F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: “We’ve enjoyed an incredible history and partnership with Pirelli, relying on their technical brilliance and focus on performance, innovation and sustainability for many years, so I’m delighted that the FIA and we will continue that relationship for another year.”

Pirelli headed off a rival bid by Japan’s Bridgestone to win its last contract.

At the time, there was talk that the new deal could be Pirelli’s last.

However, while there is said to be interest from other companies for the next contract, sources say Pirelli is open to the idea of continuing beyond 2028.

The FIA has to open a tender process for the new supply deal. Interested companies submit their technical bid to the FIA, which decides whether they are appropriate, after which F1 holds commercial discussions which decide the destiny of the contract.

Judging by the media coverage of Vikings OTAs and minicamp, it appears the alleged quarterback competition—if it truly exists—between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is the only thing of interest currently taking place at the Vikings facility.

We hear a few tidbits about the offensive tackles—Christian Darrisaw is feeling great after dealing with his ACL recovery last season and Brian O’Neill is back at practice as he awaits a contract extension.

The Murray and McCarthy focus means not much is being reported about the progress of the rookie class. Is first-rounder Caleb Banks on track to be a full participant in training camp? Is second-rounder Jake Golday taking reps at edge rusher as well as inside ‘backer after the trade of Jonathan Greenard? What about big DT Domonique Orange and his fellow third-rounder safety Jakobe Thomas? I’d also like to hear more about late-round speedsters Charles Demmings at corner and Demond Claiborne at running back.

Sure, there will be plenty of time in training camp to observe and digest the progress of the rookie class and other newcomers such as WR Jauan Jennings, corner James Pierre, and punter Johnny Hekker along with the progress of center Blake Brandel and monitoring the possible return of Harrison Smith.

But when there’s a new quarterback in town who was the first overall pick in 2019 (Murray) and a former first-round QB coming off an up-and-down first season as the starter (McCarthy), then it’s inevitable that the QBs will dominate the chatter in the media and among the fan base.

The Vikings’ Murray and McCarthy Battle

What can help somewhat to quiet the QB conversation is if Murray and McCarthy become more vanilla and less forthcoming in their public comments. That’s not what the media is looking for since there’s nothing better to stir things up than a quarterback controversy.

McCarthy launched the swirling quotes when he said “it’s like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side and I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to coach us and teach us.” I didn’t think that statement was any big deal but some media folks ran with it. Since that statement, McCarthy has been saying he’s focused on what he can control, which is the best approach. I say let’s cut young J.J. some slack and not be overly analytical of every answer to a media question. He didn’t say he dislikes Murray or he’s ticked off that he has to compete for a starting job that appears to already be handed to the more veteran player in Murray.

Murray has taken the first reps in team drills lately but he and McCarthy have basically been splitting reps. For Murray’s part in the early drama, he sounded like he was making excuses for throwing a couple picks in Tuesday’s minicamp practice when he said, “me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense, that’s probably the toughest part.” Then he added, “I’m not really too worried about the competition side of things, honestly.”

It’s nice for Murray that he’s so confident he’ll win the job—despite his resume that does not include any playoff wins–plus he’s already making $38 million this year (all but $1.3 million from the Cardinals who gave up on him). So splitting reps with last year’s starter should not be a shock to Murray. But does he really expect us to believe that he’s not worried about competing for the starting job when he’s on a one-year contract and is looking for a huge season to set up his next big payday as a 2027 free agent who can’t be hit with the franchise or transition tag?

Murray should just be saying he’s focused on learning the offense and getting in sync with his teammates and avoid saying anything remotely controversial about reps or his relationship with McCarthy.

Kevin O’Connell is trying to lower the temperature by saying he encourages open dialogue among his QBs and he doesn’t worry about the media characterizations of the relationship between Murray and McCarthy. O’Connell says it’s a “professional“ interaction. But I believe behind the scenes, O’Connell is telling all his QBs to avoid talking about personal relationships or numbers of reps and just say they’re all working hard along with their teammates.

So even as I’m already tired of this quarterback chatter, I just spent this week’s column further dissecting it. I’ll try to refrain from a weekly look at the Vikings QBs, at least until the pads go on in training camp and we get closer to O’Connell’s pronouncement of the Week 1 starter which should come in mid-August around the time the Ravens come to town for two days of joint practice.

Around the NFL Observations

1. Caleb Williams: I was mildly surprised to hear Williams is on the cover of this year’s Madden NFL game. Not that it’s such a big deal but it is considered by many to be an honor to be selected for the Madden cover. Recent selectees include Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Josh Allen, John Madden himself, Tom Brady, and Lamar Jackson.

After a shaky rookie season, Williams made strides in his second season of 2025 as he quarterbacked the Bears to the NFC North title with several late comebacks to his credit (including the critical Week 11 win over the Vikings). He led the Bears to a playoff victory over the Packers but then threw three interceptions in the divisional round loss to the Rams. His 90.1 passer rating ranked 22nd and he has not yet been selected to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team.

I’d say Matthew Stafford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or Myles Garrett would’ve been more worthy choices based on their outstanding seasons. As a former Vikings coach once said, it’s not yet time to “crown” Caleb Williams with even something such as the Madden NFL cover. And with the Bears having the league’s toughest schedule as a first-place team compared to last year’s fourth-place schedule and losing their Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman to retirement and leading wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade, I expect it to be a difficult season for Williams and the Bears. 

2. Aaron Donald: will he and should he return to the Rams this season? After the Rams traded for Garrett, the rumblings have been that Donald, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is thinking about a comeback and likely to do so after being retired the past two seasons. The Rams have the salary cap room to make it work as long as Donald is willing to take a lot less than the $30 million per year he made on his last deal.

Donald has reportedly stayed in shape but it’s a lot different to be in football shape and it’s questionable how effective he would be after such a long absence. But the Rams are highly motivated to be a Super Bowl team this season when the big game will be played in their home stadium and they’re not afraid to make big moves so I think it’s likely they’ll make this splashy signing and bring Donald back.

Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond

Towhid Hridoy hit an unbeaten 40 as Bangladesh won the second one-day international by five wickets on Thursday to clinch their first-ever series win against Australia in the 50-over format. Chasing a DLS revised victory target of 192 in 41 overs in a rain-hit match, Bangladesh eased home with 36 balls to spare in Dhaka to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Australia posted 187-8 in 42 overs with their innings cut short and ended by rain after Marnus Labuschagne, who made an unbeaten 55, and Xavier Bartlett, who hit 52, rescued the visitors from 0-3.

Opening bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed took three wickets each.

The victory extended Bangladesh’s winning streak to five consecutive home ODI series, following triumphs over Sri Lanka, West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand.

“It’s an amazing feeling, and the way we played this series, we showed a lot of courage,” said Bangladesh vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

“We have been working really hard (in the) last few months and the way we played the last two matches, it’s outstanding. And I’m really proud to be a part of this team.”

Reigning ODI world champions Australia, who are missing many of their top players, lost their second successive ODI series after going down 2-1 to Pakistan earlier this month.

Shanto and Soumya Sarkar steadied the chase, putting on 86 runs for the second wicket following Tanzid Hasan’s departure in the first over.

Both fell in quick succession having scored 42 each, with Matt Renshaw dismissing Soumya and Riley Meredith removing Shanto after a successful DRS review.

Litton Das fell for 18 and Mosaddek Hossain made 15 as the innings threatened to wobble, but Towhid and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (22 not out) held their nerve, sharing an unbeaten 51-run partnership to seal victory with 195-5.

– Australia’s ‘below par’ total –

Earlier Australia lost three batters for ducks inside two overs in what became only the fourth instance in ODI history of a team losing three wickets without scoring.

Taskin removed Matthew Short for the second time in as many matches in the series, the opener shouldering arms to an in-swinger that came back sharply to uproot his stumps.

Mustafizur then struck twice in the second over, drawing outside edges from left-handers Cooper Connolly and Renshaw.

Alex Carey was caught at point off Mustafizur for 13.

Skipper Josh Inglis, who made 34, and Cameron Green, who scored 25, fell to left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam and Australia slumped further at 81-6.

Labuschagne and Bartlett then combined in a 103-run seventh-wicket stand before Taskin returned for his third spell to break the partnership, dismissing Bartlett.

Taskin bowled Adam Zampa on the next ball before Nathan Ellis survived the hat-trick.

“Anytime you lose three wickets that early, it’s always tough to recover,” said Inglis.

“I thought the partnership between Marnus and Xavier was outstanding. They got us to a total that was probably below par, but at least it gave us something to bowl at.”

Rain then halted play for nearly three hours.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Teenager Ruby Evans has had a brilliant 12 months.

In October 2025, she won silver in the floor exercise at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia.

And in March this year she became the first Welsh athlete in more than 50 years to win the all-around title at the British Championships in Liverpool.

This will be Evans’ first Commonwealth Games, having not quite been old enough to compete in Birmingham in 2022.

“I was three months off my birthday last time, but I’m excited because I’ve always wanted to do the Commonwealth Games,” said the 19-year-old.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for Wales because everything’s always Great Britain, which is obviously amazing, but I think just competing for my home country will be such a special feeling.

“Things are going well, I did the British Championships and won that, so that gave me confidence.

“I would say [there is] a bit of pressure, but I wouldn’t say it’s too much because I don’t like to put pressure on myself. I just like to go with the flow and then whatever happens, happens.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially gets underway on Thursday night, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the quadrennial event. Before the opening match is held in Mexico City, FIFA has planned a curtain-raiser event, featuring some of the biggest artists in the world. International musician Shakira is set to take centre stage among other celebrities. The opening ceremony will start approximately 90 minutes before the tournament opener, and will be streamed live across multiple platforms in India. (FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony and Mexico vs South Africa Live Updates)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a total of 48 teams competing for the top prize in the world. In total, 104 matches will be held in the tournament across the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico. It is the first time that the World Cup is being held in three different countries.

After waka waka, another gem by @shakira for #FIFA26 !  pic.twitter.com/OppcHDzVUI

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— Ash of Gryffindor (@aishwar2414) June 11, 2026

What time will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Start?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will start at 11:00 PM IST.

Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony be held?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Which channel will telecast the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be aired live on UNITE8 Sports and DD Sports.

How to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be available on Zee5.

Who are the performers scheduled to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The top performers set to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony are: Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, J Balvin, and Tyla.

Some of the other artists are: Mana Mexican rock band, Lila Downs, Venezuelan performer Danny Ocean and Los Angeles Azules cumbia group.

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Gervonta Davis is set to return to action later this year, but one former opponent has now revealed that he had signed for a rematch with ‘Tank’, only for the three-division world champion to then have a change of heart.

Davis has not won a fight in almost two years, with his most recent outing coming against former WBA super-featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jnr back in March 2025, where he retained both his WBA lightweight crown and undefeated record by the skin of his teeth – lucky to escape with a draw.

External issues have since kept Davis away from the ring and that inactivity has caused the Baltimore knockout artist to be downgraded from WBA champion to ‘champion-in-recess’.

In order to regain the full world title, Davis will need to overcome 21-year-old mandatory challenger Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield, with that fight having been ordered by the World Boxing Association.

Speaking with FightHype, recent foe Roach has now revealed that he signed for a rematch with Davis following their draw, blaming the 31-year-old for the lack of a second fight.

“Obviously that is the rematch that I want, they chose not to do the rematch, just so that everyone knows. We were ready, we signed our contract, we did our business to make the rematch happen – the other side didn’t. So let’s just make that clear. 

“Other than that, I am not too worried about it. I am not hanging my hat on a Gervonta Davis rematch, I did what I was supposed to do that night in the ring, I should have got the victory but it is what it is, life goes on, man, and I am going to move on to bigger and better things.”

Roach will compete for the vacant WBC lightweight world title when he fights William Zepeda on Saturday, August 1. Victory in that bout could tee up an intriguing unification and rematch with Davis, if the latter is able to overcome Schofield in the autumn. 

Over the next couple of weeks, you’re going to see a lot of companies release USA 250 merch and some limited-edition products. Some companies have already released their goods, but today PXG joined the celebration with its Stars and Stripes 250 Collection of apparel (including red, white and blue versions of my favorite workout shirt), accessories and bags.

The collection also means a little extra to PXG, and for good reason.

Bob Parsons, founder of PXG, is a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran and isn’t shy about his love for his country and the celebration it brings. He’s a big believer in the existence of freedom in America and founded PXG on the foundation that confidence and pride carry through to performance, in the same way his service is celebrated by civilians enjoying their day to day freedoms with the trust in their armed forces.

That same exercise of trust in performance is brought to every PXG product, including their clubs, and their curated collections like the brand new Stars and Stripes 250. If Bob approves of the collection, you know it screams pride and confidence.

The PXG Stars and Stripes 250 Collection includes accessories, bags, headcovers, towels, apparel and headwear designed with American themes and symbols throughout. But PXG takes the details to the next level. There’s nods to just about every classic Americana symbol you can think of. Patchwork inspired by Betsy Ross’s creation of the American flag and embroidery details of the Liberty Bell, an American eagle and other markings.

My favorite part of any PXG product is that PXG isn’t afraid to be loud and expressive. There’s so much detail in this product that even just going through the photos, it’s hard to find every detail at first glance. I also happen to be a huge fan of their bags (they have lots of pockets) and through the photos you can almost feel the dimension in the product with all that embroidery, the raised patterns and that unmistakable PXG brand mark.

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On top of the collection drop, PXG is also running a giveaway, which you can enter on their website, for some exclusive Stars and Stripes 250 gear that includes the PXG staff bag that PXG staffers will be carrying at next week’s U.S. Open. There’s also a custom 250 collection-themed set of PXG’s new Stick Em wedges.

You can view all the details for the Stars and Stripes 250 Collection and their giveaway on PXG’s website.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, I find myself asking a question that millions of African football fans have asked for decades: can an African country finally win the World Cup?

For the first time in history, Africa will have 10 representatives at football’s biggest tournament. Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the dreams of more than a billion people across the continent.

When I look at that list, I see more than just football teams. I see decades of struggle, progress, heartbreak and hope.

I think about Egypt becoming the first African nation to play at the World Cup in 1934. I think about the years when Africa had only one representative and was often treated as an outsider in the global game. I think about Cameroon shocking the world in 1990, Senegal stunning defending champions France in 2002, and Ghana coming within inches of a semi-final place in 2010.

I also remember the pain.

The controversial moments. The missed penalties. The narrow defeats. The feeling that Africa was always close but never quite close enough.

Then came Qatar 2022.

I watched Morocco achieve something no African country had ever done before. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals. For the first time, I felt that the impossible no longer looked impossible.

Morocco changed the conversation.

Before Qatar, many people spoke about African teams as outsiders. After Qatar, they started talking about African teams as genuine contenders.

That is why I believe the 2026 World Cup could be the tournament that changes everything.

With 10 teams competing, Africa has never had a stronger presence at the World Cup. The continent has more opportunities than ever before to produce a champion.

But if I had to choose the two African countries most capable of lifting the trophy, my picks would be Senegal and Morocco.

Morocco remains Africa’s strongest football story of recent years. Their success in Qatar was not built on luck. It was built on organisation, discipline, tactical intelligence and belief.

Many of the players who reached the semi-finals remain at the peak of their careers. They understand what it takes to compete with the world’s elite nations. More importantly, they no longer fear them.

The Atlas Lions have already broken one barrier. Winning the World Cup would be the next.

Senegal is my other favourite.

The Teranga Lions possess something every successful World Cup team needs: experience, physical strength, quality players and a winning mentality.

Over the last decade, Senegal have consistently remained among Africa’s strongest teams. They won the Africa Cup of Nations, have competed at multiple World Cups and continue to produce players who perform at the highest level in Europe.

Unlike previous generations, this Senegal team understands how to handle pressure. They know how to win difficult matches. They know how to suffer and survive when things are not going their way.

That experience could prove crucial in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup.

Of course, winning the competition will not be easy.

Traditional powers such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain and England will arrive with the same ambition. History remains firmly on their side.

No African nation has ever reached a World Cup final, let alone won one.

But history is not a law of nature.

Every record exists until someone breaks it.

For years, people said an African team could never reach the semi-finals. Morocco proved them wrong.

Now people say an African team cannot win the World Cup.

Perhaps they are right.

But perhaps they are only right until someone proves otherwise.

As I prepare to watch the 2026 World Cup unfold, I cannot ignore the feeling that African football is entering a new era. From Egypt’s lone appearance in 1934 to 10 representatives in 2026, the journey has been remarkable.

The numbers have grown.

The quality has improved.

The belief is stronger than ever.

And if Africa is finally going to produce a World Cup winner, I believe Morocco and Senegal offer the continent’s best chance of making history.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, center, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo)

Bangladesh created history on Thursday by clinching their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest with a composed five-wicket win in the second match.A lengthy rain interruption of nearly two-and-a-half hours forced officials to revise Bangladesh’s target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Chasing 192 from 41 overs, the hosts comfortably reached 195 for 5 with six overs remaining, ensuring the series was theirs with one match still to play. The final ODI is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.The result was built on another disciplined all-round performance from Bangladesh after Australia’s batting lineup endured a disastrous start. The visitors lost their first three wickets without scoring a run, placing themselves under immediate pressure.Only resilient half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett helped Australia recover from the early collapse. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 55, while Bartlett contributed 52 as Australia eventually posted 187 for 8 from their allotted 42 overs.Bangladesh made just one change to the side that had won the opening ODI by 86 runs via the DLS method, bringing in opener Soumya Sarkar. The move paid dividends as Sarkar scored 42 and shared a crucial partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who also made 42.After a shaky start, Shanto settled into his innings and, alongside Sarkar, added 86 runs to put Bangladesh firmly in control of the chase. Riley Meredith eventually broke the stand when Shanto edged behind, handing the fast bowler his first ODI wicket in five years following his return to the format.Despite being well placed, Bangladesh briefly stumbled to 144 for 5 in the 27th over, giving Australia a glimmer of hope. However, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz extinguished those hopes with an unbeaten 51-run partnership that guided the hosts across the finish line. Hridoy remained not out on 40 from 55 deliveries.There was a concerning moment near the end of the chase when Mehidy was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Nathan Ellis. The Bangladesh captain dropped to his knees and vomited on the field. Although he declined the offer of a stretcher and continued batting, Shanto later revealed that Mehidy was taken to hospital for observation after the match.Australia’s decision to bat first backfired dramatically. Matthew Short registered his third consecutive ODI duck, while Cooper Connolly and Matthew Renshaw also departed without scoring. It marked only the fourth occasion in ODI history that a team had lost its first three wickets before opening its account.Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed were the chief architects of Australia’s collapse. Both pacers claimed three wickets each, with Mustafizur finishing with figures of 3 for 27 and Taskin returning 3 for 33. Mustafizur also accounted for Alex Carey, who was caught at point.The situation worsened for Australia when captain Josh Inglis was dismissed at deep cover, leaving the visitors struggling at 68 for 5.Labuschagne, batting at No. 7, then combined with Bartlett to launch a recovery. The pair added 103 runs for the sixth wicket and gave Australia something to bowl at after appearing destined for a far lower total. Labuschagne’s innings was particularly significant as it marked his first ODI half-century in 14 innings. He also enjoyed an early reprieve when Tanvir Islam missed the stumps with a run-out attempt while the batter was on just one.Ultimately, however, Bangladesh’s batting depth and composure under pressure proved decisive as they sealed a landmark ODI series triumph over Australia.