Sami Zayn became the Undisputed WWE Champion at Night of Champions in the biggest moment of his career. Nine days later, he has lost the title, and his future is uncertain. Sportskeeda Wrestling can now exclusively report on the reason for the title run.
Sami Zayn’s position in WWE after his loss to CM Punk on WWE RAW
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This author spoke to an insider in the company, who revealed that Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship loss to CM Punk was something of an open secret. Although Triple H was the one making the call for his win as well, it turns out that he was not too happy about the change, and not all the higher-ups backstage like Zayn and what he brings to the table for WWE. There is also an idea that he talks too much.
“The fact that Sami Zayn was losing on RAW was an open secret. There were a lot of people talking about how Triple H was involved with Sami winning the title, and the call came from him. But he was not too happy about the change all the same. Sami is seen as someone who has earned his stripes backstage, but there are a lot of people, especially among the older creative heads, those who were around for the Vince era, who feels that he talks too much. “
However, when it comes to the real reason Zayn won and lost the title so quickly, it appears that this run is seen as something of an acknowledgment of the work he has put in for the company. Not everyone gets to be a world title holder, and now he is. His run in WWE is far from over, but for now, he’s a former titleholder.
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“That Sami Zayn is so unapologetically himself is something that escapes no one. They know it, and they are afraid that he will say something that the company does not agree with completely while holding the belt. Even more than, say, CM Punk. Cody and Roman are more in line with what they want. But the real reason he won and then lost quickly is because it is seen as an acknowledgment of Sami doing everything the company asked him to for so many years. He’s now a former titleholder. Not everyone gets that moniker. It’s not fully over for him yet.”
For now, Zayn’s future remains unclear.
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NEW DELHI: As India look to recover from a disappointing white-ball tour of the United Kingdom, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed the extraordinary lengths Virat Kohli went to in order to conquer English conditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous preparation.India’s tour has unravelled with a 0-2 T20I series whitewash by Ireland followed by an unassailable 0-3 deficit against England in the five-match T20I series after a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the fourth match in Bristol on Thursday.With an inconsequential fifth T20I still to come, attention is already shifting to the three-match ODI series beginning in Birmingham on Tuesday, where experienced campaigners Kohli and Rohit Sharma will return under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
‘We poured extra water on the pitch’
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Bangar recalled how Kohli completely overhauled his preparation after enduring a disappointing tour of England in 2014.“When you go to England, the entire game comes down to two things: how well you counter the swing, and how late you can play the ball,” Bangar said. “Because Virat Kohli did not have a great run during the 2014 tour, he put in an immense amount of work during 2017-18 to fix that.”Bangar revealed that India’s training sessions in Mumbai were designed to mimic English conditions as closely as possible.“Our routine was brutal; we would hit a Mumbai ground by 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning just to chase the early dew. We wanted to start as early as possible so we could replicate English conditions, utilising the heavy morning atmosphere and the natural moisture on an uncovered pitch,” he disclosed.When the weather became less challenging, the coaching staff improvised.“If the sun came out and the moisture on the wicket started dropping, we would literally pour extra water onto the surface just to keep the ball snaking around,” he added.
Practice that paid off
According to Bangar, Kohli embraced the demanding sessions repeatedly in pursuit of technical perfection against the swinging ball.“Virat did that gruelling practice repeatedly,” he revealed.The former batting coach believes those painstaking simulations played a significant role in India’s improved performances in England.“Because three or four of our core batsmen managed to fine-tune their batting through those exact simulations, we were highly successful in winning matches over there,” he explained.The revelations come at a time when India’s young batting line-up has struggled badly in seam-friendly conditions during the ongoing T20I series against Ireland and England.Kohli, who trained in Mumbai with Bangar before travelling to England for the ODI leg of the tour, is expected to shoulder much of the batting responsibility alongside Rohit Sharma as India attempt to salvage pride after a disappointing T20I campaign.
The official logo for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup was launched in a brand reveal ceremony on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) in Cebu City. The newly opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena will host the competition where Asia’s best women’s basketball teams will compete for the continental crown. (FIBA photo)
MANILA – Cebu City is set to take center stage in Asian basketball after being named host of the 2027 Fiba Women’s Asia Cup, marking the Philippines’ first time to stage the continent’s premier women’s basketball championship.
FIBA formally unveiled the tournament’s official brand and logo in Cebu on Wednesday, setting the stage for the July 10 to 18, 2027 competition at the newly-opened state-of-the-art SM Seaside Arena.
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Gilas Women, currently No. 30 in the world, will battle Asia’s top national teams for the continental crown in one of Fiba flagship competitions.
The brand launch gathered key Philippine basketball officials, including Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Ricky Vargas, SBP executive director Erika Dy, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.
Gregorio led the unveiling of the tournament logo, which draws inspiration from the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup trophy, Cebu City’s official colors and seal, and traditional Filipino weaving patterns, blending Fiba’s global identity with the host city’s cultural heritage.
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Fiba Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj said the tournament will allow basketball fans to witness the region’s best women’s teams on Philippine soil.
“The Fiba Women’s Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women’s basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines,” Govindaraj said.
Fiba Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian described the Women’s Asia Cup as one of the federation’s most prestigious events and said the tournament continues to elevate the standard of women’s basketball across the continent.
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“The Fiba Women’s Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women’s basketball,” Khajirian said.
He added that the tournament’s branding was designed to capture the experience awaiting fans in the Philippines and around the world.
For the SBP, hosting the tournament reflects the international federation’s confidence in the country’s ability to stage world-class basketball events.
“Bringing one of Asia’s premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that Fiba has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans,” Vargas said.
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Dy, meanwhile, said hosting the tournament presents a unique opportunity for Gilas Pilipinas Women to showcase the strides the national program has made in recent years.
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“Our focus has always been on developing a team that can compete consistently at the highest level in Asia, and having the tournament on home soil provides a platform for our players to inspire the next generation of Filipina basketball players,” she said. (PNA)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has named France as his new favourite to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Germany were knocked out of the competition.
The 26-year-old made the prediction while attending the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show during Paris Fashion Week. Okoye was among the guests at the event and was asked which country he believed would lift the World Cup trophy.
The Nigerian goalkeeper admitted that he had been supporting Germany before their elimination but said he has now switched his support to France.
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“I was rooting for Germany, but unfortunately, we are out already, so I think I’ll go with France,” Okoye said.
France have been one of the standout teams at the tournament. They won all their group matches before continuing their impressive form in the knockout stages to reach the quarter-finals.
The 2018 world champions defeated Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage before beating Sweden in the Round of 32. They then secured a narrow victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 through a Kylian Mbappé penalty.
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Germany, on the other hand, started the tournament strongly with wins over Curaçao and Ivory Coast. However, they lost their final group match to Ecuador before being knocked out by Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32.
While Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Okoye has continued to follow the tournament closely and believes France have what it takes to become world champions once again.
That has led to renewed optimism that a clash against Ortiz could come next, and according to Ortiz’s trainer Robert Garcia, they believe the bout to be a ‘done deal’ on their side.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Garcia explained how they are more than happy to head straight into the match-up with ‘Boots’ next.
“The fight is very close. Eric Gomez, Vergil Senior, Rick Mirigian, they all came to me and asked me what I think about the fight, I said ‘let’s do it.’ There is no need to wait for that fight, there’s no need to get a fight before that. A lot of people may think Vergil needs a fight before that, no he doesn’t.
“Vergil fought less than a year ago. There’s world champions right now that fight once a year or once every 18 months and nobody says they’re out of timing because of the delay. Vergil fought less than a year ago and people seem to forget his performance against Madrimov. Vergil is active and busy.
“The fight will happen, the only thing that could stop the fight is if Boots decides not to fight, but the fight on our side, like I told you guys… I said let’s do it. There’s no question or no doubt that Vergil wins this fight, on our side it’s a done deal.”
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Ortiz fought twice in 2025, defeating Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision at the start of the year before a second round TKO win over Erickson Lubin in November, and if a fight against Ennis is indeed next, it will be a must-see event for boxing fans.
Philipp Lahm has said German football’s biggest problem is a lack of an identity. Toni Kroos believes Germany don’t have world-class talent. Mats Hummels has spoken of issues in the system. There are plenty of opinions and arguments to choose from when it comes to why Germany endured a third straight World Cup disappointment.
Frank Wormuth, a former player, German Football Association (DFB) coach-educator, first-division coach in the Netherlands, and currently a mental coach, believes the context of the team matters.
German football identity: Frank Wormuth
“It’s not about the playing philosophy. It’s about the quality of the players within that playing philosophy,” Wormuth said.
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“You have to look at it separately—our top talents are still talents. (Florian) Wirtz had a less-than-ideal season in Liverpool. (Jamal) Musiala was out with an injury for a long time. (Leroy) Sane seems to remain the eternal prospect. What do you expect now?
“So, right off the bat, you have three very important players on the field responsible for creativity who weren’t at peak form. And that has nothing to do with (head coach Julian) Nagelsmann. It’s a matter of individual form. (Kai) Havertz is just the way he is. He scores goals every now and then, but he thrives on passes. Then Havertz, the one penalty taker you are sure of, misses a penalty. These are all little things, and I’d say that at this level, little things make all the difference. And that’s why it didn’t work out so well for us in attack, even though that was actually our strength.”
Wormuth also cities the example of Nico Schlotterbeck, whose injury early in the tournament was seen as a crucial blow to Germany’s chances.
“He gets injured and suddenly everything falls apart because we’re missing a left-footed player who can open up the play with his build-up. That’s a one-dimensional way of looking at it,” Wormuth said.
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“The question is, are we really that good defensively? Just look at the other teams and how they use their bodies to challenge opponents. We don’t do that anymore. I can clearly see that we have problems defensively in one-on-one situations.”
Frank Wormuth (left) has coached first team football in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as Germany’s youth teamsImage: Pro Shots/IMAGO
Germany team impacted by system structure and societal change
With relatively recent changes made to Germany’s youth system, it feels misplaced to suggest youth football requires a complete overhaul. After all, the impact of the recent changes won’t be felt for years to come. However, with character being another area questioned by those analyzing Germany’s latest World Cup exit, there are case studies from abroad that might spark consideration in terms of the development of young players in Germany.
Mark O’Sullivan, an associate professor of football at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, highlights Bodo/Glimt’s approach. Writing in his blog, O’Sullivan explains how the way the football club shaped their environment positively impacted their performance on the field. In the season just finished, the club based in the small city north of the Arctic Circle reached the round of 16 in the Champions League.
“One of the key reasons for this success is the club’s strong emphasis on shared values, culture, and player development,” O’Sullivan wrote.
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“The club promotes principles such as trust, humility, collective responsibility, and continuous improvement. Under the leadership of head coach Kjetil Knutsen, Bodo/Glimt has developed a distinctive playing style characterized by a strong teamwork ethic. Knutsen has emphasized a learning-oriented environment in which players are encouraged to take responsibility, support one another, and constantly seek improvement.”
Bodo/Glimt are a great example of how to achieve a lot with not very muchImage: Piero Cruciatti/AFP
Has Germany gone soft?
“Ultimately, the reason Germany isn’t successful comes down to culture, training, and youth development,” Wormuth said.
“The most important thing of all is mindset, and that has changed. Now you might ask, ‘How?’ Well, I’ll tell you: Society. School. Upbringing. Parents. Culture. Things have changed. And when Ecuador really goes after Germany, albeit still fairly, and we can’t hold our own, then it’s a cultural thing. They have a completely different culture of survival than we do. And that’s why I say that’s what we’re missing. And it’s not a matter of coach development or even academy training. No, it’s society. And you can’t change that overnight,” he explained.
“We develop everyone like Spanish players, but without having their mentality. “It’s a cultural issue. Society is always reflected a little bit in football, or vice versa. We’ve become soft in many social situations over the last few years.”
Such assessments are hard to quantify, but if softness is seen as a person, policy or object that has lost its original edge, firmness or discipline, then it would be fair to say German football currently looks like an example of this.
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Perhaps Germany can take inspiration from a country close by. O’Sullivan believes the importance of meaningfulness in the provision of facilities has played a key role in Norway’s success in elite sport.
“A football pitch, sports hall, park, or ski trail does not generate participation simply because it exists and proximity to facilities does not necessarily translate into participation. This is what might be called the spatial fallacy. Unfortunately, this is often a typical assumption in planning, public health and sport policy.”
This year, the German government has pledged to invest €333 million ($380 million) in the renovation of 314 sports facilities throughout the country, modernizing them and making them more sustainable. Herein lies the crux of O’Sullivan’s point. The upgrading of these facilities cannot be seen as the only step towards creating a meaningful connection to sport for Germany’s youth. It must only be the beginning.
The same is true for Jürgen Klopp’s expected appointment as Germany’s new men’s head coach. German football has reached a watershed moment. What it decides to do next will be remembered for years to come.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic will look to continue his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title when he takes on world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles event today at Centre Court.
While Djokovic enters the contest after surviving a five-hour, 15-minute marathon against Felix Auger-Aliassime, Sinner has enjoyed a comparatively smoother passage to the last four, setting up another blockbuster between two of the game’s biggest stars.
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The pair last met in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, where Djokovic produced one of the finest wins of his career to halt Sinner’s charge.
With another Grand Slam final at stake, the Serbian will hope his body recovers in time, while the Italian looks to take another step towards a second Wimbledon title.
Can Djokovic overcome the age barrier once again?
Djokovic’s biggest challenge heading into the semi-final could be recovery rather than form. The 39-year-old has continued to show that his all-round game remains among the best on the tour, but the physical demands of his quarter-final have left him with limited time to recover before facing the top seed.
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The seven-time Wimbledon champion has reached at least the semi-finals in six of his last seven Grand Slams. However, last year, he lost to Sinner in straight sets at both the French Open and Wimbledon after appearing physically worn down late in those tournaments.
Djokovic, though, has already shown this year that he can still raise his level against the biggest opponents. His five-set victory over Sinner at the Australian Open was built on exceptional serving, aggressive baseline play and remarkable composure under pressure.
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Producing a similar performance will be crucial if he is to move one win away from a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Moreover, if Djokovic manages to get the better of Sinner and goes on to win the final, he will also become the joint-most successful player in Wimbledon men’s singles history. The Serbian currently has seven Wimbledon singles titles to his name, just one behind Roger Federer, who has eight.
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Djokovic’s performance at Wimbledon over the years:
Year
Result
Last Opponent
Score
2025
Semifinal
Jannik Sinner
Lost 3-6, 3-6, 4-6
2024
Runner-up
Carlos Alcaraz
Lost 2-6, 2-6, 6-7(4)
2023
Runner-up
Carlos Alcaraz
Lost 6-1, 6-7(6), 1-6, 6-3, 4-6
2022
Champion
Nick Kyrgios
Won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3)
2021
Champion
Matteo Berrettini
Won 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
2020
Tournament not held
–
COVID-19 pandemic
2019
Champion
Roger Federer
Won 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3)
2018
Champion
Kevin Anderson
Won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)
2017
Quarterfinal
Tomas Berdych
Lost 6-7(2), 0-2 (ret.)
2016
Third Round
Sam Querrey
Lost 6-7(6), 1-6, 6-3, 6-7(5)
2015
Champion
Roger Federer
Won 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3
2014
Champion
Roger Federer
Won 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4
2013
Runner-up
Andy Murray
Lost 4-6, 5-7, 4-6
2012
Semifinal
Roger Federer
Lost 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6
2011
Champion
Rafael Nadal
Won 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
2010
Semifinal
Tomas Berdych
Lost 3-6, 6-7(9), 3-6
2009
Quarterfinal
Tommy Haas
Lost 7-5, 6-7(6), 3-6, 6-7(4)
2008
Second Round
Marat Safin
Lost 4-6, 6-7(3), 2-6
2007
Semifinal
Rafael Nadal
Retired trailing 6-3, 1-6, 1-4
2006
Fourth Round
Mario Ancic
Lost 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 3-6
2005
Third Round
Sebastien Grosjean
Lost 5-7, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6
Can Sinner clear his biggest hurdle?
While Djokovic has to go all-in to keep his dream of a 25th Grand Slam title alive, Sinner has looked increasingly comfortable as the tournament has progressed, recovering from a five-set opening-round win over Miomir Kecmanovic to reach the semi-finals without dropping another set. His serve has been one of his biggest strengths throughout the fortnight, and he arrives in confident form.
The Italian, however, has not faced a seeded opponent during his run to the last four, making Friday’s clash his biggest test of the tournament. His forehand has also looked less consistent than usual, and facing Djokovic on Centre Court will provide the clearest indication yet of where his game stands.
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Djokovic vs Sinner: Head-to-head
While Djokovic has been one of the best tennis players over the past decade and a half, he has faced a stern challenge from Sinner in their head-to-head record.
The two first faced each other at the Monte Carlo ATP tournament in 2021, where Djokovic walked away with an easy win over Sinner. Their next two clashes came at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, with the Serbian extending his winning streak over Sinner to 3-0.
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Sinner’s first win against Djokovic came in the final of the Turin Open, but Djokovic bounced back strongly with another win over Sinner to extend his head-to-head lead to 4-1.
Sinner then turned the tables and recorded six straight wins against Djokovic to change his head-to-head record against the 24-time Grand Slam champion to 7-4.
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Their latest meeting came in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, where Djokovic beat Sinner to reduce his win-loss record against the Italian to 5-7.
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner (Head-to-head)
Date
Tournament
Surface
Winner
Jan 30, 2026
Australian Open ATP
Hard
Novak Djokovic
Oct 16, 2025
Six Kings Slam Exhibition Men
Hard
Jannik Sinner
Jul 11, 2025
Wimbledon ATP
Grass
Jannik Sinner
Jun 6, 2025
French Open ATP
Clay
Jannik Sinner
Oct 17, 2024
Six Kings Slam Exhibition Men
Hard
Jannik Sinner
Oct 13, 2024
Shanghai ATP
Hard
Jannik Sinner
Jan 26, 2024
Australian Open ATP
Hard
Jannik Sinner
Nov 19, 2023
Finals – Turin ATP
Hard
Novak Djokovic
Nov 14, 2023
Finals – Turin ATP
Hard
Jannik Sinner
Jul 14, 2023
Wimbledon ATP
Grass
Novak Djokovic
Jul 5, 2022
Wimbledon ATP
Grass
Novak Djokovic
Apr 14, 2021
Monte Carlo ATP
Clay
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic vs Sinner Wimbledon 2026 SF: Live telecast and streaming details
When will the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner take place?
The Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will take place on Friday, July 10.
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Which court will host the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner?
Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club will host the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
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What time will the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner begin?
The Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will begin after 7:40 PM IST.
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Where to watch the live telecast of the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in India?
The live telecast of the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
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Where to watch the live streaming of the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in India?
The live streaming of the Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
Neco Williams transfer interest grows as Newcastle and Manchester United monitor Forest defender
The latest market developments carry a familiar theme, big clubs scanning the Premier League for proven quality, and Neco Williams has moved firmly into that conversation. As reported by BBC Sport, the Nottingham Forest defender is attracting attention from several top-flight sides, with Newcastle United and Manchester United among those credited with interest.
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Forest, for their part, appear calm. There is no suggestion of an imminent exit and the club are already in discussions over a new contract for the Wales international, a reflection of how highly he is valued at the City Ground. With three years still remaining on his current deal, Nottingham Forest hold a strong position.
Neco Williams value rises after strong Forest form
That stance is understandable. Williams has developed into one of Forest’s most reliable performers, and his consistency last season strengthened his standing internally and externally. At 25, he offers a useful combination of Premier League experience, athleticism and tactical flexibility, qualities that naturally appeal to clubs looking to strengthen without taking an unnecessary gamble.
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Since joining Forest from Liverpool for £12 million in July 2022, he has gone beyond 150 appearances and established himself as an important figure. His background also adds to the profile. Developed at Liverpool, he played 33 times for the first team and collected major honours before continuing his progress with a productive loan at Fulham.
Newcastle United and Manchester United watching market closely
Newcastle United are active on several fronts. The wider picture includes reports around Bruno Guimaraes and fresh arrivals such as Sean Steur, while a £50 million-plus agreement for Johan Manzambi underlines their intent. Even so, full-back remains an area where recruitment teams across the division continue to assess value, availability and home-grown experience.
Manchester United are equally busy, having agreed a £50 million deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, with Karl Darlow also nearing a move. Their interest in Williams fits a broader pattern of targeting players with league pedigree and room to grow.
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Forest contract talks could prove decisive
For now, the key detail is that Forest are trying to reward Williams rather than prepare for a sale. That does not end outside interest, but it does shape the market. Unless a significant offer arrives, and one that truly tests Forest’s resolve, the expectation is that they will look to keep hold of a player whose reputation continues to rise.
Minnesota Vikings fans held up a sign at Lambeau Field during a road matchup with the Green Bay Packers, bringing purple energy into enemy territory. On January 1, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the fans made their presence known from the stands as Minnesota faced its NFC North rival outdoors. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.
Oddsmakers don’t expect the Minnesota Vikings to make much of a splash in 2026, predicting the purple team will finish last in the NFC North. But this week, Bleacher Report decided that Minnesota could be a surprise playoff contender, which jibes with most fans’ sentiment.
The Vikings signed Kyler Murray in the spring, and he could be the meal ticket for a trip to the postseason and perhaps the first playoff win since 2019.
Murray Gives Vikings’ Playoff Case a Swing Factor
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a fourth-quarter pass at U.S. Bank Stadium as Baltimore’s defense closes during a late-season AFC-NFC matchup in Minneapolis. On Nov. 9, 2025, Addison gave Minnesota another downfield option while working through traffic against the Ravens in front of the home crowd during a tense closing stretch. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
BR: Vikings Could Be Surprise Contender
Five teams made Alex Kay’s list, and the Vikings were included. He explained, “With the addition of Jauan Jennings in free agency, Minnesota boasts perhaps the best receiving corps in the entire league. Whoever lines up under center will have a wealth of options at their disposal in Jennings, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and perennial All-Pro Justin Jefferson.”
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“It remains to be seen if the team’s poor O-line can make some much-needed improvements, but the decision to draft Caleb Tiernan on Day 2 and sign veteran Ryan Van Demark in free agency at least gives the coaching staff more options to shuffle the deck with if necessary. There shouldn’t be any concerns surrounding Minnesota’s defense.”
The Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans also got some contender love from Kay.
“Brian Flores is one of the best coordinators in football, with his unit keeping the Vikings competitive despite a woeful offensive effort in 2025. The Vikings already ranked No. 7 in scoring and No. 3 in total defense last year and should only improve with five prospects selected across the first five rounds of the 2026 draft — headlined by first-round edge rusher Caleb Banks — joining the fray,” Kay continued.
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“While the 2026 Vikings will still sink or swim based on the performance of the quarterback position, the rest of the pieces are firmly in place for the team to secure a third playoff berth in six seasons under O’Connell.”
What It Will Take
Here’s the blueprint for the Vikings to make Kay’s vision come to life:
Healthy, productive quarterback performance and efficiency from Murray or J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings finished 9-8 last year while posting the league’s fifth-worst quarterback EPA/Play. They can win at least 10 games by improving just a little bit.
No major defensive regression. Since Brian Flores strolled into the Twin Cities three years ago, Minnesota has ranked second in the NFL per EPA/Play. So long as they don’t dip outside the Top 10, the defense is enough for the postseason and could even win a Super Bowl.
Running the football at a balanced rate — at least 45% of the time. Under Kevin O’Connell, that percentage is usually closer to 42%, not 45%, and the “small” variance matters.
Get contributions from rookies. During the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era, the Vikings failed to draft productive players, paving the way for older veterans to see playing time. Minnesota, with Adofo-Mensah removed, needs youth and speed. Playing 2026 rookies will help.
Protect the football and limit penalties — Football 101.
That’s the rubric for a playoff-bound season.
Health Would Help
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Of course, a season of good health won’t hurt anything. The Vikings navigated the 2025 season with McCarthy missing seven games and Wentz on injured reserve by November. The offensive line was supposed to feature Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill. That group hardly ever played at once.
Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw speaks with reporters inside U.S. Bank Stadium after Minnesota’s blowout win over Cincinnati, reflecting on the offense’s clean afternoon and the line’s control up front. On Sept. 21, 2025, Darrisaw addressed the media following the Vikings’ 48-10 victory in front of a loud home crowd after Week 3. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Former Viking OLB Jonathan Greenard was on the shelf by December. And linebacker Blake Cashman missed his customary four games.
Sometimes, an NFL season feels like attrition — the teams that stay the healthiest get the farthest in the playoff tournament. Maybe that’ll be the Vikings for once.
A Brutal Division, Though
What’s stopping Minnesota from a universal forecast of prosperity? Its rivals in the NFC North. Gone are the days when fans could pencil in 3-4 wins against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions — long gone. In 2026, folks will hope the team merely splits those matchups, including the two games against the Green Bay Packers, who just never encounter down seasons.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones celebrates with Danny Amendola and Graham Glasgow at Ford Field after scoring in the first quarter against Minnesota, with Detroit’s offense enjoying an early red-zone moment. On Oct. 20, 2019, Jones marked the touchdown during a divisional matchup as the Vikings defense tried to settle in. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports.
There’s a reason some pundits call the NFC North the league’s most difficult. Pound for pound, every team has a chance to reach the postseason. In fact, every team might have a realistic path to the Super Bowl if everything comes together.
Easy wins against NFC North teams are dead. The Vikings must fight to avoid becoming the team that’s easily beaten in the division.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Moses Itauma is set for his toughest test to date as he takes on fellow world title hopeful Filip Hgrovic next month, and former WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has shared his prediction for the fight.
Itauma has blasted through each of his recent opponents, continuing his record of not fighting beyond the sixth round in his 14 professional bouts, whilst continuing his rise up the rankings and into position for a shot at world honours.
In Hrgovic, Itauma is tasked with an Olympic medallist whose only defeat came at the hands of reigning WBO heavyweight ruler Daniel Dubois, in a clash which he could very easily have won if not for the stubbornness of the now two-time world champion.
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The Croatian is on a streak of his own since that defeat to ‘Triple D’, stringing together a trifecta of triumphs over alternative UK heavyweights, but an upset win over Itauma would undeniably be the standout result in the career of ‘El Animal’ thus far.
Speaking on the Fight Your Corner podcast, Bellew forecasted that Itauma’s run of stoppage wins inside six rounds would continue, but admitted that he was concerned as to what could follow for the 21-year-old.
“I think that he gets rid of him inside six rounds. That’s what worries me. He gets through the Hrgovic fight, blows him away inside six rounds and then they throw him to the wolves.”
Fery is the second wildcard in Wimbledon history to reach the semi-finals, following the 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevic, and the 23-year-old is only the fifth British man to make it though to the semi-finals in the open era.
Starting Wimbledon ranked 114th in the world, Fery’s unexpected breakthrough has captured the attention of the country. He will now face another step up against Zverev, who ended his long wait for a first grand slam title at last month’s French Open, in a match where the start time has been changed to avoid a potential clash with the Spain v Belgium World Cup quarter-final being shown on the BBC this evening.
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Later, Djokovic continues his epic quest to win a record 25th grand slam title at the age of 39 as he faces defending Wimbledon champion and world No 1 Sinner in another blockbuster semi-final.
Djokovic lost to Sinner in straight sets in last year’s semi-finals, but Djokovic beat Sinner in their last meeting at the Australian Open in January, producing one of the greatest performances of this stage of his career to end Sinner’s dominant winning streak in five sets.
Follow latest scores and updates from Wimbledon, below
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How Arthur Fery reached the Wimbledon semi-finals
After twice going the distance, twice coming back from two sets and breaks down, twice winning match tiebreaks, and having used up many more than just nine lives, Arthur Fery took some pity on the nervous wrecks watching him at Wimbledon. His 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-0 demolition of ninth seed Flavio Cobolli was no improbable comeback, no defiant, last-gasp raging against the dying of the light.
This was a clinic; a demonstration of Fery’s powers at their best.
Flo Clifford on Centre Court10 July 2026 09:20
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Athur Fery hoping for crowd support with ‘nothing to lose’ in semi-final
“Obviously I have the crowd behind me here, which is a huge help, especially on Centre Court, when you have so many people pushing me. I’ve been trying to use the crowd to my advantage in important moments, just to add a little pressure maybe to the opponents.
“I’ll try and do that again at moments that feel right on Friday. Zverev is a step up again. I’m ready for it. I have nothing to lose. I’m just going to go out there and just put my game on the court, do what I’ve done, believe in myself. We’ll see where that takes me.”
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood10 July 2026 09:15
Arthur Fery v Alexander Zverev head-to-head
Arthur Fery and Alexander Zverev have never played before, with the second seed saying he became away of the 23-year-old when he watched Fery’s Australian Open victory against Flavio Cobolli at the start of the year.
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”I was very impressed back then already. He has a very clean technique and very clean groundstrokes. I thought he was a very good tennis player already back then,” Zverev said.
“We’ll watch some videos, watch some footage, for sure. Again, I think it’s no surprise I didn’t watch loads of him play. I never played with him. But he’s played a fantastic tournament. He absolutely deserves to be in the semi-finals.”
Jamie Braidwood10 July 2026 09:10
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When will Arthur Fery play Alexander Zverev in Wimbledon semi-finals?
Arthur Fery’s semi-final against Alexander Zverev will be the first match to be played on Centre Court on Friday. That will start at 1:30pm BST. It was expected that the other semi-final, between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, would be played first, as their quarter-finals were played on Tuesday. But the order has been flipped.
Wimbledon order of play
1. Arthur Fery (GBR) [WC] vs Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) [7] vs Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1]
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Jamie Braidwood10 July 2026 09:05
Arthur Fery faces a much toughest test against second seed Alexander Zverev
Arthur Fery will now face another step up against Alexander Zverev, who is through to the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time in his career after ending his long wait for a first grand slam title at last month’s French Open, beating Cobolli in five sets.
Jamie Braidwood10 July 2026 09:02
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Arthur Fery’s remarkable run to Wimbledon semi-finals
Starting Wimbledon ranked 114th in the world, Arthur Fery’s unexpected breakthrough has captured the attention of the tournament and his semi-final against Zverev will take place before the blockbuster between defending champion Sinner and Djokovic on Centre Court.
Jamie Braidwood10 July 2026 09:01
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Good morning and welcome
Arthur Fery will play second seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the Wimbledon final against either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic as the homegrown British wildcard bids to extend his extraordinary run at the Championships.
Fery is the second wildcard in Wimbledon history to reach the semi-finals, following the 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevic, and the 23-year-old is only the fifth British man to make it though to the semi-finals in the open era.
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