Minnesota Vikings rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks has yet to take an NFL snap, and he’s already on bust watch. That’s the verdict, according to Bleacher Report, which predicted one bust from each team this week.

Banks is on track to be ready for training camp after a foot injury at the NFL Combine, but that apparently doesn’t matter to Moe Moton.

Vikings’ Recent Draft History Makes the Label Sting More

BR on Banks as a Bust

It was Banks as a bust per Moton’s determination, and he explained, “According to The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, Caleb Banks broke his foot at the NFL Scouting Combine and was expected to be out until June.”

“ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that teams received a letter with confirmation of that recovery timeline. The Minnesota Vikings selected Banks with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft, and he’s yet to participate in practice.”

The Vikings announced right after the draft that Banks would heal and be ready for training camp, so it is not surprising that he hasn’t practiced yet. He wasn’t supposed to.

Moton added, “Head coach Kevin O’Connell expects the 6’6″, 327-pound defensive tackle to be ready for training camp (h/t ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). Even if Banks is on the practice field in a couple of weeks, the Vikings probably won’t ramp him up to full speed right away.”

“After missing spring practices, the rookie first-rounder may see limited reps, which may delay his start to the season and push for a prominent role on the defensive line.”

Vikings Fans’ Worst Fear

Banks as a bust — in 2026 or beyond — would be an absolute nightmare. There’s a reason general managers shied away from him during the lead-up to the draft: injuries. A bust season would make the Vikings’ decision-makers look downright silly, as the draft community would utter a collective “I told you so.”

Minnesota’s roster is dying for youthful replenishment, and another bust of any kind would feel like a curse. Teams with a string of poor draft classes — the Vikings — cannot win Super Bowls or even make modest playoff runs because the talent pool is too dry. Free agency and trades can only go so far.

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t win the Super Bowl in 2021 by trading for Matthew Stafford alone; it has consistently drafted well for years. The Vikings must follow suit.

Play Early and Start a Positive Trajectory

Of course, Banks doesn’t have to set the world on fire. That’s not the ask in 2026. He must merely stay healthy, play, and generally look like he belongs on a football field. He will get grace to mature and develop; Banks doesn’t need to reach the Pro Bowl in 2026.

Thankfully, Banks is on track to debut at training camp, which is less than two weeks away. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about his 1st-Rounder at minicamp in May: “Caleb is doing great. Got some more positive information here as he reported to Eagan in the last couple days, and very much looking forward to him establishing a great plan with our medical staff and the coaching staff.”

“On the coaching staff side, how can we push Caleb from an above-the-neck standpoint to be that much more comfortable when he does get healthy? He gets a great chance this spring and summer to get strong and build himself up.”

There is no evidence to suggest that Banks will be held out of training camp.

“With Caleb, he doesn’t necessarily have to worry about the physical side of it right now, other than just getting healthy. So we can hopefully challenge him to learn multiple spots that coincide with his versatility to align in different impactful spots along the D-line,” O’Connell continued.

“I just think we’re happy with where he’s at, all things considered. We want to have our eyes on that end-of-July date so he can hopefully have a seamless transition into training camp.”

Too Many Draft Gaffes as of Late

Need examples why Banks can’t flop? Minnesota is mitigating these draft misses — players from Round 3 or higher who did not stick around beyond their rookie contracts in the last five years:

• Kellen Mond | QB (2021, R3)
• Chazz Surratt | LB (2021, R3)
• Wyatt Davis | G (2021, R3)
• Lewis Cine | S (2022, R1)
• Andrew Booth | CB (2022, R2)
• Ed Ingram | G (2022, R2)
• Brian Asamoah | LB (2022, R3)
• Mekhi Blackmon | CB (2023, R3)

Meanwhile, the verdict is still out on players like J.J. McCarthy and Tai Felton.

The Vikings need a draft win, and Banks is the most recent trial.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Spain’s quest to add a second FIFA World Cup title to its trophy cabinet is gathering momentum. After an underwhelming start to the tournament, the reigning European champions have rediscovered their rhythm and now stand just one victory away from the World Cup final.

Luis de la Fuente’s side has grown stronger with every match in North America, combining defensive solidity with timely attacking contributions from across the squad. Having overcome Austria, Portugal and Belgium in the knockout stages, Spain now faces fellow European powerhouse France in a blockbuster semifinal.

Here’s a look at La Roja’s journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals.

Slow start but strong finish in Group H

Spain opened its World Cup campaign with an unexpected 0-0 draw against Cape Verde despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities.

The stalemate, however, proved to be nothing more than an early setback. La Roja bounced back emphatically by thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 before edging Uruguay 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter.

Those victories ensured Spain finished top of Group H without conceding a single goal, setting up a favourable knockout path.

Group Stage Results

• 
  Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
• 
  Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
• 
  Spain 1-0 Uruguay 

Austria swept aside in Round of 32

Spain announced itself as a genuine title contender with one of the most dominant performances of the knockout stage against Austria.

Playing with trademark fluidity, De la Fuente’s men controlled possession from the outset and dismantled the Austrian defence in a comprehensive 3-0 victory. The midfield dictated the tempo while Spain’s high pressing prevented Austria from establishing any rhythm.

The comfortable win sent La Roja into the Round of 16 brimming with confidence.

Merino the hero against Portugal

The Round of 16 produced an emotional Iberian derby as Spain faced neighbouring Portugal.

It proved to be one of the tournament’s tightest contests, with chances at a premium throughout the 90 minutes. Just as extra time appeared inevitable, substitute Mikel Merino delivered once again, scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Belgium pushed Spain all the way

Spain’s toughest examination came in the quarterfinals against Belgium.

After keeping clean sheets throughout the tournament, La Roja conceded for the first time but refused to lose control of the contest. Belgium repeatedly threatened on the counter, forcing Spain to show another side of their game.

Once again, Merino emerged as the match-winner. Coming off the bench, the Arsenal midfielder netted the decisive goal to seal a 2-1 victory and book Spain’s place in the semifinals.

The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run at the tournament while underlining the squad’s depth and resilience.

Defensive solidity meets attacking flair

Although Spain has dazzled with its possession-based football, its defensive record has been equally impressive.

La Roja kept clean sheets in each of its first five matches before finally conceding against Belgium in the quarterfinals. Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz have controlled midfield battles, while youngsters Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal have continued to shine on the biggest stage.

Merino’s knack for scoring decisive goals has also become one of Spain’s defining stories of the tournament.

Semifinal showdown against France

Spain’s reward is a heavyweight semifinal clash with France in Arlington.

Didier Deschamps’ side has looked among the favourites throughout the competition, powered by the goals of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. France booked its semifinal place after eliminating Morocco, setting up another mouthwatering European showdown.

Spain will hope its possession game and defensive discipline can neutralise France’s devastating pace on the counter-attack in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

One win from another World Cup final

Victory over France would send Spain into its first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Awaiting in the championship match would be either defending champions Argentina or England, who meet in the other semifinal.

With momentum firmly on their side and confidence growing after every round, La Roja is now just two victories away from reclaiming football’s biggest prize on the world stage.

A coaching crisis is expected to emerge in the Indian men’s national cricket team, with reports suggesting that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has informed the management of his decision to leave. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to decide whether to allow the Dutchman to leave before the end of his contract, a report has explained how an unfulfilled promise by the Gautam Gambhir-led management led to Ten Doeschate taking this step.

According to a report by PTI, Ten Doeschate came on board as India’s assistant coach after being promised that he would also be given the role of the team’s fielding coach. However, T Dilip, who first became a part of India’s coaching setup under former head coach Rahul Dravid, retained the role even after Gambhir’s appointment to the top position.

Two years since his arrival, Ten Doeschate is still waiting for that promise to be fulfilled. The fact that Dilip was once set to be let go, only to be reinstated as the team’s fielding coach, has further added to the former Netherlands batter’s disappointment.

“You have Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, and there’s Gauti (Gambhir) himself to look after the batters. Morne (Morkel) is in charge of the pacers, and Sairaj (Bahutule) looks after the spinners. When Tendo (his nickname) was brought on board, he was promised the fielding coach’s job,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

“Dilip was supposed to be removed along with Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach), Soham Desai (S&C coach), and Arun Kanade (masseur) after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, a strong recommendation for Dilip came from a senior player, earning him a one-year extension. As a result, Tendo did not actually have a specific domain role. He is a fantastic coach who hasn’t been utilised properly because Dilip is there,” the source added.

It has also been reported that Dilip was originally supposed to leave the support staff after the 2025 Champions Trophy. The board had decided to part ways with him, as well as assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and masseur Arun Kanade. However, Dilip reportedly signed a one-year extension after a senior member of the Indian squad advocated for him.

“He is an outstanding coach, but his expertise hasn’t been fully utilised because the fielding coach’s position remains occupied,” the source further said regarding Ten Doeschate.

At present, it appears that only one of Dilip and Ten Doeschate can continue to remain a part of Gambhir’s coaching staff due to the conflict over the fielding coach’s role.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 | Argentina Fans Sing & Dance After Dramatic Comeback Against Egypt

Argentina face England in the second semi-final. On the transfer front, Manchester United are busy with two new signings. Mason Greenwood is no longer a Manchester United player. Tadej Pogacar has once again demonstrated his dominance in the Tour de France.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi; and England’s Harry Kane during the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AP Photos)

England’s FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina has been designated the highest-risk fixture of the tournament, with the FBI, FIFA and local law enforcement rolling out extraordinary security measures as one of football’s fiercest rivalries takes centre stage in Atlanta.As per reports, officials from the FBI, FIFA and the Atlanta Police Department met earlier this week to assess potential threats surrounding Wednesday night’s blockbuster clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The concern extends beyond football, with decades of political tensions and historic flashpoints raising fears that emotions could spill over among supporters.To minimise the risk of confrontations, England and Argentina fans will enter the stadium through separate gates. However, organisers have confirmed there will be no segregation once inside the venue, where supporters will be seated together due to the widespread use of ticket resale platforms.Atlanta Police have also deployed additional personnel around the stadium, team hotels and entertainment districts.“As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match… additional personnel and resources are already deployed… to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” the department said in a statement.ALSO READ: Falklands at the epicentre of football’s bitter rivalry

A rivalry forged by war and football

The rivalry between England and Argentina stretches far beyond the pitch and remains deeply intertwined with the 1982 Falklands War, which claimed 907 lives after Argentina invaded the islands before Britain regained control.Political tensions resurfaced this week when Argentina’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a move swiftly rejected by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government.The conflict has also found its way into football culture during the tournament. Argentina’s players have repeatedly celebrated victories by singing songs referencing the Falklands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas.However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to cool the rhetoric ahead of the semifinal.“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match. We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that,” Scaloni said.

From the ‘Hand of God’ to Beckham’s red card

Few football rivalries carry as much baggage as England versus Argentina.Their most iconic meeting came at the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal before producing the stunning solo effort widely regarded as the greatest goal in World Cup history.Maradona later admitted using his hand and described the incident as “some sort of symbolic revenge against the English” for the Falklands War.The hostility predates 1982. During the 1966 World Cup quarterfinal, England manager Alf Ramsey famously labelled Argentina’s players “animals” after a fiery encounter that saw captain Antonio Rattin sent off and escorted from the field by police.The rivalry flared again at France 1998 when David Beckham‘s red card against Diego Simeone contributed to England’s penalty shootout defeat.With history, politics and football colliding once again, authorities are taking no chances. For the FBI and tournament organisers, England versus Argentina is not just another World Cup semifinal — it is the most sensitive fixture of the competition, demanding an unprecedented level of security to ensure that one of football’s greatest rivalries remains confined to the pitch.

Few things can turn heads on the first tee like an all-black finish, and if that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’re going to love the latest drop from Titleist.

The popular T100, T150, T250 and T350 Titleist irons are now available for pre-order in a gorgeous Black Vapor finish. The deeper, darker look is achieved via a vapor-deposition process that bonds a uniform coating to every clubhead and is specially engineered to last.

The all-black look is complemented by True Temper AMT Tour White Onyx shafts, finished with a matching onyx powder coat, and paired with Golf Pride Tour Velvet Blackout grips.

Unsure about which T-Series iron model would best suit your game? Here’s a quick description of each option:

T100: A fully forged modern Tour iron with a compact shape. This model emphasizes precision and feel.

T150: A faster player’s iron, this model offers a bit more speed and launch than the T100, along with a slightly larger yet still compact profile.

T250: Speed, launch and forgiveness in an all-steel package, with a thicker topline and wider sole than the T100 and T150.

T350: This game-improvement model offers maximum distance, forgiveness and speed.

One of the most appealing aspects of Titleist’s T-Series irons is the fact that the models are specifically designed for seamless blending — a strategy employed by many of the manufacturer’s Tour staffers. Which mix would work best for your game? Find out by scheduling a fitting at your local True Spec.

To browse each iron’s specifications — and place your pre-order! — click on the links below.

Pre-order your limited-edition Titleist T-Series Black Vapor irons

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Titleist T250 Black Vapor Limited Edition Irons

T-Series irons, now available in an Oil Can Finish for the first time ever. Made popular by Vokey Design, this rich copper finish uses a PVD treatment for lasting durability—delivering a strikingly pure look that stands apart in your bag.

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Titleist T350 Black Vapor Limited Edition Irons

T-Series irons, now available in an Oil Can Finish for the first time ever. Made popular by Vokey Design, this rich copper finish uses a PVD treatment for lasting durability—delivering a strikingly pure look that stands apart in your bag.

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Rodrigo de Paul has become, in this Argentina squad, what Jose Manuel Pinto once was at Barcelona, or Luis Suarez later became: the team-mate with whom Messi instantly feels at home.

Their bond was forged on international duty. Until then, the midfielder’s only connection to Messi had been asking for a photo after a Valencia–Barcelona match, which he proudly posted on social media.

One afternoon, he noticed Messi leave training alone, looking subdued. Concerned, De Paul waited about 40 minutes before knocking on his door.

“Fancy a mate and a game of truco?”

A friendship began, with its own strict etiquette. Mate, the drink, together every morning in De Paul’s room. In order of arrival, Leo first, then other members of the squad. If they got up too early, they have to wait for the moment to get to De Paul’s room, nobody can jump the routine.

De Paul sometimes calls Messi ‘El Pequeno’ (the little one), even though he is the oldest in the room.

He needles him, treats him like a normal guy rather than a monument, because that is what Messi actually more often than not wants: to be Leo, not Messi. De Paul knows him well enough to sense when to leave him alone, too.

Walking out to the pitch, Messi leads, De Paul at his side, the rest of the squad fanning out behind almost in a wedge – like a street gang protecting its leader.

For many of this group Messi was never simply a team-mate first, he was the childhood idol on television, the reason some of them picked up a ball at all.

The whole squad wears the same boots, the Adidas Adistar Messi. For his birthday in June, the players wore a T-shirt printed with a photo of themselves alongside Leo from some point across his years with the national team.

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina semi-final clash in Atlanta on Thursday. (AP/ANI Photos)

LONDON: The FBI has labelled England’s semifinal with Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday night as the highest risk match due to the fierce and enduring rivalry between the two sides.Forty years ago when Argentina beat England 2-1 in the Mexico’86 quarterfinal at the Azteca Stadium, the English were incensed. “He cheated,” England goalkeeper Peter Shilton said. “He didn’t show any remorse.”Argentina’s first goal, scored by Diego Maradona, came when he punched the ball past Shilton into the net with his fist. Despite England’s protestations, the referee claimed he didn’t see it and allowed it. Minutes later, Maradona scored the greatest World Cup goal of all time. Argentina would later go on to lift the World Cup, and Maradona would describe his first England goal as “ the hand of God”.Maradona later admitted in his autobiography that he indeed used his hand and said it was “some sort of symbolic revenge against the English” for the 1982 Falklands War, in which 649 Argentinians and 255 British troops died. Of the Argentinians killed, 323 were onboard the ARA Belgrano, the Argentine naval ship, when the then UK PM Margaret Thatcher authorised its sinking.“All I wanted to do was honour the memory of the dead,” Maradona said. “To wipe England off the world map – the world football map, that is.”On Wednesday, Maradona’s son, Diego Sinagara, urged fans to remember those who died, telling Spanish newspaper Marca: “For all Argentinians and Maradona fans, it will be a different kind of match, one that brings to mind everything about the Malvinas (Falklands War) and all our brothers who died there…”Last week the Argentina national football team released a video showing players celebrating in their dressing room with Argentina’s World Cup fan anthem La Cuarta Estrella, which includes the lyrics: “I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego.”“Las Malvinas” is the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands. This week Argentina’s foreign minister Pablo Quirrno called Falklands Islanders an “artificially implanted” population in an essay in Argentinian newspaper La Nacion, demanding Britain enter talks to hand over the territory. He claimed the 2013 referendum was illegitimate.The UK Prime Minister’s official spokesman retorted: “The Falkland islanders are British with a right to determine their own future. The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”This bitter rivalry, however, extends to even before the Falklands War. In 1966, when the two sides met in the World Cup quarterfinal at Wembley, Argentinian players used violent tackles, spitting, hair-pulling, and severe intimidation tactics. England manager Alf Ramsey famously branded them “animals” and Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, who died at the weekend, was sent off for dissent for arguing with the referee. The police had to be called to remove him from the pitch.The two sides met at France ’98 when David Beckham was given a red card kicking Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone. Simeone later admitted he had done everything possible to provoke the England midfielder. England lost on penalties. “English players are more naive. We look for ways to destroy him,” Roberto Perfumo, former Argentine captain, told the Guardian in 2002.Whilst Argentinian football culture appears to be all about whipping up anti-English sentiment, football was ironically introduced to Argentina in 1867 by the Hogg brothers who were Englishmen from Skelton, Yorkshire.Pubs across Britain are getting decked out for the biggest night of the year with flags ready. England fans are confident England can win. They also see the match as revenge for Maradona’s ‘Hand of God.’

Chennai Super Kings have decided to part ways with head coach Stephen Fleming, but he may not be the only change in the team management ahead of IPL 2027, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The report claimed that bowling coach Eric Simons could also lose his job after CSK finished eighth with just 6 wins in IPL 2026. While there was no update on batting coach Mike Hussey’s situation, the report added that the franchise seems to be headed for a major shake-up. Even the decision over Fleming came as a slight surprise after reports that the former New Zealand captain may end up staying as head coach.

However, it all reportedly changed after Texas Super Kings finished at the bottom of the Major League Cricket (MLC) points table with 7 defeats in 10 matches. Fleming was the head coach of the MLC team as well, and the report claimed that while tensions had been rising over time in CSK, the poor show in the US proved to be the last straw for Fleming. 

Announcing the decision, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath paid tribute to Fleming’s contribution to the franchise over nearly two decades. “Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence. On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to a close, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy,” she said.

CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan said Fleming’s influence extended well beyond on-field results, crediting him with establishing the culture that became synonymous with the franchise.

“From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths. His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together,” Kasi stated.

Reflecting on his departure, Fleming described his time with CSK as the defining chapter of his coaching career and thanked the franchise for nearly two decades of shared success.

“Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come,” Fleming said.

(With IANS inputs)

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