The list is mostly populated by boring innings-eater types, with the notable exception of one rookie

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Jun 7, 2026

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11:09 pm ET

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1 min read

Feyenoord have sacked manager Robin van Persie after just 16 months in charge of the Eredivisie club.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker guided the club to a second-place finish and Champions League qualification in his only full season as manager, though they finished 19 points behind winners PSV Eindhoven.

The 42-year-old departs just two weeks after Devy Rigaux’s appointment as technical director and Robert Eenhoorn as general manager.

“Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 1.5 years. He certainly deserves credit for concluding a difficult season with a final second-place finish. This secured Champions League football, which is of course very important,” said Rigaux.

“We conducted a thorough internal analysis. In this, we took into account, among other things, the development of the style of play and the declining trend in terms of points total, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie.

“The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”

Van Persie had two spells as a player at Feyenoord the start and end of his career, scoring 46 goals in 122 appearances for the Rotterdam club.

After retiring he became assistant coach under Dick Advocaat and worked with their youth teams.

He left to take charge of Heerenveen in May 2024 but returned to Feyenoord nine months later.

The former striker spent eight years at Arsenal from 2004 and helped them to win the FA Cup before joining Manchester United in 2012 where he won the Premier League in his first season at the club.

“He (Suthar) has been brilliant. We as players who have been playing with him in the last few years know what he can actually bring to the table, especially in this format. The amount of skills he’s got and the way he’s sort of worked on them over the years is a genuine treat to watch. For him to bring out his best skill sets, especially on Day 2, is amazing. Congrats to him, and you can expect a lot more from him, especially in terms of winning a lot of games for India,” Washington, who scored an unbeaten half-century in India’s first innings, said. 

Roberts was summoned from the bench by head coach Craig Bellamy in the 60th minute of Wales’ defeat by Romania.

The 64-cap international’s fellow substitute David Brooks levelled proceedings just three minutes after entering the pitch to cancel out Florinel Coman’s opener at Stadionul Steaua.

But Adrian Rus netted an 80th minute winner as the men in yellow clinched their first victory since football legend Gheorghe Hagi was appointed boss in April.

It means Wales are without a win in four matches in 2026 while their winless run in away friendlies was extended to 17 matches – a sequence stretching back to November 2008.

Despite the disappointing result, Roberts was delighted to be back on the pitch representing his national side once again.

“Personally for me, it’s brilliant to be back,” said the Burnley defender.

“Some people are happy that I’m back, some people not so happy, but I am back and hopefully I can keep ticking over during the summer and go again next season for club and country.”

Oleksandr Usyk has been confronted by allegations that he is running scared, preferring to enter a rematch with Rico Verhoeven than face his mandatory challenger.

The 39-year-old came through a tougher-than-expected encounter with Verhoeven last month, when many expected him to dismantle the former kickboxer in double-quick fashion.

As it happened, though, a subpar performance from Usyk saw their heavyweight contest progress into round 11, at which point the Ukrainian was trailing on one of the judges’ scorecards.

The southpaw then managed to capitalise on a fatigued Verhoeven, who was floored by a right uppercut before being stopped on his feet by referee Mark Lyson.

Due to the finish arriving at the sound of the bell, many have suggested the Dutchman was wrongfully waved off, while perhaps believing that Usyk was afforded a slice of luck as he retained his WBC, IBF and WBA titles.

Whichever way you slice or dice it, though, Usyk must now decide whether to vacate his WBC strap or face ‘interim’ champion Agit Kabayel in his next outing.

Either way, the German contender is due his shot at the full title, but tells talkSPORT that he suspects Usyk will pursue an immediate rematch with Verhoeven.

“I’m the next [in line] for Usyk, for the WBC title. But now, when I come back to Germany, I think Usyk is scared of me. He will not want to fight Agit Kabayel.

“I think he will make a rematch with Rico. He understands he can beat Rico better; now he can watch [their first] fight and make the [adjustments].

“When he fights with Kabayel, it’s a different fight and for now I think he’s scared of Kabayel. Yes, 100% [he’s scared].”

Kabayel secured his ‘interim’ title with a sixth-round finish over Zhilei Zhang in February 2025, while other notable stoppages have come against Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov.

A stadium surrounded by massive development

Situated close to Centennial Olympic Park, which commemorates Atlanta’s role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, the stadium is also at the center of a major urban redevelopment project.

The area surrounding the venue is undergoing a transformation through the multi-billion-dollar Centennial Yards initiative. The project will introduce new hotels, entertainment spaces, restaurants, retail outlets and immersive attractions, creating a vibrant district around the World Cup venue.

Why it’s known as Atlanta Stadium during the World Cup?

Outside FIFA competitions, the venue is widely known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is commonly referred to by locals as “The Benz.”

However, FIFA regulations prohibit the use of commercial stadium names during its tournaments, meaning the venue will officially operate as Atlanta Stadium throughout the World Cup.

Interestingly, the giant Mercedes-Benz logo on the roof will remain visible. Stadium officials determined that covering the branding could damage parts of the retractable roof structure, resulting in a rare exception to FIFA’s standard sponsorship rules.

Home of Atlanta’s biggest sports teams

Opened in 2018 at a reported construction cost of approximately $1.6 billion, the stadium replaced the former Georgia Dome.

Today, it serves as the home venue for:

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  NFL franchise Atlanta Falcons
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  Major League Soccer side Atlanta United

The venue has quickly become one of the most recognizable sports stadiums in North America.

Capacity and World Cup Crowds

Atlanta Stadium can accommodate nearly 80,000 spectators for major events.

Local organizers expect every World Cup fixture at the venue to attract near-capacity crowds, continuing a tradition of large attendances that the stadium has regularly witnessed since opening.

Atlanta United has repeatedly drawn some of the largest crowds in MLS history, while college football games have also packed the venue.

Natural Grass replaces artificial turf

The stadium normally uses a state-of-the-art synthetic playing surface.

For the World Cup, however, FIFA regulations require natural grass. Stadium operators have spent the last two years testing and refining systems designed to grow and maintain high-quality grass inside the enclosed venue.

Previous temporary grass installations received criticism during earlier international tournaments, but extensive testing ahead of the World Cup aims to ensure improved playing conditions.

A climate-controlled World Cup experience

Atlanta summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C.

Fortunately for supporters, the stadium’s roof will remain closed throughout the tournament. Combined with full air-conditioning, fans can expect a far more comfortable matchday experience compared to several outdoor venues across North America. 

Fans without stadium tickets can still soak up the World Cup atmosphere at several viewing locations across the city. The official FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park will feature giant screens showing live matches throughout the tournament. While registration is free, guaranteed entry may require a paid pass depending on demand.

Other popular viewing spots include Decatur Square, which will host outdoor watch parties, and District Atlanta near Atlanta Stadium, where matches will be screened indoors on large LED displays. Additional fan events and screenings are also expected to pop up along the Atlanta BeltLine.

Alternative Spot to Watch the World Cup Final in Atlanta

For fans unable to secure a seat at the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, Atlanta will still offer a lively matchday experience. Popular Italian restaurant Yeppa & Co. is planning a special World Cup Final watch party outside its Buckhead venue, transforming the surrounding street into a football-themed fan zone.

The event is expected to feature giant screens for live coverage of the final, along with music and entertainment, creating a festival-like atmosphere for supporters looking to enjoy the biggest game in football without being inside the stadium.

Atlanta boasts plenty of sports bars preparing for the World Cup. STATS Brewpub remains one of the city’s most well-known sports venues, offering dozens of screens for live coverage.

Other popular options expected to attract football supporters include Fado Irish Pub, Brewhouse Cafe, Der Biergarten, Hudson Grille and SweetWater Brewing. Midtown, in particular, is likely to become a hotspot for fans looking to catch matches in a lively atmosphere.

Best pre-match hangouts

For supporters meeting friends before kickoff, the Atlanta BeltLine and Ponce City Market offer plenty of cafés, breweries and restaurants with rooftop seating and city views.

The stadium is equally impressive when it comes to beverages, with bars and drink stations spread throughout the venue. Numerous screens positioned across the concourses allow supporters to keep up with the action even while grabbing food or refreshments, while seating areas provide convenient spots to relax without missing key moments.

Attractions worth booking early

Visitor numbers are expected to rise significantly during the World Cup, especially on days when no matches are scheduled (July 8, 12, 13, 16, and 17) in Atlanta.

Popular attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium are likely to experience heavy demand, making advance bookings highly recommended. Reservations for sought-after restaurants and rooftop venues are also advised during the tournament period.

Getting around Atlanta during the World Cup

One Atlanta-based supporter expressed disappointment over the rising cost of attending matches, arguing that the World Cup has become increasingly inaccessible for ordinary families. The fan compared the upcoming edition with the 1994 tournament, recalling how it inspired him as a teenager and helped grow football’s popularity in the country.

According to the supporter, soaring ticket prices have created a disconnect between the event and local communities, with many fans feeling priced out of experiencing the tournament in person. He also claimed that interest among locals remains muted, with ticket costs becoming one of the dominant talking points surrounding the World Cup.

What the Fan Said

Premium hospitality experiences are driving much of the demand, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. Hospitality tickets alone can range from around $2,500 to $10,000, while packages for marquee fixtures such as the final can exceed $60,000. When combined with travel and stay, a six-day World Cup trip for a group-stage match can cost Indian travellers anywhere between ₹7 lakh and ₹9 lakh per person.

The overall cost of attendance is being further impacted by rising airfares and accommodation prices. Flights to North America have already seen significant increases, while hotel rates are expected to surge as the tournament approaches. Despite the high costs, interest remains strong, with many fans willing to follow their teams across multiple cities and even countries during the month-long spectacle.  A challenging task for spectators this year  Unlike the compact setup of Qatar 2022, where fans could travel between the two furthest venues in under 100 kilometres, the 2026 World Cup presents a far greater logistical challenge. With matches spread across three countries, supporters may have to cover distances of up to 4,500 kilometres between host cities. Coupled with visa requirements, ongoing geopolitical tensions in parts of the world, and rising travel and accommodation costs, attending the tournament is expected to be significantly more complex and expensive than previous editions.

The final round of warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup saw Germany outmuscle co-hosts USA in Chicago, while Belgium treated their fans in Brussels to a 5-0 drubbing of Tunisia before heading to America.

While the full Iran squad were issued visas for the United States ahead of the World Cup, the country’s authorities also claimed on Saturday that several members of its delegation saw their applications rejected. The Iranian team has flown out to its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, and is set to travel across the border and back for group-stage matches in the US.

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli clinched pole position for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, setting himself up for a potential fifth consecutive victory this season on Sunday. For home favourite Charles Leclerc, it was another qualifying session to forget.

Roberto Duran believes he was coerced by his manager to take an unfavourable fight, shortly after sustaining major injuries from a car accident.

The Hall of Famer is perhaps best known for his encounters with Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns, who he fought above his natural weight class of 135lbs.

Against Leonard, he managed to claim the WBC welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory in 1980, before losing their rematch via an eighth-round stoppage later that year.

Duran then faced Hagler and Hearns at middleweight and super-welterweight, respectively, only to suffer back-to-back defeats against his fellow greats in 1983 and 1984.

It was down at lightweight, however, where the Panamanian particularly excelled, claiming his first world title with a controversial 13th-round stoppage of Ken Buchanan in 1972.

Duran then made a pair of WBA title defences before suffering his first defeat against Esteban de Jesus, who dropped and outpointed ‘Hands of Stone’ the same year he won the belt.

While speaking with One On One Boxing, though, Duran explained that his manager, Carlos Eleta, is the one to blame for him losing a unanimous decision.

“That was bad – I’ll tell you why. Carlos Eleta shouldn’t have taken that fight, because I was in a car accident. I broke my [arm] and my mouth was smashed up.

“I believe that Carlos Eleta just wanted money out of Roberto Duran. I still had a swelling and bleeding in my mouth, and my elbow was broken. I still have a hole here [points to right elbow].

“The only good thing Esteban de Jesus did was drop me. When he dropped me, I stood up and won the fight.

“They gave it to him because, back then, and even today in [Madison Square Garden, New York], the Puerto Ricans are in charge.”

While Duran’s idea of a Puerto Rican advantage in New York is perhaps far-fetched, he is nonetheless correct in saying that Esteban was unable to defeat a fully-fit version of himself.

This was proven by an 11th-round stoppage victory in their rematch two years later, and further evidenced by Duran’s 12th-round triumph over Esteban in 1978.

Alexander Zverev is no longer one of the best players never to win a major title. He’s finally a Grand Slam champion.

In his fourth major final, Zverev beat Flavio Coboll 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 for the French Open title on Sunday.

It was a unique opportunity for Zverev without Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz across the net and the third-ranked German took full advantage on the red clay of Roland Garros.

When Cobolli missed an overhead on the second championship point after more than four hours of the five-set encounter, Zverev dropped on his back to the clay and covered his face with his hands as he began sobbing.

When he got up, with his shirt and arms covered in clay, Zverev put his hands back on his face before he lifted both arms in celebration.

Zverev has now joined an elite group of players that captured their first major in their fourth final: Eight-time major champion Andre  Agassi, 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem. 

No Sinner or Alcaraz  Zverev had been an overwhelming favorite for the title ever since the top-ranked Sinner struggled in the first week’s heat wave and wasted a two set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.

A day later, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated.

Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament with an injured right wrist.

It was Zverev’s second French Open final, having wasted a lead of two sets to one against Alcaraz in the 2024 championship match.

Zverev had an even bigger advantage – two sets to none – in the 2020 U.S. Open final and lost that one, too, to Thiem. He was also beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.

It was the 25th title of Zverev’s career. 

Cobolli’s 1st Slam final  The 14th-ranked Cobolli had never been past a Grand Slam quarterfinal until this week. He was attempting to become the first Italian man to raise the singles trophy at Roland Garros since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago.

Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome as Panatta did and Panatta was asked by tournament organizers to present the Coupe des Mousquetaires to the champion to celebrate the anniversary of his 1976 triumph.

The honors, however, were going to Zverev.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva won the women’s singles trophy on Saturday.

Zverev took control early on  The match was played in perfect conditions and Zverev’s game was almost flawless at the start.

Zverev broke Cobolli’s serve in a long opening game when Cobolli shanked a forehand into the first row of the stands.

The break came after Zverev had a bit of luck when a backhand return hit the net but dribbled over on game point for Cobolli.

A group of women in the stands held up letters to form Zverev’s nickname: “Sascha.”  Cobolli likes to stand way over near the corner of the court and hit big kick serves out wide into the ad court.

Zverev knew what was coming and returned one such kick serve early in the first set with a backhand that he wrapped around the outside of the net post.

Cobolli ended up winning the point, but it was a message from Zverev that he knew how to handle his opponent’s tactics.

The next time Zverev hit a wrap-around-the-net-post return, Cobolli couldn’t handle it and Zverev won the point.

Cobolli’s supporters in his box were all dressed in blue, the color of Italy’s national teams, and as Cobolli worked his way back into the match, there were chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Flavio, Flavio.”  After Zverev held for a 6-5 lead in the fourth, he had his upper right leg treated by a trainer.

Then Zverev wasted a 3-1 lead in the tiebreaker, which Cobolli concluded with a forehand winner up the line that produced a roar from the crowd.

But Cobolli appeared to run out of energy in the fifth, running down a drop shot only for Zverev to then pass him up the line for a 3-0 lead and a double break.