Sports
Incognito chases 2026 Golden Slipper dream in Silver Slipper Stakes
Anticipating the development of an inexperienced two-year-old proves challenging, even more so after an early-season stumble.
That said, Tommy Berry is full of hope for Incognito as the youngster aims to restart his Golden Slipper journey in the Silver Slipper (1100m) on Saturday at Rosehill.
The past market leader for the prestigious $5 million juvenile event struggled in his return via the Canonbury Stakes (1100m), with a gurgling noise detected post-race pointing to a likely displaced palate.
Michael Freedman, the trainer, has updated the gear including a tongue tie and bit for tongue control, and Berry reports positive developments leading to expectations of recovery.
“On his work on Tuesday morning, there will be no excuses and nowhere to hide for him Saturday because he couldn’t be going any better,” Berry said.
“It will be one or the other with him.
He’ll either come out and show us what he’s made of, and he’ll be right back in contention, or I don’t really want to think about the other option.
But they’re two-year-olds, and it’s week to week with them and how they perform.
I have been let down by plenty in the past, but I’d be very surprised if that’s the case with this guy.”
Having impressed with a Breeders’ Plate triumph in spring, Incognito entered the Canonbury as heavy favourite but was beaten by Hidrix, who lines up again Saturday.
Berry noted the breathing issue aside, his decision to press forward might have disrupted the horse’s rhythm, differing from his usual settling tactics he’ll employ here.
“Considering his price, we tried to ride him like a good thing, but by putting him into the race the way I did, he really got onto the chewy and took a good hold,” Berry explained.
“I think he’s panicked because I’ve asked him to really be there, which I had never done before. When he won, he was three pairs back and in all his trials he was in the second half and got into a lovely rhythm, breathed really well and finished off the way we know he can.
On Saturday, drawing well was very important, and he has, and that will give us the opportunity to ride him with cover and let him do things right.”
For the latest racing odds on Incognito’s Silver Slipper performance, visit trusted betting sites.
It’s a shame when an artist’s first album ends up being their best. Weezer’s Blue Album, The Strokes’ Is This It and Nas’s Illmatic, while all extraordinary, were also followed by cautionary tales of getting too comfortable and losing one’s initial hunger and essence after experiencing early success.
What’s known as selling out in the music industry can easily be transferred to losing buy-in when applied to basketball.
As Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković put it after his team’s loss to the Kings: “When you don’t approach the game from the start with the level of intensity and attention to detail that you need to have, this is the outcome.”
Of course, one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams missing their most proficient shooter, Immanuel Quickley, has also been a factor. But the six-foot-two guard’s absence had little to do with the Raptors being minus-16 on the glass and minus-19 in second-chance points against Sacramento on Wednesday.
Now, Toronto has fallen to seventh in the East, as its record is tied with the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the tiebreaker and consequently jumped the Raptors for the final proper playoff spot.
There are other teams that could factor in on the periphery, but the race for sixth appears poised for a photo finish between the Raptors and 76ers. Every slight advantage that can be mined down the stretch will matter, and the two squads’ strength of schedule will be under the microscope as they aim to avoid the volatility of a one- or two-game play-in scenario.
Let’s examine the outlook for Toronto and Philadelphia over the season’s final six games as they, in RJ Barrett’s words: “play like our lives depend on it.”
While strength of schedule often shakes out to a relatively fair balance over the course of an entire season, it can be a harsher factor over a smaller sample, particularly when every game counts in a tight playoff race. Toronto has the upper hand here.
Philadelphia is set to run a veritable gauntlet that includes games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets over its next four contests. Its final six opponents have a combined .558 winning percentage, giving the 76ers the fourth-most difficult strength of schedule remaining. They also have two back-to-backs left.
The Raptors are looking at a mixed bag. Pulling off wins against Eastern Conference giants in the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will be a tall task — Toronto’s a combined 0-6 against both this season. However, the Raptors also have two games left against the Miami Heat, who they’ve dominated and who also happen to be in the midst of a 2-8 stretch.
Ultimately, Toronto’s strength of schedule is far friendlier than Philly’s due to Friday’s game against the lowly Memphis Grizzlies (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) and its season finale against the even-lowlier Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors’ final six adversaries win at a combined .486 clip, good for 19th leaguewide.
Philadelphia does have the edge in a couple of other areas, though. The Raptors and 76ers have split their season series, rendering the first tiebreaker, head-to-head record, moot. But the next tiebreaker is divisional record, where Philly’s 9-7 will be insurmountable for the Raptors, who are 4-10 against Atlantic division foes.
This essentially gives the 76ers an additional game in the standings, as the Raptors will have to secure a better record outright to pass them. Canadian sports fans are well aware of the importance a tiebreaker can hold after the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 American League East title hinged on holding the tiebreaker over the New York Yankees.
And while Joel Embiid‘s health is a perpetual question mark, the 76ers are at full strength otherwise. Paul George has returned after missing most of the season between an off-season knee procedure and 25-game banned-substance suspension — and he’s been lighting it up. After struggling to start the season, the 35-year-old former MVP finalist is averaging 28 points and seven rebounds per contest over four games since returning. George dropped 39 on 15-of-22 shooting in his most recent game on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Raptors are attempting to navigate an injury to their starting point guard. Immanuel Quickley has missed six straight games with plantar fasciitis and has been seen wearing a walking boot. Before Toronto’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 27, Rajaković said that the only way for the injury to fully heal would be for Quickley to be off his feet for multiple weeks, a luxury the team doesn’t have.
However, the sharpshooting guard was playing through the pain prior to sitting and Rajaković said that Quickley is “going to be available to play.” Just not yet, as he is listed as out against the Grizzlies on the NBA’s injury report.
Considering that Toronto ranks 26th in three-point makes, 25th in attempts and 23rd in percentage, it can’t afford to be without its best three-point shooter for long. And make no mistake, Quickley may be tied for third in percentage on the Raptors, but he is their most important shooter.
Toronto has a dearth of pull-up three-point shooting, ranking last in the league in attempts by a wide margin. Quickley is the only player on the team that takes and makes this more difficult shot type at a high volume. He’s shooting 33.7 per cent during his time as a Raptor — above league average — while accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the team’s attempts on a per-game basis. Without Quickley, the Raptors’ pull-up three-point shooting is non-existent. They’re averaging 3.2 per game since he’s gone down, less than 29 individual players across the league.
The Raptors and 76ers are thoroughly intertwined. From Scottie Barnes and Tyrese Maxey’s comical relationship, to ex-Raptor greats Kyle Lowry and Nick Nurse leading the way in Philly, to the infamous Kawhi shot during the teams’ second-round series in 2019 — there’s no shortage of compelling connections in this rivalry.
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Not all play-in spots are created equal
The top 10 spots may be decided in each conference, but the battle for seeding is important, particularly in the packed play-in picture. The middle of the East remains tight with Nos. 6 through 10 still only separated by 2.5 games.
The Raptors and the feel-good Charlotte Hornets currently occupy Nos. 7 and 8 in the standings, meaning they would play for a playoff spot, and the loser would play the winner of the 9-10 game for the eighth and final true post-season berth.
That means that the Orlando Magic — who were in fifth just two weeks ago — and the Miami Heat would be fighting it out under the heat of the Florida sun in a one-and-done scenario if the season ended today.
This highlights the importance of nabbing one of the top two play-in spots. Having only two games to punch your ticket is still risky, but every extra chance is meaningful.
The West is more straightforward. With the Phoenix Suns now 4.5 games back of the sixth seed, their chase for a straight-up playoff berth is effectively over.
The Suns and Golden State Warriors have significant separation at the top and bottom of the West’s play-in picture, meaning the Los Angeles Clippers catching the Portland Trail Blazers to earn the coveted eighth spot is the most probable shift here.
The Clippers’ erratic season makes them tough to read, but there is reason to believe they have what it takes for a push. They started 13-23 before rattling off a 10-4 run in the lead up to the trade deadline. Then, Lawrence Frank and co. sold anyway, dealing James Harden and Ivica Zubac seemingly with an eye for the future.
Despite overhauling the roster, the Clippers have maintained a steady pace. They’re 16-11 since the deadline as acquisitions Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin have found a new gear.
Not to mention that Kawhi Leonard is playing his best basketball since the Raptors’ championship season. If the Clippers have aspirations of going on a significant run, he’ll need to stay healthy and lead the way.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has criticised Enzo Fernández over comments that have cast doubt on his future at Chelsea FC.
Speculation around Fernández’s future has grown in recent weeks, with the midfielder reportedly hinting at a possible move to Real Madrid. His remarks about wanting to live in Madrid, along with comments from Franco Mastantuono expressing a desire to play alongside him at the Santiago Bernabéu, have not gone down well at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel did not hold back in his assessment of the situation. The former Chelsea midfielder questioned Fernández’s leadership and timing, especially following the club’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.
“That’s not what a leader does,” Mikel said. “At a time like this, you don’t come out and make such comments. No player is more important than the club. If he’s had enough, then he should leave.”
Mikel’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the club, where Fernández is seen as a key figure. His comments have reportedly unsettled the dressing room and raised concerns about his commitment.
Chelsea’s struggles on the pitch have added to the tension. The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and were convincingly knocked out of Europe by Paris Saint-Germain.
They currently sit sixth in the league standings, trailing the final Champions League qualification spot by six points. Despite their dip in form, they remain in the FA Cup, where they are set to face Port Vale.
With pressure mounting on head coach Liam Rosenior to rescue the season, Fernández’s situation is fast becoming a major distraction.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as Chelsea battle to secure European football, while uncertainty continues to surround one of their most important players.
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, Luguentz Dort started hot on both ends of the floor and Jalen Williams came up big all around as the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96 at home Thursday.
The Thunder have won four consecutive games and 16 of their last 17. Not only was the Lakers’ four-game winning streak snapped, but Luka Doncic suffered a strained left hamstring in the second half with the game out of reach. Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game that Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of the injury.
An already bad night for Doncic got even worse early in the third quarter when he was dribbling into the lane and began to elevate for a mid-range jumper. But just as he came off the floor, Doncic came down grabbing his left hamstring and quickly fell to the floor. He finished with 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field.
The Thunder controlled the game from the jump, building a double-digit lead less than four minutes in. That lead didn’t drop below 23 after the first quarter. Shortly after Doncic’s injury, the Thunder got a scare when Dort crashed to the floor after his legs came out from under him as he went to the basket. He left the game and didn’t return. Dort scored 14 and Williams finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Pistons 113, Timberwolves 108
Daniss Jenkins had 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds and host Detroit downed Minnesota to bring its magic number to clinch the top Eastern Conference playoff seed down to one.
Jalen Duren supplied 22 points and 14 rebounds and Duncan Robinson had 15 points for the Pistons, who trailed by one entering the fourth quarter before taking command with an 18-3 run.
Julius Randle scored 27 points and added six rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid had 19 points and six rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu also scored 19 with five rebounds and four assists.
Spurs 118, Clippers 99
De’Aaron Fox scored 22 points with eight rebounds, Stephon Castle added 20 points and San Antonio increased its winning streak to 11 with a victory over Los Angeles at Inglewood, Calif., while playing without Victor Wembanyama.
Dylan Harper scored 19 points and Devin Vassell had 14 points with 10 rebounds as the Spurs improved to 27-2 since Feb. 1. Wembanyama was given his second night off since Jan. 6 to rest lingering ankle soreness on the second night of the final back-to-back of the season.
Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 18. It was Leonard’s 53rd consecutive game of at least 20 points. John Collins scored 15 points for Los Angeles, which has already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament but fell into ninth place in the West.
Hornets 127, Suns 107
Miles Bridges poured in 25 points and once Charlotte got rolling, it cruised to a victory against visiting Phoenix.
Kon Knueppel scored 20 and Coby White racked up 19 off the bench, while Brandon Miller supplied 17 and LaMelo Ball provided 15 points and 11 assists as the Hornets won for the seventh time in their last nine games to continue pushing for a guaranteed spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Jalen Green finished with 25 points and Devin Booker scored 17 of his 22 points in the first half for the Suns, who attempted only six free throws until late in the game. Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen each had 13 points and Mark Williams posted 12.
Cavaliers 118, Warriors 111
Max Strus capped a 24-point performance with two late 3-pointers, James Harden drove for a clinching hoop in the final seconds and Cleveland outlasted Golden State in San Francisco.
Harden finished with 19 points and Donovan Mitchell had a game-high-tying 25 for the Cavaliers, who moved within one game of the New York Knicks in their duel for third place in the Eastern Conference.
Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski matched Mitchell with 25 points apiece for the Warriors, whose third consecutive defeat left them solidly in 10th place in the West.
Trail Blazers 118, Pelicans 106
Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara combined to knock down 13 of their team’s 20 made 3-pointers and Portland rallied in the second half to hold off visiting New Orleans.
Holiday led Portland with 27 points, connecting on seven of his 15 3-point attempts — the last of which effectively put away the win. The Blazers, who hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference, have won three straight and five of six. Holiday combined with Camara, who scored 23 points, and Deni Avdija with 26 points to produce all but 42 of Portland’s scoring.
New Orleans remained within striking distance thanks in part to Jeremiah Fears’ team-high 21 points. Fellow reserve Derik Queen added 12 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
–Field Level Media
Two-division world champion Tim Bradley has shared his opinion on how a fight between Moses Itauma and Oleksandr Usyk would play out.
Itauma extended his ongoing knockout streak to 10 consecutive bouts when he dismantled Jermaine Franklin Jr in Manchester, once again capturing the attention of global boxing fans with another highlight finish.
Consequently, there is growing interest in a showdown between exuberance and experience, with many believing that Itauma could be the only man capable of handing 39-year-old Usyk a first career defeat.
However, Hall of Fame inductee Bradley told his YouTube channel that he does not think the fight will happen and that he does not believe that the 21-year-old is ready for that kind of challenge, having never fought beyond the sixth round.
“I don’t think that Usyk is going to fight his a** right now. If Usyk is dancing with a damn kickboxer then you already know that he ain’t fighting this damn Itauma dude.
“Not that Itauma can beat him, because he doesn’t have the experience yet, he don’t.
“The thing that I worry about with him is the long haul, when you don’t knock a motherf***er out and he don’t fall or react like you are used to seeing ‘em.
“I want to know how you are at [round] 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 – can you keep going?”
Although, Bradley remained impressed by the skill of the Kent-based prodigy, believing that he will continue to dominate against anybody other than the ageing heavyweight king.
“As long as you don’t give him no Usyk, he [Itauma] should be alright. Don’t give him no Usyk, he ain’t ready.
“Usyk will take him into deep waters and drown his a**, that is what I see.”
Itauma will return to action in July, as he prepares for a challenge for the heavyweight throne in the near future.
Cbus Super Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 5 NRL game between Gold Coast Titans and
Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Titans vs.
Brisbane Broncos
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday April 4, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Where: Cbus Super Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
Gold Coast remain at home as they look to build on recent performances. Their attacking potential is evident, but consistency and defensive resilience remain areas for improvement. Their opponents will aim to exploit any lapses while applying pressure through the middle. Expect an open contest, with both teams capable of scoring points. Execution and composure in key moments will be critical, making this an important test of the Titans’ development.
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Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Max Feagai 19. Jett Liu 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jenson Taumoepeau
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Blake Mozer 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Va’a Semu
The NFL follows a pretty straightforward, cyclical calendar after the Super Bowl ends in February. A few weeks later is the NFL combine. March is for free agency and trades, April is for the NFL Draft and in May we have the schedule release. It’s a bit quieter in June with OTAs and mandatory minicamp (and who does and doesn’t report) being the highlights. By the end of July, training camps are in full swing.
With the calendar flipping to April, the draft is the dominant story. Teams are neck deep in draft preparation, aiming to piece together all the information they’ve gathered on every prospect possible and assessing their best courses of action come April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
NFL Draft’s top five storylines to watch: Ty Simpson, trades and first-round surprises
Jordan Dajani
But focusing solely on the draft would mean missing out on several other notable big questions that still must be answered — and often are answered — this month, too. Here are some of the biggest ones:
1. Does George Pickens get a long-term deal?
George Pickens is coming off a magnificent season (93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns) and just turned 25 years old. That makes him a prime candidate to get a long-term deal done to remain a pillar of the Cowboys‘ offense alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
But it hasn’t come to fruition yet. In early February, Pickens said he’d love to stay in Dallas but wanted the “ultimate best deal” that made sense for both sides. It didn’t happen, and he received the franchise tag.
The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to try to work out a new deal, and given Jerry Jones’ lack of urgency, historically, to get big deals done, perhaps it’s wisest to assume Pickens will play on the tag, or the Cowboys will drag this out right up to the deadline.
But maybe, finally, Jones is a little bit more proactive. He’s 83 years old, and in December, he admitted his management “has played a big role” in the franchise’s 30-year Super Bowl drought. The Cowboys have two first-round picks. There’s a chance they could make a jump, but only if Pickens is along for the ride.
Brian Schottenheimer said he’s unsure if Pickens will attend offseason workouts absent a new deal. If Jones and the Cowboys really want to have their best shot at a Super Bowl this coming season, they’ll get a deal done.
2. Does Lamar Jackson get an extension and/or report to offseason workouts?
Speaking of offseason workouts, there’s quite a bit more short-term interest regarding Lamar Jackson’s attendance. Because they hired a new coach (Jesse Minter) this offseason, the Ravens can begin their offseason workout program April 6. Minter isn’t sure if Jackson will be part of it.
“I know Lamar’s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes,” Minter said at NFL league meetings, per ESPN. “We’ve had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary. We’re excited to get a chance to work with all the guys, whoever wants to show up. We feel confident that a lot of guys will be there.”
The Ravens restructured Jackson’s deal to free up cap space this offseason, but really, he’s in the market for an extension; his current deal expires after the 2027 season. Jackson’s offseason participation has been inconsistent at best. With a new coach, new offensive coordinator (Declan Doyle) and new center after Tyler Linderbaum’s departure, the Ravens would love to have him.
3. Does Aaron Rodgers make a decision, and if so, what is it?
For a second straight offseason, Aaron Rodgers is keeping the Steelers in limbo. Last year, it took until June 5 for him to decide he’d keep playing and sign a one-year deal with Pittsburgh.
So far this offseason, the Steelers have brought in Mike McCarthy — who coached Rodgers in Green Bay — as coach. In his introductory press conference, McCarthy said he’d “definitely” want to coach Rodgers in 2026. Rodgers said in early March that the Steelers have stayed in contact. Pittsburgh also acquired Michael Pittman Jr., adding a much-needed wide receiver opposite DK Metcalf. At league meetings, Steelers president Art Rooney II said he expects an answer from Rodgers by the NFL Draft.
If Rodgers doesn’t return, the Steelers — who currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as their quarterbacks — would have to make a major change in plans. Regardless, they’d love to at least know, one way or the other, in the coming weeks.
4. What are the Vikings’ plans at GM and with Jonathan Greenard?
The Vikings made some of the biggest headlines in January when they fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and in March, when they signed Kyler Murray. Could they again produce a major storyline in April?
First, they still haven’t found a full-time replacement for Adofo-Mensah. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski is serving as interim GM, and he will continue to do so through the draft. Only then will a full search begin. But Brzezinski has made several big calls this offseason, including signing Murray and exercising Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.
He also has big calls to make. Obviously the draft will be crucial, but there’s also the potential for a Jonathan Greenard deal. Minnesota has been open to trading the 28-year-old pass rusher. The Vikings are just barely salary cap-compliant right now, even after releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and bringing back Aaron Jones on a cheaper deal. Greenard carries a cap hit of over $22 million each of the next two seasons. Perhaps the Vikings, having not found a trade partner in March, hold steady. Or perhaps April — maybe during the draft — is when the 2024 Pro Bowler finds a new home.
5. What are the next free agent moves and/or trades?
The initial waves of free agency and blockbuster trades are in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of notable veterans who could change teams between now and the end of the month.
April of 2024 featured Stefon Diggs (Bills to Texans), L’Jarius Sneed (Chiefs to Titans). April of 2023 had the Rodgers trade from the Packers to the Jets. And that’s not to mention the handful of notable free agent signings that happen every April.
There are still difference-makers on the open market. Jauan Jennings is the most notable one. A physical wide receiver who helps keep the chains moving, Jennings is only 28. He has 132 catches for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He helps in the blocking game as well as any player at his position. He’s likely disappointed he hasn’t received the offer he wants, but that could change soon. There are plenty of other notable names, too, including Diggs and Deebo Samuel at wide receiver.
Between now and the draft, teams will continue scouring the free agency landscape, and as their draft plans firm up, they may look to free agents to solidify their roster.
Sticker shock is still a thing for soccer fans wondering about the impact on ticket prices now that Canada finally knows its opponent for its FIFA World Cup opener on June 12 at Toronto.
Had Italy won a UEFA qualifier earlier this week, prices would have likely rocketed into a different stratosphere. But fans will still need pretty deep pockets with Bosnia and Herzegovina making the trip to BMO Field instead.
On Thursday, the FIFA ticket sales platform had 726 tickets available for Canada’s opener and all were listed at $3,125.
“This is a world-stage event,” said ticket broker Jagger Long, owner of Toronto-based Karma Tickets. “So offhand, it’s kind of an expected price.”
The FIFA resale queue has also opened, with a search Thursday afternoon showing 207 tickets were available. Most were going for over $3,000, but a single ticket was available for $2,300.
With kickoff still 10 weeks away, Long’s message to potential spectators was to bide their time.
“I tell fans to wait it out,” he said. “Wait it out to let the kind of madness happen and wait for prices to drop. And unfortunately, I don’t think they’re going to go from $3,000 to $1,000, but maybe $3,000 to $2,000 (or) $3,000 to $1,800, that’s possible.
“But it’s only possible if fans are patient and wait.”
There were no tickets available on the FIFA platform Thursday for any of the other 12 games to be played in Canada, which is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico.
Bosnia-Herzegovina booked its World Cup ticket last Tuesday by defeating Italy 1-1 (4-1 on penalties) in a final qualifier. The 65th-ranked side joined Group B with No. 30 Canada, No. 55 Qatar and No. 19 Switzerland.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, is ranked 12th but hasn’t qualified for the tournament since 2014.
Long compared the Canadian opener to some of the biggest high-profile events in the city’s recent history.
He said there was similar demand and pricing for the Toronto Raptors’ lone appearance in the 2019 NBA Finals, the six Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” shows in 2024, and the Toronto Blue Jays’ return to the World Series last fall for the first time since 1993.
“These events that are the big, spectacular, high-demand events unfortunately are not events for the average fan and the average person who only has a certain low budget to spend on tickets,” he said.
“That’s just the reality of the situation. It sucks, but it’s not like we can say, ‘Hey, we want 20 more World Cup games to host all the fans that can’t attend, right?’”
After its opener, Canada will head to Vancouver’s BC Place to play Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
The World Cup is being played in 16 cities across the continent, starting with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara on June 11. The final will be held in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19.
FIFA has said the face value of tickets for group stage matches started at US$60 and climbed to $6,730 for the most expensive seats at the championship game.
Toronto will host six tournament games in all while Vancouver will host seven.
Carlos Alcaraz is looking to find his form again at the Monte Carlo Masters next week after an early exit in Miami.
The Spaniard started the season in dominant fashion, putting together a 16-match winning streak.
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This run saw him complete the ‘Career Grand Slam’ at the Australian Open and later claim another title at the Qatar Open.
However, since then, he has lost back-to-back matches to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells and Sebastian Korda in Miami.
Despite these setbacks, Alcaraz is still seen as one of the top players on tour and is widely expected to have a historic career.
That opinion is shared by Rick Macci, who previously coached Serena Williams.
Rick Macci backs Carlos Alcaraz to rival Djokovic’s Grand Slam Haul
Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic stands as the most decorated male player in history. With 24 majors to his name, he shares the record for most Grand Slam singles titles with Margaret Court.
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The former Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova coach certainly thinks it’s possible.
Alcaraz has already picked up seven majors by the age of 22. In comparison, Djokovic had just one before turning 23.
Macci posted on X, saying: “Another major league reason the Spanish Magician is skyrocketing towards RARE AIR is his adaptability to play on every surface.”
“His best surface is the one he is playing on. This is RARE. This is why Carlos barring injury will someday be a double digit slam stroker and be right there with the Joker.”
Following his loss to Korda in Miami, Alcaraz headed back to Murcia to start training for clay season.
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The Spaniard has been working alongside young Spanish talent Martin Landaluce as he gets ready for Monte Carlo, where he’ll be seeded first.
Looking back at Carlos Alcaraz’s history in Monte Carlo
Alcaraz has only played the event twice, with his first appearance coming back in 2022.
Alcaraz was seeded eighth and received a bye through to the second round.
Korda ended up winning the match 6-7, 7-6, 3-6. Stefanos Tsitsipas later went on to claim the title, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final.
Three years later, Alcaraz returned to Monaco. He went on to win his first Monte Carlo title last year, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in the final.
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Speaking after his victory over Musetti at the time, Alcaraz told reporters: “Well, I think today was about who is going to or who was going to deal with the nerves much better, the pressure. He played his first Masters 1000 final, a huge moment for him. For me as well because as I say it was a difficult month for me. And being in a final I just put pressure on myself. There were a lot of nerves.”
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Mar 29, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) looks on during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The start of the season has been far from perfect for the Minnesota Twins.
But manager Derek Shelton sees reason for optimism ahead of Friday’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“The one thing we’re learning about this club,” Shelton said, “is they fight.”
After playing their first six games on the road, the Twins return home for a three-game weekend set. Minnesota dropped its first two series in Baltimore and Kansas City but is coming off a 5-1 win over the Royals on Thursday afternoon.
Tampa Bay, which is starting the season with a nine-game road trip, has an identical record as the Twins with two victories and four losses. The Rays dropped two of three games at the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers.
The Rays are coming off an 8-2 loss in their series finale against the Brewers on Wednesday that featured uncharacteristically shoddy defense. Tampa Bay has committed nine errors through its first six games, which ranks among the worst in the league.
Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed confidence that his players would improve on defense.
“It’s going to be good,” Cash said. “We just haven’t been as good or as crisp as the standard so far.”
Star slugger Junior Caminero pinned the blame on himself for the defensive miscues. He committed three errors in the series finale against the Brewers.
“I want to make perfect throws, I want to get the out,” Caminero said through a team interpreter. “Just right now, it’s not working.”
The 22-year-old Caminero, who finished with 45 home runs and 110 RBIs last season, also is looking to get going at the plate. He is hitting .238 (5-for-21) with zero homers or RBIs, and he has six strikeouts to go along with six walks.
Yandy Diaz leads the Rays with 12 hits, including two homers, and eight RBIs in six games. Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will look to stymie Diaz, Caminero and the rest of the Rays.
Ober is coming off a no-decision in his season debut against Baltimore. He allowed three runs on four hits in four innings, and he walked one and struck out one.
The 6-foot-9 hurler should be fresh after making only 56 pitches in his first start.
Tampa Bay will counter with another tall starter. Right-hander Joe Boyle (0-0, 3.00), who stands 6-8, will make his second start of the season. In his season opener, Boyle allowed two runs on three hits in six innings against the Cardinals. He walked none and struck out four, and he threw 52 of 75 pitches for strikes.
Byron Buxton will look to get back on track for the Twins. He has been quiet at the plate, hitting .174 (4-for-23) with no homers and one RBI.
The early-season slump is uncharacteristic for the Twins’ fan favorite who bashed 35 homers and swiped 24 bases a season ago.
Minnesota and Tampa Bay played six times last season, with each side winning three games. The Rays outscored the Twins 29-21 in those six contests. –Field Level Media
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Kansas City Royals veteran catcher Salvador Perez was expecting to DH for his squad in Thursday’s afternoon tilt against the Minnesota Twins.
Unfortunately for the 36-year-old, he had to get back behind the plate after rookie Carter Jensen was unavailable to play catcher for the Royals after sleeping through his alarm.
Jensen was scratched late as the Royals’ starting catcher for the game, but it’s usually an illness or injury that results in such a late change to the lineup. But when Jensen came in for the ninth inning, and was seen catching warmup pitches earlier in the game, reporters were curious.
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Carter Jensen of the Kansas City Royals takes the field before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on March 30, 2026. (Mikayla Schlosser/MLB Photos)
Jensen, the Royals’ top prospect, didn’t make up an elaborate lie. He slept through his alarm and wasn’t able to get to Kauffman Stadium in time to properly prepare for the game.
“No running from it,” Jensen told reporters, via MLB.com, after a 5-1 loss to the Twins. “Just didn’t wake up to my alarm. Slept through it. Don’t really have an excuse, nor should I. It sucks. Happens. I felt like I let my teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and know it won’t happen again.”
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Royals manager Matt Quatraro added: “He’s a stand-up guy, a really hard worker, a great kid. He feels terrible. He’s accountable to it. It’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that. And we’ll move on.”
While Quatraro took the high road when asked about Jensen, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino laid into the rookie in big-brother fashion.
“You got a 36-year-old catcher preparing to DH today and then his world gets a little rocked an hour and a half before the game that he’s not going to be DH-ing,” he told reporters. “Credit to Salvy today for being ready, first and foremost. We’re glad Carter’s OK, right? That was kind of the initial thought when you’re trying to get a hold of his parents and everything like that. But once you find out he’s OK, it’s like, ‘All right, it’s a growing moment.’
Carter Jensen of the Kansas City Royals looks on during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 18, 2025. (Sydney Schneider/MLB Photos)
“He’s really young. There are some things that cannot happen, and that’s one of them. He’s going to have to wear it on the chin, same way anybody would have to. It can’t happen.”
Pasquantino added the team is “here for him,” but he also believes Jensen should likely invest in “another alarm clock or something.”
Jensen is already ahead of his teammate.
“There’s a lot to learn from it. Making sure if I don’t set one alarm, maybe set three, four, as many as possible. Moving forward, that’s what I’m going to do. Set a million alarms. Make sure I’m up. It stinks, though.”
Carter Jensen of the Kansas City Royals walks to the on deck circle during a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Ariz., on March 18, 2026. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
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Jensen is not just the Royals’ top prospect, but the 6-foot, 210-pound catcher is ranked No. 16 overall by MLB Pipeline in 2026.
In his six games to start the 2026 season, Jensen has two hits in 16 at-bats, including one home run and two RBI.
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