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4 Contenders Worth Watching at Royal Birkdale

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Royal Birkdale returns to the spotlight as the world’s finest golfers gather for another edition of The Open Championship.

Renowned for demanding precision, patience, and adaptability, the famous links venue consistently rewards complete players capable of handling changing weather and strategic shot-making.

Several established stars arrive with compelling credentials, while recent performances have reshaped expectations ahead of the season’s final major. Four contenders, in particular, stand out as leading names capable of lifting the Claret Jug.

Scottie Scheffler Enters as the Odds Favourite

2026 Open Odds: +500

Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale as the leading name in The Open 2026 odds, reflecting both his position atop the world rankings and another remarkably consistent campaign. Few players have matched his week-to-week reliability, with regular contention across the PGA Tour reinforcing why bookmakers continue to place him ahead of the field.

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His recent form includes multiple victories and high finishes against elite competition, extending a run that has already produced an impressive collection of major championship performances. Scheffler’s résumé now includes multiple major victories alongside countless appearances near the top of leaderboards, highlighting his ability to thrive under the greatest pressure. That consistency remains one of his defining strengths.

Royal Birkdale demands disciplined golf rather than constant aggression, making Scheffler’s exceptional ball-striking particularly valuable. He ranks strongly across key areas such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, strokes gained approach, and scoring average. His thoughtful course management also minimises costly mistakes, a quality that has repeatedly separated Open champions from the chasing pack.

Compared with the other favourites, Scheffler offers perhaps the highest combination of consistency and statistical excellence. While several rivals possess comparable talent, few maintain such a high baseline every tournament. A victory at Royal Birkdale would further strengthen his standing among golf’s modern greats while adding another Open Championship to an already outstanding major championship legacy.

Rory McIlroy Chases Links Glory

2026 Open Odds: +800

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Rory McIlroy once again enters The Open among the leading contenders after producing another strong season across golf’s biggest tournaments. His major championship form has remained competitive, and his combination of experience and proven ability on links courses continues to attract significant attention.

McIlroy’s history with The Open Championship includes memorable victories, close calls, and several weekends spent challenging for a top-10 finish. Growing up playing links golf has given him an instinctive understanding of how to control ball flight, adapt to unpredictable winds, and embrace the unique demands that distinguish this championship from every other major.

Recent tournament performances suggest McIlroy arrives with positive momentum. His combination of length from the tee and exceptional shot-shaping ability allows him to attack difficult holes while remaining flexible when weather conditions change throughout the week. Those strengths have repeatedly translated into success on links layouts that reward creativity alongside technical excellence.

Broader Golf narratives point out that the pursuit of another Claret Jug adds historical significance for one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting figures. Public interest inevitably follows McIlroy wherever he competes, but success at Royal Birkdale will depend on disciplined strategy rather than emotion. Limiting mistakes, controlling trajectory in challenging conditions, and capitalising on scoring opportunities remain the tactical ingredients required to stay firmly in contention through Sunday’s closing round.

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Justin Rose Brings Experience and Consistency

2026 Open Odds: +2,700

Justin Rose enters Royal Birkdale backed by years of elite-level consistency and an impressive record across golf’s biggest championships. Although younger rivals often dominate pre-tournament headlines, Rose continues to demonstrate the qualities that make experienced competitors dangerous whenever major championships demand patience and strategic execution.

Throughout his career, Rose has regularly featured near the top of Open Championship leaderboards while building one of the strongest major championship résumés of his generation. His experience handling pressure over four demanding rounds gives him an important advantage, particularly on a links course where composure often proves just as valuable as raw power.

Royal Birkdale rewards precise iron play, intelligent decision-making, and disciplined course management, all longstanding strengths of Rose’s game. Recent tournament performances indicate that his swing remains dependable, while his ability to adapt to varying weather conditions keeps him competitive throughout championship week.

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A strong performance would also resonate with British supporters, who have followed Rose throughout an accomplished international career. Remaining patient during difficult stretches and positioning himself within striking distance entering the weekend could once again place him firmly in contention. Capturing the Claret Jug would represent another defining achievement, adding one of golf’s most prestigious titles to an already distinguished career.

Jordan Spieth Returns With Open Pedigree

2026 Open Odds: +4,500

Jordan Spieth returns to Royal Birkdale carrying one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. While his recent form has fluctuated compared with earlier stages of his career, his proven success on this course continues to influence expectations. Few players in the field possess stronger memories of Royal Birkdale than the American.

His unforgettable 2017 Open Championship victory remains one of golf’s greatest major triumphs. Spieth closed with a final-round 69 to secure a three-shot victory after surviving one of the most dramatic championship rounds in modern Open history. The performance demonstrated resilience, imagination, and an ability to respond under extraordinary pressure.

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Early in that final round, Spieth surrendered a three-shot advantage before producing the tournament’s defining moment at the 13th hole. Following a wayward drive, officials spent nearly twenty minutes determining relief options before Spieth played his remarkable recovery from a driving range adjacent to the course. A gritty bogey preserved his hopes when disaster seemed likely.

While Spieth may be a longshot for this year’s Open Championship, what followed in 2017 became Open Championship folklore. Spieth nearly aced the 14th, rolled in a spectacular 50-foot eagle putt on the 15th, then added consecutive birdies at the 16th and 17th holes to seize complete control. That extraordinary finish remains central to his Royal Birkdale legacy and continues to shape his standing among the leading contenders as he returns to this historic venue.

Four Players, One Historic Championship

Royal Birkdale promises another demanding examination of every aspect of championship golf. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Jordan Spieth each arrive with unique strengths, compelling storylines, and realistic ambitions of lifting the Claret Jug.

Whether through recent dominance, proven links expertise, unforgettable history, or veteran consistency, each contender has earned serious consideration. As tournament week unfolds, their performances will help define another memorable chapter in one of golf’s most celebrated major championships.

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Content reflects information available as of 2026/07/06; subject to change.


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Belgium knocks US out of World Cup after Balogun controversy

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Belgium secured its place in the World Cup quarterfinals after beating the US 4-1 in Seattle.

Atalanta attacker Charles de Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken scoring the third after a mistake by US goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Romelu Lukaku added the fourth in stoppage time after another mistake in the US defense

Germany-born Malik Tillman temporarily equalized for the US in the 31st minute.

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The defeat signals the end of the US’ World Cup campaign, marking the last host country to have been eliminated.

Belgium will face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10.

FIFA decision causes uproar

The game was overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card received by US striker Folarin Balogun, who featured in the US’ starting eleven for the game without leaving any impact.

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US President Donald Trump admitted to having spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Balogun’s red card, which would have prompted a ban from the last 16 game against Belgium, with world football’s governing body later announcing the red card as suspended for one year.

FIFA’s own statutes forbid any kind of governmental or political interference with the work and decision making of its member associations, with world football’s governing body previously sanctioning national associations for such interference taking place.

Kuwait and Indonesia, for example, were disqualified from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to governmental interference in the two countries’ respective football associations.

United States' Folarin Balogun goes for the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium in Seattle
US striker Folarin Balogun left no impact on the gameImage: Manu Fernandez/AP Photo/picture alliance

Infantino, Trump defend decision

Infantino claimed the decision had been made by FIFA’s disciplinary committee and that Trump’s phone call had no influence on it.

“During our conversation I explained that there was an ongoing legal process,” Infantino said in a statement, adding that FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent.

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“This is how FIFA’s system works and it is a principle I will always uphold,” he said.

Trump, too, said he had only asked for the red card to be reviewed.

Belgium’s football association appealed the decision ahead of the game, but its appeal was rejected by FIFA.

FIFA’s decision caused large-scale criticism across world football, including by European football’s governing body UEFA and many national associations and high-profile figures across the game.

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Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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FIFA under fire for World Cup red card retraction

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Report: Commanders sign CB Rasul Douglas to 1-year deal

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Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesNov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders are planning to sign cornerback Rasul Douglas to a one-year deal, ESPN reported Monday.

The deal is reportedly worth up to $3.8 million.

Douglas played last season, his ninth in the NFL, with the Miami Dolphins. He recorded 62 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 15 games (13 starts), earning an AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor in Week 14.

The 30-year old third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has 503 tackles, 92 pass deflections and 21 interceptions over 135 games (93 starts) with the Philadelphia Eagles (2017-19), Carolina Panthers (2020), Green Bay Packers (2021-23), Buffalo Bills (2023-24) and Dolphins.

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With his signing, Washington would seek to bolster a passing defense which ranked 28th in the NFL last season, allowing 242.5 passing yards per game.

–Field Level Media

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, traded to Heat, bids goodbye to Bucks

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NBA: — Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to say hello to Miami Heat in a few days. First, he had to bid farewell to Milwaukee Bucks.NBA: — Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to say hello to Miami Heat in a few days. First, he had to bid farewell to Milwaukee Bucks.

FILE – Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo walks off the court after an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File)

MIAMI— Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to say hello to Miami in a few days. First, he had to bid farewell to Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks officially ended Monday, when the trade sending him and Bobby Portis to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and draft capital was approved by the NBA.

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Antetokounmpo plans to arrive in Miami in a few days to start his Heat era — and said in a video message posted Monday on social media that he will forever think of Milwaukee, the place where he spent 13 seasons, as his city.

“I want you to hear from my mouth, the city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart,” Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 10-time All-Star, said in the video. “This is my home, and this is a place that I had my kids. … It made me the man that I am today. That will never ever change. No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family.”

His run in Milwaukee ended with 21,531 points — by far the most in franchise history, more than 7,000 ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s total during his tenure with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is also Milwaukee’s all-time leader in rebounds and assists, plus he ranks second on the team’s career list in steals.

And now, he plays in Miami — a team desperate to get back into title contention, one that paid a ransom to make it happen.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks NBAGiannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks NBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 12, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images/AFP 

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in Heat history,” Miami President Pat Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best.”

Bucks general manager Jon Horst released a statement saying the trade was in the best interest of everyone involved.

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He also lauded Antetokounmpo, as would be expected.

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“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way — on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst said. “Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate and representative of this city, and one of the defining players of his generation. The standard he set will continue here.”

The highlight of Antetokounmpo’s 13 seasons in Milwaukee, of course, was the 2021 NBA title. He had 50 points in the Bucks’ title-clinching Game 6 victory over Phoenix, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in a landslide.

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Antetokounmpo said then, and reiterated Monday, that Bucks fans deserved that moment.

“I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar,” he said in the video. “It’s people that work extremely hard every single day. They give all their hard-earned money just to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks, to come and feel something, to come, to be a part of us.



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“I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could. And I was like them. I showed up to work, did everything. I was willing to do all the dirty work, just like them. I hope that bringing a trophy to this city meant something to them, because it meant so much to me.”

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I asked Tommy Fleetwood for iron-flighting advice. Here’s what he told me

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Errol Spence’s ex trainer Derrick James addresses what went wrong in Terence Crawford training camp

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Errol Spence Jr made headlines recently when he described his training camp for the undisputed welterweight clash with Terence Crawford as “trash.”

Spence was comprehensively beaten by Crawford in 2023, suffering two knockdowns before being stopped in the ninth round. The following year, he parted ways with long-time trainer Derrick James, with the pair also becoming embroiled in a two-way lawsuit.

Responding to Spence’s comments on The Last Stand podcast, James appeared to acknowledge that preparations were not ideal, explaining that the gym was busier than usual while he was also overseeing training camps for Anthony Joshua and Frank Martin.

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“This is what I’ll say. We weren’t able to do everything that we normally do to prepare for a fight. The gym was busy at that time … so it was a different space. The whole protocol changed right after that [fight] – no kids in the gym, no this or that.

“If that’s his perception… I had two other training camps going on at the same time. They never trained at the same time, but they were going on simultaneously. I will say that. If ‘trash’ is his perception, there’s nothing I can do about it … It was never like I was training all three of them at the same time.”

James did, however, refuse to be blamed for the lack of sparring.

“It was [disappointing] to hear … He said he didn’t spar. No, he did spar for two weeks, and supposedly he got injured within the last week of the sparring.

“So he couldn’t spar for the next eight weeks because he suffered an injury. That’s the only thing that was really different – he didn’t spar because he was injured … [After the injury] his father said, no sparring, he’s gonna save it till the fight.”

Despite their disagreement over the camp, James was quick to stress that nothing should detract from Crawford’s performance on the night.

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“This takes nothing away from what Terence Crawford did.”

Spence returns to the ring on July 25 when he takes on Tim Tszyu, with Ronnie Shields now serving as his trainer.

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World Cup 2026 TV schedule: How to watch every knockout game live in the UK

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The last-32 of the 2026 World Cup is delivering bucketloads of drama for fans to watch live on television.

Every single game in the competition is available to watch on free-to-air TV for UK viewers.

England fans will be keen to follow the Three Lions’ progress despite time differences
England fans will be keen to follow the Three Lions’ progress despite time differences (PA)

Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.

Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.

World Cup 2026 TV schedule, UK

Knockout stages

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Sunday 28 June

South Africa 0-1 Canada (Round of 32)

Monday 29 June

In 2022, led by Lionel Messi, Argentina ended a 36-year wait for their third World Cup trophy
In 2022, led by Lionel Messi, Argentina ended a 36-year wait for their third World Cup trophy (Getty)

Brazil 2-1 Japan (Round of 32)

Germany 1-1 (3-4 pens) Paraguay (Round of 32)

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Tuesday 30 June

Netherlands 1-1 (2-3 pens) Morocco (Round of 32)

Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway (Round of 32)

France 3-0 Sweden (Round of 32)

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Wednesday 1 July

Mexico 2-0 Ecuador (Round of 32)

England 2-1 DR Congo (Round of 32)

Belgium 3-2 Senegal A.E.T. (Round of 32)

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Thursday 2 July

USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Round of 32)

Spain 3-0 Austria (Round of 32)

Friday 3 July

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The New York New Jersey stadium will be a key venue this summer, hosting the final among other games
The New York New Jersey stadium will be a key venue this summer, hosting the final among other games (Getty)

Portugal 2-1 Croatia (Round of 32)

Switzerland 2-0 Algeria (Round of 32)

Australia 1-1 (2-4 pens) Egypt (Round of 32)

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde A.E.T. (Round of 32)

Saturday 4 July

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Colombia 1-0 Ghana (Round of 32)

Canada 0-3 Morocco (Round of 16)

Paraguay 0-1 France (Round of 16)

Sunday 5 July

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Brazil 1-2 Norway (Round of 16)

Monday 6 July

Mexico 2-3 England (Round of 16)

Portugal 0-1 Spain (Round of 16)

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Tuesday 7 July

This Germany fan and many others will be keen to see the team add a fifth star to their jersey
This Germany fan and many others will be keen to see the team add a fifth star to their jersey (Reuters)

USA 1-4 Belgium (Round of 16)

Argentina vs Egypt (Round of 16) – 5pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player

Switzerland vs Colombia (Round of 16) – 9pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player

Thursday 9 July

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France vs Morocco (Quarter-final) – 9pm BST – TBC

Friday 10 July

Spain vs Belgium (Quarter-final) – 8pm BST – TBC

Saturday 11 July

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Norway vs England (Quarter-final) – 10pm BST – TBC

Sunday 12 July

Fifa president Gianni Infantino (right) with US president Donald Trump
Fifa president Gianni Infantino (right) with US president Donald Trump (PA)

Quarter-final – 2am BST – TBC

Tuesday 14 July

Semi-final – 8pm BST – TBC

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Wednesday 15 July

Semi-final – 8pm BST – TBC

Saturday 18 July

Third-place play-off – 10pm BST – TBC

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Sunday 19 July

Final – 8pm BST – TBC

Group stage results

Thursday 11 June

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Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Group A)

Friday 12 June

South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic (Group A)

Canada 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group B)

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Saturday 13 June

USA 4-1 Paraguay (Group D)

Qatar 1-1 Switzerland (Group B)

Brazil 1-1 Morocco (Group C)

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Sunday 14 June

Haiti 0-1 Scotland (Group C)

Australia 2-0 Turkey (Group D)

Germany 7-1 Curacao (Group E)

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Netherlands 2-2 Japan (Group F)

Monday 15 June

Spain will enter the World Cup as European champions, just as they did in 2010
Spain will enter the World Cup as European champions, just as they did in 2010 (Getty)

Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador (Group E)

Sweden 5-1 Tunisia (Group F)

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (Group H)

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Belgium 1-1 Egypt (Group G)

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay (Group H)

Tuesday 16 June

Iran 2-2 New Zealand (Group G)

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France 3-1 Senegal (Group I)

Iraq 1-3 Norway (Group I)

Wednesday 17 June

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Argentina 3-0 Algeria (Group J)

Austria 3-1 Jordan (Group J)

Portugal 1-1 DR Congo (Group K)

England 4-2 Croatia (Group L)

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Thursday 18 June

Ghana 1-0 Panama (Group L)

Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia (Group K)

Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa (Group A)

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Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group B)

Canada 6-0 Qatar (Group B)

Jonathan David netted a hat-trick against Qatar
Jonathan David netted a hat-trick against Qatar (Reuters)

Friday 19 June

Mexico 1-0 South Korea (Group A)

USA 2-0 Australia (Group D)

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Scotland 0-1 Morocco (Group C)

Saturday 20 June

Brazil 3-0 Haiti (Group C)

Turkey 0-1 Paraguay (Group D)

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Vini Jr, shown in the background, is one of Brazil’s most-popular players
Vini Jr, shown in the background, is one of Brazil’s most-popular players (AFP/Getty)

Netherlands 5-1 Sweden (Group F)

Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast (Group E)

Sunday 21 June

Ecuador 0-0 Curacao (Group E)

Tunisia 1-5 Japan (Group F)

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Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia (Group H)

Belgium 0-0 Iran (Group G )

Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde (Group H)

Monday 22 June

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New Zealand 1-3 Egypt (Group G)

Argentina 2-0 Austria (Group J)

France 3-0 Iraq (Group I)

Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt at the World Cup
Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt at the World Cup (Getty)

Tuesday 23 June

Norway 3-2 Senegal (Group I)

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Jordan 1-2 Algeria (Group J)

Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan (Group K)

England 0-0 Ghana (Group L)

Wednesday 24 June

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Panama 0-1 Croatia (Group L)

Colombia 1-0 DR Congo (Group K) 

Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar (Group B)

Switzerland 2-1 Canada (Group B)

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Morocco 4-2 Haiti (Group C)

Scotland 0-3 Brazil (Group C)

Thursday 25 June

Czech Republic 0-3 Mexico (Group A)

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South Africa 1-0 South Korea (Group A)

Curacao 0-2 Ivory Coast (Group E)

Ecuador 2-1 Germany (Group E)

Friday 26 June

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Japan 1-1 Sweden (Group F)

Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands (Group F)

Paraguay 0-0 Australia (Group D)

Turkey 3-2 USA (Group D)

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Norway 1-4 France (Group I)

Senegal 5-0 Iraq (Group I)

Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup aged just 19 in 2018
Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup aged just 19 in 2018 (Getty)

Saturday 27 June

Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia (Group H)

Uruguay 0-1 Spain (Group H)

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Egypt 1-1 Iran (Group G)

New Zealand 1-5 Belgium (Group G)

Croatia 2-1 Ghana (Group L)

Panama 0-2 England (Group L)

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Sunday 28 June

Colombia 0-0 Portugal (Group K)

DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan (Group K)

Algeria 3-3 Austria (Group J)

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Jordan 1-3 Argentina (Group J)

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World Cup 2026: USA vs Belgium – USA suffer ‘total calamity’ at the back to gift Belgium a third goal

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USA goalkeeper Matt Freese with a huge error in judgement as he gifts Belgium’s Hans Vanaken the ball, leaving him with an easy finish that defender Tim Ream could’ve done more to stop. Errors all around as Belgium take control of the round of 16 tie.

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Tom Wachman Wins McNerney Cup 1.45m in Canada

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Tom Wachman continued the good form of Irish riders at Spruce Meadows with success in the McNerney Cup aboard Hawaii.

The McNerney Cup 1.45m in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows was contested by twenty-five combinations as they took on the challenge of a technical course designed by FEI course designer Santiago Varela.

Nine of the competitors made it through to the second round after producing clears in the first round.

Both Tom Wachman and Daniel Coyle were among the nine to go against the clock in the second round.

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Wachman and Hawaii delivered the fastest fault-free round of the jump-off, stopping the clock in 38.87 seconds to claim victory.

Saudi Arabian rider Abdulrahman, aboard Heartbeat W, took the runner-up spot, with Juan Manuel Luzardo (IRI) and Guizmo du Riou completing the podium.

Daniel Coyle and VDL Mourinho took fourth.

Top 10 McNerney Cup 1.45m

  1. Tom Wachman (IRL) & Hawaii
  2. Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) & Heartbeat W
  3. Juan Manuel Luzardo (IRI) & Guizmo du Riou
  4. Daniel Coyle (IRL) & VDL Mourinho
  5. Tiffany Foster (CAN) & Steadfast
  6. Brian Morton (CAN) & Baton Rouge
  7. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Etundel de Marocy
  8. Vanessa Hood (ISR)  BW Graphik
  9. Carly Campbell-Cooper (CAN) & U2 Westleven Z
  10. Blythe Karolyi (USA) & Theo Duc T&L Z


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Reports: Former Lions CB Terrion Arnold clears waivers

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Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday.

Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla.

Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him.

“Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week.

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Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold.

The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents.

Arnold reported the theft of more than $250,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.

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–Field Level Media

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Is Mexico the 2026 World Cup’s best host country?

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Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are the three Mexican host cities for this mega World Cup, hosted jointly with the United States and Canada. Images from these cities have quickly spread across social media, showing fans of many nations celebrating with Mexican fans.

Along the narrow streets of Monterrey’s nightlife district, older women dance salsa, arm-in-arm with sandal-wearing Dutch fans while loud reggae music blasts from the speakers of bars and restaurants. Other locals jump in circles with World Cup tourists, taking turns waving Moroccan and Mexican flags. Mexican fans are cheering on supporters of other teams, even tossing them into the air before catching them as a group. There is one particularly strong image that depicts fans consoling South Korean supporters after a 1–0 loss before treating them to tequila shots.

“I was a bit afraid I’d fall to the ground and get hurt, but they caught me,” Leonardo Jun from South Korea told DW. “Everyone took photos with me as if I were a pop star. It’s pretty cool to be welcomed like that.”

“You can really feel the World Cup here,” said Sebastian from Colombia, who managed to snag tickets for a match at the legendary Azteca Stadium.

His compatriot Xavier reported: “This is my first World Cup, and the Mexicans have already become like brothers to us.”

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Colombian fans celebrating with various flags
Colombian fans have felt very much at home in MexicoImage: Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto/picture alliance

While headlines in the United States initially focused on issues entering the country, high public transport costs, and the unique tipping culture, Mexico offers an authentic openness and warmth that has many international visitors raving. Brenda, a Mexican herself, believes that “all three hosts are doing a great job, but Mexico has that special something.”

A record three-time host

Ahmed from Egypt also traveled to Mexico City.

“I had high expectations, and I haven’t been disappointed. Mexico has a wonderful culture of hospitality and, after all, knows a thing or two about major football events.”

Following the tournaments in 1970 and 1986, Mexico has become the only country to host the World Cup for a third time.

Fans holding up an Egyptian and a Mexican flag
Ahmed from Egypt (left) enjoyed the atmosphere in Mexico CityImage: Josue Perez/ZUMA/picture alliance

In this regard, Mexico has an edge over Canada and the USA, where other sports like ice hockey, baseball, basketball, and American football take center stage. In New York, for instance, there was little World Cup buzz during the opening days; soccer was overshadowed by the New York Knicks‘  first NBA title win in over half a century.

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Deeply rooted football culture

In Mexico, by contrast, football is deeply embedded in the national psyche and is omnipresent these days. National team players smile from numerous roadside billboards, and the typically red Coca-Cola cans are being sold in green – the color of the national jersey.

From taxi drivers and flight attendants to pizza delivery workers, everyone is wearing the green jersey featuring the golden eagle on the chest – the national symbol that also adorns the center of the Mexican flag.

Mexican fans watching a football match together
Mexican fans, young and old, live and die with the fortunes of “El Tri”Image: Lisi Niesner/REUTERS

“The only problem with this World Cup is that it isn’t taking place in Mexico the whole time,” said Tom, who traveled from Yorkshire, England.

“I think Mexico performed better than the United States and Canada. For me, they are the winners among the hosts,” said Jenny.

Mexico and Canada were both allocated 13 matches – a small fraction of the total of 104 games. The opening match took place in Mexico City, but the Round of 16 clash between “El Tri” and England will be the last match in the country. From the quarterfinals on, all of the games will be in the United States.

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The protests that took place in Mexico before the start of the tournament, as well as the debates regarding match security, now seem a distant memory. For most fans, none of that matters anymore. Crowd control remains a more pressing concern following the death of three fans who were caught in a crowd crush during celebrations.

This article was adapted from German.

Edited by: Jonathan Harding

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