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Aaron Rai wins 2026 PGA Championship by three shots with final-round 65

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Heading into Sunday’s final round of the 2026 PGA Championship, it felt as if it was anyone’s game, because it practically was. An unprecedented 21 players were within four shots of 54-hole leader Alex Smalley, but it was Englishman Aaron Rai who managed to separate from the pack at Aronimink and not look back en route to becoming a major champion.

Rai, who entered the week ranked 44th in the world, came out of the gates on Sunday firing, but after making a four-foot birdie putt on the opening hole, he quickly fell into the inevitable stretch every player faced during the final round in having to stay patient and take what the golf course was giving him.

Aaron Rai of England

Aaron Rai of England tees off on the 2nd hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (David Cannon/Getty Images)

After a poor tee shot on the difficult par-3 8th hole, and then airmailing the green with his bunker shot, disaster quickly came into the equation, but the 31-year-old managed to convert a four-foot putt for bogey. It was one of those bogeys that was a momentum saver, and the momentum was used on the very next hole.

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Rai reached the gettable par-5 9th hole in two and sank a 40-footer for eagle. It was a nice bonus heading into the back nine, which played as the hardest side throughout the week, but Rai didn’t subscribe to that narrative on Sunday.

As the entire field and golf tournament as a whole fell into neutral for what felt like multiple hours with the final groups making the turn, Rai stepped on the gas.

Aaron Rai of England hits an iron

Aaron Rai of England hits his second shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (David Cannon/Getty Images)

JIM FURYK SAYS TIGER WOODS WILL HAVE A SPOT ON HIS 2027 RYDER CUP STAFF DESPITE DUI ARREST

After picking up another birdie on the par-4 11th, it was his birdie on the 299-yard par-4 13th that he may look back on as the moment.

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Left with a very dicey bunker shot from 40 yards, Rai had the option of playing it relatively safe and leaving himself 20 or so feet up the hill for birdie. Or, he could fly the golf ball to the hole and bring in a slope falling away from the hole just beyond the flag. He didn’t hesitate and walked off the green with yet another birdie and a two-shot advantage.

JON RAHM APOLOGIZES AFTER HITTING VOLUNTEER WITH FLYING DIVOT AT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: ‘INEXCUSABLE’

Despite the 13th hole being drivable for every player in the field, Rai’s birdie actually picked up a shot on plenty of the contenders on Sunday. Nick Taylor, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele each made bogey on the hole, while Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, and Smalley weren’t able to take advantage of the short hole either.

Rai officially put a hand on the door to slam shut by reaching the par-5 16th hole in two and making one of the more comfortable birdies you’ll ever see, and officially slammed it shut with a 68-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th.

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Rai played his final 10 holes in six-under par and without a blemish on the scorecard before signing for a 65 and a three-shot victory at nine-under overall.

The five-under round marked his lowest score in a major championship by two. A major championship Sunday for the round of your life is special stuff.

Rai being the last man standing among the likes of Ludvig Aberg, McIlroy, Rahm, Reed, and Schauffele — who all began the day within three shots of the lead — has a feeling of randomness about it, which was the theme for the week at Aronimink.

Aaron Rai of England acknowledges the crowd

Aaron Rai of England acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Entering the week, the most common prediction was that players were going to be able to pick apart the Donald Ross-designed golf course. A lack of trees and water hazards made way for a bomb-and-gouge approach. Or so we thought.

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Rai began the week ranked 160th on the PGA Tour in average driving distance, and finished the week ranked 66th in driving distance among the 82 players who made the cut.

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While Rai is known for being among the shortest hitters on the PGA Tour, he’s also made a habit of being an incredibly streaky putter. The flatstick is often a villain for Rai, but it was his best mate throughout the week as he finished fourth in the field in strokes gained on the greens.

With his victory, Rai became the first non-American to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy since Australian Jason Day did so in 2015, and the first European to find the winner’s circle at the PGA since Rory McIlroy in 2014.

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How much do England players get paid for World Cup – match fees, bonuses and amount vs Norway

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Here is a full breakdown of how much England’s players earn at the World Cup — including their quarter-final clash with Norway

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England vs Norway World Cup kick-off time latest and weather delay fears

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England are set to face Norway in a World Cup quarter-final but there are concerns over the weather conditions

Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel will attempt to help England reach the World Cup semi-finals(Image: Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about England vs Norway kick-off time

  1. Kick-off time: The eagerly awaited World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway is officially set to commence at precisely 10pm UK time on Saturday, July 11. For supporters watching the fixture locally, this equates to a 5pm Eastern Time start on America’s East Coast.
  2. Location: This crucial knockout tie will take place at Miami Stadium, which is located in the famously humid climate of South Florida. The impressive venue has already staged numerous World Cup games and is anticipated to be filled with fervent fans from both countries.
  3. Weather forecast: Forecasters at the National Weather Service have delivered a concerning prediction for matchday, anticipating widespread scattered showers and powerful storms. The outlook suggests that a substantial band of tropical moisture will sweep across the area precisely around the scheduled 5pm local kick-off time.
  4. Threat of severe thunderstorms: Florida is renowned for its unpredictable summer conditions and radar models indicate that the approaching storms could deliver heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning to the stadium vicinity. Meteorologists have cautioned that these intense weather patterns can emerge quickly and often remain over an area for a considerable amount of time.
  5. Potential lightning delays: As the football pitch is entirely open to the elements, any lightning strikes detected within an eight-mile radius of Miami Stadium will trigger an immediate and compulsory suspension of play. Should this occur, all players, coaches and match officials will be swiftly escorted from the pitch and into the changing rooms for their safety.
  6. FIFA match delay protocols: According to the official tournament regulations, play cannot resume until a minimum of 30 minutes has elapsed without a single lightning strike within the designated danger zone. This stringent safety measure means the 10pm UK kick-off could be pushed back considerably, potentially leaving British television viewers facing an extremely late finish. England’s previous fixture against Mexico was held up by an hour due to adverse weather in Mexico City.
  7. Impact of extreme humidity: Even if severe thunderstorms miss the stadium, players will still be required to contend with high humidity levels and soaring temperatures. The extreme heat index will prompt the referee to enforce mandatory cooling breaks throughout both halves in order to safeguard the squads against heat exhaustion.
  8. Miami stadium infrastructure: While the ground boasts a sizeable protective roof designed to shelter spectators from both rain and the fierce sun, the pitch remains exposed to the elements. This means that a sudden heavy downpour could significantly impact the playing surface, slowing the game considerably and forcing managers to rethink their tactical approaches.
  9. Advice for England supporters: Fans who have travelled all the way to Florida are strongly urged to brace themselves for highly unpredictable and potentially treacherous weather conditions. Local authorities have been actively encouraging supporters to get to the ground as early as possible and to head straight for the covered indoor concourses if required.

READ MORE: England kick-off time could be moved again as Norway World Cup match faces disruption

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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New Vikings Playmaker Gets Small Fantasy Football Shoutout

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Demond Claiborne holds a football during Vikings OTAs in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne holds a football during the first day of OTAs at TCO Performance Center as the team begins offseason work in Eagan. On May 26, 2026, Claiborne moved through early practice reps while trying to establish his role in Kevin O’Connell’s offense before training camp later that summer. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Should you draft Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne in redraft fantasy football leagues? Probably not. Should you remember his name and certainly add him to your Dynasty Fantasy squad? Indubitably.

Claiborne profiles as the Vikings’ RB3 this season, and with any luck, he’ll secure meaningful touches by season’s end.

Claiborne’s Speed Creates a Path to Early Touches

Demond Claiborne at Vikings rookie minicamp in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne works through drills during rookie minicamp at TCO Performance Center after joining the team as a sixth-round pick. In May 2026, Claiborne began adjusting to Minnesota’s offense during his first NFL offseason following a productive Wake Forest career built on burst, vision, and versatility in multiple roles. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

The ‘Sharp Football Analysis’ Skinny on Claiborne

Claiborne checked in at “Tier 12” of Rich Hribar’s fantasy running back tiers this week, sharing space with players like Kaytron Allen (Washington Commanders) and Braelon Allen (New York Jets).

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Hribar wrote, “Demond Claiborne needs some rounding out, but he lands in a Minnesota backfield that could have some doors open. Aaron Jones will be 31 this season, and Jordan Mason has been a rushing-only back to date.”

“Claiborne is a slasher who can turn in splash plays with his speed. 42.5% of his rushing yards came on runs of 15 or more yards, the fifth-highest rate in this class. This also shows up in the return game. Claiborne only trailed Nicholas Singleton and Jadarian Price in career kickoff return yardage in this class, averaging 26.3 yards per kick return with 2 career touchdowns on special teams.”

Vikings fans waited patiently all offseason for a new running back. In the end, Claiborne was Minnesota’s choice.

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“That speed component of his game was reinforced by a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the third-fastest time at his position in Indianapolis,” Hribar continued.

“That speed will get him on the field. Claiborne has to be fast because at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds, his frame likely played a role in the overall pounding he could take, limiting his overall touches and impacting all of the bumps and bruises he left games with.”

Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs headlined Hribar’s first tier in 2026.

The Boom-or-Bust Potential Is Significant

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Claiborne was drafted in Round 6. These are the halfbacks picked in that round since 2021:

  • Khalil Herbert
  • Elijah Mitchell
  • Chris Rodriguez
  • Kimani Vidal
  • Ollie Gordon
  • Chris Evans
  • Devin Neal
  • Gary Brightwell
  • Tyler Badie
  • Kevin Harris
  • Keontay Ingram
  • Jawhar Jordan
  • Larry Rountree
  • Deuce Vaughn
  • Scott Matlock
  • Tahi Brooks
  • Trestan Ebner
  • Jase McClellan
  • Zach Evans
  • Dylan Laube
  • Kalel Mullings

It’s not a glowing pecking order, so if Claiborne beats the odds, he’ll boom and surge to the top of the list of recent Round 6 RB hopefuls.

The Key Frank Smith Caveat

Frank Smith, now in Minnesota as the assistant head coach, brings an exciting name to the table with his track record: De’Von Achane.

For the past four seasons, Smith served as Mike McDaniel’s offensive coordinator in Miami. During that time, Achane, a 2023 NFL draftee, blossomed into one of the league’s most dangerous running backs. While his speed was undeniable, Miami’s coaching staff under Smith truly maximized his impact on games.

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That’s where Claiborne enters the picture. Achane, at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, recorded a blazing 4.32-second forty-yard dash. Claiborne, at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, ran a 4.37. While not identical, their similarities are enough to generate excitement among Vikings fans.

De’Von Achane practices with the Dolphins in Madrid. Demond Claiborne
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane takes part in practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano as the team prepares for an international matchup in Madrid. On Nov. 14, 2025, Achane moved through the session while Miami sharpened its offensive plan and adjusted to the overseas setting before game day in Spain. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

This offseason, the Vikings retained Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores, but changes occurred lower on the coaching staff. Smith was one of the more intriguing new additions. Now, with another fast, smaller running back capable of big plays, optimistic Vikings fans are connecting the dots. They envision Smith replicating his success with Achane, this time with Claiborne in Minneapolis. It could happen.

Probably an Audition for 2027

Jones and Mason will assuredly be the Vikings’ main running backs in 2026, but beyond that, the outlook is cloudy. Jones is old, and the Vikings nearly released him this offseason, save for an accepted paycut. Mason is 27, but 2026 is the final year of his contract.

If you peeked into a crystal ball, there’s a reasonable chance neither man will play for the 2027 Vikings.

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That’s where Claiborne’s trajectory gets fascinating. If he has the pop and vision to mimic Achane, well, the team is yearning for an RB1 of the future. Claiborne, for sure, has the youth and speed for the assignment. It’s just unclear if he has the vision and ability to break tackles like other RB1s.

Demond Claiborne tries to evade Clemson defenders during a Wake Forest game.
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne tries to escape Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown and defensive tackle Tre Williams during second-half action in Winston-Salem. On Oct. 12, 2024, Claiborne fought through traffic at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium while showcasing the burst and elusiveness that later helped shape his NFL draft profile. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.

Claiborne is under contract for the next four years. The timing and situation are ripe for a breakout on an RB1-needy team if he has the spine for it.

Otherwise, the Vikings will probably defer to the 2027 NFL Draft, which isn’t the worst option, as the class is already projected to feature heavy-hitting rookie RBs.


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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

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Everyone Active opens £33.9 million next-generation leisure and wellbeing hub

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By Kath Hudson    09 Jul 2026

The £33.9 million Leighton Leisure and Community Centre has opened in Leighton Buzzard, UK, creating a next-generation public leisure, health and wellbeing hub for the local community.

Operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, the centre replaces the ageing Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and has been designed to deliver inclusive and accessible facilities for people of all ages and abilities.

More than 3,500 people visited the centre during its opening weekend, with the launch event attended by Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson, alongside Maisie Summers-Newton, a four-times Paralympic gold medallist in swimming, and Olivia Newman-Baronius, who won swimming gold at Paris 2024.

The aquatics offer includes an eight-lane, 25m swimming pool with seating for 130 spectators, a 17m x 10m learner pool with a movable floor and a dedicated confidence water area to support early-years swimming.

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Fitness facilities include a 150-station gym featuring Technogym equipment, group exercise studios, indoor cycling and Reformer Pilates, reflecting the increasing integration of boutique fitness formats into public leisure.

The centre also includes two squash courts, while recovery and wellbeing have been incorporated through the addition of hydromassage beds and three treatment rooms, which will be available for local health and wellbeing practitioners.

Accessibility features include two Changing Places facilities, while community rooms, meeting spaces and a café have been created to support the centre’s role as a social hub.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The opening of this centre is hugely significant for the health and wellbeing of the local community.

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“No matter what your age, interests or ability, there is an activity for you here.”

The development has been delivered with sustainability as a priority, with features including a high-performance building fabric, low-carbon heating and ventilation systems and materials selected for whole-life performance.

The wider site also supports active travel, with improved walking and cycling links, cycle storage and electric vehicle charging.

Simon Ramage, managing director at Willmott Dixon, which delivered the project, said: “Leighton Leisure and Community Centre represents the delivery of a modern, future-focused community asset designed to support both operational performance and long-term community wellbeing.

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“By combining sustainable design principles with high-quality leisure provision, the project demonstrates how local authority developments can create lasting value for communities while also supporting wider environmental ambitions.”

Everyone Active offers a range of membership options at the centre, including its You+ membership, which combines gym, swim and group exercise classes with personalised coaching and support across health, fitness and wellbeing.

The opening comes as public leisure operators continue to broaden their remit beyond traditional fitness and swimming provision, with new-generation facilities increasingly incorporating recovery, health services, social spaces and specialist programming.

Duncan Jefford, who became managing director of Everyone Active in March after almost 20 years with the organisation, will discuss the future of public leisure when he speaks at HCM Summit on 22 October in London.

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Jefford is also interviewed in an upcoming issue of HCM.

Duncan Jefford, who took over as managing director of Everyone Active in March, after almost 20 years with the organisation is interviewed in an upcoming issue of HCM and will be speaking at this year’s HCM Summit on 22 October in London.

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Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 19 2026

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Allianz Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 19 NRL game between Sydney Roosters and
Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Sydney Roosters heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Roosters vs.
Parramatta Eels
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 11, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: Allianz Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels Odds

Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels Preview

The Roosters return from the bye looking to consolidate their place inside the top four when they host an improving Parramatta side at Allianz Stadium. Sydney has won its past two matches and continues to climb despite rarely producing its best football, while the Eels have shown encouraging signs in recent weeks with victories over Canberra and Manly. Daniel Tupou is set to celebrate his 300th NRL appearance, adding another storyline to a Roosters side likely to again feature several Origin representatives. Parramatta has become increasingly competitive under pressure, but Sydney’s outstanding home record against the Eels makes the hosts deserved favourites.

First Try Scorer

First Try Scorer:

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Daniel Tupou at $8.25.

Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels Teams

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Hugo Savala 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Egan Butcher 17. Delasalle Vaa 18. Rex Bassingthwaighte 19. Tommy Talau 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Reece Foley 22. Cody Ramsey 23. Reece Robson 24. Sam Walker

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Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Araz Nanva 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Toni Mataele 16. Teancum Brown 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Saxon Pryke 21. Ryley Smith 22. Jonah Pezet

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WWE legend breaks down Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam

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Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar’s feud will come to a head at SummerSlam in August and the showdown has the potential to be WWE’s match of the year.

Femi beat Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 and led to “The Beast Incarnate” deciding to retire – at least for a moment – at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Lesnar made a dramatic return a few weeks later, challenging and beating Femi at Clash in Italy.

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Oba Femi enters Chicago

Oba Femi looks on during Monday Night RAW at Allstate Arena on July 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images)

At SummerSlam, Femi and Lesnar will do battle inside a Hell in a Cell.

WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield called the next meeting between Femi and Lesnar a “generational matchup.”

“I’ve never seen anything like Oba – well, I have. I’ve seen Brock,” he told Fox News Digital. “It’s very much the carbon copy of Brock coming in. Brock coming in was like, oh my God, who is this guy? The guy can even talk and he’s gonna be one of the biggest stars in wrestling. Not only could he talk, he’s a really smart guy. Brock became one of the biggest draws in professional wrestling. He came one of the biggest draws in UFC. It’s an unbelievable story and now you got somebody who can rival that character.

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Brock Lesnar beats up Oba Femi

Brock Lesnar in action against Oba Femi during Monday Night RAW at TD Garden on March 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)

“This Oba Femi comes out with the silly little walk he does. Everyone kinda does it, it’s like The Bushwackers. But the whole arena does it. I was in Vegas and I didn’t want to go to the matches and deal with the traffic and deal with the backstage area and so I kinda just watched it in a sports bar, I stood in the back where nobody could recognize me, and as soon as Oba came out, the entire sports bar was sitting there doing that Oba Femi dance. The guy is just unbelievably over.

“I really think that somewhere in the NFL this year, you’re going to see an entire NFL arena doing this dance. You’re gonna have somebody like Saquon Barkley or ‘King’ (Derrick Henry) or some of these guys do this dance and it’s infectious. Once one of them does, one of these great running backs or wide receivers, or somebody scores a touchdown, that’s when I think you’re gonna see entire arenas doing it. I just think Oba Femi is lightning in a bottle and Brock has always been that way. This is, to me, a generational matchup.”

Oba Femi stares down Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi face off during WrestleMania 42: Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)

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SummerSlam will take place on Aug. 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

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‘This group of players raised my expectations’: Bruno Fernandes reacts to Portugal’s exit from FIFA World Cup | Football News

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'This group of players raised my expectations': Bruno Fernandes reacts to Portugal's exit from FIFA World Cup
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) and Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes (8) (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes admitted he is struggling to accept his team’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup after their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favourites, especially after winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League and boasting a strong squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo and several Champions League-winning PSG stars. Fernandes also arrived in top form after an outstanding season with Manchester United, where he scripted the all-time Premier League record for the most assists in a single season.Taking to Instagram, Fernandes expressed his emotions following Portugal’s exit.“Sad, frustrated, and disappointed,” Fernandes, 31, wrote.He said the quality of Portugal’s squad had given him high hopes of a deep World Cup run.“This group of players raised my expectations high, not only because of their quality, but also because of the incredible team we’ve built over the years,” Fernandes wrote.Portugal managed just two wins in five matches, beating Uzbekistan and Croatia before being knocked out by Spain.Despite the disappointment, Fernandes thanked everyone who supported the team throughout the tournament.“Thank you to all the players, the coaching staff, and everyone who supported us and helped us every day during the World Cup,” he wrote.“To all the Portuguese people, a big thank you for your support and belief.”

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Kelsey Mitchell lifts Fever over Mercury in wild finish

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Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) defends against Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesJul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) defends against Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

There were five lead changes in the final 45 seconds of regulation, with the decisive basket coming on Kelsey Mitchell’s driving finger roll with 10.1 seconds remaining to lift the visiting Indiana Fever to a 92-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday.

Indiana (13-9) trailed by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter, but an 11-0 run that included 3-pointers by Sophie Cunningham, Mitchell and Tyasha Harris set the stage for a wild finale.

Phoenix (8-15) ended the Fever spurt on a DeWanna Bonner 3-pointer with 2:48 to go. The resulting 82-80 Mercury lead transitioned into a back-and-forth finish with multiple ties.

Kahleah Copper finished with 22 points, matching Alyssa Thomas for the team lead. Thomas also delivered one of the lead-swapping buckets for Phoenix, cleaning up a deflected ball from Copper at the rim to answer Aliyah Boston’s make in the paint on the other end.

Boston, returning to the Indiana lineup after missing Wednesday’s first leg of a back-to-back in Los Angeles, finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. Harris added 15 points, including seven in the final four minutes on a variety of clutch baskets.

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It was Mitchell delivering the ultimate game-winner, fittingly, to cap her game-high 29-point performance. After Thomas’ go-ahead score, Indiana cleared the floor to allow Thomas to operate one-on-one.

She created just enough space driving left to get off her scooping layup and seal the win. Mitchell also dished out a game-high eight assists.

Phoenix had one last opportunity, but Thomas could not get a clean look at the basket, and former Mercury player Cunningham drew a loose-ball foul on Copper to effectively end it.

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Cunningham’s ensuing free throws gave her nine points off the bench, pitching in as Indiana filled the offensive void with Caitlin Clark sidelined. Clark returned on Wednesday from a back injury sustained against Phoenix, but sat on Thursday with the immediate turnaround.

Monique Akoa Makani scored 14 points off the bench for the Mercury.

–Field Level Media

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Lamine Yamal odds, picks, predictions, player props: Best bets for Spain vs. Belgium in 2026 World Cup

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Lamine Yamal turns 19 on Monday of next week and with a little luck, he’ll have helped lead his nation to the 2026 World Cup semifinals. However, Yamal and Spain will have to get past Belgium in the quarterfinals on Friday and their European rivals are firing on all cylinders coming off a 4-1 win to knock out the USA on their home soil. Yamal already has 30 caps for Spain under his belt and was a La Liga Player of the Year while winning the league with FC Barcelona. Now Spain are -350 favorites to advance to the semifinals and Belgium are +265 underdogs in the latest Spain vs. Belgium odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Yamal has only scored once during World Cup 2026, but he has seven goals for Spain and is priced at +140 to score in regulation or extra time on Friday.

However, Yamal does have 11 assists in his career for Spain and he’s listed at +165 to register one against Belgium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. and this will be the third World Cup meeting between the two nations. There are also several other Lamine Yamal props available for Friday’s match. Before locking in your 2026 World Cup picks and other World Cup bets for Belgium vs. Spain on betting sites like FanDuel, be sure to check out top picks from soccer insider Brandt Sutton.

Sutton is a former collegiate soccer player and has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor since 2017. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most informed soccer betting decisions possible. Since 2025, Sutton has been profitable across multiple leagues, including the Premier League and Bundesliga. He’s also been profitable on his Champions League picks in 2026. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Lamine Yamal betting odds

Lamine Yamal anytime goal scorer including extra time (+140)

As a winger that attracts as much attention as Yamal, it’s not always easy to create scoring chances, but Yamal has taken 17 shots so far and put eight on target in 314 minutes of action. His pace and creativity on the wing will pose problems for a Belgian defense that relies on 30-somethings like Brandon Mechele and Timothy Castagne. You can buy this price up to +155 by playing it in regulation, but Yamal’s penchant for big moments makes paying the premium worthwhile here.

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Lamine Yamal to assist anytime including extra time (+165)

Yamal provides an abundance of pace and creativity on the outside and it draws a lot of attention from opposing defenses. That gives him opportunities to provide for his teammates, which is how he’s managed 11 assists already in his national team career. He also has a history of creating scoring chances in big matches, having registered four assists during Spain’s title run at Euro 2024 when he was only 16.

Lamine Yamal to record two or more shots on goal (-105)

Spain gradually worked Yamal into action after he suffered a hamstring injury in April, playing him off the bench against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia. However, he still took five shots and put two on target in his 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia. He’s been in the starting lineup in each of the last three matches and has reached two shots on goal in two of those three matches, so this is a great price.

Top Lamine Yamal picks, player props for Spain vs. Belgium

  • Lamine Yamal to assist anytime including extra time (+165)
  • Lamine Yamal to record two or more shots on goal (-105)

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Man City introduce £10 tickets every home game for their most local fans

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Manchester City have launched a scheme that will see residents in areas surrounding the Etihad get cheap tickets for home games.

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Manchester City are introducing £10 tickets for adults at every home game this season for their most local fans. Starting with the Premier League opener against Bournemouth next month, between 100 and 500 tickets will be available every match for any supporters who live in the areas surrounding the stadium.

The club have worked with fan advisory board City Matters on a new initiative which aims to both protect the local core of City’s support but also open opportunities up to Mancunians who may never have thought they could attend matches despite being on their doorstep. Tickets will be drawn by ballot for every match and will include the biggest fixtures against United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

As defined by the council, addresses in Ancoats & Beswick, Clayton & Openshaw, Gorton & Abbey Hey, Ardwick, and Miles Platting & Newton Heath will be available for the ringfenced allocation. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and £5 for Under-5s, and it is possible for multiple people to apply together if they wish to sit together; seats will be available across the stadium rather than in one particular block or area.

Lee Broadstock, chair of City Matters, said: “We’re really pleased to see the club take proactive steps to help local people watch Manchester City, with thousands of Premier League tickets available for just £10. By making matches more accessible, it will help more people from east Manchester attend regularly, get behind the team and contribute to the atmosphere that makes the Etihad such a special place on matchdays.”

The move is the latest effort from City to connect with their local community and matchgoing fanbase. Season tickets have been frozen for a third consecutive season after passionate pleas from fans in addition to protests in 2025, and matchday prices were reduced that year.

With the opening of the expanded North Stand part of a £300m redevelopment that aims to turn the Etihad into an entertainment destination for every day of the year, Blues bosses are aware that as they create more of a footprint in east Manchester it will have a bigger impact on those that live nearest to the stadium.

Offering reduced tickets is a way of giving those residents a chance to be part of the action; the nearby concert venue Co-op Live, which has City Football Group as major shareholders, offers a similar scheme.

City’s managing director of operations, Danny Wilson, said: “Manchester City has always been rooted in its community and as we grow we want to ensure people who live closest to the Etihad Campus remain part of everything that happens here.

“We know matchdays bring significant social and economic opportunities to the area, but with more matches, more activities and more visitors than ever before, it’s important that those who live closest to us can continue to enjoy the experience, make lasting memories, and be a part of the journey with us.”

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