NEW DELHI: The monkey was finally off Sanju Samson’s shoulders. Emotions ran high for the wicketkeeper-batter as teammates surrounded him with high-fives, hugs, and celebrations. Samson, however, looked calm and content, flashing a big smile after playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ first win of IPL 2026.Samson, who managed scores of 6, 7 and 9 in CSK’s first three matches, roared back in style with a magnificent century to guide his team to a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday, finally opening their account after three straight defeats.The batter, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season, delivered his first major contribution in CSK colours after early struggles. He had entered the IPL with high expectations, having hit three half-centuries in India’s T20 World Cup triumph at home in March.Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, along with Ayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36, powered CSK to a commanding 212 for 2. The duo stitched together a 113-run stand for the second wicket. In response, Delhi Capitals faltered against a brilliant spell from Jamie Overton, who picked up 4 for 18 as they were bowled out for 189.“Really means a lot. The trust they showed, it was very responsible. Luckily everything came off nicely. It never felt like a different franchise. People are so nice. We had a meeting of 50 seconds today even after losing three matches,” Sanju Samson said after being named Player of the Match.“I have failed a lot. Mind gets a bit here and there. I need to know what my basics are. It’s about doing the basics right. We did some good sessions with the support staff,” he added.Samson was the chief architect of CSK’s memorable night at Chepauk. Asked to bat first, he registered his first big knock in a CSK jersey and shared a dominant partnership with Mhatre, who showcased his growing maturity in a vital stand of 113 runs in just over 11 overs.It was Samson’s fourth IPL hundred and his first for CSK, as well as the first century of the IPL 2026 season. The knock was crucial in restoring belief among the CSK faithful, especially after a poor start to the campaign.“It was very important to have great partnerships. Ayush has shown so much maturity. (On his celebration) That was for Fleming, I know how challenging it can be. I just wanted to dedicate this to him,” he said.
May 16, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (9) moves up field in the second half against the Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
Jay Fortune’s 86th-minute goal cancelled out Griffin Dorsey’s first-half opener as visiting Atlanta United played Orlando City to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.
Fortune’s goal, his second in as many matches, secured a point for Atlanta (3-8-2, 11 points) and snapped its two-match losing streak at home.
With just minutes to go in normal time, Atlanta — who appeared destined for a second straight loss — pulled level. Matt Edwards used some brilliant footwork on the right side of the Orlando scoring area before passing it into the box to Fortune. Fortune’s first-time effort sailed over Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to make it 1-1.
Atlanta had a chance to take all three points from Orlando in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Crepeau dove to parry away Matias Galarza’s attempt from just beyond the box.
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That provided some consolation for Orlando (4-8-2, 14 points), who opened the scoring in the 18th minute.
Martin Ojeda’s pass between the legs of Atlanta centerback Enea Mihaj found Ivan Angulo charging into the scoring area. Despite Tomas Jacob’s attempts to defend, Angulo passed the ball in front of the goal to Dorsey, who tapped it in to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. It was Dorsey’s second goal of the season.
Orlando City had several opportunities to extend its lead but failed to capitalize, ultimately settling for a point after conceding Fortune’s late goal. They were also forced to take Robin Jansson out at halftime after the Orlando centerback and captain appeared to suffer a knee injury.
Angulo was credited with an assist on Dorsey’s goal, which was his team-high seventh of the season. Edwards’ assist on Fortune’s goal was his first of the year.
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Orlando and Atlanta will play each other again on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.
NEW DELHI: Former India captain, 1983 World Cup winner and former selector Kris Srikkanth believes Mumbai Indians have rediscovered the high energy and dominance they are known for, even in the absence of captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya has missed Mumbai Indians’ last three matches.Sidelined with a back spasm, Pandya first missed Mumbai Indians’ home clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. He then sat out the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite travelling with the squad. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side. Pandya also did not travel to Dharamsala for Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah became MI’s third captain this season after Suryakumar missed the game following the birth of his child.Bumrah’s maiden outing as Mumbai Indians skipper turned into a memorable one as he guided the team to a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.Under Bumrah’s leadership, Shardul Thakur picked up four wickets, while Deepak Chahar claimed two as Punjab Kings posted 200/8. Mumbai Indians then chased down the target in 19.5 overs, powered by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 75 off just 33 balls.Srikkanth felt there was a fresh energy within the side.“It is a good call. I think Bumrah coming in as captain is a fantastic move,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.Srikkanth also felt there was a noticeable shift in the team environment in Hardik’s absence.“Definitely, definitely there is some issue. Definitely, the team’s mood was more lighter. The team suddenly looks more united overall.”“Surya too didn’t play in that match. He was not playing the match for personal reasons, he did not play the match. But whatever it is, the young side suddenly like you are saying. They come and Deepak Chahar is bowling well. That Raj Angad Bawa fellow is bowling decently. Everyone is performing. Tilak Varma performed brilliantly. Ryan Rickleton smashed and dominated with aggressive shots early on.”“Overall, like you said, the will to win, they will to succeed. Even though they were down in the dumps, they showed the will to succeed. That is the key in cricket. That energy was there,” said Srikkanth.Srikkanth added that Bumrah looked relaxed on the field and backed the bowlers with confidence.“And if you look at the bowling too, even Bumrah was smiling continuously. He was giving lots of confidence to the bowlers. And I thought Bumrah’s captaincy made a huge difference to people like Deepak Chahar. And of course Shardul Thakur, because otherwise, they bowl loose deliveries and leak runs. Today, everyone took wickets,” said Srikkanth.Mumbai Indians will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, with Pandya expected to return and lead the side again.
A three-time WWE Women’s Champion is gearing up to lace up her boots again. She recently revealed that her upcoming fight will be the last of her iconic career.
Ronda Rousey is all set to make her return to the cage for the first time in nearly a decade. She will face Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, marking her first MMA match since her consecutive losses to Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm in UFC.
Thanks for the submission!
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The fight between Rousey and Carano will take place under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and will be the first-ever MMA event to be streamed live on Netflix.
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The two women are expected to headline the show at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
During the ceremonial weigh-in, ex-WWE star Ronda Rousey was asked by Ariel Helwani if she would consider coming back after this weekend.
The Rowdy One ruled out the possibility, saying she’s planning to have more babies in the near future.
“I’m having some babies after this. I’m busy the night after the fight.”
Ex-WWE star Ronda Rousey addresses potential UFC return
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, former WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey said she had to convince her husband, Travis Browne, ahead of her MMA return.
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She also promised her spouse that this would be the last time she would step inside the cage.
“To the UFC, to fight? No. I promised my husband that this is the last one. He is the one that I have to convince to get on board with this promoter sh*t after. He’s not going for the fighting at all after this. Honestly, I want to get started having babies again right away. I want to have at least two more, if I can. I can’t be taking detours anymore. This is the peak. I can’t go higher than this. This is the dream fight and the absolute pinnacle for me. This is the perfect way to end it.”
Rousey and Browne are proud parents of two kids. The couple is planning to have more children in the future.
If you use quotes from the first half of the article, please give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling.
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) walk onto the field before a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Nov. 23, 2025. The veteran leaders prepared for another NFC North showdown as Minnesota attempted to secure an important late-season road victory against Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Oddsmakers do not expect the Minnesota Vikings to be a top-tier Super Bowl contender in 2026, but they also didn’t expect the Seattle Seahawks to win the chip at this time last year. Therefore, we have a path outlined for Minnesota to follow in Seattle’s footsteps.
Minnesota’s ceiling depends on five clean outcomes.
It’s all pretty basic stuff, but, you know, it just has to come true.
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What Must Break Right for the Vikings
A list of reasons why the Vikings can win it all.
Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw lines up against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sep. 19, 2022, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Darrisaw continued establishing himself as one of Minnesota’s cornerstone offensive linemen during an early-season primetime matchup, helping anchor the Vikings’ protection schemes against Philadelphia’s aggressive defensive front on the road. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Clean Bill of Health for the Offensive Line
Every starting offensive lineman for the Vikings, not named Will Fries, missed games last year. Every single one:
Christian Darrisaw (7 missed games)
Donovan Jackson (3 missed games)
Ryan Kelly (9 missed games)
Brian O’Neill (3 missed games)
The main guts of Minnesota’s starting offensive line missed over 25% of the season. The group ended up as the NFL’s 18th-best, according to Pro Football Focus, even with injuries. The working theory suggests that so many injuries probably won’t rattle the trenches again.
This will be vital because new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has missed about 25% of all career starts due to injury.
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No Serious Defensive Regression
These are the Vikings’ defensive rankings per EPA/Play under Brian Flores since 2023:
2023: 17th
2024: 1st
2025: 3rd
Overall 2023 to 2025: 2nd
That’s right — the Vikings’ showcase the NFL’s second-best defense overall with Flores in charge. Make no mistake: whatever happens with Minnesota’s offense in 2026, it already has a defense good enough to win a Super Bowl. That factoid has been bogged down over the last three seasons by offenses that either didn’t reach their ceilings or flamed out at the worst possible time (i.e., Sam Darnold in Week 18 and the 2024 playoffs).
If Flores’s defense doesn’t take a bizarre step back, Minnesota has the defensive personnel and coaching staff to win it all.
Run the Damn Football
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Under Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota ranks as follows per rush playcalling percentage:
Vikings’ Rush Play Percentage, Since 2022:
2025: 19th 2024: 18th 2023: 30th 2022: 30th
That’s not acceptable. No Super Bowl-winning team runs the ball as a complete afterthought. The Vikings don’t have to quite “establish the run” like the Mike Zimmer days, but they must run the ball at a balanced clip and avoid treating that section of the offense like a pain in the butt.
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O’Connell always says he wants to “run to set up the pass,” and then doesn’t run the ball very much. For the Vikings to win the Super Bowl, they must call rushing plays more than the 19th-most in the NFL.
Top 12 or Top 15 QB Performance from Kyler Murray
The Vikings finished 9-8 last year while trotting out the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback group per Dropback EPA/Play. To put it plainly — and to confirm your eye test — J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer were not very good. They formed the fifth-least efficient quarterback trio in the sport.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray reacts during a home matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sep. 25, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Murray continued leading Arizona’s offense in a key NFC West contest while attempting to keep the Cardinals competitive during the middle portion of the regular-season schedule. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Well, if Minnesota grabbed nine wins with the NFL’s 28th-ranked quarterback unit, the Vikings now need Murray to climb into the Top 12 or Top 15. This would suggest an 11-6, 12-5, 13-4, or 14-3 season.
Murray doesn’t have to be Tom Brady at all times, but he cannot play like 2025 Max Bromser. Murray must find the happy medium, playing turnover-free and dynamic football.
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The Minnesota Sports Curse Ceases
The last time a men’s professional sports franchise won a championship in Minnesota? Thirty-five years ago. Since the Twins won the World Series in 1991, Minnesota’s four major men’s pro teams have combined for 130 completed championship attempts (full seasons from the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves) without another title.
One hundred and thirty failed seasons.
This will sound bizarre, so bear with us: the state of Minnesota is due for a championship based on sheer math and probability. In fact, Minnesota sports teams should rattle off something like 5-10 in a row to make up for the championship-less oddity. That’s how probabilities usually work.
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Boston has 13 championships since 1992. Minnesota has zero. Minnesotans are really just asking for one. Why not the Vikings in 2026?
Symbiosis
Perhaps you’ve felt this way during Vikings football games over the last decade: when one thing is working, another is not. For example, Kirk Cousins played his best ball as a Viking in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and that was right about the time when the defense could no longer be trusted.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores speaks with reporters on Dec. 3, 2024, following Minnesota’s narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals two days earlier. Flores discussed the Vikings’ defensive performance and ongoing adjustments as Minnesota continued building momentum during the regular season under his aggressive and blitz-heavy defensive philosophy. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
In 2025, Flores’s defense turned out to be great, but Minnesota has to play Brosmer at quarterback.
Things like that.
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Maybe once for the Vikings, all sides can jell. For example, Murray and the offense cook, Flores’s defense does Floresian defense things, and Will Reichard maintains his All-Pro form.
The Vikings are wildly overdue to showcase full synergy. They can win the Super Bowl if they do it in 2026.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Conor McGregor to fight Max Holloway as Irishman ends five-year absence from UFC:
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 03:26
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Ngannou looking lean
Ngannou joins Lins in the cage!
The “Predator” looks in great shape. More of a beard than we’ve seen on him before, too.
For what that’s worth…
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Alex Pattle17 May 2026 03:23
Ngannou vs Lins moments away
Francis Ngannou (left) and opponent Philipe Lins (Getty)
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 03:16
Francis Ngannou in action next!
Next up is a clash between former UFC stars Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins!
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Ngannou, with his generational punching power, became UFC heavyweight champion before winning gold in the PFL.
Lins never reached those heights in the UFC but was PFL champion at one point.
Ngannou has also boxed, of course, losing a controversial decision to Tyson Fury after dropping him, then suffering a brutal KO by Anthony Joshua.
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 03:12
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Parnasse secures body-shot KO of cross to justify hype
4:18 into round one is the time of the stoppage!
Salahdine Parnasse stopped Kenneth Cross with a body shot (AP)
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 03:03
Parnasse and Cross clash in lightweight contest
Oh, Cross goes for a body kick at once, but it’s caught. Parnasse goes for a single-leg takedown, pushing Cross to the mat and throwing a few punches.
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He can’t quite land clean, Cross stands, and they’re grappling against the fence – with Parnasse seeking a takedown. Cross reverses the position and is now holding Parnasse against the fence… but now they break.
Good jabs from Parnasse on his fellow southpaw. Now a big left overhand attempt! He misses, but Cross is swinging big himself, looking a tad desperate…
Oh! Parnasse gets Cross down and is so quick to take the back… He has a body triangle and flattens Cross out on his front…
Heavy punches from Parnasse, and the ref is taking a look… Cross does well to break the triangle and scramble, but OH! He folds from a body shot! It’s all over…
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Alex Pattle17 May 2026 02:56
Cross’s risky backflip?!
Cross just ran up the cage wall and hit a backflip as the camera panned away!! That’s a risky move, a few minutes before you’re going to fight!
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 02:47
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Parnasse, one to watch, is up next
We’re about to see Salahdine Parnasse vs Kenneth Cross at lightweight.
France’s Parnasse is an exciting talent, 28 years old with a 22-2 record.
Meanwhile, American Cross is 31 years old with a 17-4 record.
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7 KOs and 7 subs for Parnasse; 6 KOs and 7 subs for Cross.
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 02:44
Ex-UFC heavyweight champ ‘JDS’ knocked out in round one
Despaigne: 6-2 in MMA, with 6 first-round KOs…
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He calls out Francis Ngannou!
Robelis Despaigne celebrates his first-round KO (AP)
Alex Pattle17 May 2026 02:37
Ex-UFC heavyweight champ ‘JDS’ knocked out in round one
Not long before the finish, JDS actually appeared to half-drop Despaigne again with a low kick, but Despaigne was hurting the Brazilian with almost every combination.
And an accurate trio of punches left JDS slumped against the fence, with blood around his mouth.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Dec. 24, 2023. Jefferson energized the home crowd following the scoring play as Minnesota battled Detroit in a pivotal NFC North matchup during the closing weeks of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The NFL released the full schedule on Thursday night, allowing each team to reveal its own docket with fancy social media videos. The Minnesota Vikings featured kicker Will Reichard and wrestler Chris Jericho. The league may never, ever, be the same eh-gain.
Minnesota’s toughest tests are easy to spot.
That was a Chris Jericho reference for the non-wrestling fans, but we digress. The following is a list of the best games on the Vikings’ schedule, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = top game).
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Five Matchups That Will Highlight the Vikings’ Season
What games have you circled?
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during fourth-quarter action on Oct. 23, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCaffrey remained a focal point of San Francisco’s offense throughout the primetime matchup, using his versatility as both a runner and receiver against Minnesota’s defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
5. Week 11 | at San Francisco 49ers (SNF, Mexico)
This game feels like the season’s midpoint, though it’s mathematically closer to the finish line.
On November 22nd — four days before Thanksgiving — this contest should be a fantastic indicator of whether the Vikings are “for real” or merely sputtering around .500 while hoping to keep things interesting. The Vikings have played the 49ers well with Kevin O’Connell in charge and seem to have Brock Purdy’s number.
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We know for sure that San Francisco won’t be a joke, so at a neutral site, this is a wonderful barometer in late November to determine whether the Vikings can be a real contender.
4. Week 14 at New England Patriots (TNF)
Minnesota hasn’t played at New England in eight years, and the last time they visited, Tom Brady still ran the show, and Kirk Cousins played poorly that contest. This time is different. The Patriots don’t have Brady but are still the Super Bowl runner-up. Vikings fans will also get to see Drake Maye, whom much of the fan base wanted for Minnesota’s roster from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Of all games on the schedule, this one has the biggest underdog point spread for Minnesota from a May perspective — 4.5 points in favor of the Patriots.
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Sportsbooks do not think the Vikings will win this one.
PatsPulpit‘s Brian Hines predicted a New England win on Thursday night, writing, “Following a big win over the Bills, New England will have a short week for their second Thursday night game of the season — which will take place at Gillette Stadium against another NFC North opponent.”
“The big question for Minnesota will be who is starting at quarterback by Week 11: 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy or free agent addition Kyler Murray? With either operating on a short week and on the road, the Patriots take care of business. | Prediction: Win (8-5).”
3. Week 1 | vs. Green Bay Packers
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It’s Kyler Murray’s — probably — first game as a Minnesota Viking, and he will see his old head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who is the new defensive coordinator for the Packers. Meanwhile, the Vikings have opened the season at home against Green Bay just twice in franchise history: a loss in 2020 and a win in 2022 to start the O’Connell era.
This one is must-see television for these reasons:
Week 1 is always must-see television.
Murray’s first game in purple.
Murray vs. Gannon.
The natural MIN-GB rivalry
A quasi-primetime feel at 3:25 pm CST
It’s at home.
2. Week 15 | vs. Detroit Lions (SNF)
At this point on the schedule, if the Vikings are good, they could have a 10-3, 9-4, 8-5, or 7-6 record. Taking on the Lions, who might have a similar record and a roster that remains impressive, will have heavy implications for the NFC North and the playoff picture.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates during pregame warmups before a matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Joseph prepared for another NFC contest after emerging as one of the Lions’ ascending defensive playmakers during Detroit’s rise under head coach Dan Campbell. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
Until last year, Dan Campbell utterly dominated O’Connell; it was embarrassing. But O’Connell took down Campbell twice in 2025. Maybe a new day is on the horizon.
Circle this one because it is late in the season, it’s at home, and it will probably drip with playoff implications.
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1. Week 9 | vs. Buffalo Bills (MNF)
A rematch of one of the best Vikings’ regular season games of all time from 2022 — perhaps the single best Vikings regular season game ever.
That dub occurred in Buffalo; this contest will shake out in Minneapolis. The Vikings drew the Bills on Monday Night Football on November 9th, right after the World Series and the 2026 midterm elections, and a few weeks before Thanksgiving.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks recovers a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Kendricks helped spark one of the Vikings’ most dramatic victories in franchise history during an overtime thriller against Buffalo on the road. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo is basically guaranteed to be a contender if Josh Allen is healthy. Allen returns to the spot of his career win at U.S. Bank Stadium when he and the Bills stunned Kirk Cousins‘ Vikings in 2018.
Suppose Minnesota has a winning record heading into Vikings-Bills. This game will teach you a lot about the team’s upside.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Belgium head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to begin a fresh chapter after finally moving beyond the long-standing “golden generation” label that defined the previous decade of Belgian football.
The Red Devils struggled to let go of several aging stars during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a decision that ultimately contributed to an early and disappointing exit. Although signs of transition began to emerge at Euro 2024 under Domenico Tedesco, it is now under new coach Rudi Garcia that Belgium appear ready to fully embrace a younger and more dynamic era.
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While experienced figures from Belgium’s most successful generation still remain part of the setup, the spotlight has now shifted towards a new wave of talent eager to establish its own identity on the world stage. Entering the tournament without overwhelming pressure or expectations could work in Belgium’s favour this time around.
Belgium enjoyed another unbeaten qualification campaign, finishing with 5 wins and 3 draws while scoring 29 goals and conceding just 7. Kevin De Bruyne once again proved decisive, finishing as the team’s top scorer with six goals, while Alexis Saelemaekers led the assist charts with four.
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Although Belgium only secured top spot in Group J on the final matchday, they consistently showcased attacking quality throughout qualifying. A commanding 4-2 victory over Wales in Cardiff perfectly highlighted the balance and attacking intent of this evolving Belgian side, while effectively sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium’s Group G in FIFA World Cup 2026
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Belgium
Iran
Egypt
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Will Belgium’s next gen spring a surprise?
Jérémy Doku enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Belgium’s biggest attacking weapon and a true game-changer on the wings. The Manchester City star is known for his explosive pace, dazzling footwork, and fearless dribbling, consistently troubling defenders in one-on-one situations and bringing excitement every time he touches the ball.
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Alongside him, Malick Fofana is emerging as one of Belgium’s brightest young talents. Much like Doku, Fofana thrives in direct attacking situations and possesses the ability to unsettle defenders with his unpredictability. Although an ankle injury briefly slowed his progress, the young winger continues to attract strong interest from several top European clubs.
Belgium schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Belgium schedule
Fixture
Date
Venue
Belgium vs. Egypt
Monday, June 15
Lumen Field
Belgium vs. Iran
Sunday, June 21
SoFi Stadium
New Zealand vs. Belgium
Friday, June 26
BC Place
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Belgium Strengths
Belgium are expected to operate in a possession-based 4-2-3-1 system under Rudi Garcia, built around technical quality, midfield control, and attacking fluidity. One of the team’s biggest strengths is its balanced and deep midfield unit, capable of dictating tempo while also providing defensive stability.
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Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of the side, but Belgium’s attacking threat is heavily driven by its dynamic wide players. Jérémy Doku’s explosive dribbling and ability to dominate one-on-one situations make him a constant danger, while Dodi Lukébakio’s tendency to cut inside from the right creates additional attacking variety. Combined with elite talent in the final third, Belgium possess the firepower to overwhelm opponents when their attacking system clicks into place.
Belgium Weaknesses
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Despite their technical quality, Belgium have often struggled mentally against the strongest teams in world football. There remains a lingering inferiority complex in high-pressure matches against elite opposition, something that has affected them in previous major tournaments.
Another issue has been their tendency to start games slowly, occasionally allowing opponents to settle into matches before Belgium can establish control. Against top-tier sides, these sluggish openings can prove costly and place unnecessary pressure on the team later in matches.
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Belgium squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers
Mats Sels — Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
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Thibaut Courtois — Real Madrid (LaLiga)
Senne Lammens — Royal Antwerp (Belgian Pro League)
Defenders
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Arthur Theate — Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
Brandon Mechele — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)
Nathan Ngoy — Luton Town (Championship)
Koni De Winter — Genoa (Serie A)
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Zeno Debast — Sporting CP (Primeira Liga)
Maxime De Cuyper — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)
One of the most anticipated events of the year is here. Ronda Rousey, after a decade away from mixed martial arts, makes her return on Saturday night in Los Angeles when she takes on another legend of the sport off a long time away from the sport in Gina Carano. The two headline Netlfix’s first MMA event, set to take place inside the Intuit Dome.
Rousey rose to prominence with Strikeforce where she quickly climbed the ranks to become women’s bantamweight champion. She impressed UFC president Dana White enough for him to back off his stance of never having women fight for the promotion when she made her debut in 2013 as the inaugural champion. She defended the title six times before a stunning knockout loss to Holly Holm in 2015 and followed that up with another knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016, which led to her departure from the sport.
Carano is widely considered the pioneer of women’s MMA. The Strikeforce and Elite XC alum brought new eyes to women’s MMA. She rode that popularity to an inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title fight. Carano faltered to Cyborg, one of the most dominant fighters of any gender, before retiring.
Rousey and Carano haven’t fought in 10 and 17 years, respectively. They return in a long-lost dream match in Los Angeles.
This event is not just about the headliners. MVP is putting together an event filled with names familiar to many MMA fans. Look no further than the co-main event when Nate Diaz takes on Mike Perry at welterweight. Plus, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is back when he takes on Philipe Lins. Another former UFC heavyweight champion is also on the main card when Junior dos Santos returns to MMA to take on Robelis Despaigne.
Below is the complete fight card for MVP MMA, along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features and other content around this massive event.
Rousey vs. Carano fight card, odds, results
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
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Ronda Rousey -535 vs. Gina Carano +400, women’s featherweights
Mike Perry -218 vs. Nate Diaz +180, welterweights
Francis Ngannou -1450 vs. Philipe Lins +850, heavyweights
Salahdine Parnasse -1100 vs. Kenneth Cross +700, lightweights
Robelis Despaigne def. Junior dos Santos via first-round knockout (punches)
Namo Fazil def. Jake Babian via second-round submission (anaconda choke)
Adriano Moraes def. Phumi Nkuta via third-round submission (rear-naked choke)
Jason Jackson def. Jeff Creighton via first-round knockout (punches)
David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)
The Vegas Golden Knights could still avoid losing their second-round pick despite the NHL handing down major penalties following the team’s playoff media access controversy.
NHL insider Andy Strickland suggested the league may eventually reduce that part of the punishment during the appeal process.
“Don’t be surprised if the NHL decides to remove the 2nd round pick as part of the penalty in Vegas appeal process,” Strickland wrote on X. “Bill Foley will make a call, if he hasn’t already. Can’t see the league making them lose a 2nd round pick, possibly a blue chip player down the road, because of a poor decision by Torts and the PR staff. Expect the 100k to stick.”
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That prediction comes after the NHL announced that Vegas would forfeit its second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft while head coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000. Vegas still has the option to appeal both penalties during an in person hearing scheduled for next week in New York.
What led to Vegas Golden Knights’ punishment from the NHL
Vegas Golden Knights advanced to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 in Game 6 on Thursday night to win the series 4-2. But after the game, attention quickly shifted away from the result when head coach John Tortorella did not speak with reporters.
Under NHL playoff rules coaches are required to be available to the media following games. The NHL later explained the punishment in an official statement.
“The National Hockey League announced today that, as a result of flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations following Game 6 of their Second Round series against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, May 14, the Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft,” the league said.
“In addition, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella has been fined $100,000. The imposition of these penalties comes after previous warnings were issued to the Club regarding their compliance with the Media Regulations and other associated policies.”
Neither Vegas nor Tortorella gave much explanation afterward about why the postgame media session was skipped. However Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that frustration over Brayden McNabb’s one-game suspension for interference may have contributed to the decision. Tortorella also avoided getting into details when asked about the situation later.
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“We put out a statement as an organization,” Tortorella said. “We’ll go by that.”
Vegas Golden Knights will next face the Colorado Avalanche as the franchise continues its push for another Stanley Cup after winning its first title against the Florida Panthers in 2023.
Rousey vs Carano will take place on Saturday 16 May at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The main card is due to begin at 2am BST on Sunday (6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET on Saturday), with the main event likely following at 4am BST on Sunday (8pm PT / 10pm CT / 11pm ET on Saturday).
How can I watch it?
The event will stream live exclusively on Netflix. It will be available to all existing subscribers – in other words, at no additional cost.
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Odds
Rousey – 2/11; Carano – 4/1
Ngannou – 1/12; Lins – 7/1
Diaz – 13/8; Perry – 1/2
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Fight card in full
Francis Ngannou left the UFC as heavyweight champion before winning gold in the PFL (Getty)
Subject to change:
Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano (women’s featherweight)
Francis Ngannou vs Philipe Lins (heavyweight)
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Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry (welterweight)
Salahdine Parnasse vs Kenneth Cross (lightweight)
Junior Dos Santos vs Robelis Despaigne (heavyweight)
UFC legend Nate Diaz left the promotion in 2022 (Getty)
Namo Fazil def. Jake Babian via second-round submission (D’arce choke, 0:58)
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