By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
Sports
10 Teams From West Most Likely to Make the 2026 Playoff
After the long hot summer comes the crisp fall mornings of football season.
So, as we anticipate the first kickoff of 2026, let’s look ahead to the end of the upcoming season.
More specifically, let’s project which teams from the West have the best chance of making the Playoff.
This is not a Power Ranking but simply a ranking of each team’s likelihood of becoming a Playoff team.
For example, ranking UNLV ahead of Washington doesn’t necessarily mean that I expect the Rebels to be better than the Huskies.
But the likelihood of UNLV winning the Mountain West and the Group of Six auto-bid may be greater than UW placing high enough in the Big Ten to make the CFP Top 12.
So, with that in mind, let’s get to the rankings!
1. Oregon Ducks
All the above disclaimers about these rankings being strictly about the likelihood of making the Playoff aside, Oregon will be the best team in the West this season.
Yes, I know, that’s not much of a prediction!
In all seriousness, the Ducks are not only the best team in the West, but they should also find themselves among the top three teams in the Big Ten this season.
That would certainly be good enough to earn a nod from the CFP committee, assuming they don’t get the automatic bid for winning the Big Ten Championship game.
Should the Ducks fail to make the conference title game, I still think they are a virtual lock for the postseason tournament as the third or even fourth-place team in the conference.
2. BYU Cougars
When the playoffs finally get expanded to 24 teams—and that’s a when, not an if—things will change a bit on these types of lists.
If it were a 24-team field this season, I just might put BYU ahead of Oregon.
But alas, we are still in the 12-team era and the third/fourth-place squad from the Big Ten or SEC is still more of a lock than the potential second-place outfit from the Big 12.
Simply put, I think the Cougars might be the class of their league, especially with the sudden QB issues at Texas Tech.
But a lock for the Playoff? Not completely. The Big 12 Championship auto-bid is the pathway for the Cougars, and it will be there for the taking.
Can we say for certain that the conference will be a two-bid league? No, we cannot.
Should BYU stumble against the Red Raiders again this season, the result could be the same as a season ago.
3. Boise State Broncos
I see the Broncos winning the new-look Pac-12, holding off a significant challenge from San Diego State.
So, the Broncos take the conference crown and look to be the top Group of Six team, earning a berth in the Playoff.
Now, Liberty could step up and make a run from Conference USA, but in reality, this bid will come down to the champion of the Pac-12, Mountain West, or American.
(Tuesday Night MACtion is amazing and the Sun Belt really is the Fun Belt, but among the Group of Six, these two are the bottom of the leftovers).
The American looks pretty wide open, and some of the bigger guns of the past are going through some changes. I see Navy and Tulane battling for the final, but the deep league could bang both teams around a bit.
So, which is the better team—a potential Pac-12 champ Boise State or possible MW title holder UNLV? If only there were some way that Boise State and UNLV could meet in a game. Perhaps a conference game and then maybe again in a title game?
But what kind of a fantasy world would that be? Boise State and UNLV in the same conference!!! Pie in the sky idea there, Steve; fantasy time is over, let’s get back to reality.
So, in short, the Broncos are the third most likely team to garner a spot in the Playoff by virtue of being the Group of Six representative.
4. UNLV Rebels
The Rebels are the flagbearer for the new-look Mountain West Conference. They should be able to navigate their schedule and claim the conference crown.
I think the Pac-12 will be the tougher of the two conferences this season, and Boise State will be the more likely team to make the tournament.
I still have UNLV at No. 4 because if they take care of their business, we are one upset away on Championship Weekend from the Rebels taking the bid that was destined for their old conference rivals.
5. Washington Huskies
The Huskies should be much-improved over last season, and the schedule is set for a big number in the win column.
UW catches a bit of a break with neither Ohio State or Michigan on the slate.
If they pass early tests at USC and at home vs. Iowa, the Huskies could very well be 10-0 heading into the final two weeks of November.
Those final two regular season games bring Indiana to Seattle and include a trip to Eugene to close it out.
It would be no easy feat, but a 10-or-11-win season could be there for the taking, and that would most likely be enough to earn a Playoff berth for Washington.
6. USC Trojans
This is a huge season for the Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley.
I’ll write more in a future column on just how important it is, I am sure.
But for now, is it the Playoff or bust? And is the CFP on the horizon?
Well, they need to win nine games, and if they do that, they are in! While the Huskies have a schedule set up for success, USC has a schedule set up for opportunity—or disaster.
The Trojans will need to string together several big Ws in a six-game stretch, starting with home games against Oregon and Washington before trips to Penn State and Wisconsin.
Those zingers are followed by a home game vs. Ohio State and a road tip to Indiana.
Should USC navigate that stretch with a 4-2 mark or better and take care of business the rest of the way, a spot in the Playoff is a virtual lock. Again, there are a couple of “IF’s” in there, but it is there for the taking for this very talented team.
Even a 3-3 stretch could garner at-large discussion for a 9-3 team with that schedule.
(Things I never thought I’d write in my lifetime: A road trip to Indiana is a chance for USC to prove they belong!?!?!?!?)
7. Utah Utes
The Utes should be among the perceived top four in the Big 12 this season (along with Texas Tech, BYU, and Kansas State).
Of the other three on that list, only BYU is on the schedule, and that contest will be played in Salt Lake City the first weekend of November.
Should the Utes successfully navigate the rest of the schedule, they could be sitting pretty.
Over the last 36 seasons, the Utes have had just three head coaches.
Kyle Whittingham and Ron McBride are Numbers 1 and 3 all-time on the school wins list, and No. 2 Urban Meyer went 22-2 during his time in SLC.
Morgan Scalley has a chance to jump right in with a lot of success in Year One of his tenure.
8. San Diego State Aztecs
I am projecting the Aztecs as the second choice from the Pac-12, which unfortunately would not be enough make the Playoff. (See Boise State and UNLV).
However, if SDSU can string together enough wins to keep the resume strong and upset Boise State in the conference title game on December 4, the Aztecs could well find themselves in the CFP.
9. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats improved last season, and this season the upward trajectory should continue.
Similar to USC, the Wildcats schedule, while daunting, offers plenty of opportunity. Many of the Big 12 heavyweights avoid each other this season, but Arizona seemingly has them all.
Starting off with a Week 2 trip to Provo, the Wildcats will have plenty of opportunities to make a statement.
If they can make enough statements and perhaps have some things break their way, they could be among the Field of 12 in December.
10. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
I can’t have a list of nine; that just doesn’t make sense, so let’s make it 10, nice and even. But who is No. 10?
North Dakota State, New Mexico? Sure, perhaps one of them plays UNLV for the MW title.
But in truth, it’s Timmy Chang’s Warriors that have the best chance at crashing the Playoff party if things break their way.
What’s the easiest way for a mid-major to make some noise? Knock off a power conference opponent—or two—and UH has two of them on the slate: at Stanford and at Arizona State.
Win those two, and we are not exactly talking Ohio State or Georgia-caliber upsets, but upsets nonetheless. And in fact, they are games the Warriors could steal.
UNLV comes to town Week two, so get the Rebels early in the season after the long flight, maybe score a win in that one. Do all of that, and Hawai’i is suddenly everyone’s second favorite school during the Holiday season.
When UH shocks the college football world in December, remember you heard it here first (when they don’t, remember we wanted a nice even number for the list).
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
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The 2026 John Deere Classic begins Thursday, July 2, with the opening round at TPC Deere Run. You can find full John Deere Classic tee times for Thursday’s first round at the bottom of this post.
John Deere Classic tee times: What to know
It’s been a long time since Jordan Spieth has lifted a trophy as a PGA Tour winner. How long? More than four years. His last win came at the 2022 RBC Heritage, and it represented his 13th career win.
But Spieth has shown flashes of his old self so far in 2026. He has two T11 and two T12 finishes among eight top 25s this season.
The John Deere Classic may be the perfect place for Spieth to finally get off the schneid. Why? He’s a two-time John Deere champion, having won the event in 2013 and 2015.
Spieth will tee off for the opening round on Thursday at 8:35 a.m. ET alongside Ben Griffin and Jackson Koivun.
You can watch Thursday’s first round of the 2026 John Deere Classic from 3-6 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage starting on Thursday at 7:45 a.m. ET, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.
Check out the complete Round 1 tee times and groupings for the John Deere Classic below.
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2026 John Deere Classic tee times for Thursday: Round 1 (ET)
Tee No. 1
7:40 a.m. – Luke List, Tyler Duncan, Pierceson Coody
7:51 a.m. – Matthieu Pavon, Lee Hodges, Troy Merritt
8:02 a.m. – S.Y. Noh, David Lipsky, Austin Smotherman
8:13 a.m. – William Mouw, Davis Riley, Daniel Berger
8:24 a.m. – Taylor Pendrith, Lucas Glover, Webb Simpson
8:35 a.m. – Michael Brennan, Stephan Jaeger, Aaron Wise
8:46 a.m. – Seamus Power, Mackenzie Hughes, Kevin Roy
8:57 a.m. – Camilo Villegas, Joel Dahmen, Rico Hoey
9:08 a.m. – Kevin Streelman, Max McGreevy, Johnny Keefer
9:19 a.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Chan Kim, A.J. Ewart
9:30 a.m. – Haotong Li, Kris Ventura, Marcelo Rozo
9:41 a.m. – Trace Crowe, Chandler Blanchet, Luke Gutschewski
12:50 p.m. – Adam Svensson, Denny McCarthy, Ben Silverman
1:01 p.m. – Austin Eckroat, Patton Kizzire, Michael Kim
1:12 p.m. – Taylor Moore, Harry Higgs, Carson Young
1:23 p.m. – Andrew Novak, Tony Finau, Sungjae Im
1:34 p.m. – Rickie Fowler, Keith Mitchell, Zach Johnson
1:45 p.m. – Chris Gotterup, Keegan Bradley, Tom Kim
1:56 p.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Ben Martin, Michael Thorbjornsen
2:07 p.m. – Justin Lower, Chandler Phillips, Danny Walker
2:18 p.m. – Cameron Champ, Martin Laird, Dylan Frittelli
2:29 p.m. – Jackson Suber, Luke Clanton, (a) Mason Howell
2:40 p.m. – Zecheng Dou, Jimmy Stanger, Patrick Adler
2:51 p.m. – Alejandro Tosti, Davis Chatfield, Augusto Núñez
Tee No. 10
7:40 a.m. – Rafael Campos, Ryan Brehm, Beau Hossler
7:51 a.m. – Brendon Todd, Fabián Gómez, Mark Hubbard
8:02 a.m. – Nick Dunlap, Robert Streb, Andrew Putnam
8:13 a.m. – J.T. Poston, Jacob Bridgeman, Eric Cole
8:24 a.m. – Brian Campbell, Davis Thompson, Max Homa
8:35 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Jordan Spieth, Jackson Koivun
8:46 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Zac Blair, Ryo Hisatsune
8:57 a.m. – Erik van Rooyen, Doug Ghim, Vince Whaley
9:08 a.m. – Nick Hardy, Tom Hoge, Ben Kohles
9:19 a.m. – Christo Lamprecht, Blades Brown, (a) Preston Stout
9:30 a.m. – Hayden Springer, Neal Shipley, Michael Feagles
9:41 a.m. – Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Jeffrey Kang, Darin Fisher
12:50 p.m. – Patrick Rodgers, Dylan Wu, Takumi Kanaya
1:01 p.m. – Brice Garnett, Lanto Griffin, Max Greyserman
1:12 p.m. – Jonathan Byrd, Hank Lebioda, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
1:23 p.m. – Steven Fisk, Aldrich Potgieter, Garrick Higgo
1:34 p.m. – Adam Schenk, Joe Highsmith, Kevin Yu
1:45 p.m. – Karl Vilips, Jhonattan Vegas, Matt Kuchar
1:56 p.m. – Chad Ramey, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Thorbjørn Olesen
2:07 p.m. – Peter Malnati, Adam Hadwin, Mac Meissner
2:18 p.m. – Kensei Hirata, Pontus Nyholm, John VanDerLaan
2:29 p.m. – David Skinns, Paul Peterson, Jeremy Paul
2:40 p.m. – Nicholas Lindheim, Zach Bauchou, Noah Goodwin
2:51 p.m. – Keita Nakajima, Gordon Sargent, Ryan Voois
The 2026 World Cup Round of 32 keeps rolling on as the calendar flips to July, and there are three more games on tap on Wednesday with the co-hosts United States taking the field in primetime against Bosnia and Herzegovina. England will get things started against DR Congo, and Belgium will be in action against Senegal in the late afternoon window.
Those interested in wagering on Wednesday’s games should take a look at the parlay we’ve put together with odds from FanDuel and insights from SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Martin Green and Brad Thomas. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
World Cup parlay for Wednesday
- England -1.5 vs. DR Congo (-120)
- Senegal double chance vs. Belgium (-155)
- United States regular time money line vs. Bosnia (-280)
FanDuel parlay price: +309
England -1.5 vs. DR Congo
The knockout round games have been close. Every team is trying to avoid a major mistake, but we’ve seen some heroics with late goals and penalty shootouts already. Therefore, presenting any sort of spread pick is risky despite the clear talent gap between these sides. DR Congo have plenty of threats, but I don’t see them slowing down an England team that has shown it can be dangerous in the final third. Green is taking England against the spread, saying “they’ve covered a 1.5-goal spread in two out of three games so far. They also covered a 1.5-goal spread in seven of their eight World Cup qualifiers. Going back further, The Three Lions have covered a 1.5-goal spread in 12 of their last 14 competitive matches.”
Senegal double chance vs. Belgium
On paper, Belgium should win this match without much trouble. However, they have looked mediocre at best in this World Cup and needed a five-goal onslaught against New Zealand to secure a spot in the Round of 32. Senegal largely held their own against France and Norway before eventually pummeling Iraq, and I don’t think their results necessarily show how talented or resilient they are. Belgium are in bad form, and that matters in a knockout game with pressure. Senegal double chance in regular time is a strong play.
USA money line in regular time vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
It’s hard to find value in this match for USA, who started off the World Cup with a bang against Paraguay. The South American side just knocked off Germany, which shows how good the Americans are for putting four goals on them. Bosnia are scrappy and have shown moments of brilliance but they are unlikely to keep USA at bay for 90 minutes. Christian Pulisic being healthy is another boost. Give me the home team to get the job done without needing extra time or penalties. Green is more confident in USA, taking the Americans against the spread in this match.
The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage as Kylian Mbappe reined in Lionel Messi at the top of the standings with Vinicius Jr and Erling Haalandalso very much in the race.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria to highlight one of his greatest traits after a penalty miss. Another arrived off the bench against Jordan – inevitably.
Not to be outdone, Mbappe has been in excellent scoring touch and a brace against Sweden propelled France to a 3-0 victory and a spot in the last-16 as he once again thrives on the biggest stage. It also sends him above Messi in the standings though they are level on goals scored.
Elsewhere, Haaland scored for the 13th straight international when he netted an 86th-minute winner in Norway’s last-32 clash with Ivory Coast to send his side into the next round and move on to five goals for the tournament – just one behind Messi and Mbappe.
Harry Kane is there or thereabouts, too, after heading home against Panama in England’s final group game and Vinicius Jr stamped his mark with a brace against Scotland while Ousmane Dembele hit a superb hat-trick against Norway to throw his hat in the ring.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings:
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 6 goals, (2 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 6 goals
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals
4. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
5. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
6. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 10. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 10. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 3 goals
= 10. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 3 goals
= 10. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 3 goals
= 10. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 3 goals
= 10. Harry Kane (England), 3 goals
= 10. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), 3 goals
= 10. Kai Havertz (Germany), 3 goals
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in the first half, which was enough to send El Tri into the next round.
Coming into the clash on the back of a compelling group stage campaign which saw them win all three games without conceding a single goal, it was hardly surprising to see Mexico take control of the proceedings from the off.
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Quinones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after racing down into acres of space on the left flank to connect with a looping cross from Roberto Alvarado. He then cut onto his right foot inside the box and produced a sumptuous finish into the net.
Just nine minutes later, Jimenez got into the act too with a thunderous effort of his own into the top bin after being teed up by Quinones.
Ecuador made a slew of changes at the break as they looked to claw their way back into the match. However, Mexico were content to sit back and absorb all pressure. Cesar Montes twice went close to scoring for Mexico in the second half.
The night went from bad to worse for La Selección after Piero Hincapie was sent off in the fifth minute of stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with a Mexican player, capping off a disappointing night for Ecuador.
Mexico are through to the last-16 after winning their first knockout match at the FIFA World Cup in 40 years and will face either England or DR Congo in the next round on Sunday, 5 July in Mexico City.
Here are the player ratings for Mexico.
Mexico Player Ratings
Raul Rangel – 7.5/10
The Mexico custodian was not tested enough on the night by Ecuador and kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament.
Jorge Sanchez – 7/10
With eight defensive contributions on the night, Sanchez was colossal in keeping Ecuador at bay. But on the offensive front, he couldn’t offer much.
Cesar Montes – 7.5/10
Cool and composed while making a game-high 10 clearances to demonstrate his excellent reading of the match and sound positioning. His aerial prowess was there for all to see too, clearing all incoming crosses to deny Ecuador any chance. What a turnaround from a player who got sent off on the opening day.
Johan Vazquez – 7.5/10
An absolute beast at the heart of Mexico’s defense, perfectly complimenting Montes to keep Ecuador at bay. Vazquez, too, made a high number of clearances (9) while dominating his aerial duels too (5/5).
Jesus Gallardo – 6/10
Marking his 125th cap for Mexico tonight, Gallardo was like a bull in a china shop, reckless with his challenges and trying hard to get into the referee’s books.
Gilberto Mora – 7.5/10
The 17-year-old became the second youngest player ever to start a FIFA World Cup knockout game and turned in a promising display. His passing was top notch and played a key role in helping Mexico control the game’s tempo. Subbed off to a standing ovation in the second half.
Erik Lira – 7.5/10
Lira took the game to Ecuador with his constant pressing off the ball and tireless runs. He also made six ball-recoveries in the game.
Luis Romo – 6/10
The midfielder’s intelligent movements always created space for others to come in. His hold-up play on the ball was spectacular too, always releasing the ball with impeccable timing.
Roberto Alvarado – 8/10
An absolute mayhem on the right flank, Alvarado’s high-press left Ecuador on the ropes while his spatial intelligence was admirable too as the player always got into the right positions to make a pass or a shot. He also assisted Quinones for their opening goal.
Raul Jimenez – 8.5/10
The Wolves star was a thorn in Ecuador’s flesh with his electric pace and directness, mustering four shots in the game while doubling Mexico’s advantage with a cool finish.
Julian Quinones – 9/10
The forward continued his spectacular World Cup campaign with a fabulous strike, his third of the tournament, before bagging the assist for Jimenez’s effort.
Substitutes
Brian Gutierrez – 5/10
Couldn’t get involved much.
Obed Vargas – 5/10
Covered a lot of distance and made some line-breaking passes.
Santiago Gimenez – 6/10
Won a few fouls and made great use of space left to him by Ecuador.
Israel Reyes – 6/10
He held up well in defense.
Orbelin Pineda – 6/10
Came close to scoring late on.
Edited by Nived Zenith
In a World Cup co-hosted by a country waging war on their homeland, the odds were always stacked against Iran’s Team Melli, who narrowly missed out on the knockout stage despite being undefeated. Their players departed North America on Tuesday, mocked by a senior official in the Trump administration but saluted by fans at their replacement base in Mexico’s Tijuana.
Sports
Big relief for Sreesanth! Kerala Cricket Association revokes three-year ban after unconditional apology | Cricket News
Kerala Cricket Association revokes Sreesanth’s ban. (ANI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has received a major boost after the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) revoked the three-year ban imposed on him, clearing the way for his continued involvement in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).The decision was taken at the KCA’s Special General Body meeting held on July 1, where members unanimously agreed to lift the suspension after considering Sreesanth’s unconditional apology for his remarks against the association.The former India pacer had earlier been suspended for three years over comments made through visual and social media platforms, which the KCA said had brought disrepute to the association. Sreesanth had challenged the disciplinary action before the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed, as per an ANI report.
Unconditional apology changes KCA’s stand
Following the court proceedings, Sreesanth submitted an official unconditional apology expressing regret for his comments directed at the Kerala Cricket Association.After discussing the apology in detail, the KCA decided to revoke the ban, while making it clear that any similar conduct in the future would invite strict disciplinary action.The decision comes as a significant relief for the 43-year-old, who can now continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in Season 3 of the Kerala Cricket League. The ban had been imposed ahead of the previous KCL season, casting uncertainty over his role with the franchise.
Sreesanth’s cricket career
Sreesanth enjoyed a memorable international career for India, representing the country in all three formats. He played 27 Tests, 53 One-Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals.In Test cricket, the right-arm pacer claimed 87 wickets at an average of 37.59, including three five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 5/40 in an innings and 8/99 in a match. He also picked up 75 wickets in ODIs, including a career-best 6/55, while taking seven wickets in T20Is.His domestic record was equally impressive, with 213 wickets in 74 first-class matches, 124 wickets in 92 List A games and 54 wickets in 65 T20 matches.
Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty celebrates a win over the Las Vegas Aces for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship at Barclays Center on June 30, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Michelle Farsi/Getty Images/AFP
NEW YORK— Sabrina Ionescu knew a big game was coming.
It didn’t take long Tuesday night for the Liberty’s star guard to make her presence felt in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game, which New York won 93-85 over Las Vegas. Ionescu scored 26 points to help the Liberty win the in-season tournament for the second time.
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READ: WNBA: Liberty beat Aces to win Commissioner’s Cup
“Keep the faith and tables will turn at some point and that was tonight,” she said.
Two quick 3-pointers and Ionescu looked like the player who has made multiple All-Star teams. She had been dealing with injuries this season. First it was a sprained ankle in the preseason that sidelined her for the first two weeks. Then after playing in one game, a back issue sidelined her for the next three weeks. She returned to the lineup on June 14.
After the game was over, the 15,000 fans were chanting Ionescu’s name.
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Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty runs the floor after a three-point basket against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half for the Commissioner’s Cup Game held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 2026 in New York City. Michelle Farsi/Getty Images/AFP
“It was special,” she said. “I always continued to have that belief in myself since I know the work I put in,” Ionescu said. “(An) injury or two isn’t going to diminish who I am.”
She always seems to excel against Las Vegas. Last week, Ionescu had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Aces.
“Her game never takes me by surprise,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon said. “She’s too good.”
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Ionescu came into the game shooting 27% from behind the 3-point arc on the season. She’s a career 35% shooter. On Tuesday she hit five 3s, with a deep one sealing the win with about 17 seconds left.
“When you’re coming back from an injury it’s tough,” said teammate Breanna Stewart, who earned MVP honors for the game. “The process is tough. … Her being aggressive and making those 3s, that dagger 3, are big moments. … I’m happy for her.”
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As Thomas Tuchel got to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he couldn’t stop smiling.
“I just love it,” the England manager said, talking about knockout football. “It just gives an extra edge. I love these situations, and I feel it is a privilege.”
It is precisely that attitude, and how it has translated into multiple cup runs and three trophies, that was intended to finally give England an edge in tournaments. Tuchel was appointed because of his success in knockout competition, and now here he and his team are primed.
If the German loves the energy this brings, though, his team and their fans may not exactly enjoy this first ever last-32 tie for England.
The Democratic Republic of Congo may seem like more forgiving opposition than others that England could have faced – including Senegal – but they are not expected to give Tuchel’s side an inch.
“Now, in the first knockout, we will face a copy of Ghana, a copy of Panama, a proud team, a defensive team, a committed team to defending, a quick team, happy to counterattack.”
And more than happy with their World Cup so far. They’ve already frustrated Portugal, with a 1-1 draw, before getting this far thanks to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa has been the key player, among a few players with Premier League experience such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Noah Sadiki.
Aside from the rise of African football in this World Cup, the players fire a few individual storylines. There’s something of an irony with Wan-Bissaka, given that he was eligible for England and Tuchel is now struggling for right-backs. With Reece James and Jarrel Quansah confirmed out, he will have to turn to Ezri Konsa or Djed Spence.
Wissa meanwhile endured a difficult season with Newcastle, after all the controversy of his move from Brentford. His very comments before this game, however, put that into necessary perspective.
“We deserve to play England,” Wissa said, on securing third-place in the group. “We have worked hard for this. You know, it’s not easy in our country. There is war in eastern Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.”
It’s also been confirmed that Congolese fans will be allowed to gather for the match, despite recent bans due to fears of Ebola outbreaks.
That says enough. If this match is evidently a fixture almost beyond the imagination of Congolese fans, despite the robust quality of their team, it is almost unthinkable that England actually go out.
That isn’t intended as any disrespect now but more the recent history of the team, and that very rationale for appointing Tuchel.
What happens if he fails at this stage? What would the repercussions be? It would be worse than England’s last shock exit, to Iceland in 2016, given the changed context.
The very prospect nevertheless prompts the kind of energy, and edge, that the German is talking about.
All of that is also tempered by another reality. If England play as they can, and all goes normally – to use Tuchel’s own description – they will win.
“We prepared in the best way possible, in a completely normal way. There are no extra needs. We don’t need to do extra stuff. We just need to be the best version of ourselves. We don’t need anything extra in these stages, but just trust and believe in ourselves that we have what it takes.
“Of course, tomorrow we accept and respect the quality of the opponent, and the fact that anything can happen. That’s why we love this match. We have a fantastic group, an experienced group. But of course we’re nervous and of course we feel the pressure.”
That would be natural given the spirit running through these last 32. So many teams have been emboldened by Paraguay’s victory over Germany, and even how Japan came so close against Brazil.
The floor of international football at this level has clearly been raised, and it makes it more likely that big names can be toppled.
Tuchel insisted that can have the opposite effect – in making England attuned to the challenge.
“I think it can calm us down, in a way. It is narrow margins. In the World Cup, teams are well drilled, teams are defending on the highest level. It is difficult to break teams down. For me, it almost helps us to calm our mind to accept the situation.”
And Tuchel said that composure is going be essential, given the likely complexion of the game. England are going to have to battle through.
“Still you face a team that don’t allow a lot of chances. It can be tiring, it can be a bit nerve-racking. It can be monotonous to break this block down.
“But that’s where the energy goes to, where the mindset has to be: that we don’t freak out; we don’t start to doubt. We keep believing and do our things. Encourage the players, because clearly there is commitment and togetherness.”
That’s what Tuchel loves, but not as much as a knockout victory.
Sports
Tyson Fury offered world title shot by new heavyweight champion: “Come on we’ll make the fight”
Despite having his next two fights booked, Tyson Fury has been given the green light to fight for the WBC heavyweight world title by the recently upgraded champion.
Fury held the WBC belt between February 2022 and January 2024, making three successful defences before losing it to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed contest. Usyk carried the title until last month, when he vacated it along with his WBA and IBF straps.
WBC Interim champion Agit Kabayel was promptly upgraded to full champion, and talk has now turned to his first defence. Fury recently floated the idea of the match-up, pointing out his number one ranking with the sanctioning body.
Though Germany’s Kabayel had previously talked down the idea of fighting Fury, given their friendship outside of the ropes, he has now told the Ring Magazine that it is just ‘sport’ and would welcome the challenge.
“I respect him a lot, but Tyson called me out. When you have an interest in the fight, it’s sport, competition. I have no personality problem with the guy. When he has interest in the fight with me, why not? I respect him. He’s my big brother. When he says, ‘Agit, I want the belt,’ I say, ‘no problem brother, come on, we’ll make the fight.’”
Kabayel will look to make the first defence of his belt later this year, hopefully in Germany, where he has proven he can draw an impressive crowd.
As for Fury, he has just this week announced a ‘warm-up’ fight against Polish veteran Mariusz Wach, with a view to moving ahead with a pre-signed Anthony Joshua bout in November. Should the ‘AJ’ deal fall through, Kabayel may be a viable option.
Briton Moses Itauma has been ordered by the IBF to hold talks with Cuba’s Frank Sanchez about fighting for the vacant heavyweight title.
Last week Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his IBF, WBA ‘super’ and WBC belts.
The IBF said that, “in accordance with IBF championship rules”, it wants Sanchez, who is number one in their heavyweight rankings, to fight number three contender Itauma.
It said they have until 29 July to reach an agreement.
Itauma, 21, is scheduled to fight Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August in what he has called his “toughest fight”.
He could pull out of the Hrgovic fight or agree to fight Sanchez after that bout.
BBC Sport has contacted Itauma’s promoter Queensberry for comment.
Itauma claimed an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Jermaine Franklin in Manchester in March.
Although the IBF wants to arrange a bout for the vacant title, the WBC upgraded interim champion Agit Kabayel to champion after Usyk gave up its belt.
Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who was required to fight German Kabayel after he was granted an exemption to fight Rico Verhoeven in May, is now free to fight any opponent.
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