing season.

Waterhouse was present at Flemington earlier this week and plans to remain based in Melbourne after Sir Delius competes in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, continuing her stay until the conclusion of Melbourne Cup week.

Having already achieved victories in the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup, Waterhouse is keen to add a Cox Plate to her father’s achievements and ‘complete the set’.

Last year’s bid for the Cox Plate was unfortunately cut short for Waterhouse when a standing CT and PET scan, conducted in readiness for the Melbourne Cup, revealed Sir Delius had a heightened risk of injury.

Sir Delius had previously won the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield and the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, and was considered a leading contender for both races.

The entire colt made a successful return in the autumn to win his ‘Grand Final’, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, after securing placings in the Verry Elleegant Stakes and Ranvet Stakes.

A similar race program is in store for Sir Delius in Melbourne this spring, with Saturday’s 1600m race to be followed by the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 3, and then the Cox Plate (2000m) three weeks later.

Waterhouse commented that winning the autumn ‘Grand Final’ was a remarkable achievement.

“(Jockey) Craig (Williams), Adrian and I had discussed different ways of riding him and I can be a bit vocal about those things, but we got what we wanted,” Waterhouse said.

“It was the big prize that we were heading for.

“We live the dream and that’s why we come every year, so hopefully the dream will be the Cox Plate this year.

“It’s interesting that it is at Flemington this year. It will definitely suit this horse.”

Sir Delius has been in Melbourne for just over a week preparing for his Saturday return, and Waterhouse indicated that the entire is in good shape to perform well.

“He’s a happy horse and he’s pretty fit,” Waterhouse stated.

“I think these are good races and they’re stepping stones to where you want to be.

“It (Saturday) is a Group 1 race worth a lot of money and a lot of prestige and he’s an entire and a Group 1 adds to his value as a stallion.

“I think it will be a hard race to win, but we’re in it, and will give it a shake.”

For those interested in the action, exploring online bookmakers will offer competitive odds for the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Justin Gaethje has claimed that Ilia Topuria was “very easy to predict” in their fight at the White House, as rumours swirl about a rematch.

In June, Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss by stopping the Spanish-Georgian in four rounds, when the pair headlined a remarkable UFC event on the South Lawn.

With that, Gaethje finally realised his dream of becoming undisputed lightweight champion, having carried the interim belt into the fight.

This week, commentator Jon Anik said he believes a rematch is the UFC’s likeliest next move, despite Gaethje’s previous claims that Topuria is undeserving.

Now, the American fighter has opened up on his victory over “El Matador”, telling UFC legend Demetrious Johnson that Topuria made “emotional mistakes” beforehand.

“I’m referring to the 12 weeks before the fight,” said Gaethje, 37, who recently said he will not fight again in 2026. “[He made] those emotional mistakes in preparation, and so he wasn’t prepared for what happened that night.

“And that’s his fault, because he didn’t think that it was possible for someone to be there with him for that long, or whatever it was. He forgot who he was and how dangerous this game is. Every fight is so individual and nothing matters.

“One of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made is trying to replicate a perfect performance the next time, and it takes away from the moment that is this moment. I guarantee that’s what he was trying to do – he was trying to replicate – that’s why he was having the same parties.”

Gaethje was referring to Topuria’s habit of celebrating victories in advance, by gathering with his friends and family for meals on the week of a fight.

Gaethje also explained how he was able to beat Topuria, 29, despite his own status as a huge underdog.

“I guess the best explanation for you to understand is: his feet never change rhythms,” Gaethje said. “He never changes rhythm with his feet. It’s always pop, pop, pop, pop, and it’s forwards or backwards. He’s very rarely moving lateral, and that’s how he fights.

“So ultimately, it’s about timing his feet and interrupting. The gameplan was to interrupt his feet, especially when it’s so constant. It’s very easy to predict, and I’ve never seen him alter from that, start to move lateral and start to not be forward or backwards.”

Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 at the White House as a two-weight champion. In early 2025, he gave up the featherweight belt to pursue lightweight gold, which he won by knocking out ex-champion Charles Oliveira last June.

Meanwhile, Gaethje was previously a two-time interim champion, with his second reign beginning in January, when he outpointed Paddy Pimblett in a largely one-sided fight.

Twenty-two years ago Valdas Dambrauskas sat in an executive box overlooking the Old Trafford pitch having a job interview for a coaching gig with Manchester United Soccer Schools.

John Shiels, chief executive of the club’s foundation, gave him the job and he spent five years in the role. Tonight he returns as coach of Sabah. It really is a heartwarming and full-circle moment for the 49-year-old. I spoke to John this week about his memories of Dambrauskas.

“He’s a really nice guy. He was so hungry to learn. He was a great worker, nothing was too much for him and he had a great attitude. My boys, who attended lots of soccer schools, remembered Valdas.

“He fitted right into the culture of the soccer schools where everything was geared around kids having great fun whilst playing the game.”

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has had to deal with controversy that he didn’t create, stemming from Saturday’s win over Western Michigan.

Now he’s hinted that Bryce Underwood might not be safe as the starting QB.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I react to SMU’s Monday night battle with Florida State.

The Mustangs tried, but failed, to lose the game. Mike Norvell is in trouble.

Colorado found a way to win a gritty game at Georgia Tech for one of the biggest wins of Coach Prime’s tenure.

The Buffs still have work to do before they can be seen as a legit Big 12 contender.

00:00 Kyle Whittingham’s coaching strategy
03:42 Kyle Whittingham’s QB decision
07:06 Starting Bryce Underwood’s QB Role
13:27 Quarterback performance and game stats
17:24 Analyzing SMU vs. FSU match-up
18:57 SMU wins, betting insights
23:38 Analyzing Colorado’s defensive performance
24:35 Discussing Georgia Tech’s offense
27:58 Julian Lewis passing struggles

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams meet Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in a first for the league: a regular-season game at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, with kickoff set for 8:35 p.m. ET.

The same team ended both of their 2025 seasons. Seattle routed the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round, then beat the Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game, one win short of Super Bowl LX. Los Angeles enters 2026 as the outright favorite to win Super Bowl LXI, at +500.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch 49ers vs. Rams

• When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 8:35 p.m. ET
• Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
• TV/Streaming: Netflix

Players to Watch

For Los Angeles, the clearest skill position name to watch is Puka Nacua because his availability changed the shape of this matchup. He was not listed on the Rams injury report released Tuesday after dealing with a core issue, and that points to him being expected to handle his usual role against San Francisco.

That matters in a game where both teams enter 0-0 and there is no 2026 production yet to lean on. With the Rams still waiting for regular season statistical leaders to emerge, Nacua stands out as a proven focal point whose health is one of the most relevant developments going into this opener. If he is moving freely, Los Angeles gets a major piece of its passing game back at full strength.

On the San Francisco side, Christian McCaffrey is central because the 49ers expect him to step right back into his regular role. He was not listed on Tuesday’s injury report after his status had been watched through camp, and the latest update points to him being back at 100 percent for this opener.

In a Week 1 game with no 2026 team production on the board yet, that kind of clarity matters. San Francisco does not have official statistical leaders established for the regular season, so McCaffrey’s role becomes one of the strongest grounded indicators of where the offense can flow early. His involvement would give the 49ers their most dependable all purpose threat and a steady way to test the Rams from the opening series.

If this turns into a game where San Francisco needs answers over the middle and on key downs, George Kittle becomes one of the most important swing players to monitor. He was listed as a limited participant Tuesday because of an Achilles issue, but he has been practicing regularly since coming off the active/PUP list, and the door remains open for him to suit up.

His watch value comes from uncertainty tied directly to this matchup. The 49ers know what his presence can do for structure, toughness, and quarterback comfort, but his status is still something to track right up to kickoff. A healthy Kittle would give San Francisco another major piece in a game that could hinge on which offense settles in first.

One of the more interesting under the radar Rams names is Terrance Ferguson because his health is settled even if his exact usage is not. He was not listed on Tuesday’s injury report after dealing with soreness, which removes the immediate concern heading into the opener.

What makes him worth watching here is the role question. The Rams have all five tight ends healthy for Week 1, so his place in the rotation is still unclear, but he has generated buzz and enters this game available. In a season opener where established 2026 production does not exist yet, players who can carve out a role quickly matter. If Ferguson earns meaningful snaps early, he could become a useful change up piece in the Rams offense.

49ers vs. Rams Odds

Learn more about the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, plus check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

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Aaron Rodgers is unhappy with ESPN’s lack of coverage regarding the close relationship between reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

This week during his appearance on the “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” podcast, he lashed out at ESPN for not making that story a headline. He mentioned how the network decided to make Jed York’s arrest for solicitation a top headline across all of their channels instead.

“ESPN is really scared. Gutless organization because they haven’t said anything. They spend so much time on certain issues but won’t talk one second about the Diane Russini situation. What just happened? The owner of the Niners listed a prostitute for $140 in Ohio. That literally was the number one topic when you clicked on ESPN.com. They rotate the eight stories or whatever they have, but they usually have one featured story. That was the featured story. So you bring in millions of eyes to that situation. Why do you want to throw Jed York under the bus? I don’t know (Time Stamp: 25:17).”

He then continued by questioning if Dianna Russini‘s personal relationship with Mike Vrabel had any effect on her coverage of the New England Patriots.

“But does that have the same effect as a reporter who has intimate relations with a coach who has a vote for MVP, a vote for Coach of the Year? I don’t know if she’s on the Hall of Fame or not, but there’s voting stuff. There was the thing about Morgan Moses going from the Jets to the New England that was posted a day early. How many other inside things were shared?”

“There are a lot of insiders out there. Do they all have strong integrity? I don’t know. But the fact that ESPN spent zero time on that story, while Jed York gets popped in San Fran and it’s literally on the top of their roll right now—that’s hypocrisy. I think there’s a lot more to it. The NFL is going to protect the Shield, and I respect that, but they’re going to do it by all means necessary. They’re clearly taking the words out of my mouth. They’ve got to be very, very careful.”

This is not the first time that Aaron Rodgers has been critical of ESPN’s lack of coverage of the Russini/Vrabel relationship. In August, Pat McAfee broadcasted his show live from Pittsburgh Steelers training camp and Rodgers took the opportunity to criticize the network for allegedly protecting Russini and Vrabel.

Also Read: “Nobody can talk about it”: Aaron Rodgers raises “major scandal” alert calling out Dianna Russini over “tampering” concerns

Also Read: ESPN’s Pat McAfee broadcast goes blank as Aaron Rodgers takes another shot at vaccinations

Aaron Rodgers revealed that he initially met his wife Brittani in 2017

Aaron Rodgers has kept the details of his relationship with wife, Brittani, but revealed more details on the “Not Just Football” podcast this week. He revealed that they met back in 2017 after she finished her college career at the University of Texas. She then moved to Europe, and both ended up getting engaged to other people.

“In 2017 I met my wife, and at the time, she was leaving the States and going back to Europe. And my biggest regret is not begging her to stay or proposing right there, because that sent me right there into a tailspin of what can I be accused of as a partner in a relationship,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers also revealed that the couple eloped but said that he didn’t want to give any additional details.