Mumbai Indians’ early exit from IPL 2026 has raised questions over Hardik Pandya‘s leadership credentials, with some experts and fans suggesting that the all-rounder shouldn’t lead the team next season. Hardik had a challenging campaign, even from an individual standpoint, scoring just 146 runs in 8 innings and taking only 3 wickets. Former India batter Wasim Jaffer stated that while he wouldn’t want Hardik to continue as MI captain next year, the franchise should definitely retain him to let him focus purely on his individual game.
“I will not make him the captain, but he will surely be retained. I want him to open up and get the best out of him,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
One being asked to name Hardik’s replacement as captain, Jaffer added: “At this stage, it would be hard to pick a captain.”
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MI finished a disappointing ninth in the 10-team points table after suffering a 30-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their final league game here – their 10th defeat in 14 matches.
Kieron Pollard, the batting coach of the franchise, insisted that there would be no finger-pointing at captain Hardik despite the franchise finishing ninth in the standings with just eight points.
“From a leadership perspective on Hardik, yes, it has not gone as well as he would have wanted as an individual,” Pollard told reporters after the match.
“It might not have gone how we would have wanted as a management staff. But one thing you (should) know that we have tried each and everything to give him the best opportunity to lead the franchise, to do well.” Pollard said it was a collective failure of the Mumbai Indians group.
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“No one is going to sit here and put blame on point fingers. When you lose, especially, you have to look at it from a collective perspective. You win some, you lose some. But, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t question certain things,” he said.
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
The Stanley Cup Final sits in the rear-view, the NHL Draft approaches, and around the league, 32 clubs are setting plans in motion to improve their squads before the 2026-27 campaign arrives.
We’ve already seen a couple deals drop, with new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka acquiring defender Darren Raddysh and trading away former starting netminder Joseph Woll in separate deals this month.
As the trade market continues to heat up in the lead-up to July 1, here’s a look at the latest chatter from the NHL rumour mill:
Bowen Byram could move on from Sabres in search of a bigger role
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The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a significant step forward, having ended their lengthy post-season drought and won their first playoff round in two decades. But change might be coming to the Sabres’ promising young roster. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, defender Bowen Byram may be seeking a change of address in pursuit of a bigger role.
“This has nothing to do with money,” Seravalli said on a recent episode of Frankly Hockey. “This has nothing to do with place — Bowen Byram likes Buffalo, he likes his teammates, he likes the trajectory of the Sabres. This has everything to do with opportunity and a continual challenge, as I understand it, that exists within Bowen Byram. He sees himself as a No. 1 defenceman in the NHL, and watching him in these playoffs, it’s hard to argue that that’s not the case.”
The 25-year-old blue-liner is heading into the second season of a two-year, $12.5-million pact he inked in Buffalo in 2025. He’s fresh off putting up a career-best 42 points for the Sabres in 2025-26. Byram spent four years in Colorado — winning a Stanley Cup with the club in 2022 — before he was traded to Buffalo in 2024.
As was the case in Colorado, where perennial Norris Trophy nominee Cale Makar leads the blue line, the situation in Buffalo leaves little room for Byram to take the next step.
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“Bowen Byram is never going to be PP1 for the Buffalo Sabres,” Seravalli said. “He doesn’t have a path to be the Buffalo Sabres’ No. 1 defenceman. (Rasmus) Dahlin’s there, Owen Power already makes more than him, so you theoretically think that Owen Power is ahead of him in the pecking order potentially as well. … He thinks he can be the guy. And I think that Bowen Byram can be the guy. The only way to do that is to not re-sign in Buffalo when next season ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent and can go test the market.
“And the Sabres are sitting here thinking, ‘Well, if he’s not going to re-sign, then maybe we want to jump ahead and get pieces back that we can work with now, and improve our team in the here and now with such a good player available, that it might make sense to move on.’”
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Bruins listening to offers for veteran centreman Pavel Zacha
This summer’s free agent class is plenty light on top-end centres who could swing things for a club looking to find some progress next season. Of the names highlighted by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox in his look at the top UFAs on the market, only one does their work down the middle: Boone Jenner. But the Boston Bruins may be throwing another name into the mix.
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“In a market starved for centres, the Bruins are listening on Pavel Zacha, which is an intriguing name to say the least. There’s a big difference between listening and wanting to move him, though,” LeBrun wrote. “My understanding is that the Bruins’ top priority this summer is to extend Zacha if possible. That can happen as of July 1. He’s got one year left on his deal at a $4.75 million AAV and obviously will be looking for a raise after posting career bests with 30 goals and 65 points this past season.
“But how those talks go will be balanced with whether teams step up in a real way in trade talks.”
The veteran pivot, who spent seven years in New Jersey before being traded to Boston, has a no-trade list allowing him to nix a deal to eight teams, according to LeBrun.
Rumours have swirled around St. Louis Blues centre Robert Thomas’s name for months, with the veteran seeming very likely to move at different points over the past year. According to LeBrun and Seravalli, though, Thomas is now off the market and looks set to remain in St. Louis. His teammate Jordan Kyrou, though, is on the board.
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“The Blues explored the trade market aggressively before the March 6 trade deadline, but it never got to the point that they asked him for a list of teams or to waive his no-move clause,” LeBrun wrote of Thomas. “Now, with the changeover from Doug Armstrong to Alexander Steen at GM, which will be official July 1, I’ve heard from a few teams that believe Steen has told Thomas that he doesn’t intend to move him.”
Added Seravalli: “Teams have called to ask in the last few days, what is the situation with Robert Thomas, is he available, and they have been told, ‘No.’ But Jordan Kyrou is very much available.”
Kyrou is heading into Year 4 of an eight-year, $65-million extension he signed back in 2022. The 28-year-old winger, who was drafted by the Blues in 2016, is coming off an 18-goal, 46-point season for St. Louis. A year prior, he put up a dominant 36-goal, 70-point season for the Blues.
Maple Leafs asking for ‘exorbitant’ return in calls on Matthew Knies
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In his latest NHL Buzz piece, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are still considering moving winger Matthew Knies. According to Seravalli, interested teams have been told the price for acquiring the young power forward is sky high.
“The appetite around the league is incredibly strong,” Seravalli said. “It’s hard to find a player with this profile, this size, this productivity, this age, that also is signed to a secure deal for five years at $7.75 million. … Here’s my understanding of the situation: teams are calling the Toronto Maple Leafs. They know that Matt Knies’ name was out there previously under the old regime leading up into the trade deadline. That didn’t materialize, it didn’t happen, but now teams are calling. The Leafs are not hanging up the phone under John Chayka. They’re entertaining offers.
“They’re willing to talk about Matt Knies. But I’m told from some of the teams that have been in contact with the Toronto Maple Leafs that the price is exorbitant. They feel like the price is incredibly high.”
The 23-year-old winger put up 23 goals and a career-best 66 points for the Maple Leafs last season, and posted a career-high 29 goals a year prior.
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Patrick Kane undecided on whether to return to Detroit or find new club
After parting ways with his longtime club, the Chicago Blackhawks, and playing out a brief stint in New York, veteran Patrick Kane has logged three productive campaigns in Detroit. The three-time Stanley Cup champion posted 57 points in 67 games for the Red Wings last season, and a pair of 20-goal campaigns in Detroit colours before that.
But according to LeBrun, with the Red Wings missing out on the post-season in all three years Kane has been on the squad, it seems a change could be coming for the 37-year-old.
“Pending UFA Patrick Kane definitely wants to play another season, his agent Pat Brisson said on Wednesday. That’s all Brisson would share,” wrote LeBrun. “My understanding is that the Red Wings do want Kane back and have made that clear. What remains undetermined is whether Kane wants to return.
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“He certainly might, but he’s mulling things over at the moment about whether to stay put or head to market.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage enters a crucial phase on June 20 as teams take the field for their second matches, with qualification scenarios beginning to take shape. Several nations have the chance to secure an early place in the Round of 32, while others face must-win encounters after disappointing starts.
Heavyweights Brazil and the Netherlands will be under pressure to deliver, while the USA, Australia, Morocco and Sweden look to build on positive opening-round results in a packed day of action.
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USA vs Australia
The United States and Australia meet in a pivotal Group D clash at FIFA World Cup 2026, with both sides aiming to build on winning starts and move closer to the Round of 32. The USMNT impressed in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia secured a disciplined 2-0 win against Türkiye.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s side will monitor captain Christian Pulisic’s fitness after a minor calf issue, though he is expected to feature alongside in-form striker Folarin Balogun. Australia, meanwhile, will once again rely on the pace and creativity of rising star Nestory Irankunda, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach arrives full of confidence after an eight-save clean sheet in the opener. The winner could take a major step toward qualification.
Scotland vs Morocco
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Morocco and Scotland are set for a crucial Group C showdown at Boston Stadium in Foxborough as both sides look to strengthen their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes. Scotland sit atop the group after a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti, though their performance was far from convincing and they created few clear-cut chances.
Morocco, meanwhile, impressed in a 1-1 draw against Brazil and arguably looked the stronger side, with Ismael Saibari scoring and the Atlas Lions producing an encouraging display. Steve Clarke’s Scotland are expected to remain largely unchanged, while Morocco will once again rely on the influential duo of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz down the right flank.
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Brazil vs Haiti
Brazil head into their second Group C match against Haiti seeking their first win of FIFA World Cup 2026 after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain among the tournament favourites but know a victory is essential to strengthen their qualification hopes before facing Scotland.
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Brazil have dominated previous meetings with Haiti, winning all three encounters and scoring 17 goals across those matches. Haiti, meanwhile, showed promise despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland and will look to build on that performance. However, another loss could end their hopes of progressing, making this a must-win encounter for both teams.
Turkey vs Paraguay
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Türkiye and Paraguay face a crucial Group D clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara as both teams look to revive their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns. With the USA and Australia currently leading the group, defeat could severely damage either side’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Türkiye arrived at the tournament in strong form after ending a long World Cup absence and building an eight-match unbeaten run, but suffered a disappointing defeat to Australia in their opener. Paraguay, meanwhile, returned to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years but were beaten 4-1 by hosts USA and now desperately need points.
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Netherlands vs Sweden
Netherlands and Sweden meet in a pivotal Group F encounter at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with both sides targeting a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. The Dutch were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Japan in their opener and will be eager to secure their first win of the tournament.
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Sweden, meanwhile, made a stunning start by thrashing Tunisia 5-1 and currently sit atop the group standings. A victory would guarantee the Scandinavians a place in the Round of 32, while the Netherlands know three points could significantly boost their qualification hopes heading into their final group-stage fixture.
FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches
Group
Match
Time (IST)
Group D
USA vs Australia
00:30:00
Group C
Scotland vs Morocco
03:30:00
Group C
Brazil vs Haiti
06:00:00
Group D
Türkiye vs Paraguay
08:30:00
Group F
Netherlands vs Sweden
22:30:00
FIFA World Cup 2026: June 20 matches live streaming and telecast details
Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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USA and Australia will kick-start the June 20 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 12:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the second game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Scotland and Morocco will play in the second match of the day from 3:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Brazil will play their 2nd FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Haiti in the third game of the day at 6 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Turkey will play their 2nd FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Paraguay in the third game of the day at 8:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fifth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Netherlands and Sweden will play in the fifth match of the day from 10:30 pm IST.
Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches in India?
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The broadcast of the June 20 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches in India?
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The live streaming of the June 18 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Zee5 app and website for viewers in India.
World Cup co-hosts USA aim to keep the party going as they take on Australia in Seattle on Friday after kicking off the tournament with a crushing defeat of Paraguay. But they will be wary of an Australia side that also got their campaign started with a famous victory. Follow our live, minute-by-minute coverage.
USA winger Christian Pulisic will miss the key Group D game against Australia due to injury, after training separately from his teammates this week , coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed. Ricardo Pepi, who came off the bench in the Paraguay game, replaces Pulisic as the only change.
The starting XIs
USA: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi; Folarin Balogun
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Australia: Patrick Beach; Jacob Italiano, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Mathew Leckie, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay; Mohamed Toure
Echoes of an unfriendly ‘friendly’
In October, the US earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a physical Australia side in a friendly that coach Pochettino said was anything but.
That’s when the Argentinian coach famously told his players at half-time: “We’re American, we don’t take shit.”
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Welcome to our liveblog
Few would have predicted that tonight’s game could decide who tops Group D, but the co-hosts’ demolition of Paraguay followed by the Socceroos’ humbling of Turkey makes whoever wins this game the firm favourites to progress in first place.
The skill and swagger with which the US dismantled Paraguay has rightly prompted a wave of excitement among their fans, which the side will seek to channel in Seattle.
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But Australia pose a significant threat: they are physically imposing, well-drilled defensively and quick and clinical on the counter, all of which they showed against Turkey.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the sideline before a road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The scene was captured on Nov. 3, 2019, in Kansas City as the Vikings prepared for another regular-season contest, highlighting the franchise branding and game-day atmosphere before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have already revealed a few surprises this offseason, including firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah three and a half weeks after the regular season ended and signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 million. So, what’s next?
The following list highlights surprises that could reasonably occur. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most surprising possible development).
Vikings’ Depth Chart May Not Be a Finished Product
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. reacts during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium. The moment occurred on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale as Pace continued his energetic style of play and helped lead Minnesota’s defensive effort during postseason competition. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
6. Ivan Pace Jr. Gets Released
When Minnesota began the offseason, the off-ball linebacking situation looked murky. Eric Wilson was scheduled for free agency, Pace Jr. was not guaranteed to return, and rookie Jake Golday had not entered the roster orbit. The depth chart revealed Blake Cashman — and that was pretty much it.
Then, of course, Wilson re-signed, along with Pace Jr., and the Vikings used a 2nd-Round pick on Golday from Cincinnati.
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There’s a world where Pace Jr. may not make the 53-man roster, believe it or not, if Golday is ready for action in Week 1. Minnesota benched Pace Jr. early in 2025, and the cap hit to drop him this summer is quite low: $0 added in dead money.
The Vikings could also rather easily sign a veteran linebacker like Bobby Okereke or Devin White while releasing Pace Jr., who struggled to tackle last season.
5. Vikings Trade for Another RB
Minnesota could explore the RB trade market. Trey Benson, for example, is a prime candidate. The Arizona Cardinals now have Jeremiyah Love, James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Benson in the same backfield, creating a challenging situation for distributing carries. Benson, like fellow 2024 draftee Jonathon Brooks, has also dealt with injuries.
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By his third year, Benson would ideally be vying for a more prominent role. Instead, Arizona acquired another back and retained Conner. Teams typically avoid such a crowded backfield for players they view as future stars. If the Cardinals are open to discussions, the Vikings should inquire for a 6th-Round pick or so.
Jaylen Wright presents another intriguing possibility. With Frank Smith, formerly Miami’s offensive coordinator, now serving as Minnesota’s assistant head coach, a connection already exists. Wright is currently Miami’s RB2, but the arrival of Ollie Gordon this summer could alter the depth chart. If Wright finds himself as the RB3, a new environment might be beneficial.
His speed is a major asset, with a reported 4.38 40-yard dash time. Through two seasons, he has accumulated approximately 600 scrimmage yards and recently turned 23. Like Benson, Wright could be gettable for a late-round pick.
4. Another WR Signed — Like Deebo Samuel or DeAndre Hopkins
The Vikings signed Jauan Jennings to complete their deepest WR corps since the days of Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. But why not more firepower if the price is right?
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Samuel is unsigned through three months of free agency. Hopkins already stated publicly in March that he’d love to play for the Vikings with Kyler Murray at the helm. Minnesota could opt for an embarrassment of riches at WR, enabling “no excuses” for Murray or J.J. McCarthy in 2026.
3. Extra TE Enters the Mix — Like Michael Mayer or Darren Waller
Mayer remains buried on the Las Vegas Raiders’ depth chart because Brock Bowers is just too good. He doesn’t get the targets that most envisioned when Las Vegas spent 2nd-Round draft capital on him in 2023. Mayer needs a fresh start, and Minnesota’s TE1, T.J. Hockenson, is on tap for free agency next March.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer celebrates after a successful 2-point conversion against the Pittsburgh Steelers during fourth-quarter action at Allegiant Stadium. The scoring play unfolded on Sept. 24, 2023, in Paradise, Nevada, as Mayer contributed to the Raiders’ offensive effort in a tightly contested regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Waller is a free agent with ties to the aforementioned Smith from his time in Las Vegas and Miami. Signing Waller would cost next to nothing and provide the Vikings’ offense with a sweet redzone target.
2. Rookie CB Charles Demmings Wins a Starter’s Job
The summer hype train has already left the station regarding Demmings — and it could be real. The 5th-Rounder has the physical tools to shine in the NFL, and Minnesota is long overdue for a cornerback that it organically drafted to work out. The last one to succeed was Xavier Rhodes or Trae Waynes over a decade ago.
The Vikings’ roster is also ripe for a cornerback to emerge. Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre are good or decent defensive backs, but none are shutdown corners. If an unsung cornerback wants to take flight out of nowhere, Minnesota’s depth chart is prime territory.
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1. J.J. McCarthy Does the Unthinkable by Upsetting Kyler Murray
Perhaps McCarthy really did improve his mechanics from January to June. It’s not inconceivable for a quarterback in his third year to take the next step. It really isn’t.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during pregame warm-ups before a preseason contest against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie passer was on the field on Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis as attention continued to build around his development and readiness entering his first NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Murray remains the heavy favorite to win the QB1 job, but the Vikings could face a champagne-problem reality in August and September — what if McCarthy just looks too damn good to leave on the bench? Murray would not be fond of signing with the Vikings and immediately getting pushed to the QB2 spot on the depth chart, but that doesn’t really matter if McCarthy looks like the real deal.
Not long ago, McCarthy was considered the unabashed QB1 in Minnesota, taking the cake over 2025 offseason options like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Jones.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) fumbles the ball defended by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) and linebacker Dallas Turner (15) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Vikings DC Brian Flores tends to simmer with competitive intensity that can be intimidating. Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel understands the reality as well as (or better) than anyone since the pair go back to the Miami Dolphins days before a reunion in the Twin Cities.
Recently, Minnesota’s top defender chatted with the media. What was his message to the youngsters who are looking to adjust to the intensity of the defensive strategist known as The Mad Scientist? Check it out: “My biggest piece of advice would be just applying what he teaches us in the classroom. He has big focal points that he wants to be done each practice. So if you do anything, I would say listen to what he wants, what he’s preaching that day, and apply it on the field.”
Andrew Van Ginkel Offers Some Wisdom
Spurring the question was an earlier answer from safety Josh Metellus. Per the defensive back, the focus for the young fellas rested in seeing through the manner in which Coach Flores speaks (think blunt and fiery). Rather than get too worried about the passion, focus on the specifics of what’s being preached.
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Wise words.
Andrew Van Ginkel’s additional comments add another layer of wisdom. Per the veteran edge defender, Flores isn’t looking to deceive anyone in the classroom portion of things. Flores establishes what the priority is and then insists that his players work toward fulfilling the central tenets of that priority. Sounds basic, but some players likely miss the point.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) lines up during action against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The NFC North contest took place on Sep 29, 2024, with Van Ginkel adding his energy and edge presence to Minnesota’s defensive approach. His role has become increasingly important as the Vikings continue managing injuries and relying on consistent playmakers in divisional matchups. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Note, as well, that Van Ginkel offered up a few more thoughts.
“He’s giving you little nuggets and if you can’t listen to what he’s saying and then go apply it, it’s wasted time to him,” Van Ginkel clarifies. “He wants you to figure it out instantly. Especially if he’s putting a big emphasis on it, you should get that right.”
Presumably, there’s some leeway for these guys to continue being human. Put differently, Andrew Van Ginkel alongside the broader crew of defenders still need to be allowed to make mistakes. Furthermore, there will need to be room for the coaching staff to layer knowledge, slowly building up the players’ abilities as the complexities of ball get mastered over time.
What Van Ginkel appears to be referring to is more general (if I could make an educated guess). Think, for instance, a more intense focus on rallying to the ball carrier before then looking to strip the ball away. Not doing so could lead to Flores losing patience. After all, that’s more of an effort issue than a skill issue, meaning that it’s fully within each guy’s ability to fulfill what is being demanded.
Flores, an old fashioned guy who is a Bill Belichick disciple, values work ethic, compete, physicality, and aggression. Seeing him ask his players to manifest those attributes in specific ways before then not doing so in practice may lead to a player (or two) getting an earful.
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Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Last year, Andrew Van Ginkel got slowed down by injury. He did manage to get into a dozen games, starting eleven while offering his DC 582 snaps.
Van Ginkel’s final statistics show 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries. If there’s a player who best embodies what it means to be a Flores defender, Andrew Van Ginkel is probably it (but Josh Metellus is close).
The second round of Group D fixtures at FIFA World Cup 2026 delivers one of the most intriguing matches of the group stage as co-hosts United States face Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, June 19. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST, which corresponds to 12:30 AM IST on June 20, and the match arrives with qualification implications that could reshape the group before the final round of fixtures.
The United States and Australia both opened the tournament with victories and now sit level on three points. The Americans currently occupy first place after a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia follow closely after a disciplined 2-0 triumph against Türkiye. The winner of this contest will automatically secure a place in the Round of 32 and take sole possession of top spot in Group D.
For the United States, this tournament carries particular significance as one of the three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. The Stars and Stripes are appearing at their 12th FIFA World Cup and their second consecutive tournament after reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar. Under Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge in September 2024 following Gregg Berhalter’s departure, the squad has embraced a more ambitious approach built around talents such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna.
The Americans remain one of the oldest names in World Cup history. Their greatest achievement came at the inaugural tournament in 1930 when they reached the semi-finals, while their most recent campaign ended in the Round of 16 against the Netherlands. Their emphatic victory over Paraguay offered an encouraging start as they attempt to improve upon recent performances and take advantage of home support throughout the competition.
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Australia arrive in Seattle carrying momentum of their own. The Socceroos have qualified for six consecutive World Cups since returning to the tournament in 2006 following a 32-year absence. Twice they have reached the Round of 16, first in Germany in 2006 and again in Qatar in 2022, where they pushed eventual champions Argentina before narrowly exiting the competition.
Tony Popovic, a member of Australia’s celebrated 2006 squad, now leads the national team after replacing Graham Arnold in late 2024. His influence was immediately visible against Türkiye as Australia delivered one of the most tactically disciplined performances of the opening matchday. Despite conceding possession for long periods, the Socceroos remained compact, organised and clinical, earning a 2-0 victory that significantly boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds once again.
History offers little guidance between these teams. The United States lead the overall series with two wins, one draw and one defeat, but this will be their first competitive World Cup meeting. With qualification potentially at stake, first place in Group D available and momentum for the knockout rounds hanging in the balance, the encounter carries all the ingredients of a defining World Cup night in Seattle.
There is some bad news for Joe Hendry’s fans. The popular UK star has won over the WWE Universe with his charisma since signing for the promotion last year. He joined NXT and won the brand’s top championship before moving to the main roster.
Hendry was called up to RAW following WrestleMania 42 and quickly began a feud with The Vision. He has been a thorn in the faction’s side and even came up with a catchy “Fire Logan Paul” parody song.
Thanks for the submission!
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But just as it looked like he was taking things to the next level, he disappeared from WWE TV. He was absent from the company’s European tour. With the second leg of the tour set to commence and WWE stopping in the UK, it was expected that the British star would be available. But he shared a disappointing update.
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Speaking on the Toronto Sun’s No Holds Barred, the host mentioned that Joe Hendry would be a part of WWE’s upcoming UK tour. However, the former TNA World Champion was quick to correct him.
“You said I’ll be part of the UK tour, but right now I am healing up, my friend. I was attacked by Austin Theory. So, you know, it is what it is,” he said.
On the May 24 episode of RAW, Hendry was viciously attacked by Austin Theory with a steel chair. Theory, who is one-half of the tag team champions, sandwiched Hendry’s head between the chair and the ring post to end the attack.
Hendry possibly missing the UK tour is bad news for his fans, who have seen his rise over the years.
Joe Hendry wanted to face John Cena during his retirement tour
Last year, John Cena retired from WWE after a year-long retirement tour. During this run, he faced several stars, from veterans to fresh talent.
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It turns out Joe Hendry also wanted to face The Last Real Champion in his retirement tour. Speaking on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Hendry revealed he wished to be one of Cena’s opponents last year.
He blamed himself, saying he didn’t do enough to make himself an obvious choice, but said he has no regrets.
If you use quotes from the first half of this article, please credit Toronto Sun’s No Holds Barred and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
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Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape a Paris appeals court has ruled. The captain of the Moroccan team was first accused of rape in 2023, by a then 24 year old woman. In February this year, an investigative judge ruled that Hakimi would face trial followed recommendations from public prosecutors. The PSG right back appealed the decision, but today that appeal was quashed paving the way for Hakimi to be tried in a criminal court.
Kildunne is one of England’s biggest rugby union stars and among the most high profile players in the world.
She was the face of the 2025 World Cup for the Red Roses and her profile has only continued to skyrocket since the team lifted the trophy last September.
Bristol, who finished a disappointing eighth in the table this season, is also a club that has a track record of signing prominent figures of the sport.
America superstar Ilona Maher enjoyed a three-month spell at the club during early 2025, New Zealand captain Ruahei Demant similarly joined this season and Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit joined their men’s Prem outfit last summer his return to the sport from American football while their chief executive officer stated that marketability of players, external is a factor in their recruitment strategy.
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The Bears’ running rugby style of play was a key factor in Kildunne wanting to make the move she said but also that joining a club which has worked with other high profile players did come into her thinking.
“Bristol have worked with players who have maybe stepped out of just being the rugby players that you prioritise, is something that definitely aids moving here because I do have a lot on my plate at times,” Kildunne said.
“My priority is always rugby, will always be rugby. But this is new territory, so to feel supported by the staff to ensure that I can keep rugby being my priority as well as aiding the progression of women’s rugby in different ways that I am doing as well.
“It’s definitely something that was a huge positive.”
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Kildunne added that she feels the “best is still yet to come” with her rugby.
At Bristol she will link up with a number of England team-mates including Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abbie Ward and Lark Atkin-Davies and pointed to wing Millie David, who won her first cap this spring, as someone she was excited to link up with.
“Millie Wizz (David) is someone that has been in and out of the Red Roses camp. We’ve seen where she’s got the pace that she’s got when she’s been playing in the PWR.
“I’m excited to keep on growing that bond. I think we can get the best out of each other on the pitch.”
It now appears that Benavidez will remain at cruiserweight rather than return to the light-heavyweight scene, at least for his next fight.
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Despite calls for him to face Jai Opetaia, the 29-year-old looks set to first prioritise a charge towards the undisputed throne, with a clash against WBC world champion Noel Mikaelian close to being finalised. Should he win there, there are more fights in the division, including Opetaia, worth a mention.
After witnessing Benavidez’s cruiserweight debut, former WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith – who lost his belt to Ramirez in 2024 – has thrown his name into the mix, telling Inside The Ring that a scrap with ‘The Mexican Monster’ could prove to be a ‘fire fight’.
“Of course, you are always thinking how you go about beating those sorts of guys. I said before that [Zurdo] fight, I said, ‘if he does win, me against him is an absolute fire fight and a very fan-friendly fight’.
“He is a fantastic fighter, obviously he has come up through the weights and put on a great performance there.”
With Benavidez-Mikaelian appearing to be next, Opetaia is likely to seek an in-house defence of his Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title – with Billam-Smith being the standout candidate for the away corner.
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With that route in mind, ‘The Gentleman’ said that he sees a showdown with Benavidez as a more difficult test than a dust-up with his promotional stablemate.
“Benavidez would be harder to beat [than Opetaia], stylistically for me.”
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