The 2026 UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain promises to be one of the most intriguing European finals in recent years. Set to take place in Budapest, the clash brings together two sides with contrasting strengths and styles.

Arsenal head into the final with the best defensive record in the competition, conceding only six goals and keeping nine clean sheets throughout the campaign. PSG, meanwhile, arrive as Europe’s most explosive attacking side, scoring 44 goals on their route to the final.

With elite talent spread across both squads, several individual battles could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy on Saturday night.  Why Arsenal could be PSG and Luis Enrique’s biggest challenge yet?  Arsenal head into the Champions League final with the strongest defensive record in Europe, conceding just six goals and keeping nine clean sheets in the competition this season. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have mastered controlling games without possession while also becoming one of football’s most dangerous set-piece sides.  Their defensive structure, led by players like Declan Rice and goalkeeper David Raya, has made them extremely difficult to break down. Fresh from ending a 22-year Premier League title drought, Arsenal arrive in Budapest playing with renewed confidence and significantly less pressure against Paris Saint-Germain.  Having said that, let us look at how the battles are shaping up for the biggest club encounter in Europe.

Bukayo Saka vs Nuno Mendes

One of the standout duels of the final will be between Bukayo Saka and Nuno Mendes on Arsenal’s right flank.

Saka remains Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat when fully fit. His direct running, creativity and defensive work rate make him one of the most complete wide players in Europe. The England international will look to constantly test Mendes both offensively and defensively.

However, Mendes has established himself as arguably the best left-back in world football. The Portuguese defender combines pace, strength and attacking quality while also being capable of shutting down elite wingers. He already enjoyed success against Saka in previous meetings between the two clubs.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs Jurrien Timber

Another crucial contest could unfold on Arsenal’s right side, where Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to pose a serious threat.

The Georgian winger has been one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers since arriving in Paris and has transformed PSG’s attack with his dribbling, creativity and relentless work rate. He enters the final after an outstanding Champions League knockout campaign.

Arsenal will hope Jurrien Timber recovers in time for the final, as his defensive discipline and athleticism may provide the best solution to containing Kvaratskhelia.

If Timber is unavailable or not fully fit, Mikel Arteta may be forced into tactical adjustments that PSG could exploit heavily down the flank.

Leandro Trossard vs Warren Zaïre-Emery

PSG also face uncertainty at right-back, with concerns surrounding Achraf Hakimi ahead of the final.

Should Hakimi fail to recover, midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery may once again be deployed in an unfamiliar defensive role.

That could provide a major opportunity for Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal attacker’s movement, quick combinations and unpredictability could trouble a makeshift full-back throughout the game.

Hakimi’s absence would significantly weaken PSG’s balance, especially considering his importance both defensively and in transition.

David Raya vs Matvey Safonov

Goalkeepers often become decisive figures in Champions League finals, and this year’s contest could once again highlight that importance.

David Raya has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers this season. His shot-stopping, command of the penalty area and composure in possession have played a key role in Arsenal’s European success.

PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has improved during the season but remains viewed as one of the weaker areas in an otherwise exceptional PSG side. Questions still remain over his handling under pressure and ability to deal with dangerous set-pieces.

Against an Arsenal team known for its effectiveness from dead-ball situations, Safonov could face one of the toughest tests of his career.

Ousmane Dembele vs Arsenal’s Centre-Backs

Much of PSG’s attacking fluidity revolves around Ousmane Dembele.

The French forward has rediscovered top form and played a decisive role in PSG’s run to the final. His movement, pace and creativity make him incredibly difficult to contain, especially when drifting between defensive lines.

Arsenal’s defensive hopes will largely depend on the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Saliba’s calmness and positioning combine perfectly with Gabriel’s aggression and physical presence, forming arguably the strongest centre-back partnership in Europe this season.

If they can successfully limit Dembele’s influence, Arsenal’s chances of lifting their first Champions League title will increase dramatically.

Declan Rice vs Vitinha

The midfield battle may ultimately decide the final, with Declan Rice expected to play a massive role for Arsenal.

Rice has been central to Arsenal’s domestic and European success this season thanks to his energy, ball-winning ability and leadership. However, he now faces one of the toughest midfield challenges in football.

PSG playmaker Vitinha has emerged as one of Europe’s elite midfielders through his intelligence, passing range and control under pressure.

Alongside João Neves and Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha forms part of a technically gifted PSG midfield trio capable of dominating possession and dictating the tempo of matches.

Rice’s influence will be crucial if Arsenal are to disrupt PSG’s rhythm and gain control in the centre of the pitch.

Tactical Battle Set for Budapest

This final presents a fascinating contrast between Arsenal’s defensive structure and PSG’s attacking brilliance.

Arsenal arrive unbeaten in this season’s Champions League and finally carrying the confidence of league champions, while PSG continue their pursuit of back-to-back European titles with arguably the most talented attack in club football.

With elite managers, world-class players and several decisive individual battles across the pitch, the 2026 Champions League final has all the ingredients to become a classic European showdown.

Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann said the NFL has left tradition behind.

The NFL has expanded their primetime schedule to holidays and games overseas, meaning they are playing more games outside the traditional Sunday afternoon timeslot. Theismann pointed out the drastic differences in how the games are broadcast.

“They’ve drifted away (from tradition). I mean, when you look at all the different streaming services and all the different networks, it used to be ABC, NBC, and CBS, but that doesn’t exist anymore. There only used to be those TV channels where you could watch things other than sports only existed then,” Theismann told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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Former NFL player Joe Theismann talks with sportscaster Cris Collinsworth before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Nov. 2, 2025. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

“Now, we’re in a time and a place where the opportunity for the owners to make lots of money from different entities, from YouTube, from Amazon, from Peacock.”

Theismann said fans used to look forward to Sundays, but now there are games seemingly all the time.

“Sunday is something you would look forward to sitting down to because you really didn’t have an option. Now you have options on Monday night, Thursday night, Wednesday night. God only knows, Tuesday night, Saturday evening. If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’re going to find the game,” Theismann said.

The opening game of the 2026 season will be on Wednesday this season, with the second game being played in Melbourne, Australia, on a Thursday. The NFL introduced a Thanksgiving Eve game this year, adding another Wednesday game to the schedule.

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Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann delivers the keynote address during the 16th Annual YMCA of the Palm Beaches Prayer Breakfast at The Breakers Palm Beach on Dec. 11, 2025. (DAMON HIGGINS/PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

There will also be NFL games on Friday this year, as the league has gone forth with its fourth annual Black Friday game. The NFL also has three games scheduled on Christmas Day, which is a Friday.

Once the college football regular season ends in mid-December, there will also be Saturday games.

Theismann did say the NFL now has gotten the fans easier access to watch more games, which he considers a good thing.

“It gives you a chance to find the game that you want to watch now. You don’t have to read about it the next day. So, in one regard it’s grown the NFL and the other side of it, yeah, would we all like things to be a little bit like they used to be? Maybe. But I believe in the progressive as a progressive individual, but life is changing. You have to adapt and change with it,” Theismann said.

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Former player Joe Theismann speaks during the announcement of the Washington Football Team’s name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExField in Landover, Md., on Feb. 2, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

American Century Championship

This will be the 37th American Century Championship, and Joe Theismann has played in 36 of them. He said he used to be a 2-handicap, but is now a nine, as he doesn’t hit the ball as far. He will look to turn back the clock when he plays in the tournament from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.

He said the American Century Championship is the lone thing that you really want to participate in.

“The American Century Championship has evolved to one of those things that, if you love golf at all, and you happen to be in that quote-unquote celebrity world, it’s the thing you really want to participate in. You get to measure your game. You get to pull back the curtain on so many wonderful people, and you get to see those that you watch on TV because I’m a fan of everything. But now you get a chance to see them up close and personal, and you get a chance to meet them and get to know them, and it’s exciting,” Theismann said.

The 76-year-old said he gets to visit people on the range. He mentioned Jerry Rice, Tony Romo and Miles Teller as people he has had conversations with, calling himself a “fanboy” of Teller’s.

Theismann said “Top Gun: Maverick” is his favorite movie of all time.

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Former Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann waves to the crowd during a college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on Oct. 12, 2024. (MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. Theismann credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for the tournament’s charitable work.

Theismann credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for the tournament’s charitable work.

The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

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Most people still think of Rounders as a game played in primary school yards. The reality is very different.

Every weekend during the summer, around 100 adult teams travel the length and breadth of Ireland to compete in national championships. Men, women and mixed teams take to the field from Mayo to Wexford, Galway to Monaghan, in a sport that has quietly become one of the most inclusive and community-driven success stories within the GAA.

Across Ireland, hundreds of adults are discovering the sport for the first time.

Many never played Rounders as children. Many never played any GAA sport at all. In clubs across Galway, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick and beyond, players from every corner of the world are pulling on club jerseys and becoming part of their local communities through Rounders.

Few sports offer such an easy entry point. A person can arrive in Ireland having never kicked a football or picked up a hurl and, within weeks, be playing championship sport alongside Irish teammates. In an increasingly diverse Ireland, Rounders has become one of the GAA’s most effective integration sports.

The growth in women’s participation has been equally impressive. Women’s and Mixed competitions continue to expand, creating opportunities for women to remain involved in competitive sport long after many traditional pathways disappear. Mixed Rounders, where men and women compete together on the same team, remains one of the most unique and successful participation models in Irish sport.

Another remarkable statistic is that 60% of adult members are over the age of 35. At a time when many sports struggle to retain participants beyond their twenties, Rounders has quietly become a lifelong sport. Players continue competing well into their thirties, forties and beyond, drawn by a combination of competition, friendship and community.

That sense of community is perhaps the sport’s greatest strength.

For many players, Rounders becomes far more than a weekly fixture. Clubs become social networks, support systems and friendship groups. New residents find connections. Families play together. Entire communities are built around a shared love of the game.

Yet behind this success story lies a challenge that cannot be ignored.

The Volunteer Strain Behind the Growth

The sport’s growth has been achieved almost entirely through volunteers.

Every championship fixture, every juvenile blitz, every social media post, every referee appointment and every development initiative depends on people giving up their time because they care about the future of the game. Nationally, Rounders now operates approximately 400 matches annually, placing increasing demands on a relatively small group of volunteers, referees and administrators.

Travel remains another major obstacle. Unlike larger sports with established regional structures, Rounders clubs often face significant journeys to fulfil fixtures. Volunteers regularly spend entire weekends travelling to support their teams, while referees cover huge distances to ensure games can proceed.

Facilities present an equally significant challenge. As participation grows, access to suitable playing venues is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in urban areas where demand for pitches continues to rise. Many clubs are thriving despite having no permanent home of their own.

What Rounders Needs Next

The sport’s future will depend on addressing these pressures. Greater investment in development officers, stronger support for volunteers, improved facilities and increased visibility could help unlock the next phase of growth.

There is also a growing belief within the game that reaching 100 active clubs nationwide would be transformative. More clubs would reduce travel, strengthen regional competitions and create a more sustainable championship structure for everyone involved.

The foundations are already in place.

Participation is growing. New clubs continue to emerge. Women’s involvement is increasing. Juvenile programmes are expanding. More people from different backgrounds are discovering the sport every year.

For a game that many still mistakenly view as a childhood pastime, the reality is that Rounders has evolved into one of the most welcoming, inclusive and community-focused sports in Ireland.

The challenge now is ensuring the structures, resources and support systems grow as quickly as the game itself.

Because if they do, the next chapter of the Rounders story could be its most exciting yet.

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Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon has been included in South Africa’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers amid growing tensions between Nigerians and some South Africans over issues linked to immigration and jobs.

Some South Africans have accused foreigners of being in the country illegally, taking jobs meant for locals and being involved in crimes, especially drug trafficking. Anti-immigrant groups have also reportedly stopped people outside hospitals and schools to demand identification documents, while foreign-owned businesses were advised to close during a recent protest in Pretoria over fears of violence.

Despite the tension, 22-year-old Okon, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, continues to represent Bafana Bafana. The Hannover 96 defender has already made five appearances for South Africa.

Okon is expected to make his first appearance at a major tournament after missing out on the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos also invited new players Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross as part of his final squad for the qualifiers.

Nineteen of the selected players currently play in the South African league.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

South Africa have played at three FIFA World Cups in the past, making appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010, but failed to progress beyond the group stage on each occasion.

There was no upset this time — the Stanford women’s golf team made sure of it.

On Wednesday, the Cardinal cruised to their third NCAA women’s golf championship in the last five years, downing Southern California 4-1 in the final at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.

Stanford earned the No. 1 seed for the match-play portion of the championship for the sixth straight year, although last year it was upset by Northwestern in the final, which ended the Cardinal’s hope of a title defense after they won in 2024.

But that upset storyline hardly had a heartbeat this time around.

Meja Ortengren beat Jasmine Koo 6 and 5 to give Stanford its first point of the three it needed, and Paula Martin Sampedro earned the second when she beat Catherine Park 3 and 2. Megha Ganne gave Stanford the winning point, beating Bailey Shoemaker 4 and 3. With Stanford clinching after Ganne’s win, the other two matches on the course ended as is, meaning Stanford’s Kelly Xu won 1 up in her match, and Kylie Chong of USC beat Andrea Revuelta 1 up to give the Trojans their only point.

A loaded Stanford team was always the favorite, but that also meant it had to deal with the pressure. All five of Stanford’s players who competed in the NCAA Championships also qualified for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur last month (Revuelta was the runner-up) and four of the five are in the top 10 of the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. Sampedro, who won the British Amateur and Ladies European Amateur last summer, is ranked 2nd; Revuelta 3rd; and Ortengren 6th. Ganne, who won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship last summer, is 10th; and Xu is 17th.

“These players all season long have been fighting and have had their backs against the wall,” Stanford coach Anne Walker told Golf Channel Wednesday. “They played great. I knew that if we had a chance with this crew we would be in it to the very end. That’s certainly what played out and we are going home the champions.”

The Stanford victory followed dominating wins over Pepperdine in the quarterfinals and Eastern Michigan in the semis; Stanford won both of those 5-0.

“I think the confidence comes from our preparation and knowing how hard they all prepare and how hard I prepare,” Ganne told Golf Channel. “That’s really all we can control, and we do all the things correctly leading up to this week and go in controlling the controllables and knowing we are really good players, and if we follow our routines we’ll end up on top.”

On the women’s side, Stanford now sits alone with four NCAA titles, which trails only Arizona State (eight) and Duke (seven). All of Stanford’s have come since 2015.

The NCAA golf championships continue this week at Omni La Costa with the men’s tournament. The stroke-play portion is Friday to Monday, with match play on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.

As a frequent traveler, the allure of Golf on the Road always exists. I wonder what the San Francisco munis are like? What courses can I sneak on in Austin? I have that open invite in Philly — should I take it? 

And in my 20s, I chased it. I lugged clubs through every airport, on every trip — you name it. But before long, my very basic travel bag took a beating. I’d cringe as airline employees dragged and dropped it on the barrage carousel, the thin canvas surrounding my irons fraying in numerous spots. I had received the travel bag for free from an industry pal, and it lived up to one of life’s truisms: you get what you pay for. In this instance, I owned a cheap travel bag, and it made traveling with clubs worse. 

I had to hold its handle a certain way for the bag to roll straight. I had to be on linoleum floors, not sidewalks, for its wheels to keep from catching and dragging. Golf on the Road was less attractive with my travel setup. It was time for a change. 

I waited until the very last minute — visiting a PGA TOUR Superstore en route to the airport — but I landed in the right spot: the Club Glove Club Traveler.

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Club Glove Club Traveler

The Club Traveler is a standard-sized, lightweight golf travel case, that will stand up to the rigors of airline travel. Formerly known as the “College” Traveler, this premium, padded and collapsible golf travel bag is equipped with a padded clubhead area, scratch-resistant interior lining, and shock-absorbing wheelbase to keep your clubs safe during transit. Arrive at your next destination with confidence.

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This is an extremely anecdotal observation, but in my experience, the proper golfers I see at oversized baggage claim are always carrying their weapons in this bag. The slimming, padded nature of the Club Traveler makes it seem like your sticks are zipped up tightly in their own little sleeping bag. The base of it is rigid, providing protection, but also a sturdiness to keep form as you bob and weave between other travelers in ground transportation. It feels like an extension of my arm as I race from baggage claim to whatever ride-share driver is waiting for me. 

The Club Traveler comes with a “Stiff Arm” extender to make sure your longest clubs aren’t feeling any undue pressure, and its wheels glide smoothly, regardless of the surface. In the most simple terms, I no longer feel any angst about how schleppy it’ll feel to Golf on the Road. I’m back to adding golf to most of my travels, even if there’s no golf at the center of the trip. It may cost a decent penny up front — $350-400 or so, tax included — but it’s a purchase that feels more and more efficient each time you use it. 

Angelina Jolie’s son, Maddox, has reportedly dropped Brad Pitt’s last name. He has put in an official request to remove Pitt from his name, making it Maddox Chivan Jolie.

Maddox is the eldest of Angelina Jolie’s six kids with Brad Pitt. Jolie adopted him in 2002 from an orphanage in Cambodia, before getting into a relationship with Pitt. She also adopted Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt and Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt. The former couple also had three biological kids: Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt, and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie.

According to the Daily Mail, Maddox has filed court documents to drop Pitt from his name officially. He had already stopped using it months ago informally. The 24-year-old was the assistant director on the Angelina Jolie starrer, Couture. In the credits, his name was displayed as Maddox Jolie and not with Pitt at the end.

He joins Shiloh in legally changing their names to drop Brad Pitt’s last name. The latter filed for the name change in July 2024, as her lawyer, Peter Levine, explained back then:

“Shiloh Jolie did not take out an “ad” announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate. As Shiloh’s attorney, I am required to publish a legal notice because the law in California requires that of anyone who wants to change their name. That legal notice was published in the Los Angeles Times, as is required.”

Meanwhile, Vivienne and Zahara have also informally dropped Pitt from their names. Zahara completed her graduation from Spelman College in Atlanta earlier this month. During commencement, her name was called out as Zahara Marley Jolie.

Also Read: Brett Cooper retweets Chelsea Handler’s old post about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce, questions her past “racist jokes”

Brad Pitt reportedly has a tense relationship with his and Angelina Jolie’s kids

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were first linked together in 2004 and eventually made it official after the former’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston in 2005. They tied the knot in 2014, but announced their split just two years. However, their divorce took eight years to get finalized due to a high-profile legal battle.

Regardless, since their split, Pitt appears to have a tense relationship with his kids. In 2024, a source reportedly said (h/t Daily Mail):

“He has virtually no contact with the adult kids. His engagement with the younger kids is more limited in recent months because of his filming schedule.”

Meanwhile, after their divorce was finalized in 2024, Angelina Jolie’s lawyer James Simon told PEOPLE:

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family.”

Notably, Brad Pitt also didn’t attend Zahara’s graduation ceremony earlier this month. TMZ reported that he didn’t feel he was invited due to the animosity towards him. However, a source reportedly told the outlet that “nothing prevented him from showing up for her.”

Meanwhile, Jolie has reportedly remained single since his split. Pitt, on the other hand, has been in a relationship with Ines de Ramon since 2022.

Also Read: “Can see both sides”: Perez Hilton reacts after Brad Pitt doesn’t attend daughter’s graduation ceremony & both “team Angelina” & “team Brad” respond