Belgium secured its place in the World Cup quarterfinals after beating the US 4-1 in Seattle.
Atalanta attacker Charles de Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken scoring the third after a mistake by US goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Romelu Lukaku added the fourth in stoppage time after another mistake in the US defense
Germany-born Malik Tillman temporarily equalized for the US in the 31st minute.
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The defeat signals the end of the US’ World Cup campaign, marking the last host country to have been eliminated.
Belgium will face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10.
FIFA decision causes uproar
The game was overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card received by US striker Folarin Balogun, who featured in the US’ starting eleven for the game without leaving any impact.
FIFA’s own statutes forbid any kind of governmental or political interference with the work and decision making of its member associations, with world football’s governing body previously sanctioning national associations for such interference taking place.
Kuwait and Indonesia, for example, were disqualified from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to governmental interference in the two countries’ respective football associations.
US striker Folarin Balogun left no impact on the gameImage: Manu Fernandez/AP Photo/picture alliance
Infantino, Trump defend decision
Infantino claimed the decision had been made by FIFA’s disciplinary committee and that Trump’s phone call had no influence on it.
“During our conversation I explained that there was an ongoing legal process,” Infantino said in a statement, adding that FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent.
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“This is how FIFA’s system works and it is a principle I will always uphold,” he said.
Trump, too, said he had only asked for the red card to be reviewed.
Belgium’s football association appealed the decision ahead of the game, but its appeal was rejected by FIFA.
FIFA’s decision caused large-scale criticism across world football, including by European football’s governing body UEFA and many national associations and high-profile figures across the game.
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Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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A popular WWE legend was seemingly set for a retirement storyline in AEW, but it was ultimately scrapped. They have now broken their silence on the matter and spoken about it.
In early 2025, Jeff Jarrett boldly declared he would go on one final major run before hanging up his boots, targeting Jon Moxley and his AEW World Championship. MJF was among those who objected to this, believing someone like him was more deserving. In the end, the Death Riders themselves cut things short.
Double J was recently active on Reddit in an Ask Me Anything segment as part of a collaboration with Vice TV ahead of the seventh season of the Dark Side of the Ring. He was asked about his retirement run, and he had a straightforward response.
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“There’s one thing in the wrestling business that’s always consistent: “CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE…Creative plans will always change in this industry. –JJ”
Jeff Jarrett also revealed his current role within AEW
The veteran has not competed in a match for AEW in more than a year, and he has shifted to a different role within the promotion.
During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, he confirmed that he was still an in-ring talent, but the company also wanted him to be a constant analyst for their Zero Hour pre-shows during pay-per-view events.
“So when I’m called into Zero Hour to be an analyst, I do that. When I’m called to wrestle, I will wrestle. Yeah, I’m just an on-screen talent, whether a wrestler or not. Nothing behind the scenes.”
Jeff Jarrett may be 58, but he has shown that he can still contribute to a major company, whether as an in-ring competitor or in another role. It remains to be seen whether AEW will decide to revisit his retirement storyline or book him in a different one.
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Terence Crawford may boast an immaculate professional record, but one man claims to have “smoked” the surefire Hall of Famer in the amateurs.
In the professional code, ‘Bud’ ended his career as a three-division undisputed champion, just a few months removed from his astounding triumph over Canelo Alvarez.
But despite his remarkable 42-fight campaign, the American enjoyed comparatively modest success in the unpaid ranks, where he crafted an overall record of 58-12.
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Still, Crawford was able to win several national tournaments, while amassing victories over Danny and Mikey Garcia, yet it must be said that the professional code was his preferred domain.
But it was nonetheless considered a resounding achievement when Miguel Gonzalez, an elite amateur himself, defeated ‘Bud’ by a margin of 32–23.
‘Silky Smooth’ had lost to Crawford by much tighter margins on two previous occasions, both times feeling aggrieved by the result.
This time around, though, the Ohio native took the bull by the horns and denied his rival any further success in the amateurs.
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Speaking with FightHype, Gonzalez gave his interpretation of what unfolded.
“The first time I fought Bud [in 2006], I came from a two-year layoff and I thought I smoked Bud. [But] they [the judges] gave it to him by two-three points.
“The second time I boxed Bud [in 2007], I smoked Bud. [But] they robbed me by one point. I was so angry. They ended up taking a point from me and gave him the decision. I was blowing him out every round.
“The third time I fought Bud [2007], it was all-out. [I] smoked his ass for sure. Blew him out the water.”
Gonzalez also praised Crawford for what he went on to achieve in his career following their encounters.
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“I take my hat off to Bud. Big ups to Crawford. His whole career I never felt like he took any wrong paths… The way he did his career, I respect it.”
Despite Gonzalez defeating the great Crawford, it was actually Sadam Ali who, after outpointing both fighters, would go on to represent Team USA at the 2008 Olympics.
Pulisic’s tournament has been plagued by fitness problems after sustaining a calf problem the USA’s opener against Paraguay, which forced him to come off at half-time in Los Angeles.
The American talisman was able to make a return to the starting XI against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 after being limited for the rest of the group stage, and was hopeful to remain at the forefront of the USA’s efforts in the knockouts.
But with the co-hosts trailing to Belgium in their must-win last-16 tie, injury reared its ugly head once again for Pulisic after he kicked Youri Tielemans’ boot while trying to shoot.
After spending a few moments lying on the pitch, Pulisic was visibly in pain as he returned to his feet and was subsequently replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
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Christian Pulisic suffered a fresh injury blow against Belgium (Getty)
His exit came two minutes after the USA fell 3-1 behind courtesy of a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was dispossessed outside his own area before Hans Vanaken fired into an empty net from range.
The USA’s World Cup hopes greatly diminished, Pulisic was consoled by his team-mates as he knew he could do no more to help his team overcome the deficit they faced.
Mauricio Pochettino later said that he think Pulisic twisted his ankle and hopes it’s not serious ahead of Pulisic’s reintegration with AC Milan for the 2026/27 season.
Belgium had an appeal claiming Balogun was ineligible denied before the match but the Monaco striker’s inclusion proved fruitless, with the USA’s only goal coming from a deflected Malik Tillman free-kick.
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Belgium face Spain in the next round but will also be fearing the worst about one of their own injury concerns, with Amadou Onana appearing to suffer a serious knee injury against the US. He was replaced early on and later seen on crutches wearing a knee brace.
Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
LOS ANGELES–Six-time NBA All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan, a 17-season veteran, was waived by the Sacramento Kings on Monday after two campaigns with the club.
“Thank you for every bucket, every big moment, and every time you represented Sacramento. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter,” the Kings posted on X in announcing the move.
Starting at least 74 games in each of the past five seasons and 77 apiece in his two years with the Kings, DeRozan became a casualty of a rebuilding franchise creating financial flexibility.
Now he’s one of the top free agents on the market.
DeRozan has averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 blocked shots in 1,264 games with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and the Kings.
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The 36-year-old American, who helped the United States to Olympic gold at Rio in 2016 and the 2014 Basketball World Cup crown, averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots a game last season.
DeRozan’s teams, however, have missed the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons, including both of his campaigns with Sacramento.
DeRozan ranks fifth among all active NBA players in scoring and 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,711 points.
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Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Washington Commanders are planning to sign cornerback Rasul Douglas to a one-year deal, ESPN reported Monday.
The deal is reportedly worth up to $3.8 million.
Douglas played last season, his ninth in the NFL, with the Miami Dolphins. He recorded 62 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 15 games (13 starts), earning an AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor in Week 14.
The 30-year old third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has 503 tackles, 92 pass deflections and 21 interceptions over 135 games (93 starts) with the Philadelphia Eagles (2017-19), Carolina Panthers (2020), Green Bay Packers (2021-23), Buffalo Bills (2023-24) and Dolphins.
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With his signing, Washington would seek to bolster a passing defense which ranked 28th in the NFL last season, allowing 242.5 passing yards per game.
FILE – Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo walks off the court after an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File)
MIAMI— Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to say hello to Miami in a few days. First, he had to bid farewell to Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks officially ended Monday, when the trade sending him and Bobby Portis to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and draft capital was approved by the NBA.
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Antetokounmpo plans to arrive in Miami in a few days to start his Heat era — and said in a video message posted Monday on social media that he will forever think of Milwaukee, the place where he spent 13 seasons, as his city.
“I want you to hear from my mouth, the city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart,” Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 10-time All-Star, said in the video. “This is my home, and this is a place that I had my kids. … It made me the man that I am today. That will never ever change. No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family.”
His run in Milwaukee ended with 21,531 points — by far the most in franchise history, more than 7,000 ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s total during his tenure with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is also Milwaukee’s all-time leader in rebounds and assists, plus he ranks second on the team’s career list in steals.
And now, he plays in Miami — a team desperate to get back into title contention, one that paid a ransom to make it happen.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 12, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images/AFP
“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in Heat history,” Miami President Pat Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best.”
Bucks general manager Jon Horst released a statement saying the trade was in the best interest of everyone involved.
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He also lauded Antetokounmpo, as would be expected.
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“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way — on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst said. “Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate and representative of this city, and one of the defining players of his generation. The standard he set will continue here.”
The highlight of Antetokounmpo’s 13 seasons in Milwaukee, of course, was the 2021 NBA title. He had 50 points in the Bucks’ title-clinching Game 6 victory over Phoenix, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in a landslide.
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Antetokounmpo said then, and reiterated Monday, that Bucks fans deserved that moment.
“I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar,” he said in the video. “It’s people that work extremely hard every single day. They give all their hard-earned money just to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks, to come and feel something, to come, to be a part of us.
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“I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could. And I was like them. I showed up to work, did everything. I was willing to do all the dirty work, just like them. I hope that bringing a trophy to this city meant something to them, because it meant so much to me.”
It’s officially links golf season, folks. For the next few weeks, the golf world turns to the United Kingdomn for the Scottish Open (men’s and women’s) and the Open Championship (men’s, women’s, senior’s). We’re talking about the ball in the air and on the ground. We’re talking about holding shots off into a crosswind and flighting them down into a headwind. Really, we’re talking about controlling trajectory regardless of the vagaries the linksland throws at us.
And our professor for this task? None other than Tommy Fleetwood, born and raised in Southport, on the west coast of England, down the street from Royal Birkdale, host of this year’s Open. We had the pleasure of putting Fleetwood to work in our “Pros Teaching Joes” series, focusing on a simple idea: How does one of the best irons players in the world control the trajectory of his irons shots?
“It always starts with stock,” Fleetwood told me, from one of the hitting bays at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy in Dubai. By which he means, whatever your stock ball-placement is, that’s where your thought processes should begin. To work the ball higher or lower, it’s crucial to first know know where your center-of-stance placement (with your 7-iron, most likely) is, and your standard swing and strike is. That’s your norm. That’s your stock.
In the scenario where I’d like to hit the ball higher than my stock — using the same club selection, mind you — Fleetwood suggests a little thought exercise that can double as a practice drill. You can check in out in the video below, and read on for the rest of the explanation.
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Fleetwood likes to incorporate a 5-ball mentality, where five golf balls are lined up next to one other, parallel with your toes, just outside your hitting area. Your stock setup aligns with the center ball, but to hit the ball a bit higher, position yourself so that the ball you’d be striking is the next ball forward. In other words, move your ball one ball forward in your stance.
“A ball’s worth of difference in setup should make it go a bit higher,” Fleetwood said. Sure enough, my smooth 7-iron was apexing at a height of 110 feet, probably 10 to 15 feet higher than normal, and flying 156 yards — maybe 12 yards shorter than normal. Next, we decided to push this theory for the 2% scenario: What if I have to hit it even higher?
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“I do this all the time,” Fleetwood said. “I would call it working around a golf ball in my setup. You might have to hit it over a tree. You might be massively downwind, and the pin might be at the front.”
It doesn’t happen often, of course. But it might be that one time you’ve missed with a tee shot all day, and suddenly need to rescue yourself. Fleetwood’s advice: just move your ball one additional ball forward again. Now we’re two balls forward of stock, swinging the same swing, and if we get our clubhead down to the ball, it should marry up with the upward movement of our swing arc to lift the ball even higher. This time, my 7-iron was hit slightly thin — you are reaching for it a bit, after all — but still apexed at 107 feet.
The nice part about the simplicity of this exercise is the inverse of it works as well. To flight the ball lower, you’re moving the ball backward in your stance from the stock. Not a crazy amount, just one ball — and to go even lower, of course, one additional ball from stock.
This all may seem too easy; your ball-flight would, of course, be expectedly different from these different positions. But take the drill to the range to start understanding what your “stock” is, and even what “stock plus one” looks like from a trajectory perspective. Or “stock minus two.” The final key that Fleetwood holds true for himself is decidedly not changing any element of your stock swing. You’re just trying to deliver the face to the ball in the same manner, but the ball is in a slightly different position.
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If anything, when trying to hit a low-striking iron, Fleetwood would maybe try to slow his swing down slightly from stock — where many people mistakenly quicken — just to make sure the movement is methodical and the contact is pure.
“If you feel like a 70-yard pitch where you’ve just had a very long swing and you just dumped the club on it with a short follow-through,” he said.
The result was exactly what we were looking for: an apex 45 feet, carrying 156 yards — basically the same distance the other non-stock shots were flying, but with a completely different feel.
Errol Spence Jr made headlines recently when he described his training camp for the undisputed welterweight clash with Terence Crawford as “trash.”
Spence was comprehensively beaten by Crawford in 2023, suffering two knockdowns before being stopped in the ninth round. The following year, he parted ways with long-time trainer Derrick James, with the pair also becoming embroiled in a two-way lawsuit.
Responding to Spence’s comments on The Last Stand podcast, James appeared to acknowledge that preparations were not ideal, explaining that the gym was busier than usual while he was also overseeing training camps for Anthony Joshua and Frank Martin.
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“This is what I’ll say. We weren’t able to do everything that we normally do to prepare for a fight. The gym was busy at that time … so it was a different space. The whole protocol changed right after that [fight] – no kids in the gym, no this or that.
“If that’s his perception… I had two other training camps going on at the same time. They never trained at the same time, but they were going on simultaneously. I will say that. If ‘trash’ is his perception, there’s nothing I can do about it … It was never like I was training all three of them at the same time.”
James did, however, refuse to be blamed for the lack of sparring.
“It was [disappointing] to hear … He said he didn’t spar. No, he did spar for two weeks, and supposedly he got injured within the last week of the sparring.
“So he couldn’t spar for the next eight weeks because he suffered an injury. That’s the only thing that was really different – he didn’t spar because he was injured … [After the injury] his father said, no sparring, he’s gonna save it till the fight.”
Despite their disagreement over the camp, James was quick to stress that nothing should detract from Crawford’s performance on the night.
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“This takes nothing away from what Terence Crawford did.”
England fans will be keen to follow the Three Lions’ progress despite time differences (PA)
Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.
Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.
USA goalkeeper Matt Freese with a huge error in judgement as he gifts Belgium’s Hans Vanaken the ball, leaving him with an easy finish that defender Tim Ream could’ve done more to stop. Errors all around as Belgium take control of the round of 16 tie.
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