Sports
David Sullivan agreed to stay away from West Ham women and youth teams after complaint
David Sullivan agreed to stay away from West Ham’s women and youth teams one-on-one following a historic complaint.
The former joint chair, who resigned last week, said he had entered a “temporary agreement” with the Football Association not to meet with any academy or women’s players alone while the body resolved a complaint about an incident in 1981.
The revelation comes after the BBC and The Times reported that the FA opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving allegations about Mr Sullivan’s conduct.
Mr Sullivan said the agreement was not a “ban” and denied the event at the centre of the historic complaint ever took place.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said the FA must explain “why no further action was taken” following the investigation. It is understood that West Ham United and the FA refute this.
On Monday, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. The accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned the tabloid newspapers Daily Sport and Sunday Sport.
According to the reporting, the claims about Mr Sullivan involve him pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early twenties.
Mr Sullivan said the claims are “entirely false” and that he “categorically denies” them.
Ms Nandy said in a statement on Tuesday evening: “These latest revelations are utterly horrifying.
“If it is the case that an investigation concluded that there were sufficiently serious allegations to warrant a ban on contact with the youth and women’s teams, then the FA must explain this decision and why no further action was taken.
“I expect a full and urgent explanation from the FA and West Ham as to how these incredibly serious allegations have been handled.”
Mr Sullivan said the restriction was a “negotiated agreement” with the FA.
“I wish to clarify recent media reports regarding a negotiated agreement with the Football Association, which has been inaccurately described as a disciplinary ‘ban’,” he told The Independent.
“In my entire 16 years at West Ham United, I have never met any academy or women’s team players 1-2-1. Therefore, a negotiated and temporary agreement with the FA not to do so until the FA resolved an outstanding complaint in relation to a single anonymous complaint regarding an event in 1981 was entered into.
“The complaint had nothing to do about my time in football, and it never happened. I saw it as a meaningless restriction, as it didn’t impact on my work in any way, therefore I accepted it for a quiet life.”
The FA said it was unable to comment on individual safeguarding cases, but that it took all allegations “very seriously” and worked closely with police.
A spokesperson said: “We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and all referrals to us are handled in line with our rigorous and stringent policies and procedures.
“Appropriate action is always taken against individuals who pose or may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football.
“This includes issuing appropriate suspensions in accordance with our safeguarding regulations. The aim of our process is to safeguard children and adults at risk.”
A West Ham United spokesperson said: “West Ham United has clear and robust safeguarding measures in place, measures that are independently assessed and audited on an annual basis. The club is unable to comment or provide details on any individual safeguarding matter as per safeguarding best practice.”
In a statement announcing he was stepping down as chair of West Ham at the weekend, Mr Sullivan said: “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.
“After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.
“I categorically deny these claims.”
Sports
How much will FIFA World Cup 2026 winners earn? Prize money, player bonuses and club payments explained | Football News
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations. It will also be the most lucrative. FIFA has approved a record financial package worth $871 million for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a significant increase from previous editions and a reflection of the competition’s expanded scale.The money, however, does not simply go to the team that lifts the trophy. FIFA distributes funds through several different channels, including prize money for national federations, preparation grants for every participating country and compensation payments to clubs that release players for international duty.Understanding where the money goes can be complicated because FIFA does not pay players directly. Instead, it pays national federations and clubs, which then operate under their own compensation structures.Here is a complete breakdown of how the World Cup 2026 payout system works.
Why FIFA increased the World Cup prize fund
When FIFA initially unveiled its financial plans for the 2026 tournament, the approved budget stood at $727 million.However, the FIFA Council later approved a 15 per cent increase, taking the total package to $871 million.The increase was designed to account for the additional operational costs of staging a tournament across three countries spanning a vast geographical area, as well as the increased travel and logistical demands created by the expansion from 32 teams to 48.The result is the largest financial distribution package in World Cup history.For comparison, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar featured a total prize pool of $440 million shared among 32 teams.The 2026 tournament will distribute almost double that amount.
How the $871 million is divided
The total financial package is split into several categories. The largest portion is the $655 million performance-based prize pool, which is distributed according to how far teams advance in the tournament.That fund is allocated as follows:
- The 16 teams eliminated in the group stage receive $9 million each, accounting for $144 million.
- The 16 teams eliminated in the Round of 32 receive $11 million each, accounting for $176 million.
- The eight teams eliminated in the Round of 16 receive $15 million each, accounting for $120 million.
- The four quarter-final losers receive $19 million each, accounting for $76 million.
- The fourth-place finisher receives $27 million.
- The third-place team receives $29 million.
- The runners-up receive $33 million.
- The champions receive $50 million.
Together, those payments account for the entire $655 million performance pool.Separate from that prize pool, FIFA has increased its guaranteed support payments for all qualified nations. Every federation that reaches the tournament receives $10 million in qualification funding and $2.5 million in preparation funding.Those payments establish a minimum guaranteed floor of $12.5 million for every one of the 48 participating teams, even if they fail to win a match. FIFA has also allocated additional funding to help federations manage delegation, travel and ticketing costs associated with the expanded tournament.
World Cup 2026 prize money breakdown
One important distinction is that the $10 million qualification payment and $2.5 million preparation grant are not bonuses added on top of the stage-by-stage prize-money figures.Rather, they form part of FIFA’s overall financial contribution to participating federations and guarantee that every team leaves the tournament with at least $12.5 million.
Where does the rest of the money go?
Out of the $871 million total financial package, $655 million has been allocated to performance-based prize money, while a further $120 million will be distributed through the $2.5 million preparation grants awarded to each of the 48 qualified nations.That leaves approximately $96 million within FIFA’s broader World Cup financial contribution framework.The remaining funds are used to support a range of tournament-related programmes, including delegation subsidies, travel assistance, accommodation, operational and logistical support for participating federations, as well as ticketing allocations for players’ families, federation officials and team delegations.Those additional support measures have become increasingly important for the 2026 World Cup, which is being staged across three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, and involves significantly greater travel and operational demands than previous tournaments.
Does FIFA pay World Cup players directly?
One of the most common misconceptions about the World Cup is that FIFA pays players directly. In reality, FIFA distributes prize money to national football federations rather than individual athletes. It is then up to each federation to decide how that money is allocated, including whether players receive appearance fees, performance bonuses or other forms of compensation.The structure varies significantly from country to country. Some federations pay players for every match they feature in, while others offer bonuses linked to progression through the tournament. In many cases, the details of these agreements are kept private. As a result, there is no standard World Cup salary, and the amount players earn can differ dramatically depending on the nation they represent.
How much do players actually make?
Because every federation has its own system, player earnings differ significantly. One of the most famous examples came during France’s 2018 World Cup-winning campaign. According to reports, Kylian Mbappé earned approximately £17,000 per match, equivalent to roughly $23,000 at the time. He subsequently donated his World Cup earnings to charity.England’s players have also long received match fees. The BBC reported that the squad received approximately £2,000 per match during the 2018 tournament, with players donating those payments to the England Footballers Foundation.For players representing smaller federations, however, World Cup bonuses can be financially transformative and often exceed what they earn during regular club football.
How does the United States’ equal-pay system work?
The United States operates under a unique model. Following years of campaigning by the United States Women’s National Team and a landmark collective bargaining agreement signed in 2022, US Soccer became the first federation to equalise World Cup prize money between its men’s and women’s national teams.Under the agreement, which runs through 2028, the men’s and women’s teams pool and share 80 per cent of FIFA World Cup prize money earned from their respective tournaments.This means players from both programmes benefit equally regardless of whether the prize money originated from the men’s or women’s World Cup. The arrangement remains one of the most significant equal-pay agreements in global sport.
Why FIFA also pays clubs
National teams are not the only beneficiaries of World Cup revenue. When players leave their clubs to represent their countries, those clubs temporarily lose access to footballers whose salaries they continue to pay.To compensate for that disruption, FIFA operates the Club Benefits Programme. The programme rewards clubs for releasing players for international duty and has become a major source of income for some teams. For the 2026 World Cup cycle, FIFA has allocated a record $355 million to clubs.
How the Club Benefits Programme works
The 2026 Club Benefits Programme is significantly larger than previous editions.The total $355 million fund is divided into three categories:
- $250 million for the World Cup finals
- $100 million for World Cup qualifying matches
- $5 million for administration and wider club football support
The biggest change is that clubs are now compensated for players participating in qualifying matches as well as the final tournament.That expansion explains why the overall fund has increased despite some tournament-specific payments being lower than they were in Qatar.
How much will clubs receive per player?
FIFA has confirmed that clubs will receive at least $5,000 per player per day for players released to the 2026 World Cup.The payment period begins during the mandatory release window and continues until the day after a player’s national team exits the competition.That means clubs earn more money when their players remain in the tournament longer. A player eliminated during the group stage is expected to generate a minimum payment of approximately $160,000 for his club. A player whose nation reaches the World Cup final could generate approximately $285,000.Clubs will also receive $2,362 for every World Cup qualifying match in which a player was included in a matchday squad.FIFA has stated that final calculations will be completed after the tournament once the total number of player-days has been confirmed.
Why the daily rate is lower than Qatar 2022
At first glance, the new system appears contradictory. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, clubs received approximately $10,950 per player per day. For 2026, the guaranteed minimum rate falls to $5,000 per day.However, the overall programme is significantly larger because it now includes compensation for World Cup qualifying matches in addition to the finals themselves. The broader structure means more clubs receive payments and more players are covered throughout the four-year World Cup cycle.
Which clubs could earn the most money?
The biggest beneficiaries are likely to be clubs that have the largest number of players participating in the tournament.Manchester City lead all clubs with 19 players represented at the 2026 World Cup.They are followed by:
- Bayern Munich (18 players)
- Arsenal (16 players)
- Paris Saint-Germain (16 players)
- Barcelona (14 players)
The exact sums these clubs ultimately receive will depend entirely on how long their players remain in the competition.The deeper those players progress, the larger the payments become.
A record World Cup both on and off the pitch
The expansion to 48 teams has changed far more than the tournament format.It has also transformed the financial landscape of the World Cup.With a record $871 million distributed to federations and a separate $355 million allocated to clubs, FIFA’s total financial commitment now exceeds $1.2 billion.From guaranteed qualification grants and championship prize money to player bonuses and club compensation schemes, the 2026 World Cup will not only be the biggest tournament ever staged but also the richest.And while fans focus on the battle to lift football’s most famous trophy, an equally significant financial story will unfold behind the scenes.
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Use BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to get $1,500 in bonus bets for Spurs-Knicks NBA Finals Game 4, MLB Wednesday
The NBA Finals will continue on Wednesday with Game 4 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, another opportunity to claim the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS, which gives new users $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their qualifying wager loses. The trend of the road team winning each game in the NBA Finals continued in Game 3, but the SportsLine Projection Model is still backing the Knicks to win and cover as 2.5-point favorites in its Wednesday NBA best bets at BetMGM Sportsbook. The over-under is 216.5.
One of SportsLine’s top experts has also found a player prop to back from Spurs vs. Knicks. Plus, the model found value from the MLB slate, backing the Toronto Blue Jays to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies for Wednesday’s MLB best bets at BetMGM. The Phillies are set to start left-hander Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.56 ERA), while the Blue Jays will counter with Max Scherzer (1-3, 9.64 ERA). Claim the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS and bet on Wednesday’s top games:
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Wednesday best bets at BetMGM
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Knicks (-2.5) vs. Spurs (-118)
The Knicks suffered their first loss since April 23 in Game 3 on Monday, however, one loss isn’t enough to create panic in the streets of New York. The Knicks won 13 straight games before Monday’s loss in historic fashion, with 11 of those wins coming by double digits. Although the Knicks lost, Jalen Brunson had his best game of the series with 32 points on 44% shooting, and five New York players finished with double-digit points. The Knicks went 30-10 at home this season, and they haven’t lost two home games over three days since January. The model projects the Knicks to bounce back at Madison Square Garden, backing the Knicks to win and cover in 54% of simulations. Back the Knicks by claiming the latest BetMGM promo code CBSSPORTS here:
Landry Shamet, Knicks, Over 1.5 total 3-pointers made (-120)
“Landry Shamet only made one 3-pointer in Game 3, but he got off seven attempts in 23 minutes,” SportsLine expert Prop Bet Guy Doug said. “He’s now attempted 20 threes over the three games in the finals, including the second-most wide-open threes on the Knicks (10, per NBA tracking data). I expect the volume to continue to be there for Shamet, who shot 43% from three at Madison Square Garden this season.” Back the Shamet by claiming the latest BetMGM promo code CBSSPORTS here:
Blue Jays (+125) vs. Phillies
The Blue Jays are starting a future Hall of Fame pitcher, but a future immortal certainly isn’t pitching to that level at the moment. However, at the other end of the spectrum, Max Scherzer isn’t your typical 9.64 ERA pitcher. The 41-year-old is expected to return from the injured list, where he’s been since the end of April with a forearm injury, to pitch on Wednesday. Scherzer has a career 3.26 ERA, and the Phillies are set to start Jesus Luzardo, who has a 4.56 ERA and is coming off allowing five runs in six innings to the White Sox on Friday. Luzardo allowed eight runs in 2 ⅓ innings in his one start against the Blue Jays last season. Despite a losing record overall this season, the Blue Jays are 20-15 at home this season, including a 3-2 win over the Phillies on Tuesday. The model projects Toronto to win in 57% of simulations, showcasing strong value at these odds. Back the Blue Jays by claiming the latest BetMGM promo code CBSSPORTS here:
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DC Brian Flores said he likes to think of the defensive coaching staff as being part of a think tank, capable of tossing ideas out into the open to spur innovation. Maybe it’s that openness to trying new things that has fed into the ongoing experiment with Ty Ingram-Dawkins playing edge rusher.
The Vikings large lad is looking leaner. Listed at 6’5” and 290-pounds, the young lineman joined the NFL as a hybrid player. Tasking him with lining up directly across from the center before soaking up blockers was never in his job description. He could, nevertheless, be shuffled up and down the line so as to arrive at favorable matchups.
Meanwhile, Walter Rouse has received some opportunity at guard.
A massive man (who does great off-field work), Rouse is facing an uphill battle at offensive tackle, his college position. All of Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Van Demark, and Caleb Tiernan are ahead of him on the depth chart. At guard, in contrast, there’s a wide open competition behind the starting pair of Donovan Jackson and Will Fries. Might Rouse become the OG3 rolling into the 2026 season? Doing so would give him a clearer pathway toward sticking around and contributing.
Two Vikings Large Lads Trying Out New Spots
In Ty Ingram-Dawkins, the plan all along was for versatility. Does that initial ambition of moving around mean a full-time job at edge rusher? Not necessarily, but the possibility was always there.
And, in fairness, the Vikings have by no means committed themselves to shifting the young defender to the position as a permanent spot. Even if they did, when has Brian Flores ever felt constrained to fixity within a player’s on-field assignment?
Listen to the DC. He likes working with players who can do several things well (think Josh Metellus and Andrew Van Ginkel as great examples). Sometimes, Ingram-Dawkins can be a jumbo edge rusher, as has been the case at Vikings minicamp at times. So, too, can he be a leaner player for the interior of the defensive line. All part of the ingredients being tossed into the Flores cauldron of defensive madness.
In Rouse, the Vikings boast a truly massive lineman who has yet to breakthrough. All along, the plan had been for a slower approach to development since he went in the 6th of the 2024 NFL Draft. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah even made comments about development, noting that it took some time in college but that Rouse had the potential to become a bully.
Per PFF, Walter Rouse played 13 snaps at left tackle and 75 snaps at right tackle in 2025. What’s most discouraging isn’t the low snap count. Rather, it’s that his playing time dropped off in the final half of the season, a reality that appears particularly discouraging given the injuries to the o-line. Put simply, Rouse needs to continue proving he belongs on the team.
On the other side of the ball, Ingram-Dawkins had 135 snaps as a 3-4 defensive end last season (think across from the offensive tackle). He then had 97 snaps as an edge rusher alongside 16 in more of a 3T spot. Given where things are trending, Ingram-Dawkins may see that edge rusher snap allotment increase.
A perfect world for the Vikings involves seeing these two both make the roster while then working themselves into meaty roles on Sunday. Not just dress, but demand snaps on a regular basis. Better yet, be part of the mix for winning the line of scrimmage more often than not.
The current outlook suggests that Ty Ingram-Dawkins is in a better spot than Walter Rouse, but the d-line competition is intense after adding Caleb Banks (still recovering from injury) and Domonique Orange. Both need to keep polishing their game while acclimating to new on-field assignments.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
The moment the Minnesota Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Round picks, they created a semi-urgent need at the outside linebacker position — if they don’t trust their in-house commodities.
The club has just over $13 million to spend in summer free agency, and all signs point to another EDGE defender if Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, or Chaz Chambliss don’t win the OLB3 job.
Vikings’ Pass Rush Depth Makes EDGE the Obvious Target
Vikings Could Use FA Cash at OLB
Minnesota may not sign an OLB this week, but it should be on the mind of new general manager Nolan Teasley, according to The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis.
He wrote Tuesday, “Trading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles places major responsibility on third-year edge rusher Dallas Turner. It also emphasizes the depth behind Turner and Van Ginkel. The scheme can only go so far.”
“When one-on-one pass-rush opportunities present themselves, the Vikings need edge rushers who can win. Minnesota’s staff thinks highly of former undrafted edge rushers Chaz Chambliss, Bo Richter and Tyler Batty, though none of them have produced at the NFL level.”
Based on last year’s snap counts, Richter or Batty would likely get the OLB3 nod on the depth chart if Tealsey signs no newcomers.
Lewis continued, “The Vikings have around $13 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap, and some enticing free-agent edge rushers remain. The Vikings could wait until training camp to make a move.”
“But from a competitiveness standpoint, supplementing this position group seems paramount.”
The Options
If one assumes the Vikings don’t fire up a fancy trade for an EDGE defender — they probably won’t because they would’ve kept Greenard otherwise — free agency actually has a barrage of promising options. Assuming Minnesota doesn’t wait until the last minute, here’s the EDGE market right now:
- Cameron Jordan
- Derek Barnett
- Haason Reddick
- Jadeveon Clowney
- Joey Bosa
- Kyle Van Noy
- Leonard Floyd
- Marcus Davenport
- Von Miller
- Yannick Ngakoue
The list is thick, and outside of Davenport — a former Viking who disappeared after a high ankle sprain in 2023 — fans would not be disappointedwith any man from this list.
An easy way to think of it? It’s a good time to need a veteran outside linebacker. Plenty to go around.
SKOR North‘s Judd Zulgad noted on Clowney in particular this week, “Clowney, who is 33, has 66.5 sacks in 153 games over 12 seasons with seven teams. Last season, he had 8.5 sacks in 13 games with Dallas. Teasley is familiar with Clowney, who spent the 2019 season in Seattle when Teasley was the Seahawks’ director of pro personnel.”
Rolling the Dice with a UDFA?
If it’s not a household name like Jordan, Clowney, Bosa, Floyd, or Miller, Minnesota would promote from within. Four in-house options are available after Van Ginkel and Turner, all the aforementioned undrafted free agents: Richter, Batty, Chambliss, and Cam’Ron Stewart.
As Lewis noted, there’s no way to know in June if those men have the juice for a full-time OLB3 role, but behind the scenes, defensive coordinator Brian Flores should know if any of the four is ready.
Meanwhile, the longer the Vikings wait without signing a free-agent EDGE, the closer they get to riding with Richter, Batty, Chambliss, and Stewart. There’s also a chance that Minnesota waits until the post-cutdown market, when approximately 1,200 NFLers hit free agency or bide their time for a practice squad assignment.
Other Positions of Need?
Finally, the other spots on the roster that could use some love from Teasley. This list is not that long, believe it or not.
Minnesota has plenty of safeties, and if Harrison Smith returns, no more are needed. If Smith doesn’t return for Year No. 15, a free-agent safety cannot be ruled out if rookie Jakobe Thomas isn’t ready for the regular season.
With the safety caveat, the positions of need are down two spots in June, July, and August: cornerback and guard. Flores has Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, rookie Charles Demmings, and Dwight McGlothern locked and loaded at CB. If the Vikings wanted to be ultra-deep, free agents like Trevon Diggs and Mike Hilton are looking for work.
At guard, the situation is similar to OLB. Should Joe Huber and Henry Byrd do the trick as depth, no more guards are required. The saving grace is that about 10 decent depth guards are on the free-agent wire.
Vikings training camp is about seven weeks away. A quality, big-name EDGE like Clowney or Bosa would likely cost around $10 million.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said the delay to their World Cup warm-up game with Costa Rica gave them a “little taste of what can happen” – but will that prove to be an understatement?
The match was due to start at 21:00 BST in Orlando, Florida, but heavy rain and thunderstorms pushed it back an hour to 22:00 BST.
Weather delays have been a major talking point in the build-up to this year’s World Cup, with several matches in last year’s Fifa Club World Cup in the United States impacted by thunderstorms.
This was not the first tournament warm-up game to suffer delays caused by storms either – and many fans are concerned it could become a theme throughout the World Cup.
“We were aware of that before – now we experience it,” Tuchel told ITV before the game. “It’s no problem.
“It should not be an excuse to lose our mood or patience or to lose our hunger to play the game.
“No problem at all. We realised it when we were still at the hotel so it was easy. We just said half an hour later in the bus and let’s go.”
Fans who had already arrived at Inter&Co Stadium were told to evacuate from the stands and retreat to a safe position on the concourses to avoid lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms in the US are not uncommon, but when it comes to them impacting matches, Fifa has no power to make its own rules and must adhere to the advice of local authorities.
Recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are used and they say if any lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium, the game has to be stopped.
A mandatory 30-minute countdown begins and each time there is a lightning strike inside the distance, the countdown clock resets to 30 minutes.
If a full 30 minutes has elapsed, the supporters can go back to their seats and players will have a short warm-up.
Haiti have been forced into a late change on their World Cup 2026 shirts after Fifa accused them of violating its regulations on political speech.
Haiti, preparing to kick off their World Cup in Group C against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, previously had a shirt that depicted a war scene from the country’s battle for independence.
But shirt manufacturer Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that a swift, late change had been made after collaborating with the Haitian Football Federation on the design.
It previously was said to be geared towards “celebrating the pride, resilience, and spirit” of the Haitian people, with the Colombian manufactuer emphasising that it did not intend it to be a political statement.
“During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design,” Saeta said in a statement.
“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”
Soccer’s world governing body FIFA, the Haitian Football Federation and the team’s media officer did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters for comment.
Reuters contributed to this report
Sports
Messi scores from the spot as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in WC friendly | FIFA World Cup 2022
Lionel Messi is ready for his sixth World Cup.
After recovering from a muscle injury, the captain of the reigning world champions played 20 minutes and scored a penalty in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Iceland on Tuesday in its final tune-up match before the World Cup.
Messi, recovered from muscle fatigue and a slight strain in his left hamstring that he suffered in his last appearance with Inter Miami on May 24, started the game from the bench.
Just days before his 39th birthday and his sixth World Cup, Messi came on in the 70th minute and he scored a penalty kick after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the area.
Messi, the all-time top scorer for the Argentine national team with 117 goals, converted the penalty with a high left-footed shot in the 72nd minute.
Argentina, seeking its fourth World Cup title after those won in 1978, 1986, and 2022, will open its tournament against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.
It was the second match between the two nations. The first one was at the 2018 World Cup, when the European side managed a 1-1 draw in which Messi missed a penalty.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First Published: Jun 10 2026 | 10:36 AM IST
The FIFA World Cup has seen ‘Paul the Octopus’ – the famous eight-limbed soothsayer. In this age of AI and machine learning, predicting a World Cup winner has become more refined. Take, for example, Achim Zeileis, Professor of Statistics, University of Innsbruck. He has used “machine learning algorithm and subsequent simulations are fueled by data, expert knowledge and statistical models” to predict the likely winner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 – the biggest edition of the marquee event so far.
What Was the Process Followed to Predict the Winner?
Achim Zeileis says his algorithm proceeds in two steps. “In the first, sophisticated statistical models and expert insight from bookmakers and transfer markets are combined to determine the strengths of all teams and their players. In the second step, a machine learning algorithm decides how to best combine the strength estimates with other information about the teams,” he wrote in The Independent.
“We ran the simulation 100,000 times to determine the tournament’s most likely course. The results show that Spain is the favourite for the title with a winning probability of 14.5%, closely followed by England and France, each at 12.4%, and Germany at 11.2%.”
“Portugal and Argentina also have good chances of winning the title, at 8.9% and 8.2%, respectively.”
A Deep Dive
Zeileis says his algorithm took note of four variables.
“First, all national matches over the past eight years are the basis for a “retrospective” estimate of the teams’ strengths. Second, a “prospective” strength estimate is obtained from quoted odds of various international bookmakers, reflecting their expert opinions about the upcoming tournament,” he wrote further.
“Third, ratings of the individual players are produced based on their contributions to goals at the club and national levels. And finally, the current quality and future potential of the players are reflected in their expected market values. These are available from the Transfermarkt website, which uses a wisdom-of-the-crowd approach to estimate the unknown real market values.
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a spirited performance but suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly match played in Leiria on Wednesday night.
Before kick-off, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was honoured for making his 100th appearance for Nigeria. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, alongside NFF Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented him with a special framed shirt to mark the milestone.
Portugal, led by football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, started brightly but found a determined Nigerian side ready to compete.
Ronaldo had an early chance in the ninth minute but failed to beat goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. At the other end, striker Akor Adams also went close but dragged his effort wide.
Portugal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto fired past Okoye from close range after a pass from Diogo Dalot.
Okoye then produced a brilliant save to deny Bruno Fernandes in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo narrowly missed with a header moments later.
Nigeria continued to push forward and got their reward in the 37th minute. Adams won possession in midfield, made a run into the box and finished confidently after receiving a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to make it 1-1.
The Super Eagles remained competitive after the break, with Okoye making two important saves from João Félix. Ronaldo also continued searching for a goal but could not find the target.
On the hour mark, Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle introduced several substitutes, including Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka. The changes gave Nigeria fresh energy as they continued to trouble the hosts.
However, Portugal found the winning goal with 15 minutes remaining. Francisco Conceição cut in from the right and fired home to restore his side’s lead.
Okoye made another impressive save late in the game to deny Félix, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles earned praise for their fighting spirit and strong display against a Portugal side preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The loss was only the second defeat in regular time for Chelle since taking charge of Nigeria 15 months ago.
I was using blades like that and seeing improvements, especially from short and mid-range, until Scotty Cameron released their Onset Center Fastback and Phantom 11R, the company’s first low-torque putters. Immediately, I was intrigued, especially by the Fastback OC, as it was a shape that I already knew I liked — a mid-mallet that was far off spaceship territory — had little shaft lean and had Scotty Cameron’s new and very soft Studio Carbon Steel insert.
As an extension of the popular Studio Style Fastback design, the Studio Style Fastback OC is a low-torque model featuring the same ring-weighted, high-alignment, multi-material design of the other Fastback models, but with Scotty’s tour-validated OC technology package. Featuring onset center shaft placement behind the putter face’s leading edge, the straight shaft is precisely positioned in line with the putter head’s CG location and leans 1° forward. This allows for low-torque performance and face alignment that stays square to the path.
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT CUSTOM BLACK SHAFT Custom made for the new OC putters, each model includes a special black KBS x Scotty Cameron shaft with optimal flex, unimpeded alignment and precise feel.
CUSTOM MATADOR GRIP
Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback OC Putter
The Studio Style Fastback OC includes a chain-link milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert for soft sound and feel, treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability with aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
With a debossed chain-link texture built-in, each new OC putter includes a custom 11-inch mid-size Matador grip in black with racy red and cool gray accents.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, Titleist
In my first tests, I didn’t have a left miss, which to that point, I’d experienced with almost every low-torque putter I’d tried except the Spider ZT. I put some impact tape on the face just out of curiosity and saw my strike was dead center.
;)
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
That was when I came up with this experiment, and my experience at the Kingdom only further proved to me that I was on the right track.
For the next few months, I planned to putt exclusively with low-torque putters as a means of resetting my putting stroke.
Until my putter fitting with Bettinardi, I felt like my putting was holding me back. I struggled big time with pulls, especially from short range and couldn’t convert enough 10-20 foot mid-range putts. I started putting better after the putter changes, but I figured, why not try to reset everything and potentially start fresh in 2026?
After TaylorMade, I wondered if the experiment would ever end. But by April, it was, and I had learned a ton.
My results with low-torque putters
The primary putters I used for the experiment were the Scotty Cameron Fastback OC and the Spider ZT, both at 35″ and standard lie angles of 70 degrees. I also dabbled with a L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i and had some good initial success, but the milled steel insert was too firm for me, and I struggled with pace.
The blade putters I used in 2025 were slightly longer at 35.5″ and flatter at 67 degrees, but with both putters, my stroke was consistent and my eyes were in similar positions in the stock length and lie.
Both putters I gripped with the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol Medium, slightly larger than the small version I’d been using on all my other putters. I did this because, to be most effective with a low-torque putter, I needed to remove my hands from the stroke, and a bigger grip helps that.
At first, the results were good. I trended toward the Cameron a little more because of its more compact shape and the softer insert, which I felt helped with distance control.
The Spider ZT had plenty of advantages, though, thanks to its larger, high-MOI shape. With that putter, I knew I could make a bad stroke and still have it go in.
TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Black Putter
LOW TORQUE DESIGN
The KBS putter shaft is bored directly toe-ward near the CG at a 1° shaft lean with 25mm onset behind the face allowing golfers to realize the benefits of a new stable, toe up design.
UNIQUE SOLE SHAPING
New and improved sole shaping to work specifically with this unique hosel configuration, engineers worked tirelessly to find new ways to improve accuracy from the moment the putter is placed behind the ball. The new sole curvature accommodates different player types and ball positions, giving golfers the ability to find a consistent and repeatable stroke.
SPIDER STABILITY
Combining high density stainless steel and low-density aerospace quality aluminum provides the perfect foundation for a design that is high MOI and allows for a shaft orientation that sits closer to the face.
MILLED TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT
Based on tour player feedback, we were tasked to find a new premium alignment system. Building on the classic TaylorMade True Path™ technology, milled lines the width of the golf ball were added helping golfers properly index to center face.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, TaylorMade
For the most part, my pulls on short putts, especially right-to-left breakers, were eliminated, but I didn’t realize at what cost for a few months.
Eventually, my left miss came back because I became fearful of a right miss. The thing with low-torque putters is that they resist the urge to twist either direction. I’ve putted for years with the feeling of the blade opening and then closing. Whether it matched my stroke or not, I needed to feel like the blade closes through the stroke.
This is when I got into a phase of battle golf on the green, either pushing the putt because I was actively trying to avoid feeling my natural release through the putt, or pulling it because I forced myself to close the blade, even though the putter was already square.
I had grown up on a feel and now that feel was dulled.
What I’m using now
Ironically, the putter I’m using now was presented to me during Fully Fit, and I passed because I didn’t understand what it was.
The Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset looks like a low-torque putter, but it’s actually something entirely different. For starters, the Ally Blue Onset has toe hang. It’s minimal, just five degrees, but the toe does not point up when balanced.
That’s because instead of aligning the Ally Blue Onset’s shaft through the center of gravity of the putter, Ping placed it in front of the CG, meaning the stroke pulls the CG, like a truck towing a trailer. The configuration does lower the putter’s torque profile, but it’s not far off from Ping’s Anser either.
PING Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset Custom Putter
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore
The shaft is still back off the face, but it gives a completely unobstructed view of the face to aid alignment. The Scottsdale TEC EyeQ technology also has a number of alignment aids built in that GOLF’s Jake Morrow just dove deep into.
With that unique CG placement relative to shaft axis, what I got is a super stable putter that gave me just the right feeling of release through the ball. Finally, I had a putter that I could stroke freely and trust the ball would come off on my intended line.
The Scottsdale TEC insert is made of super-soft PEBAX material. It’s the first non-milled putter I’ve ever used, but the soft feel is very similar to what I’ve liked my whole life.
When at Ping’s PLD Putting Lab for my fitting last December, the fitter asked if I wanted to try the then-unreleased Ally Blue Onset. I thought it was another low-torque option and I wasn’t ready to commit to either a traditional-sized mallet or a putter without a milled insert. My tune changed after my Kingdom experience.
Would I like to go back to the PLD Lab and see if we could get this Ally Blue Onset further dialed in? It will probably happen at some point, but until then, I’m not worried that I’m leaving anything on the table.
What I learned
Let me be clear: If anyone asked to make an eight-foot, dead straight putt for a million dollars, I’d be comfortable using any one of these putters. In an indoor fitting environment where I know the target is a straight putt with no break, a low-torque putter is simply point-and-shoot.
But for a golfer like me, who has thousands upon thousands, maybe even millions(?) of reps of releasing the toe of a putter, breaking putts becomes challenging.
So I learned that an indoor putter fitting is great, but I need to validate that experience on the golf course and hit breaking putts.
The second thing is that using a low-torque putter did have a pretty significant impact on my stroke.
While I did fight the concept for a while, my stroke was refined through months of trying to reduce the manipulations of my hands. Now I can still feel the release of the putter while also keeping my hands quiet through the stroke.
The Ping is the best putter for me. But I find that whenever I pick up my old Scotty Cameron blades, I have a much easier time hitting the center than before.
During an interview for our Bag Spy series, Rickie Fowler told me much of the same experience.
“Going to the Jailbird, kind of that longer length, a lot heavier, helped kind of quiet and take the hands out of it a bit,” Fowler, who moved from a L.A.B. putter to a center-shafted Scotty Cameron GoLo this year, said. “And then from there went into messing with the L.A.B.s, still helping take the hands out of it a bit, but at a lighter, kind of shorter setup to help try and bring some feel back into it.”
Like Fowler, I also got over any aversion to center-shafted putters.
My Favorite Putters in 2026
Ping Scottsdale Tec Ally Blue Onset (Gamer)
PING Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset Custom Putter
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Not really a low-torque putter, but it still fits in the category if we define it by onset putters. This has been my gamer, somewhat surprisingly, in my first two competitive rounds of the year, and I’ve yet to have a competitive three-putt.
Despite the onset shaft, there’s no shaft lean, which makes this feel just like a traditional putter to me; I just place the ball a little more forward in my stance.
The insert also really surprised me for how responsive it is. The original Scottsdale line from 2025 had a similar PEBAX insert, which even I found was too soft. The Scottsdale TEC — probably because the rest of the putter is a milled aluminum and steel construction — feels much more like the soft milled putters I’ve used before.
Scotty Cameron Fastback OC
Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback OC Putter
As an extension of the popular Studio Style Fastback design, the Studio Style Fastback OC is a low-torque model featuring the same ring-weighted, high-alignment, multi-material design of the other Fastback models, but with Scotty’s tour-validated OC technology package. Featuring onset center shaft placement behind the putter face’s leading edge, the straight shaft is precisely positioned in line with the putter head’s CG location and leans 1° forward. This allows for low-torque performance and face alignment that stays square to the path.
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT
The Studio Style Fastback OC includes a chain-link milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert for soft sound and feel, treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability with aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
CUSTOM BLACK SHAFT
Custom made for the new OC putters, each model includes a special black KBS x Scotty Cameron shaft with optimal flex, unimpeded alignment and precise feel.
CUSTOM MATADOR GRIP
With a debossed chain-link texture built-in, each new OC putter includes a custom 11-inch mid-size Matador grip in black with racy red and cool gray accents.
View Product
I like the feel and look of this low-torque putter the best.
Unlike most low-torque designs, this isn’t a high-MOI shape, so it’s easier for someone who has played a blade to transition to it.
What did me in here was the heavier-designed weight, which didn’t totally mesh with my quicker stroke tempo. I also found that I was launching this putter with backspin, again potentially having something to do with the heavier headweight. This could potentially be solved with the adjustable weights, but I haven’t tried that yet.
For someone with a more deliberate pace who likes the soft feel, this could work out really well.
TaylorMade Spider ZT Black
TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Black Putter
LOW TORQUE DESIGN
The KBS putter shaft is bored directly toe-ward near the CG at a 1° shaft lean with 25mm onset behind the face allowing golfers to realize the benefits of a new stable, toe up design.
UNIQUE SOLE SHAPING
New and improved sole shaping to work specifically with this unique hosel configuration, engineers worked tirelessly to find new ways to improve accuracy from the moment the putter is placed behind the ball. The new sole curvature accommodates different player types and ball positions, giving golfers the ability to find a consistent and repeatable stroke.
SPIDER STABILITY
Combining high density stainless steel and low-density aerospace quality aluminum provides the perfect foundation for a design that is high MOI and allows for a shaft orientation that sits closer to the face.
MILLED TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT
Based on tour player feedback, we were tasked to find a new premium alignment system. Building on the classic TaylorMade True Path™ technology, milled lines the width of the golf ball were added helping golfers properly index to center face.
View Product
This is one of the most popular low-torque putters on the market for good reason.
Due to the Pure Roll insert’s great forward roll, I tried to give this putter as much of a chance as possible after the fitting. But it just didn’t translate to the course, and I found myself trying to steer it.
If you’re someone who wants a point-and-shoot putter with tons of forgiveness, look no further.
L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS
L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS Custom Putter
It’s heel-shafted. It’s still L.A.B. Heel-shafted putters have been around forever. No reason they shouldn’t be balanced. OZ.1i HS is the first heel-shafted putter with Lie Angle Balance, giving golfers the traditional look so many love with the ease of use that defines L.A.B.
This isn’t just an OZ.1 i with a different neck. Lie Angle Balance demands precision, so we re-engineered the OZ.1 i chassis for a no-compromise heel-shafted design. Our proprietary aluminum riser connects the shaft to the head in a way that maintains Lie Angle Balance and delivers the same forgiveness as the OZ.1i.
Golfers who prefer a heel-shafted look no longer have to compromise on performance. And because it’s a L.A.B., you can count on every putter being individually built and balanced. With OZ.1i HS, it’s not where the shaft goes. It’s where the ball goes.
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This is my favorite L.A.B. putter so far, but I just didn’t vibe with the super firm feel off the face, despite pairing it with the softer Accra shaft.
I also used a 0 ° shaft-lean option, which really helped me avoid a left start line.
Honorable mention: Spider Tour Torched Small Slant
TaylorMade 2026 Spider Tour Small Slant Custom Putter
TORCHED PVD FINISH
The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish.
THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION
We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance.
CG LOCATION PROGRESSION
Each Spider Torched model features different CG locations for optimal putter fitting.
HYBRAR ECHO® DAMPENER
HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feel on every putt with the best possible sensation.
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I just received the Spider Tour during the run-up to the release of the 2026 line, and I’ve never had the chance to try out the small slant necks on the Spider before.
Turns out they work really well with my stroke, and I look forward to more testing. However, I’m not looking to change anything with my gamer at the moment.
Honorable mention: Bettinardi BB28 2026 and Scotty Cameron Catalina
Scotty Cameron Studio Style Catalina Custom Putter
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT
Designed to deliver the unmistakably soft sound and feel of carbon, the new precision milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert is treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability in a re-engineered concept that includes the line’s new chain-link face milling technology and aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
CHAIN-LINK FACE MILLING TECHNOLOGY
New chain-link face milling technology reduces the putter face insert’s touch points at impact with the ball using a texture that softens the sound and provides improved roll characteristics while preserving feel and feedback off the putter face.
FULL CONTACT SLIM GRIP
With a comfortable chain-link texture to match the new putter face milling pattern, the custom crafted Full Contact Slim paddle-style grip was designed to complement stroke and performance of blade and mid-mallet putters. Its uniquely contoured profile and flat top provide superior comfort and contact between the hands and the putter, and enhanced body alignment.
MID-BEND SHAFT
The Studio Style Catalina is designed with a stepless steel shaft engineered to minimize face rotation—or arc—in the putting stroke by incorporating a single “mid” bend aimed directly down the target line.
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Bettinardi 2026 BB28 Savannah Blue PVD Putter
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No, my blade collection didn’t cease to exist. These bad boys are still kicking around if I ever decide I wanna go that route.
Perhaps I may use one as a practice putter like 2026 Tour winner Jacob Bridgeman, but as far as blades go, these are very forgiving options.
The author welcomes your comments at Jack.Hirsh@golf.com.
Ready to overhaul your bag in 2026 like our Fully Fit panelists? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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