An Indianapolis Colts helmet rests on an equipment case during a road matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The scene was captured on Dec. 1, 2024, as Indianapolis continued its late-season playoff pursuit while preparing for an AFC contest in Foxborough during the closing stretch of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images.
Let’s get this out of the way: the Minnesota Vikings probably won’t trade Jordan Addison. But if they did, Fansided believes the Indianapolis Colts come calling.
The idea is speculative, but the IND roster logic is easy to follow.
Minnesota recently exercised Addison’s fifth-year contractual option, extending his contract with the franchise through the end of 2027.
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Indianapolis Could Evidently Use Another Proven WR Weapon
Would the Vikings really trade Addison this summer?
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison walks toward the sideline after a road game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. The Vikings struggled to find offensive rhythm during the divisional matchup as Addison and Minnesota searched for late momentum against a physical Bears defense in a tightly contested NFC North battle. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.
Fansided: Colts Should Call about Addison
Jake Beckman sized up one player per team for trade targeting, and for the Colts, Addison evidently made the most sense.
He explained, “The Colts are in a very tough spot right now. IF (and that’s a big IF) Daniel Jones is healthy enough to play at the beginning of the season, he’s going to need his receivers to get open early and often. The problem is that right now, his wide receivers are Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.”
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“That’s not remotely close to the caliber of a receiver room that they’re going to need… and there isn’t really anyone out there who is going to give that wide receiver room a shot of adrenaline. However, the Vikings did just sign Jauan Jennings.”
Any Addison trade fodder this offseason has been fan- or media-driven. There’s no credible intel to suggest a deal is in play.
Beckman added, “If they wanted to move on from Addison, who has had a litany of legal issues, they absolutely could. It’s unprecedented for a team to trade a player right after they exercise his fifth-year option, but this is a pretty unique situation that both teams are in.”
The Trade Price?
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With an extra caveat that the Vikings probably won’t trade Addison per the Beckman theory, the club could likely ask for a 2nd-Rounder if so. Addison’s off-the-field turmoil has prevented him from rising to superstardom, and he also hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season through three years.
Without Addison, Minnesota would lean into Jennings, who signed a couple of weeks ago as the 2026 WR3. Such a trade would also leave Minnesota thin at the wide receiver spot, which is why it signed Jennings in the first place — to add more firepower for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in addition to hedging the bet against an Addison or Justin Jefferson injury.
If the Vikings wanted to trade Addison, they likely would’ve done it before or during April’s draft. As of May, he’s probably a Viking for the 2026 campaign and beyond.
In fact, the man can start asking Minnesota’s brass about a contract extension as early as now.
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The Case for Trading Addison
Addison’s trade value is undeniably rooted in his talent. He’s young, productive, and has only completed three seasons in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) warms up before a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. Addison went through pregame drills and stretching exercises as the Vikings prepared for another important late-season NFC contest in front of the home crowd during the playoff push. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The complication, however, lies with his off-field record. In 2023, Addison was cited near Minneapolis for driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. He attributed the excessive speed to a dog emergency, and the incident was quickly resolved with minimal league intervention.
A year later, a more serious incident popped up. Addison was found passed out and drunk in his car on a Los Angeles freeway, an event that resulted in a three-game suspension.
Further malarkey arose during the 2025 season. Addison missed a team walkthrough in London, prompting head coach Kevin O’Connell to bench him for a quarter in the subsequent contest. Three months later, he was arrested for trespassing and removed from a Florida casino. While that case was later dismissed, it nonetheless contributed to a growing pattern of mischief.
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The Colts’ WR Room
Beckam is onto something — the Colts arguably need one more weapon for Jones. Here’s the full WR group before summer minicamp:
Alec Pierce
Josh Downs
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Deion Burks
Ashton Dulin
Anthony Gould
Laquon Treadwell
Eli Pancol
Coleman Owen
Sahmir Hagins
E.J. Horton
Raylen Sharpe
Burks is a rookie with some upside, but aside from him, it’s a Pierce-Downs-heavy ticket.
Otherwise, the Colts could explore a free-agent wideout, such as Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, Deebo Samuel, or DeAndre Hopkins. Brandon Aiyuk, too, could be gettable via trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen watches from the sideline during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Aug. 23, 2025, in Cincinnati. Steichen evaluated his roster and game management decisions as Indianapolis continued preseason preparations ahead of the upcoming regular season while facing the Bengals on the road. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
MSN’s Mahima Roy noted on Diggs as a Colts option last week, “The Colts might make a move for the former New England Patriots star player Stefon Diggs. They have not officially weighed in on the trade talks concerning Stefon Diggs. Ever since the New England Patriots released Stefon Diggs in February 2025, the 32 year old wide receiver has been linked to many rival teams.”
“There have also been strong rumors of the Patriots re-signing Stefon Diggs for the upcoming season but nothing has been confirmed yet. While the 2024 season was a tough one for Stefon Diggs as he sustained a brutal ACL tear, the popular wide receiver bounced back on the field in the next season after he signed a $63 million deal with the New England Patriots.”
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Diggs is arguably the top free-agent WR on the market after being found not guilty of assault charges in Massachusetts earlier this month.
Sportsbooks expect the Colts to win eight or nine games in 2026. It’s the same forecast for Minnesota.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jon Rahm says no, he hasn’t been asked to put his own money back into LIV Golf.
But what if the league made the request?
“Something I’ve learned in life, never say never,” he said Tuesday.
“I’m not going to say absolutely no to anything that can happen in the future.”
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Speaking Tuesday ahead of this week’s Genesis Scottish Open, Rahm had been asked whether he’d help finance the prize fund for the league in which he plays, an idea that a reporter said could be an option while LIV seeks new investors as it’s been told it will no longer be backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. In December of 2023, Rahm left the PGA Tour and signed what has been reported as a nine-figure deal with LIV.
But Rahm said he hasn’t been asked to invest into the tour playing its fifth season. Since the PIF announcement, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has said he’s exploring options, though Rahm said early last month that he wouldn’t be involved in an investor search.
“I know Scott is doing a lot of work trying to find developers,” Rahm said Tuesday. “And there’s many ways around that. As far as putting my money into it, they have not asked me to do that yet.
“So I don’t know if they will or not. It’s not something that they have asked me, but there has been many different avenues to try to make it different, what we’ve had till now. They haven’t asked me to put my money in yet.”
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Several questions during his media session centered around LIV, which was to be expected given the league’s uncertainty — and the fact that Rahm is playing a tournament co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. The latter does not allow players to play on LIV, but the formerly named European Tour, through an agreement, is letting LIV pros into its tournaments, all of which seemingly would lead to at least a different feeling this week, but Rahm said he hasn’t experienced that.
“Not really,” he said. “It’s just another event. Just happy I can — happy that the DP World Tour let me have the opportunity and that I can be here and play what’s not only a great week but a great golf course, great crowd. It’s one of my favorite weeks, so it’s really fun to be here again.”
A reporter also wondered whether Rahm thought that his appearance this week, along with those of other LIV players in the Scottish Open field, would be looked at as “a turning point” in the men’s game.
“Yeah, it could be,” he said. “Yeah, I mean, it’s a fantastic event, and I think a lot of us, if given the opportunity, we are going to continue to play in the events that we like to play. Myself, very thankful and happy that I can be here.”
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Rahm also said he hadn’t seen any of the news announced last week regarding the PGA Tour’s future schedule and format; when told by a reporter that there would be two tours, Rahm said: “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, so it’s not a surprise that that would happen.” A reporter also wondered how difficult it was for Rahm to put himself in the present, while answering questions about the future.
But Rahm said that wasn’t hard.
“Maybe early on,” he said. “I think at this point, seeing whatever some of the headlines that come my way, I can pretty much predict what I’m being asked. I’m ready for what is coming. It’s not entirely a surprise.”
“I also understand it’s everybody’s job to do,” he said later. “I’m ready for it. I like to say I’m an open book, so I like to be as honest as I can.”
Minecraft has released the third snapshot for the upcoming 26.3 update, alongside a new Beta and Preview for the 26.40 update. These new releases introduce features confirmed for the Fall game drop, releasing later in 2026.
The latest Minecraft snapshot, Beta, and Preview introduce two main features for 2026’s Q3 update: cushions and straw beds. For the first time in years, Minecraft is getting decorative furniture with a sitting option. Players will no longer have to rely on awkward minecart setups while creating seating arrangements in their builds.
The second feature, straw beds, is a type of temporary bed that you can use to skip nights in Minecraft. Using a straw bed does not reset your spawn point, making it the perfect item for explorers who want to skip the night without risking their original spawn location. Let’s look at all the new features in today’s Minecraft snapshot and Preview.
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What’s new in Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 3 and Bedrock 26.40.30 Preview?
Cushion
Alex on a cushion (Image via Mojang)
Cushions are one of the main new features in the latest Minecraft snapshot and Preview. You can craft them using three wool slabs. They come in 16 different colors, just like other wool items. You can interact with them to sit down. The best thing about cushions is that you can place them on a variety of flat surfaces, such as stairs, trapdoors, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Straw bed
Straw bed in an abandoned camp (Image via Mojang)
You can use three hay bales on a crafting table to make four straw beds in Minecraft. Like a regular bed, you can place them on the ground and sleep to skip the night. However, the straw bed disappears as soon as you wake up.
Using a straw bed does not change your spawn point, meaning you can carry multiple straw beds and use them to skip nights while avoiding hostile mobs. They can also stack up to 16, so carrying several of them does not take up much inventory space.
Other features and changes in Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 3
Minecraft Snapshot 26.3 🔗 changelog:
Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 3 adds Gothic language support to Java Edition. On the technical side, the snapshot introduces a new command called posteffect, which lets you add or remove post-processing shader effects for a player. The developers have also added technical changes and bug fixes, which can be found in the official patch notes.
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Changes and fixes in Minecraft Bedrock 26.40.30 Preview
All new features in one image (Image via Mojang)
Unlike 26.3 Snapshot 3, Minecraft Bedrock 26.40.30 Preview mainly focuses on changes related to abandoned camps and dappled forests. In this new version, abandoned camps now generate correctly in the Pale Garden and Flower Forest biomes. You will also find a straw bed inside abandoned camps.
As for the dappled forest, it now features new textures for poplar leaves and uses the same fog settings as other biomes.
Version 26.40.30 also fixes several graphical glitches, including extra pixels on the poplar door icon, incorrect poplar sign textures, a black background on poplar leaves, a miscolored pixel on sulfur spikes, Vibrant Visuals glitches on certain Android GPUs, and more. You can read the official Minecraft 26.40.30 patch notes for the complete list of changes and fixes.
Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw watched practice action during training camp at TCO Performance Center as players worked through another summer session in Eagan. On August 6, 2026, Darrisaw stood near the sideline in uniform while Minnesota continued evaluating its offensive line before preseason football arrived and the regular season drew closer. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Rookies will report to Minnesota Vikings training camp in 19 days, with veterans arriving a couple of days later, and fans formally invited on August 1st. The time is coming.
And while the club, like every summer, has several fascinating storylines, here’s what we can’t wait to see in Eagan three weeks from now. The items are listed in no particular order.
The Watchlist Has Real Stakes
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas lined up against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium. On January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Thomas worked through title-game action as Miami’s secondary faced Indiana in one of the season’s biggest national college football stages. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
1. The Pecking Order at Safety
This could be moot or less important if Harrison Smith returns to the Vikings, but as of early July, nobody knows if that will happen. Smith is acting mysteriously.
If Smith is gone-gone, the Vikings will unveil a safety unit without him for the first time since 2011. Josh Metellus will start, but after Metellus, it’s a crapshoot to determine the other main starter, among contenders Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and rookie Jakobe Thomas.
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Ward is probably the frontrunner to obtain most safety snaps because he took over as the starter in December. That must be confirmed, though, and training camp will be the first major clue. Generally speaking, the Vikings’ safety room is no longer as straightforward as “Smith and Metellus.”
2. The Seriousness of the QB Battle
We fully understand and embrace the fact that Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will battle at training camp; that’s healthy for a football team. We, however, believe that Murray will prevail rather handily — because he is the better, more experienced quarterback.
So, we ask: How interesting will McCarthy make the competition? Will it go down to the wire? Will preseason games be needed to weigh pros and cons of each combatant? Will Kevin O’Connell see a practice or two and say, “Murray’s our guy, folks.”
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It’s not a sham competition, but McCarthy’s legitimacy as a contender is “to be determined.”
3. Brett Thorson’s Leg
In March, Minnesota signed punter Johnny Hekker, who was the best punter on the planet in 2015. In April, Minnesota signed punter Brett Thorson, who was the best college punter in 2025. We wonder why Hekker is even needed.
There shouldn’t be much mystery about Thorson’s transition to the NFL; he’s the real deal. The Vikings may not have known that Thorson would fall into their lap after the draft in undrafted free agency. Perhaps signing him was a perk that rendered the Hekker signing useless.
Thorson should be the punter in 2026 and for the long haul, but he evidently has to prove it against Hekker at training camp.
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The Vikings always have some form of a kicking battle in the summer. Clockwork.
4. The Dillon Bell Glow-Up
The hype train began for Bell in late April, when, like Thorson, the Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and former NFLer Steve Smith have pounded the table for Bell, who brings WR versatility and a chip on his shoulder to the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray delivered a pass to wide receiver Dillon Bell during minicamp practice at TCO Performance Center. In June 2026, in Eagan, Murray connected with Bell as Minnesota continued offseason workouts and evaluated new offensive combinations, giving the rookie receiver valuable reps alongside the veteran quarterback before training camp arrived. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Boots on the ground also suggest that Bell looked the part at OTAs and minicamp. That’s great — but now Bell must earn a roster spot, dueling Tai Felton, Myles Price, and several other anonymous UDFA wide receivers at training camp.
Can Bell take the momentum through the summer and snag a September roster spot? Felton or Price might have to be cut to make room. You’ve been warned.
5. Caleb Banks and His Foot
Teams shied away from Banks in Round 1 of the draft because he injured his foot in the summer of 2025 and then broke the same foot at the NFL Combine. As a rule of thumb, it’s dangerous to draft big men with bad feet in the 1st Round.
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It’s just that the Vikings didn’t care.
Before the second foot injury, Banks held 1st-Round draft stock; it was just a matter of which DT-needy club would pick him. After the NFL Combine, Banks’s draft hopes fell into Round 2, and he lived there until the Vikings went against the grain, selecting him in Round 1.
Now, listen carefully: Minnesota absolutely cannot afford a draft miss, especially one from the 1st Round. The franchise is trying to emerge from the rubble of failed draft picks like Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Brian Asamoah, and others.
Watching Banks this summer will be a major clue whether the Vikings got this one right. He really can’t afford to “sit out” his rookie season with a bad foot. If so, a 1st-Round pick was not worth it.
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6. Demond Claiborne’s NFL Translation
The Vikings are starved for young legs at running back. It’s been nine years since they drafted Dalvin Cook. After Cook left — and fell off an NFL production cliff — Minnesota has preferred RB1 options like Alexander Mattison, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason. Those veterans are okay, but soon the Vikings must restart the clock with a promising, explosive tailback.
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne carried the football during first-quarter action against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium, adding another road-game snapshot to his college profile. On October 4, 2025, in Blacksburg, Claiborne worked through the Hokies’ defense as the Demon Deacons tried to generate offense in an ACC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images.
In theory, that could be Claiborne, a 6th-Rounder from Wake Forest with 4.37 speed.
Onlookers will be able to tell if Claiborne has the vision and tackle-breaking acumen to succeed as an eventual RB1 at training camp. He’ll provide hints. The early returns, too, are promising.
But he has to make a dent this summer to project well for the future. The question is this: Can Claiborne become a rare late-round RB success story? Or is he just another Ty Chandler or DeWayne McBride?
Do not forget: the Vikings are fundamentally starved for a young playmaking running back.
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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
Former world champion Pedersen made it look easy as he surged clear of a small group to take his first win since stage 15 of last year’s Vuelta a Espana, and first Tour win since 2023, with his Lidl-Trek team-mate Quinn Simmons coming second for good measure.
Traeen, diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022 after a routine anti-doping test, was eighth on the day and moved into yellow with the main peloton finishing some 13 minutes later, Pogacar happy to hand over the responsibilities of race leader a day after his stage win in Les Angles.
Torstein Traeen took the yellow jersey after stage four (Reuters)
Every time the Tour has visited Foix it has ended in a breakaway win and it soon became obvious this day would be no different as 34 riders went clear in sweltering temperatures touching 40 degrees in south-west France.
The break splintered on the final climb but Lidl-Trek managed to get three riders in the front group of 10 – Mathias Vacek joining Pedersen and Simmons – and they were able to control a series of late attacks to set up Pedersen.
“This was I would say a masterpiece of teamwork,” the Dane said. “I was suffering a lot on the last climb but with Quinn and Vacek it was an incredible day, they did incredibly well on the climb to pace it for me and make sure we didn’t lose too much time.
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“They were just machines to the finish. What a team effort, what a team win today.”
Mads Pedersen sprinted to victory as part of the stage four breakaway (Reuters)
But Traeen celebrated taking the race lead (AP)
Uno-X Mobility’s Traeen, who spent four days in red at last season’s Vuelta, started the day five minutes off yellow, and once it became apparent the peloton would not chase, the 30-year-old’s only rival for the race lead was Sean Quinn, also in the front group but a further 28 seconds down.
“I think it’s quite hard for me to understand how big it is,” Traeen said. “You can see the face of my coach, the soigneur, everybody, you see how special it is but for me at the moment I don’t really understand what’s going on. Maybe in a couple of days it will sink in.”
Quinn moved up to second overall with Vacek third, three minutes 50 seconds down, and Pogacar dropping to fourth, almost eight minutes down and still on the same time as his rival Jonas Vingegaard as they save resources for later in this Tour.
There was indeed a foul on Martinez a short while before the goal, and Argentina have got away with one.
It was a superb run from Hassan to create the goal, dribbling from near his own area before sewtting up Salah, who slid it into the path of Zico, who beat the onrushing Martinez to it and blasted past him for 2-0!
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:25
GOAL! Argentina 0-2 Egypt (Zico)
GOAL! Oh my word, Egypt have a second!
Or do they…it’s being reviewed for a foul on Martinez in the build up…
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:23
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
The rest doesn’t last long though! Messi skips away from Hafez on the right and he has a free-kick around 30 yards out…
Argentina play it short though and it’s a complete waste as they’re forced backwards before Messi runs out of space on the edge of the box as he tries to take matters into his own hands.
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:20
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
The free-kick is punched away by Shobeir but Argentina come again.
De Paul, Messi, Fernandez, Messi again…it’s all a little pedestrian.
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Messi is tackled near the edge of the Egypt box and the Pharaohs can enjoy a little rest now.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:18
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Argentina are seeing plenty of the ball as the second half gets underway, though once again it’s more probing than anything else.
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Egypt think they have a golden counter-attacking opportunity as Salah nips in to the win the ball near halfway, but he’s penalised for a foul!
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:16
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
A chance right away for Egypt as Messi gets a bit of space outside the box and lays it off to De Paul, who fires a tame effort straight at Shobeir.
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:12
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KICK-OFF! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Back underway in Atlanta!
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:11
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
It’s been an intriguing game in Atlanta, and not just because of the scoreline, even if that does help!
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Argentina have not necessarily played badly but they find themselves behind after a missed penalty and an inspired performance from Shobeir so far.
Egypt have been a threat but they’ve been pushed back since scoring, and it felt for a while like only a matter of time before the holder equalised.
However, the Pharaohs have held on this long, so can they do the same again in the second half? We’re about to find out.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:04
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Argentina fans bring the noise to World Cup last 16 clash in Atlanta
Argentina fans in good voice ahead of Egypt knockout match
Miguel Delaney in Atlanta7 July 2026 18:04
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Here’s the full array of pics from that superb Shobeir save as well.
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Lionel Scaloni had his hands on his head in disbelief!
Day 27 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues the Round of 16, with Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in Atlanta before Switzerland faces Colombia in Vancouver. Both matches air on FOX, with every game streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
World Cup Schedule for Tuesday, July 7
Argentina vs. Egypt
Argentina rolled through Group J at 3-0-0 and needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32. Messi is tied atop the Golden Boot Race with Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe with seven goals. Egypt finished Group G at 1-0-2 and survived a shootout against Australia in the round of 32, leaning on Salah to generate chances in the final third. Messi’s early movement around Egypt’s box should signal whether the defending champion cruises or has to grind out a knockout win.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Forward
Argentina
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It is hard to think of things that have not been said about Messi, but the Inter Miami attacker has now scored in eight straight World Cup matches. In his career, Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout stages of the World Cup. He remains at the heart of everything Argentina does, and even at his age, that might be enough for Argentina to win a second straight title.
Switzerland vs. Colombia
Switzerland went 2-0-1 through Group B and beat Algeria 2-1 in the round of 32 to reach the knockout’s second week. Colombia also finished 2-0-1 in Group K, drawing with Portugal before closing out Ghana 1-0 in the round of 32. Tuesday’s winner keeps its World Cup run alive with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
Player to Watch
The Swiss captain is essential to his team’s chances of playing the way it wants to play. Switzerland cannot afford to chase the game for too long, and Xhaka, at his best, can win possession and set up his teammates in the attacking third while also defending well. Switzerland needs him to be in his top form like he was against Ghana.
ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines— ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio believes he is a more complete fighter heading into his title rematch against Mansur Malachiev on Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
“I believe I’ve grown a lot since our first fight. Not just technically, but also mentally and spiritually. Malachiev is a very dangerous opponent, especially with his grappling, and I respect that. But I’ve worked hard to improve in all areas, my defense, my striking, my composure.
“I wouldn’t say I’m better in every single aspect, but I know I’m more complete and more prepared now. I’m excited to show that in this rematch.”
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Pacio neutralized Malachiev’s grappling in their first encounter through disciplined striking and improved defensive wrestling to retain control over three rounds.
Despite already owning a win over the challenger, Pacio expects another difficult test.
“Every fight is an opportunity to show growth and represent my team and my country. So it’s not just about dominance, it’s about performance, discipline, and showing the best version of myself.”
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The Filipino champion said his experience in title fights gives him confidence, but he acknowledged Malachiev’s recent run.
The Russian has won three straight bouts since their first meeting, including a submission victory over former strawweight champion Jarred Brooks.
“I think one of my biggest advantages is my experience at this level and my ability to adapt. I’ve been in many tough fights and different situations, and I’ve learned how to stay calm and make the right adjustments.
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“I also believe in my striking and my ability to control the pace of the fight. But overall, it’s about being ready everywhere because I know he’s dangerous in his own way.”
Pacio said another successful title defense would be meaningful, though his focus remains on his performance rather than adding to his resume.
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“This fight is very important. Every title defense adds to your legacy, especially against a tough opponent like Malachiev. For me, it’s not just about being remembered as a champion, but about inspiring others and showing who really brought me to where I am now and that is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
BTS performed in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night (July 6), where the ARMY spotted a playful Jinkook moment – Jungkook piggybacking Seokjin as the duo sang on the stage.
The video has since gone viral on X, with Jinkook fans going crazy over the cuteness of Jinkook’s bond. Here’s how netizens have been reacting to it:
“i took this photo, I hope you will cherish like I do. happy jinkook”
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Some fans were heart-eyed over the bond the two band members shared, while others expressed gratitude for the Arirang World Tour that helped them witness so many moments between the BTS members.
jeon jeongguk is never putting that grown man down. and seokjin is EXACTLY where he wants to be!! 😭😭
Wow don’t want let go of Jin aww my jinkook heart ❤️
I know some people died when they saw this and resurrected to start trolling them because they are affecting their ship… This Tour is so fun to watch A lot of necks are pressed by these two and I am sure they don’t even know it. Just living their best life after separation
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Honestly, every angle is worth posting. This moment was way too cute to get over.
Give us a 5 min compilation of all angles
For the unversed, Jinkook is a popular ship name for the youngest – Jungkook – and the oldest – Jin – members of BTS, which was coined by Jungkook himself in a 2015 interview. Despite their 5-year age gap, the duo is always the most playful around each other and shares an adorable sibling energy.
BTS will perform their second London concert tonight – on Tuesday, July 7 – before moving on to Germany, where they have two shows in Munich’s Allianz Arena on the coming weekend (July 11 and 12).
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BTS crowd interactions amid their first London show, explored
Besides the viral Jinkook moment, BTS made many memorable moments on London’s stage on Monday, one of which was them jokingly taking credit for England’s victory against Mexico on the same day.
After England defeated the Mexican soccer team on Sunday (July 5), RM congratulated the audience for the victory, while jokingly adding:
“Congrats on the win last night. We always bring the luck to every place we play. When we played in Belgium, Belgium won. Now that we’re in London, Britain won. You see?”
RM also apologized to their British fans for returning to perform in the country after seven years, saying:
“There was Covid, there was military, and now we’re here in 2026 together. I missed you so much, and thank you for all coming.”
Before Monday night, the last time BTS graced a stage in London was in 2019, when the pop band earned the title of the first-ever South Korean act to headline at Wembley Stadium. They had plans to return to Britain in 2020, but shows were cancelled in light of COVID.
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Suga also chimed in, thanking the fans for their patience as he remarked:
“I’m still feeling the emotion I felt seven or eight years ago. I don’t think you guys have changed. You’re still in a passionate country.”
Meanwhile, J-Hope expressed his “honor” to be playing at the stadium where South Korean captain Son “Sonny” Heung-min first gained global recognition.
Conor McGregor and Max Holloway come full circle. McGregor and Holloway meet 13 years after their first fight, before either man carved out Hall of Fame careers. They’re now two of the biggest stars in the sport’s history, headlining UFC 329 on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor beat Holloway by unanimous decision early in their rises. “The Notorious” channeled that momentum into a historic run that made him the first simultaneous two-division UFC champion, and the biggest star the sport has ever seen. The loss did little to stunt Holloway’s growth. “Blessed” became one of the greatest featherweight champions in UFC history before finding new life as the ceremonial BMF champion at lightweight. He may not have achieved McGregor’s crossover popularity, but Holloway cemented himself as one of the most beloved fighters in the sport. Plus, his longevity and activity make him a meaningful betting favorite against a version of McGregor who hasn’t fought in five years.
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC 329 live for no additional fee — every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with your subscription! Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
UFC International Fight Week is the promotion’s flagship weekend. The novelty of UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House, might have drawn some attention away from the annual event, but it didn’t compromise its quality. The main and preliminary cards are loaded with mouth-watering matchups.
The featured preliminary fight is Robert Whittaker’s light heavyweight debut. Speaking of debuts, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson — a prodigy of retired two-division champ Jon Jones — makes his UFC debut.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC 329 along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features, and other content around this massive event.
UFC 329 fight card, odds
Odds via DraftKings (As of July 7)
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Max Holloway -225 vs. Conor McGregor +185, welterweights
Benoit Saint Denis -135 vs. Paddy Pimblett +114, lightweights
Cory Sandhagen -148 vs. Mario Bautista +124, bantamweights
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