The final round of the 2026 John Deere Classic is in progress at TPC Deere Run in Illinois. Here’s everything you need to know to watch round four of the PGA Tour tournament, including a full John Deere Classic TV schedule, streaming information and complete tee times for the fourth round.
How to watch John Deere Classic
Heading into the final round of the 2026 John Deere Classic, Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges share the lead at 16-under par. Soft conditions following heavy rain early Saturday morning gave Glover an opportunity to go low, helping him maintain a share of the lead after carding a two-under 69 in the third round.
Hodges matched Glover at 16-under with a four-under 67, bouncing back from two front-nine bogeys by carding four birdies on the back nine to earn a share of the 54-hole lead. In his post-round press conference, Hodges said his resilient finish gave him confidence heading into Sunday, adding that rallying after the turn was one of the parts of his round he was most proud of.
“I played beautifully on the back nine to give myself a chance tomorrow,” he said, “It definitely could have got away from me today, the tournament, but I played myself right back in there, so I’m really proud of that.”
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Just one stroke behind the co-leaders at 15-under is a trio of players still searching for their first PGA Tour victory: Ben Kohles, Jackson Suber and Zac Blair.
Kohles climbed into contention with a third-round 66. Suber also fired a five-under 66, adding to his impressive breakout season that already includes two top-five finishes. Blair, the first-round co-leader, carded a four-under 67 to stay firmly in position heading into Sunday’s final round.
Glover, Hodges and Kohles will tee off at 12:35 AM ET.
You can watch the final round of the John Deere Classic on TV via Golf Channel, which will air coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Live TV coverage on CBS begins at 3 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide streaming coverage starting at 7:45 a.m. ET. You can stream CBS’ coverage on Paramount+.
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Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the final round of the 2026 John Deere Classic
How to watch on TV Sunday
Golf Channel will provide final-round TV coverage of the 2026 John Deere Classic from 1-3 p.m. ET on Sunday, followed by CBS coverage from 3-6 p.m. ET.
How to stream online Sunday
You can stream the final round of the 2026 John Deere Classic via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage 7:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET on Sunday in addition to featured group and hole coverage. You can stream CBS’ coverage on Paramount+. You can also stream a live simulcast of Golf Channel’s TV coverage on the GOLF App.
Check out the complete Round 4 tee times and pairings for the John Deere Classic below.
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2026 John Deere Classic tee times for Sunday: Round 4 (ET)
Tee No. 1
7:35 a.m. – Ryan Brehm, Fabián Gómez
7:44 a.m. – Nicholas Lindheim, Michael Feagles
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7:53 a.m. – Camilo Villegas, Jonathan Byrd, Zach Bauchou
8:04 a.m. – Ryan Voois, Will Gordon, Adrien Dumont de Chassart
8:15 a.m. – Mackenzie Hughes, A.J. Ewart, Gordon Sargent
8:26 a.m. – Rafael Campos, Steven Fisk, Eric Cole
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8:37 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, Max McGreevy
8:48 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Lanto Griffin, Keith Mitchell
9:05 a.m. – J.T. Poston, Davis Riley, Joel Dahmen
9:16 a.m. – Trace Crowe, Keita Nakajima, Mark Hubbard
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9:27 a.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Austin Eckroat, Luke Gutschewski
9:38 a.m. – Chan Kim, Michael Brennan, Nick Dunlap
9:49 a.m. – Hayden Springer, Peter Malnati, Tony Finau
10 a.m. – Austin Smotherman, Davis Chatfield, David Skinns
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10:11 a.m. – Sungjae Im, Karl Vilips, Jacob Bridgeman
10:28 a.m. – Harry Higgs, Tom Kim, Ben Griffin
10:39 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Davis Thompson
10:50 a.m. – Stephan Jaeger, Tom Hoge, Zecheng Dou
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11:01 a.m. – David Lipsky, Tyler Duncan, Pierceson Coody
11:12 a.m. – Matt Kuchar, Pontus Nyholm, Erik van Rooyen
11:23 a.m. – Mac Meissner, Beau Hossler, Emiliano Grillo
11:34 a.m. – William Mouw, Chris Gotterup, Troy Merritt
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11:51 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Aaron Wise, Rickie Fowler
12:02 a.m. – Max Homa, Ryo Hisatsune, Blades Brown
After years of struggling to generate a competent pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons finally found the right formula under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks last season.
This was a massive step up for a defense that finished 31st in the league with just 31 sacks in 2024. So, what changed? There were several factors, including the improvement of second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, but the team’s rookie duo of Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. was arguably the biggest difference.
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Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, while Walker’s 5.5 sacks were the second-most of anyone in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While Pearce generated most of the headlines, Walker is the more complete player. The former Georgia Bulldog has the versatility to play multiple spots along the front seven.
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Bleacher Report listed each team’s “most promising building block” ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Walker was B/R’s choice for the Falcons.
“The Atlanta Falcons have a trio of exciting skill players in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson,” wrote B/R’s Kristopher Knox. “However, two of them have made the Pro Bowl, while London—who made last year’s list—recently received a contract extension. So, we’ll pivot to the defensive side of the ball and second-year linebacker Jalon Walker. The Georgia product impressed as a rookie, tallying 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and nine QB hits.”
The Falcons attempted to play the former off-ball linebacker in more of a true edge role last season, but with Kaden Elliss departing in free agency, Walker is expected to pick up the slack on Ulbrich’s defense.
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“While he was largely used as an edge-rusher last season, the Falcons envision him being more of an all-around defender in the mold of former standout Kaden Elliss in Year 2,” added Knox. “Expect Walker to continue growing into a prominent role as one of Atlanta’s top defenders.”
With Pearce expected to be suspended for the start of the season, it will be interesting to see where Walker lines up in Week 1. Ultimately, the former Georgia standout’s versatility will only help Atlanta’s defense in 2026.
USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun will be able to play in Monday’s game against Belgium in the Round of 16 match after all following an uproar over a red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun received the red card after he stepped on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine whether Balogun had committed a severe foul.
Folarin Balogun of United States of America walks off the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California(Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It was ruled that Balogun did and he was sent off.
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the rule added.
FOX Sports confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been flagged to Claus.
United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) and United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters Friday about the red card.
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“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.
“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
U.S. Soccer had no way to appeal the ruing. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” Article 10.5 adds.
Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt contributed to this report.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Brandon Aiyuk just can’t stop grabbing headlines. The wide receiver has been looking to get out of San Francisco and join the Washington Commanders. However, he spoiled his case after dragging quarterback Jayden Daniels’ mother into his beef following Daniels’ nonchalant reaction to a fan shouting “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Aiyuk tried to do the damage repair with his latest Instagram story on Sunday. He posted a clip of himself wearing a Commanders hat and holding a pair of white cleats. He also tagged Daniels in the story.
Thanks for the submission!
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“Let’s Run it 5! Let’s see ! Need you available all szn and I’ll do the same!” Aiyuk wrote.
•
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Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)
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A fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup repeatedly shouted “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at Daniels. The Commanders QB laughed at it and didn’t care to interact with the fan. Despite it being a standard way to deal with the situation, Aiyuk was not pleased with the signal-caller. He posted a picture of himself frowning.
“Tf always so funny? Turn your savage up.” Aiyuk wrote.
The wide receiver posted another message a little later.
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“(Daniels) is going to text me talking about, ‘You’re on my team now, you follow my rules.’ Boy, I’m a grown man. You’re going to have stop running behind your mama and I might believe what you’re talking about, but until then, no.”
The two of them have unfollowed each other on Instagram. NFL insiders believe that front offices are growing increasingly concerned about Aiyuk’s online behavior.
In the clip, Aiyuk claimed Daniels told him he planned to join the Commanders and joked that the quarterback would have to follow his “B’s rules.” He also added that Daniels should act like a “grown a** man” before mentioning the quarterback’s mother, Regina.
Sharp hit back at Aiyuk for his behavior on X.
“Telling a franchise QB ‘you’re on my team now you’re gonna follow my rules’?? complete psychopath,” Sharp tweeted.
The situation has further fueled speculation of tension between the two.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates after Minnesota sealed a road win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sep 8, 2025. The rookie passer helped the Vikings start NFC North play with a statement, enjoying the moment in front of a Chicago crowd that had waited all night to spoil it. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have just over $13 million in cap space, a new general manager, and a couple of decent trade candidates, with training camp beginning at the end of the month. That makes a festive rumor mill, and we have those rumors for you every weekend.
This week’s batch focuses on J.J. McCarthy (twice) and the Vikings’ main roster need right now — an extra OLB.
McCarthy’s Trade Value Gives Minnesota a Strangest Summer Question
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts while attending a Timberwolves-Nuggets game at Target Center. Jan. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis, McCarthy watched NBA action during his first year with the organization, remaining visible around the Twin Cities while recovering from his rookie-season knee injury. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Rumor: J.J. McCarthy is the Vikings’ top trade asset this summer.
On a list of prominent NFL names and notable bench players, McCarthy gained Fansided‘s Wynston Wilcox’s attention for the Vikings, and he scribed about a trade possibility: “J.J. McCarthy is going to be the most talked about backup quarterback aside from Ty Simpson at this point.”
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“McCarthy’s days are numbered in Minnesota. The Vikings even thinking about pursuing Anthony Richardson could very well be the end of McCarthy in the Twin Cities. It’s not a matter of if McCarthy will get traded, it’s when. Depending on how he plays this offseason, he’ll either get dealt before Week 1 or closer to the deadline. Should McCarthy be traded? Yes.”
Here’s the uncomfortable truth about McCarthy that no one wants to say aloud: If the Vikings secretly believe he isn’t their long-term solution, then this summer presents the optimal window to trade him.
By next offseason, his value could greatly diminish. Should McCarthy suffer another injury or perform poorly in 2026, quarterback-needy teams won’t offer much for him. He’d be viewed similarly to how Anthony Richardson or Will Levis are perceived now — an intriguing prospect, but at a discounted price.
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This would likely translate to a 5th-Round pick, or something in that range. Yikes.
Minnesota might still have faith in McCarthy; that’s the purpose of this summer’s competition. However, if they’ve already had a change of heart internally, waiting will not increase his trade value. It will only provide another year of potentially brutal evidence.
The Vikings probably won’t trade McCarthy — they need QB depth — but now is the best time to do it.
Rumor: McCarthy has narrowed the odds to win the QB1 battle at training camp.
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Training camp is about 3.5 weeks away, and FanDuel has updated probabilities for the Vikings’ quarterback competition:
Murray won the early June “microphone battle,” a moment that garnered more attention than it perhaps deserved. Murray’s poised demeanor contrasted with McCarthy’s candid, overly truthful remarks. Following that, and a few OTA clips, the consensus was that Murray had secured the starting job.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up before kickoff during pregame routines at MetLife Stadium. Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, McCarthy went through timing drills and footwork as Minnesota finalized preparations ahead of a late-season road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
However, the narrative shifted later in June. McCarthy began to close the gap, while Murray threw a few puzzling interceptions during practice in Eagan. Practice interceptions are far from definitive, but they certainly reignited the conversation.
The competition, it seems, is far from officially over. Murray remains the favorite, bolstered by his experience and his veteran status. Yet McCarthy still has a legitimate chance, having held the starting position in 2025 and maintaining a continued presence in the competition.
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July and August will ultimately determine the outcome. For now, Murray holds the lead, but McCarthy remains a contender. It will be the Vikings’ first true quarterback competition since 2014.
Rumor: Minnesota, indeed, will probably sign an outside linebacker in free agency.
The Athletic studied one central question for each NFL team leading into training camp, and for the Vikings, that was OLB.
Alec Lewis wrote, “Who will they add for depth at edge rusher? Because quarterback continues to dominate the conversation in Minnesota, other parts of the roster remain overlooked. Edge rusher is one of them.”
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“The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. His departure opens the door for 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner to take the next step. Minnesota also still has the cyborg, Andrew Van Ginkel. Depth behind them warrants a potential addition.”
It’s the first time in years that fans have had to worry about pass-rushing depth.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd lines up during a game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Dec. 30, 2024, in Santa Clara, Floyd continued his late-season work as a veteran pass rusher in a primetime NFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
“If Turner or Van Ginkel miss time with an injury, the Vikings need reliable pass rushers, especially with how much they’re betting on youth on the interior. The team has about $13.1 million in cap space for 2026. Using a chunk of change on edge help is a realistic expectation,” Lewis concluded.
Thankfully, the open market has about 10 decent OLB options, including Jadeveon Clowney and Leonard Floyd.
Don’t be surprised when Minnesota signs a big fish at OLB in summer free-agent speak. It’s the last thing stopping the Vikings from having an honest-to-goodness, playoff-worthy depth chart — one extra EDGE rusher.
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Luke Cartwright achieved a career milestone on Saturday, partnering Wise Inlaw to victory in the $175,000 A R Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
The leading metropolitan apprentice jockey in Victoria secured his first Stakes success aboard the gelding trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman in the Listed race.
This was Cartwright’s 43rd Black Type start, including eight Group 1 races. He recalled a near miss with Extragalactic in this year’s The Goodwood, and expressed his immense satisfaction at finally winning a Stakes race.
“It’s just a bit of a weight off my shoulders,” Cartwright said.
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“It’s made me a lot more determined to work even harder at it, because it doesn’t come overnight.
“We went close in a few of the bigger races, but that just made me to come back down to basics through winter, knuckle down, tidy up a few things in my riding and I can’t thank the team behind me enough.”
In the Creswick Stakes, Wise Inlaw was positioned just off the speed of Prince Tycoon by Cartwright. The pair battled strongly, with Wise Inlaw ($7) eventually getting the upper hand by half-a-length at the finish.
Third place was claimed by the New South Wales visitor Chains Of Love, the $4.20 favourite, who finished 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner.
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Wise Inlaw returned $7 to its supporters on various Australian betting sites, while the favourite Chains Of Love ($4.20) and Prince Tycoon were among the key runners in the betting markets offered by betting sites.
The win gave Moody and Coleman consecutive victories in the Creswick Stakes, following Bridal Waltz’s triumph last year. Moody commented that the key to the win was the realisation that the son of Wootton Bassett was a sprinter.
“We always thought he was a seven-furlong (horse), miler but about eight or 10 weeks ago we made the decision that he couldn’t run 1400,” Moody stated.
“We brought him back to the straight and he was very impressive here three runs back.
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“I think we went to the Bletchingly Stakes after she (Bridal Waltz) won this last year, but realistic he’s probably ready for a little break.
“He might have time for a freshen up and be back at Caulfield, but we’ll let him guide the path.”
Get involved with the racing odds for the Creswick Stakes and other upcoming races via these top-tier sports betting platforms.
Daniel Coyle maintained his good form at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, with a victory aboard Calippo 57, in the AKITA Drilling 1.45m.
Competition on the International Ring on a track designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela of Spain, 66 horse and rider combinations undertook the challenge.
The one-round competition measured 565 metres and featured 12 obstacles (14 efforts), all to be completed within the 85-second time allowed.
Both the Devil’s Dyke and the open water were offered as options on course, providing competitors with an early opportunity to consider strategies ahead of the Sun Life Derby later in the week.
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Only round under 70 seconds
Speed and precision were the keys to success, and Daniel Coyle and Calippo 57 demonstrated exactly what it takes to come out on top. The pair delivered the only round under the 70-second mark, stopping the clock in an impressive 69.09 seconds to secure victory.
Great Britain’s Charlie Jones claimed second place with a time of 70.86 seconds, while America’s Melody Liu rounded out the podium.
Top 10 AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Calippo 57
Charlie Jones (GBR) & Capitale 6
Melody Liu (USA) & Napoleon Van Den Dael
Carly Campbell-Cooper (CAN) & Baretino PS
Zoe Brown (AUS) & Unchained 2
Rupert Carl Winkelmann (GER) & Imodo
Kyle King (CAN) & Kayenne Z
Brian Morton (CAN) & Baton Rouge
Jesus Francisco Orantes Haua (MEX) & Qualitissimo PS
The O’Brien family had training success in both England and the USA on Saturday.
Aidan trained Constitution River to take the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown before his youngest son, Donnacha, won the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks at Saratoga with Kensington Lane.
Another Coral-Eclipse win for Aidan O’Brien
Constitution Rover (8/11 favourite), a three-year-old son of Wootton Bassett ran out a three-length winner of the feature race at Sandown Park, the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, in the hands of Ryan Moore.
The French Derby winner on his last start was meeting older horses for the first time today, but got most to do from his own age group as three-year-olds claimed the top-three spots at the line.
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A Boy Named Susie (20/1), ridden by Oisín Murphy and trained by Donnacha O’Brien, son of the winning handler, took second, with another of Aidan O’Brien’s representatives, Hawk Mountain (8/1), the French Derby runner-up, taking third under Wayne Lordan.
Kensington Lane wins Belmont Oaks
Kensington Lane, a daughter of Starspangledbanner, led from the stalls to claim a 23/1 victory in the Belmont Oaks at Saratoga for owners Medallion Racing, Agave Racing Stable, and Trommer.
Fifth behind Precise on her previous racecourse appearance in the Tattersalls Irish 100 Guineas at The Curragh in May, the now dual Stakes winner was ridden on her US debut by Joel Rosario.
The Iberian Derby will be renewed on Monday in a Round of 16 match at the World Cup 2026 as Spain take on Portugal. These neighboring nations have faced off over 40 times previously, but this will be just their third FIFA World Cup meeting. Lamine Yamal and Spain won their first knockout stage match, 3-0, over Austria, while the Portuguese, behind a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, defeated Croatia, 2-1, in the Round of 32. Across their prior two World Cup matchups, Spain won in 2010, and there was a draw in 2018.
Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET from Dallas Stadium. The Portuguese won on penalties in the squads’ last meeting in June 2025. The latest Portugal vs. Spain odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Spain at -115 (risk $115 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Portugal at +310 and a draw at +260. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Spain are -225 to advance, with Portugal at +180. Before locking in any Spain vs. Portugal picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the Spain vs. Portugal predictions from SportsLine’s Jon Eimer.
Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He’s been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. He’s also off to a fast start in the World Cup and is on an 25-16-2 run (61%) on WC picks. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
After examining Spain vs. Portugal from every angle, Eimer is leaning Over 2.5 totalgoals. These teams met just a year ago in the UEFA Nations League in which four total goals were scored, and their last World Cup matchup in 2018 saw six goals go on the scoreboard. Over the last four competitive meetings between Spain and Portugal, the matches have averaged 3.3 combined goals.
Both squads had underwhelming showings in their 2026 World Cup openers but have displayed their true form since, and that’s been reflected on the scoreboard. Each has seen an average of 2.7 total goals over their last three matches thanks to world-class playmakers like Lamine Yamal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mikel Oyarzabal. Given the teams’ recent trends, and historical tendencies, Eimer sees more value in backing the Over. See Eimer’s best bets for Portugal vs. Spain at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Spain vs. Portugal at FanDuel here:
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How to make Spain vs. Portugal picks
After studying the Portugal vs. Spain matchup from every angle, Eimer has found a critical x-factor and locked in three best bets, including a plus-money prop on a player who looks “unstoppable.” You can head to SportsLine to see what they are.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops in the pocket at Lambeau Field before Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) closes for a sack, with Nov. 23, 2025 marking the first-half divisional play in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Turner finishes the pressure as Minnesota’s defense creates an early road statement against Love. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings lost some veteran players this offseason, which is standard operating procedure for every NFL team. To make up for losses, existing players will be expected to step up, along with a whole bunch of rookies. It’s just the way it goes.
In 2026, these are those men for the Vikings, listed in alphabetical order — veterans whose job descriptions will increase.
Dallas Turner’s Promotion Has the Loudest Summer Stakes
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) goes through warm-ups at Paul Brown Stadium before facing the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12, 2021. Brandel worked through pregame drills in Cincinnati while preparing for special teams and depth duties, with teammates moving around him during the early-afternoon setup before Minnesota’s road opener. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.
Blake Brandel | C
The Vikings have a history of unconventional center selections, and Brandel might be the most surprising, given his presence on the team.
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Last season, Brandel played 383 snaps at center, indicating this isn’t merely a fleeting experiment. While his 61.4 PFF grade isn’t spectacular, it revealed a crucial truth: Minnesota may have found a viable player for a position that can hold down the fort.
That makes Week 1 a critical juncture. With Brandel slated to start at center, the experiment becomes reality. If he performs adequately, the Vikings could resolve this position without the frantic search for solutions next offseason.
If not, it’s back to square one. Brandel’s value has always stemmed from his versatility. He can play guard, shift to tackle, and now has a legitimate opportunity at center. Last season, he was indispensable, playing in all 17 games, including nine starts, and handling 64% of the offensive snaps.
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Teams often dedicate entire offseasons to finding stopgap players. Brandel, however, might be that rare individual who can not only fill a void but also secure the job long-term.
Joe Huber | G
Huber is included on this list “just in case.” The Vikings will start guards Donovan Jackson and Will Fries in 2026, but if one gets injured, Huber figures to be the next man up. Otherwise, Minnesota would have to convert tackle Walter Rouse to guard.
The undrafted rookie from 2025 saw action as a rookie and remains on the roster with training camp 3.5 weeks away. For now, he seems to be the primary backup guard. Injuries spanked the Vikings’ offensive line in 2025. If that happens again, Huber could be a starter.
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Dallas Turner | OLB
This season marks the moment the Vikings will finally justify the substantial investment made in Turner. No more talk of more “waiting for snaps” and no more relegating him to a backup role behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. With Greenard now an Eagle, Turner’s time has arrived.
It’s exciting because Turner’s projected 2025 sack numbers and his knack for forcing fumbles suggest a player capable of far more than simply fitting into Brian Flores’ defense. He possesses the talent to become a pass rusher who can singlehandedly alter the course of a drive.
Most Vikings fans would likely be content with him simply solidifying a starting role, reserving Pro Bowl aspirations for 2027 or 2028. That’s a reasonable expectation. However, Turner’s ascension might happen even faster.
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Minnesota didn’t draft him to be a rotational player. The Vikings expended considerable draft capital for a high-impact defensive talent. Now, he’ll receive the snaps to prove that investment was worthwhile.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner appears at the Play Football Prospect Clinic at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit on Apr 24, 2024. Turner took part in the NFL Draft week event before joining the Minnesota Vikings, giving cameras another look at one of the class’s premier defensive prospects in a community setting. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Turner last month, “A substantial part of the calculus of trading Greenard is that the Vikings need to see what they have full-time in Turner, who they traded up for in the first round two years ago.”
“He came alive in the second half of last season and has an arrow pointing straight up heading into year three at 23 years old. Turner emerging as a star would help fans forget about the Greenard trade pretty quickly.”
Jay Ward | S
The most mysterious statement in the current Vikings landscape is this: Harrison Smith is not presently on the roster. He may return; he may be retired. Nobody knows. If Smith remains away or retires, Ward stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries on the entire depth chart.
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He already provided the Vikings with compelling reasons to consider him. Late last season, Ward surpassed Theo Jackson, injecting more intensity into the secondary. His aggressive play was noticeable, and his ball-tracking ability proved helpful. The defense as a whole appeared more dynamic with him on the field.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr celebrates with safety Jay Ward and linebacker Pat Jones II after a fourth-quarter fumble recovery at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov 27, 2023. Barr’s takeaway energized Minnesota late against the Chicago Bears, giving the Vikings a momentum jolt during a tense Monday Night Football divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
If Smith is indeed done, Minnesota would likely enter Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers with Josh Metellus and Ward as the starting safeties.
It represents a monumental challenge for Ward, but it’s precisely the kind of opportunity young defensive backs strive for over two years. The Vikings may have an open safety spot, and Ward is currently in the prime position to claim it. It’s also the final year of his rookie contract, also known as go-time.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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