Sports
Iranian wrestler, Israeli Olympian slam US-Iran deal as a ‘disgrace’
Jesse Watters: Israel needs to chill
Jesse Watters discusses Trump’s negotiated Iran deal, highlighting immediate successes like lower oil prices and open trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is crippled financially and militarily, facing renewed sanctions if it doesn’t comply.
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As Americans remain divided on the memorandum of understanding to end the war in Iran, star athletes who represent two of the countries most impacted by the deal have shared their thoughts.
The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which the United States and Iran will attempt to reach a more comprehensive deal.
The agreement also includes provisions aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and provides limited sanctions waivers tied to continued negotiations. Several of the most contentious issues, including the long-term future of Iran’s nuclear program, are expected to be addressed in subsequent talks.
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Fans of Iran pose with a pre-revolutionary Iranian flag joined with an Israel flag during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026. (Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
But the current regime in Iran will remain in power, for the time being.
Former Iranian youth wrestling champion Sardar Pashei, who won the Asian Youth Wrestling Championship in 1998 for Iran, expressed disappointment with the current regime’s survival.
“Many believed that under President Trump, the Islamic Republic would become history. Instead, it was handed one of the greatest opportunities in its history to survive. The regime gained financial lifelines and political breathing room while millions of Iranians sank deeper into poverty, unemployment, and uncertainty,” Pashei told Fox News Digital.
“This agreement gives the regime room to rebuild its machinery of repression—new centers for arrest, torture, and intimidation. When an agreement offers nothing to the Iranian people, why would the regime hesitate to intensify its crackdown?
“Some claim that regime change has already occurred in Iran. What change? Has power been transferred to the people? Have executions ended? Have women been freed from the regime’s chains? Until then—not because commanders were killed or ships were sunk—we cannot speak of a new Iran. And what did this agreement bring the Iranian people?
IRANIAN REGIME CRITIC WARNS TRUMP DEAL COULD BE ‘LIFELINE’ FOR REGIME, CLAIMS PEOPLE ARE ‘NERVOUS’
“Despair, abandonment, and the feeling of being left alone with a regime that knows no moral limits. A regime not weakened, but emboldened—one that can now use billions to build more prisons, raise more gallows, and silence more voices.”
Meanwhile, Israelis have been among the harshest critics of the deal, warning the agreement does not do enough to safeguard Israel’s security.
Team Israel skeleton and bobsled Olympian AJ Edelman, who is American-born but represented Israel in the 2026 and 2022 Winter Olympics, called the deal “a disgrace.”
“We emboldened the regime,” Edelman told Fox News Digital.
“If Democrats needed to own Obama’s ‘red line,’ Republicans and Trump have to own ‘help is on the way.’ Arguably, the latter was far worse, because we actually engaged and all but won. It was the cost of gas and Summer AC bills that stranded the Iranian people.
“How did you lose the Iran War? Literally a Tomahawk missile at Kharg Island would have toppled the regime. Trump’s been talking tough on it for 40 years! Gas prices rose, summer was about to get brutal. Midterms. America. It’s hard to believe.
“It was an act of extraordinary political courage to engage. It is a shame and stain on the image of America First exceptionalism to pull defeat from the jaws of victory because of gas prices.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
President Donald Trump has described the arrangement as a means of avoiding a wider conflict while pursuing what he called a “great settlement” with Tehran.
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He has also argued that the agreement could help stabilize energy markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, while creating an opportunity to negotiate additional restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
The president added that he agreed to a settlement to avoid “economic catastrophe.”
“I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened,” he told reporters at the G7 Summit in France.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance scrapped plans to travel to Switzerland on Friday for the next round of U.S.-Iran talks, the White House confirmed Thursday night, highlighting ongoing uncertainty over the timing and logistics of the negotiations with Tehran.
“As the vice president said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
“But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now, the vice president is not departing tonight,” they added.
“We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update about next steps. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”
The remarks came in the wake of a newly signed memorandum of understanding, with negotiators originally planning to finalize a deal between the U.S. and Iran within 60 days.
MONTERREY, Mexico — Japan moved one step closer to reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time after pummeling Tunisia 4-0 in Group F.
Japan’s four goals were the most the Samurai Blue had ever scored in a World Cup game, as Japan comfortably dismantled a Tunisia side that became the first to ever fire its coach after the opening game.
Ayase Ueda scored twice, along with Daichi Kamada and Junya Itō to put Japan level with the Netherlands on four points. The Dutch are currently on top the group due to having scored one more goal than Japan across its two matches.
The loss for Tunisia means it is eliminated from the tournament. Japan are guaranteed at least third in the group, which could be enough to advance to the knockout stages.
Tunisia appointed two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Hervé Renard to try and rescue the Eagles of Carthage after its humiliating 5-1 loss to Sweden, but the North African nation could not contain Japan’s speedy attack nor create any clear chances of their own.
Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, the fastest in Japan’s World Cup history. The Crystal Palace midfielder was perfectly positioned for Keito Nakamura’s cross and barely had to move to tap in his second goal of the tournament.
In the 31st minute, Ayase Ueda received the ball in the midfield and drove toward the Tunisia box. When Ueda opted not to pass to a few advancing runners, any chance of a goal seemed lost — but the 27-year-old fired an angled shot from outside the box which flew into the left corner of the goal to make it 2-0.
The Feyenoord striker had an impressive club season with Feyenoord, scoring 24 goals in the Eredivisie to earn the league’s top scorer award.
In the 69th minute, Junya Itō slotted a third goal for Japan after a Ueda’s flick put Itō in a one-on-one with Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, which he finished calmly.
Ueda’s masterful looping header in the 83rd minute, his second of the night, capped off an impressive night for the Samurai Blue.
Japan, who have not lost to a European opponent in 90 minutes since 2019, will play against Sweden in Dallas on Thursday. Tunisia will play the Netherlands in Kansas City at the same time.
Every four years the world’s best attacking players strut their stuff as their nations try to win football’s ultimate prize.
And even if they are not successful in lifting the World Cup, they can etch their name in history by scoring the most goals in the competition.
So how many World Cup Golden Boot winners can you name?
After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.
Sports
Justin Gaethje has no plans to retire from UFC after claiming lightweight title vs. Ilia Topuria
Gaethje intends to defend his 155-pound title after winning at the White House
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1 min read
Justin Gaethje wouldn’t speak about his future immediately after winning the UFC lightweight championship. Gaethje promised his mother he wouldn’t decide in the heat of the moment. One week after UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje has the appetite to fight more.
Heading into 2026, the impression was that Gaethje was making one final stand to become lightweight champion. A potential retirement was on the table even when he fought Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. After time to reflect, the undisputed lightweight champion said he wants to defend the title that nearly evaded him.
“Right now, I’m planning on it,” Gaethje, 37, told “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on Saturday. He later added, “There’s not something natural in me that feels like it’s over.”
There are many intriguing fights for him. Two big names Gaethje isn’t interested in facing are top contender Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, the man he beat at the White House. Gaethje was particularly intent on not granting Topuria a rematch. His case is solid. Topuria never successfully defended the title before Gaethje stopped him.
“He doesn’t get a rematch. He can try, but he doesn’t get one,” Gaethje said. “He quit on the stool. I stopped him twice. What else do I have to f—ing do? His next challenge can’t be me. He needs to fight Paddy [Pimblett] or someone like that.”
Among the potential names Gaethje could face are Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight champion who beat Gaethje. The winner of Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, a welterweight clash that headlines UFC 329, has the name value to cut the line. There’s also Benoit Saint Denis, who could solidify himself as a legitimate contender by beating Pimblett on June 11.
Jackson Radley completed a significant day for apprentice jockeys at Flemington on Saturday, particularly those from Tasmania, by guiding Seafall to a notable victory.
Radley continued his positive association with the mare trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, securing a win in the $150,000 The David Bourke (1620m) race. This event serves as a qualifier for the $200,000 Listed Winter Championship Final, which is scheduled in two weeks’ time.
The mare’s successful run came two races after Radley had already captured the $150,000 Bruce Gadsden Handicap (1420m) aboard Stylish, a stablemate from Lindsay Park.
Both of Radley’s wins occurred after fellow Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone had celebrated victories aboard Ciaron Maher-trained favourites Decalogue and Ten Commandments.
“It definitely keeps us competitive, that’s for sure,” Radley commented on the presence of Tasmanian rivals on the mainland, where he has been based since last year.
“It’s good to do this, especially for the Lindsay Park team.
“It’s already been talked about, them leaving me on a couple of their horses in the Finals Series races and I haven’t had a good day at Flemington before, so I’m glad to get a couple of winners on the board.”
Radley was pleased the mare Seafall had the advantage of the long Flemington straight on Saturday, enabling her to secure a win in a close finish with Al Duca and Highlights, making it four wins from her last five outings.
“I always thought I was going to reel them in, but any other track than today I probably wouldn’t have got there,” he said.
Radley’s two winning rides were not longshots – Seafall was dispatched at $5.50 and Stylish at $7 – but they were less popular with the betting public than Johnstone’s mounts.
After winning the second race on the $3.40 favourite Decalogue, Johnstone then guided the day’s shortest-priced favourite, Ten Commandments ($2.10), to victory in the fifth race.
“Obviously none of this would have been possible without the support I’m getting and Ciaron Maher and his team and I can’t thank them enough,” Johnstone said.
“He’s given me really good support and put a lot of trust in me.”
Apprentices secured more than half of the Flemington races on the day. The card commenced with Ryan Houston winning aboard Fontein Jewel for Ben Brisbourne and concluded with Luke Cartwright scoring on Obvious for Greg Eurell.
Betting markets for the Winter Championship Final are now open; check out the best Australian betting sites for your wagers.
Rico Verhoeven has revealed exactly what he makes of Oleksandr Usyk‘s punching power after their battle last month.
Usyk was defending his heavyweight crown against kickboxing star Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and despite it being perceived as a huge mismatch heading in, it nearly resulted in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Verhoeven performed much better than most fans expected, winning a number of rounds and even being ahead on one of the official scorecards as the bout entered the 11th round.
It was in that round where Usyk was able to finally land a big shot that dropped Verhoeven, and while the Dutchman was able to get back to his feet, a further flurry in the corner led to referee Mark Lyson stopping the contest, though it wasn’t without its controversy.
Many onlookers felt the fight was stopped prematurely, and it also transpired that the bell had already rung to signal the end of the round before the stoppage occurred.
It led to an official appeal from Verhoeven, but he has since revealed that he was unsuccessful with that challenge, but is still keen to land an immediate rematch with his Ukrainian rival.
Verhoeven has now reflected on Usyk’s power in an interview with TalkSport, and even though he may have been dropped and ultimately stopped by the unified champion, the kickboxing star revealed that he has been hit harder in his career.
“He’s a very technical and intelligent fighter, and his power is good. Nothing crazy, but he has a punch on him.
“He’s not the hardest I have been hit by; that would be Semmy Schilt. He hit way harder; he was a big guy with a lot of power.”
Verhoeven met Schilt in a kickboxing battle in 2012, losing by unanimous decision. Schilt had 50 kickboxing bouts, winning 43, and while only 20 may have come by knockout, he stood at 6ft 11in and weighed over 20st, so it’s clear why his power was so noticeable.
Jun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts with infielder Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber had three home runs, including two in one inning, for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 15-3 rout of the visiting New York Mets on Saturday.
Bryce Harper hit for the cycle while going 4-for-5 for the Phillies, who had lost two in a row. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (9-3) held New York to one run on five hits in six innings.
Schwarber homered twice in a third inning which saw Philadelphia bring 12 batters to the plate and score eight runs, chasing Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-6), who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits over 2 2/3 innings. With his final homer in the seventh inning, Schwarber is up to 28 homers, four more than anyone else in the majors this season.
Mark Vientos and Carson Benge accounted for New York’s offense with a homer apiece, but the team still saw its two-game win streak snapped.
Tigers 4, White Sox 1
Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as host Detroit downed Chicago to clinch a series victory.
James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the Tigers’ other runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who allowed a leadoff homer before surrendering no more hits or runs over six innings of work. Kenley Jansen secured his second save in as many days and his ninth of the season.
Sam Antonacci reached base four times, including the White Sox’s only RBI on the leadoff homer. Opener Sean Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced before Joe Rock (0-1) gave up the lead in Detroit’s two-run sixth inning.
Reds 10, Yankees 2
Rookie Sal Stewart drove in six runs, Spencer Steer hit a three-run home run and Cincinnati rolled to a rout of host New York.
Stewart tied his career high in RBIs. Rookie Edwin Arroyo had four of the Reds’ 15 hits, supporting Andrew Abbott (5-4) to his first win in five starts. The left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five innings.
Paul Goldschmidt gave the Yankees an early lead with his first-inning solo homer. But New York finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, taking its most lopsided loss of the season after Will Warren (7-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.
Braves 4, Brewers 3
Ozzie Albies hit a pair of home runs, including a game-ending two-run shot in the ninth inning, as Atlanta earned a victory over visiting Milwaukee.
The Braves have won the first two games between the National League division leaders and handed Milwaukee its third straight loss. It was Atlanta’s fifth walk-off win.
Dylan Lee (3-0), who pitched a scoreless ninth, earned the win. Aaron Ashby (10-1) took the loss. Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison gave up two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Atlanta starter Chris Sale was working for the first time in 10 days. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, on five hits.
Rockies 2, Pirates 1
Jake McCarthy hit an inside-the-park home run and also doubled, Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six strong innings to outduel Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and Colorado survived a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Pirates in Denver.
Sugano (8-4) scattered four hits over six innings and Jaden Hill got the final two outs for his second save.
Spencer Horwitz homered and singled for Pittsburgh, which started the game with back-to-back hits and had just four more the rest of the way. Skenes (6-7) allowed just two runs on four hits and fanned eight over six innings.
Red Sox 5, Mariners 1
Wilyer Abreu homered and Connelly Early overcame a shaky first inning to make a quality start as Boston defeated host Seattle.
The Red Sox have won the first two games of the series and will go for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Early (6-5), who had lost his previous three starts, went six innings and allowed one run on two hits.
Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (5-4) was charged with five runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Twins 16, Diamondbacks 8
Byron Buxton’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run fifth inning for Minnesota, allowing it to coast to a big win against Arizona in Phoenix.
Brooks Lee had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs, Victor Caratini had three hits, three RBIs and three runs scored, Ryan Kreidler had three hits and four RBIs, and Luke Keaschall also had three hits and scored three times for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Taj Bradley (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings.
Jorge Barrosa homered and doubled, Pavin Smith had two hits and an RBI, Tommy Troy had two hits and a run scored, and Ildemaro Vargas delivered a three-run double for Arizona. Zac Gallen (3-6) surrendered career highs of nine runs and 12 hits over four-plus innings.
Nationals 4, Rays 3
Andres Chaparro dribbled in the tiebreaking run, Washington’s bullpen finished with 6 1/3 strong innings and the Nationals beat Tampa Bay to even their series with the Rays.
CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews (two hits) each had a solo homer. Nasim Nunez was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Nats won for the first time in six games against the Rays. Winner Mitchell Parker (3-3), Brad Lord and Clayton Beeter (fifth save) combined to allow just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while fanning nine and walking three.
For the Rays, Junior Caminero went 3-for-3 with a run, RBI and intentional walk but made a baserunning blunder in the seventh with the tying runner on third. Yandy Diaz had two hits. Taylor Walls doubled, scored, walked twice and stole two bases.
Padres 6, Rangers 4
Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Texas in Arlington, Texas.
Joe Ross (0-1) threw the 10th for Texas, walking Samad Taylor to place runners on first and second. Machado then crushed a 408-foot blast to give the Padres a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Mason Miller allowed Wyatt Langford’s two-out RBI single, but struck out Brandon Nimmo to secure his National League-leading 20th save.
Walker Buehler threw 5 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out seven and walking one for the Padres.
Blue Jays 8, Cubs 6
Daulton Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto each hit three-run home runs as Toronto scored eight straight runs to top host Chicago.
Jeff Hoffman (5-4) picked up the win for the Blue Jays by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Louis Varland earned his 15th save by shutting down the Cubs in the eighth and the ninth.
Chicago jumped out to a 5-0 lead when Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a two-run shot in the sixth. Jacob Webb (1-2) allowed three runs on three hits, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game and Okamoto’s homer that gave Toronto the lead in the eighth.
Marlins 6, Giants 3
Heriberto Hernandez slugged a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer during a crucial four-run fourth inning as host Miami defeated San Francisco to climb above .500 for the first time since April 13.
Max Meyer improved to 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings for the Marlins, who benefitted greatly from four San Francisco errors in the first four innings which created two unearned runs.
The Giants were led by Casey Schmitt, who hit his 16th homer of the season along with two doubles and a pair of RBIs. Jung Hoo Lee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs. Starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) contributed to the issues as he hit three batters and walked three in three innings, allowing five runs (three earned).
Guardians 8, Astros 1
Travis Bazzana recorded his first career four-hit game and first multi-homer game while Joey Cantillo worked a career-high-tying eight innings as Cleveland cruised past host Houston.
Bazzana finished 4-for-4 with three runs and five RBIs — also a single-game best. Teammate Kyle Manzardo finished 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Cantillo (6-3) logged more than six innings for the first time this season en route to his third quality start. The left-hander allowed one run on four hits and struck out a season-high-tying nine batters.
Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-3), the American League Pitcher of the Month in May, continued his June swoon. The right-hander allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits while posting eight strikeouts over six innings. Arrighetti is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA across four starts this month.
Orioles 3, Dodgers 2
Left-hander Trevor Rogers gave up one hit over seven scoreless innings and Blaze Alexander had a two-run double as Baltimore escaped with a win over host Los Angeles.
Rogers (4-7) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and finished with two walks and six strikeouts. The Orioles improved to 2-3 on a West Coast road trip that started in Seattle and concludes against the Los Angeles Angels this coming week.
Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5) went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. After missing one game for the birth of his second child, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end.
Angels 7, Athletics 0
Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel delivered consecutive two-run doubles in a four-run sixth inning to help Los Angeles record a shutout over the host Athletics at West Sacramento, Calif.
Denzer Guzman homered and Jo Adell and Donovan Walton had three apiece hits as the Angels ended a streak of five consecutive losses against the Athletics while winning for just the second time in the past seven contests. Walbert Urena (5-5) gave up four hits over five scoreless innings.
J.T. Ginn (5-4) of the Athletics was charged with four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings.
–Field Level Media
Conor Benn continues demand his mandated shot at WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia, and former three-division world champion Shane Mosley has offered his prediction for the fight.
After Garcia’s win over Mario Barrios in February to pick up the belt, the WBC confirmed Benn as mandatory challenger, despite the Brit not fighting at the weight since 2022.
Though the champion said the fight is booked for September 12 in Las Vegas, subsequent legal action from his promoter Golden Boy to block any discussions that don’t go through them has complicated plans.
If the fight does happen, there is little doubt it will be an all-action affair, and, speaking to Mill City Boxing, Mosley forecasted a stoppage win for Garcia, believing the Californian to be ‘too fast and too strong’ for the British challenger.
“I like the fight, I think that Ryan beats him because he is too fast and too strong for Conor Benn but publicity wise, in terms of selling tickets [it’s a good fight]. I think that Ryan will be the victor in that fight.”
“He might stop him, right-hand, left-hook or left-hook, right-hand – either one.”
Mosley then went on to say that Benn has not learned or improved in recent fights, and that the superior amateur pedigree of Garcia, who won 15 national championships before turning pro, will shine through on fight night.
“I think that he [Benn] has elite power and he comes for the kill. So he is elite, but he hasn’t had the [amateur] background like Ryan. He is just coming with brute power and strength and his mentality is [to be a] killer. Sometimes, you need more than that, you need the boxing skills to go along with all of that.”
“I’m thinking in terms of skill, knowing how to move backwards and forwards and just different basics that I don’t think that he has actually learned yet. He has just jumped in there and started fighting.”
Chris Waller, the trainer, was responding to media requests after Joliestar’s narrow defeat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) when he was informed that His Majesty, King Charles III, desired his presence.
As Almeraq’s trainer, jockey, and owner received their trophies for the sprinter’s unexpected victory, Waller, his wife Stephanie, and their children Tyler and Nikita, were introduced to the King and Queen. Even in defeat, Waller was a figure of interest.
“Aussie Tom” Marquand guides Almeraq to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, saluting at $26 fixed odds in a thrilling finish! 💰👏
A huge effort from Joliestar as well, finishing with a gallant third-place finish! 🇦🇺👏 pic.twitter.com/SxlYfmWPSH
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 20, 2026
Joliestar had come extremely close to a memorable Royal Ascot win, yet Waller presented himself with the composure of a winner.
“My only fear was to make sure she brought her Australian form to Royal Ascot – and she really did, she stood up today,” Waller remarked.
“We didn’t win today but she ran very bravely. Huge accolades to the winner, it was a tough finish and she came off third best.
“But a top three finish is better than a pass mark, it is a fantastic result.”
It was English trainer William Haggas who once again thwarted Australian ambitions, as his stable’s second choice, Almeraq, a 25/1 outsider according to leading Aussie betting sites, overtook Joliestar in the final strides.
Joliestar, the Chris Waller-trained mare and 15/8 favourite, took the lead around the 400m mark and held off challengers until Almeraq, under the guidance of “Aussie” Tom Marquand, mounted a late run to secure victory by a nose.
The finish was entirely international, with the top four finishers separated by less than half a length. Japan’s Satono Reve (5/2) narrowly captured second place, Joliestar was a short head behind in third, and France’s Stolen Kiss (33/1) was another head back in fourth.
Overpass, the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter, who had performed creditably for third in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, was unable to replicate that performance on Saturday. After leading until approximately 400 metres out, he faded to finish 13th, beaten by more than six lengths.
Waller and jockey James McDonald came close to another famous Royal Ascot triumph, but Joliestar’s narrow defeat means no mare has won the Jubilee Stakes this century, with the exception of Australia’s iconic Black Caviar in 2012.
“I think she has gained more admirers in defeat,” Waller added.
“Honestly, it is a huge relief to come all this way and have her perform at her best.
“She fought out a great finish which was typical of the week. We have seen some great finishes and unfortunately that was one of them and we have just missed out.
“The cover that we expected during the race didn’t quite eventuate and left us a little bit exposed.
“But James has done a fantastic job, he got her to bounce, got her to travel, got her to quicken.
“The winner has come off our backs but she was very brave. We did ourselves proud, we almost got it.”
McDonald, who has been widely praised by the British media for his exceptional riding at Royal Ascot this week, offered no excuses for the mare’s defeat.
“Joliestar ran superbly, I am so proud of her,” McDonald stated. “I do not really think anything could have gone better as it really unfolded well for us.”
Cambridge Stud’s Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, who own Joliestar, were processing their mare’s narrow loss when they were also invited to meet the King and Queen.
“She has tried her best and just wasn’t quite good enough on the day,” Sir Brendan Lindsay commented.
“I came here full of hope and we have left here pretty happy. James said she slipped going down the hill and that might have been the difference because on the line she was as strong as anything.
“We would have liked to have won but we can’t be disappointed with her third.
“She tried her best and I know everyone in New Zealand and Australia are just as proud of her as we are.
“We just had a life’s experience, Jo and I just met the King and Queen. That was a real treat, a real honour. Life is not too bad.”
Haggas has achieved considerable success at Royal Ascot this week, securing four victories, with Almeraq’s Group 1 triumph being his most notable achievement.
The esteemed English trainer once again served as a spoiler, a role he has frequently adopted in Sydney in recent years.
Haggas prepared Addeybb to defeat Verry Elleegant in consecutive Queen Elizabeth Stakes races in 2020 and 2021. Two years later, Haggas returned with Dubai Honour to win the Queen Elizabeth, ending Anamoe’s winning streak.
Verry Elleegant was the reigning Australian Horse of the Year when beaten by Addeybb in 2021, and Anamoe secured the coveted title after his loss to Dubai Honour.
Lake Forest, a name familiar to Australian racing followers, achieved an upset victory in the Golden Eagle two years ago. He finished a close fifth to stablemate Almeraq in the Jubilee Stakes.
Haggas informed Racing And Sports that Almeraq is unlikely to be a target for the $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 17.
“I doubt that would be a target for this horse. You never say never but there are some good sprints here at home we can look at,” Haggas said of Almeraq.
Haggas revealed that Almeraq’s racing career has been marked by a severe fall the sprinter sustained in a race at York last year, resulting in jockey Jim Crowley sustaining serious injuries.
Almeraq only resumed racing with a narrow victory in the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury last month, but he displayed dominant form at Royal Ascot.
“As you know, Almeraq had a fall at York last year and poor Jim [Crowley] got injured,” Haggas recounted.
“Almeraq was pretty shook up after York. It is quite hard to fall in a race like that at speed, and for a young horse going at speed it was difficult, but we gave him a lot of time. Now, it is onwards and upwards.”
In the background, Waller continued his media interviews. His consistent message was that Joliestar had been brave, he was proud of her effort, and the Royal Ascot experience was highly memorable.
Waller was then invited to Royal Ascot’s distinguished winner’s room for a celebratory drink. Despite the defeat, Waller was a highly sought-after figure.
Given the thrilling nature of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the racing odds for future Group 1 contests will be closely watched by many.
Sports
World Cup 2026 Group F: Netherlands close in, Japan-Sweden battle looms | FIFA World Cup 2026
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearing its end, and Group F has emerged as one of the most intriguing groups at the quadrennial event, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. While the Netherlands have taken a major step towards the Round of 32 with a commanding victory over Sweden, the battle for the remaining qualification places remains wide open.
|
Current Group F standings |
|||||||||
|
Position |
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Points |
|
1 |
Netherlands |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
2 |
Sweden |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
3 |
|
3 |
Japan |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
4 |
Tunisia |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
-4 |
1 |
Netherlands close to qualification
The Dutch are now in the strongest position in the group after their emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden.
With four points already secured, Ronald Koeman’s side need only avoid defeat against Tunisia in their final group match to guarantee automatic qualification.
A victory over Tunisia would almost certainly secure top spot in Group F regardless of results elsewhere.
Sweden still control their destiny
Despite suffering a heavy defeat against the Netherlands, Sweden remain firmly in the qualification race.
The Scandinavians have three points from two matches and know that victory against Japan in their final fixture would take them to six points and guarantee progression to the Round of 32.
Even a draw could potentially be enough depending on results elsewhere and the ranking of third-placed teams.
However, the 5-1 defeat has damaged Sweden’s goal difference, which could become important later.
Japan’s opportunity arrives
Japan have played only one match so far and remain in a promising position despite drawing with the Netherlands.
The Samurai Blue face Tunisia before their final showdown against Sweden.
If Japan defeat Tunisia, they would move to four points and place themselves in an excellent position to qualify.
Two positive results from their remaining matches could even see them challenge for top spot in the group.
Tunisia face a must-win situation
Tunisia’s heavy opening defeat to Sweden has left them with little margin for error.
The North Africans must first defeat Japan to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Failure to win would leave them needing a miracle on the final matchday and potentially relying on third-place calculations.
A victory over Japan, however, would completely reopen the group and set up a dramatic final round.
Why tiebreakers could be crucial
One of the biggest changes at the 2026 World Cup is that FIFA now prioritises head-to-head results before overall goal difference.
If teams finish level on points, the order of tiebreakers is:
Step 1: Head-to-head criteria
Points earned in matches between tied teams
Goal difference in those matches
Goals scored in those matches
Step 2: Overall group performance
Goal difference
Goals scored
Fair-play record
Step 3
FIFA World Ranking
This means direct encounters such as Japan vs Sweden could effectively become knockout matches, with the head-to-head result carrying greater weight than overall goal difference.
Group F outlook
The Netherlands have placed one foot in the Round of 32 after their dominant display against Sweden, but the battle for the remaining places is far from settled.
Japan still have the advantage of a game in hand, Sweden know a win likely sends them through, and Tunisia retain an outside chance of mounting a comeback.
|
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group F results and schedule (IST) |
|||
|
Results so far |
|||
|
Date (IST) |
Match |
Venue |
Result |
|
June 15 |
Netherlands vs Japan |
AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
Netherlands 2-2 Japan |
|
June 15 |
Sweden vs Tunisia |
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia |
|
June 20 |
Netherlands vs Sweden |
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
Netherlands 5-1 Sweden |
|
Upcoming Group F fixtures (IST) |
|||
|
Date (IST) |
Match |
Venue |
Kick-off (IST) |
|
June 21 |
Tunisia vs Japan |
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
9:30 AM IST |
|
June 26 |
Japan vs Sweden |
AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
4:30 AM IST |
|
June 26 |
Tunisia vs Netherlands |
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
4:30 AM IST |
Sports
Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces preview: A’ja Wilson continues campaign for fifth MVP
A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are hosting the Golden State Valkyries for their third meeting of the season on Sunday afternoon. The game is set for 4 p.m. ET and will be available on CBS and Paramount+.
The Aces have an 11-4 overall record and have won seven out of their last eight games. They suffered a shocking 96-66 loss to Dallas on Monday, but they bounced back two days later with an 86-76 win against Phoenix. That game showcased the Aces’ defensive potential as they combined for 18 steals, and it also earned them a ticket to the Commissioner’s Cup Championship against the New York Liberty on June 30.
Golden State is 10-6 overall and had four consecutive victories until an 81-75 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Friday. Losing is never ideal, but it was still an impressive showing against the top team in the league. Cecilia Zandalasini led that effort with a career-high 23 points.
Where to watch Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
Date: Sunday, June 21 Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Michelob ULTRA Arena — Las Vegas
TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
Odds (via FanDuel): Aces -4.5, O/U: 167.5
Last meeting
The Valkyries are a newer franchise, so these teams have only faced each other six times. Las Vegas holds a 5-1 record in their all-time series, with their very first meeting in 2025 being the only win for Golden State.
The Aces won their first two encounters this season, with the most recent one being an 84-79 win in Las Vegas on June 6. A’ja Wilson led the way with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Jackie Young was also a major contributor with 27 points. Meanwhile, Gabby Williams led the Valkyries’ offense with 27 points.
A’ja Wilson campaigning for fifth MVP
Wilson already has a WNBA-record four MVP awards and she is the top candidates to win it this year. She is leading the league in scoring with 26.1 points per contest while shooting an efficient 52.6% from the field. She also has a league-best 2.2 blocks per game and is in the top five with 9.1 rebounds.
Per usual, she was a key part of the Aces’ 86-76 win over the Mercury earlier this week with 33 points on 55% shooting, along with 10 rebounds, five steals, three assists and two blocks. That marked her fourth 30-point outing and eighth double-double of 2026. Unsurprisingly, she also leads all players in initial 2026 WNBA All-Star fan voting.
Kiah Stokes playing against her old team
This is Stokes’ first year with the Valkyries after spending four seasons with the Aces and winning three titles with them. She is now the starting center for Golden State and is leading the team with 1.6 blocks per contest while also contributing 5.1 rebounds per game. Earlier this season, Stokes talked about how tough it was to face her old team, especially going against Wilson.
“I’m not gonna lie, I don’t like being on the other end of it,” Stokes told The Mirror after their first matchup. “But she is a great player. It’s hard to stop her. I think personally I could have done a lot of things differently and better but it was kind of emotional, just like, former team, seeing all my old teammates, all of the coaches. So it was just a lot going on.”
Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answer and Help for June 21 #840- CNET
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