Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
I always qualify my schedule analysis by quoting Hall of Fame Coach Bud Grant, who said, “It’s not so much who you play but when you play them.” Meaning injuries, weather, a team’s momentum, and other factors will determine how tough a game becomes.
The Bills may be a juggernaut when the Vikings host them on Monday night, November 9. Or Josh Allen could be out injured and Buffalo struggling by then, whereas Jayden Daniels and the Commanders could be rolling and back to their 2024 final four form in Week 16.
And the Vikings could be playing in a windy snowstorm on their late-season visit to New England for a difficult short-week Thursday night game on December 10 against the defending AFC champs. And it could be extremely cold and windy at the Meadowlands on January 3 against the Jets (which I experienced several times on trips to play the Jets or Giants).
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Diamond Breaks Down a Busy Week for Minnesota
What we definitely know is the two opening games — home vs. Green Bay on September 13 and at Chicago on September 20 — are key early divisional tests for a Vikings team that will likely be breaking in Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback and a lot of rookie draftees, such as first-round DT Caleb Banks (if he’s healthy). The Packers are likely to face Murray in his first Vikings start, but the Vikings will hope game-wrecking defender Micah Parsons is not yet back from his torn ACL suffered last December.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates the victory over the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
I think the Vikings need to split those two games at least, then get on a roll over the next four games (at Tampa Bay, home vs. Miami, at New Orleans, and home vs. Indianapolis).
Then comes a challenging four-game stretch that includes road games against division foes Detroit and Green Bay, the home Monday nighter against Buffalo, and the Mexico City game against the 49ers. That will be three 2025 playoff teams plus the Lions (who should return to the playoffs with their fourth-place schedule, one of the league’s easiest based on last season’s records).
The Vikings have six of their first 10 games on the road, including the neutral-site game in Mexico City. The better news is that five of the last seven games are at home, with seemingly very winnable games against Atlanta, Carolina, and Washington, along with tough divisional matchups vs. the Lions and Bears.
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If the Vikings can get through the first 10 games at .500 or better, they’ll have an excellent chance to finish with between 10 and 12 wins. If it’s 10 wins, they should earn a wildcard spot. And in what’s expected to be a closely contested NFC North, I think 12 victories will win the division (the Bears won it last year at 11-6 when all four teams had winning records).
The Vikings’ schedule certainly appears not to be as difficult as last year’s, considering it’s a third-place schedule vs. a second-place schedule in 2025 and that they are crossing over to face the seemingly weaker NFC South and AFC East compared to last season against the AFC North and NFC East (again with the proviso that some teams not expected to contend always do and vice versa).
It’s a mild surprise but fun for the team and fan base that despite missing the playoffs last season, the Vikings still landed four prime-time games — Monday November 9 vs. Buffalo, Sunday November 22 vs. San Francisco in Mexico City, Thursday December 10 at New England and Sunday December 20 vs. Detroit (as long as that game isn’t flexed to an afternoon game if the league feels there’s a more attractive Week 15 game).
There’s also a decent chance the regular-season finale at home against the Bears could be for the division title, in which case the game could be flexed to Sunday night.
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I’ll make my season predictions in early September after I see how the team is coming together in training camp, especially during the joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, which the Vikings will host on August 19-20 before their preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 22.
On 2028 NFL Draft in Minnesota
It’s a nice coup for Minnesota and the Twin Cities to be voted on by NFL owners to host the 2028 NFL Draft. It’s amazing to see how the draft has turned into an almost Super Bowl-like spectacle for a city to host, as we’ve seen in recent years in places such as Pittsburgh (over 800,000 people in attendance this year), Green Bay, Detroit, and Nashville.
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s so different from my years working in the NFL, when all drafts took place in New Yo,rk and there was far less media coverage and fan interest.
I like the plan of the Minnesota Sports and Events (MSE) group in collaboration with the Vikings to have the main stage around U.S. Bank Stadium and have other draft-related events across the Twin Cities, including the possibilities of the Mall of America (which hosted activities during Super Bowl LII in 2018) and the Vikings Lakes development where the Vikings facility is located in Eagan.
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This will be another great opportunity to showcase Minnesota and the Twin Cities in a positive light, especially in contrast to highly publicized negative events, such as George Floyd and its aftermath, and the recent ICE surge. We do have to hope for nice late-April weather for the local folks and the thousands of visitors attending outdoor draft events.
Kudos to Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, the team’s staff, and MSE for their work on the bid and for being awarded the 2028 draft, which will create tremendous economic impact for the state and Metro area.
Farewell Tour for Aaron Rodgers
The egomaniac QB has returned to the Steelers on a one-year deal worth up to $25 million with incentives. He’ll reunite with new Pittsburgh coach and Rodgers’ former Packers coach Mike McCarthy.
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Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The 42-year-old Rodgers told the media this will be his final NFL season. I’ve had more than enough of his off-field antics (darkness retreats, stringing teams out before signing, etc.), and I say good riddance to Rodgers after this season.
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
Sam Snead was fond of golf but fonder still of fishing.
He played the former, he once said, so that he could earn enough to enjoy the latter. Lucky him. In the rural Virginia region where he was born and raised, both pursuits were within easy reach.
Worldwide renown awaited Snead, of course. But he retained his ties to the place where he got started: the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, an historic retreat tucked into the folds of the Allegheny Mountains. In his early 20s, he was hired as the head professional at the Cascades Course, one of the property’s two venerable layouts. It remained his home club throughout his life. In 1983, at age 71, he shot a course-record 60 that still stands.
If Snead were around today, he’d find the spirit of the resort familiar. The mountains haven’t moved. The trout still hold in the same cold streams. And the golf footprint is largely unchanged. But he would also notice an awful lot that’s new. Three years ago, the resort completed a $150 million-plus renovation, a top-to-bottom refresh that touched guest rooms, dining, the spa and the grounds themselves, without disturbing the bones of a luxe getaway that made it a destination in the first place.
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Start with the golf. The Old Course’s first tee sits in the same spot it has occupied since 1892, longer than any other continuously operating first tee in America. It’s part of a layout later reworked by two Golden Age giants, William S. Flynn and Donald Ross. A short drive away, the Flynn-design Cascades unspools through the mountains, all compelling angles and elevation changes with a lofty reputation to match. It ranks 35th on GOLF’s list of Top 100 Courses You Can Play, making it the highest-rated public-access course in Virginia. Combined with the Old Course, it’s all the championship-caliber golf that you can ask for, classically designed, ideal for walking, and all the more alluring in the shoulder seasons. In springtime, as nature awakens from its slumber, the trees lining the fairways fill with birdsong. Come autumn, when the weather turns wonderfully crisp, foliage sets the area ablaze with color.
But just as golf was never the whole story for Snead, it’s not the only pull for visitors today. Outdoor activities abound, including guided fly fishing outings in the same waters where Snead loved to cast his line. The surrounding mountains that framed Snead’s boyhood are laced with hiking trails, now easier to access thanks to the resort’s post-renovation trail and outdoors program, offering everything from an easy morning leg-stretcher to a more ambitious ridge hike with stunning panoramas of the mountains. And after the exertion, there’s the spa, one of the oldest in the country, drawing on the same natural mineral springs that gave the surrounding town of Hot Springs its name and that have been pulling visitors, U.S. presidents among them, to this stretch of Virginia since long before Snead picked up a golf club.
That distinctive mix of outdoor adventure and stress-reducing relaxation is by design, in keeping with the theme of Omni’s prestigious and expanding golf portfolio. The Homestead is one of three Omni properties to earn a spot on GOLF’s list of Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, alongside Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin and Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, the new home of the PGA of America outside Dallas. Altogether, the the collection now spans nearly 30 courses across a dozen resorts nationwide, with designs from architects ranging from Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast to modern names like Tom Fazio, Gil Hanse, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Like Slammin’ Sammy, people come for the golf and stay for more.
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For a buddies’ group, that’s the pitch: an invigorating trip that quickens your pulse but lowers your blood pressure, an active escape that also gives you room to do nothing at all. Test yourself on the same courses where generations of golfers have played before you. Chase Snead’s course record on the Cascades, or at least tell yourself you have a shot. Then close out the day the way Snead might have, rod in hand, mountains going gold at dusk, trading fish stories for golf stories. No need to embellish. At the Omni Homestead, the holds up nicely on its own.
The USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history.
The peak audience was 36.895 million, from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (9) kicks the ball past the United States’ Chris Richards (3) to score his team’s fourth goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
The USMNT unfortunately did not deliver for the massive audience, as their run came to a close in disheartening fashion. Despite Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned, the USMNT could not muster enough offense.
Belgium took advantage of the USMNT defensive mistakes, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead.
Malik Tillman, who scored on a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, worked his magic again on another free kick to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, sending the vociferous Seattle crowd into a frenzy.
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The raucous cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after in the 33rd minute to put Belgium back on top, 2-1.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
The USMNT came out after halftime applying pressure to Belgium, but goalie Matt Freese made a critical mistake that dashed any hopes of a comeback. In the 57th minute, Freese came out of his net to challenge De Ketelaere on a through ball.
While Freese arrived first, he could not clear the ball as his foot got caught in the turf. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and booted the ball past Freese and a sprawling Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
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The USMNT had a couple of opportunities to add another tally and cut the deficit to one, but could not get on the board as they were stifled by Belgium’s defense.
The United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium during their World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Belgium substituted in superstar striker, Romelu Lukaku, and he put the exclamation point on the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, the USMNT’s captured America’s heart and attention over the past few weeks, with the country’s support reflected in the historic ratings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warmed up before kickoff at MetLife Stadium as Minnesota completed pregame routines before a late-season road matchup. On December 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, McCarthy worked through timing drills and footwork while the Vikings finalized offensive preparations inside a busy road stadium before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hasn’t even fully begun his competition with Kyler Murray, and the world has already lined up new employers for him, including trade ideas to the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets, among others. Now, one podcast host believes McCarthy would fit well in Denver.
The Broncos clearly have a QB1 in Bo Nix, but David Marshall’s theory suggests McCarthy could play QB2 in Denver rather than in Minnesota.
Minnesota Has No Reason to Rush a McCarthy Trade to DEN or Anywhere
A Denver Broncos helmet sat near the field at Empower Field at Mile High before Denver faced the Kansas City Chiefs in a late-season AFC West matchup. On January 5, 2025, in Denver, the helmet of defensive end John Franklin-Myers provided a clean pregame visual before kickoff as both teams finished final field work. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
Marshall: McCarthy to DEN Makes Sense
Marshall advanced the idea on the David Talks Broncos show last week: “McCarthy was kind of a disaster last year after his time at Michigan. You could see here at Michigan, National Champion, he’s got all the traits and tools you’re looking for, and you saw here during his time in the NFL.”
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“He tore his ACL in 2024, so he didn’t get a lot of time to actually improve his game. He played in a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, and I think he’s got the brains to operate this offense with Sean Payton and Davis Webb.”
Denver’s QB2 at the moment is Jarrett Stidham, who started in the AFC Championship in January.
Marshall added, “He needs to fine-tune his mechanics, his footwork, and that’s where the Broncos do some of their best work. I think J.J. McCarthy in terms of not looking at him as a franchise quarterback because we’ve got that in Bo Nix, but as that franchise backup. That next guy that can be here for a few years.”
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Why … Would McCarthy Leave QB2 Job in MIN for QB2 Job in DEN?
The idea from Marshall is predicated on McCarthy leaving the friendly confines of Minnesota — presumably as Murray’s backup — for Denver to presumably become Nix’s backup.
Immediately, the question becomes: Why on earth would he want that? McCarthy departing the Vikings in 2026 would probably have to come from his trade request, and it would be strange for him to sign off on a deal that shipped him to the Broncos. If McCarthy wants a real shot at QB1 action, he should either remain in Minnesota to see if Murray shows progress or force his way to a team like the Cardinals or Jets that realistically need a QB1 for the future.
Preferring Denver to Minnesota — swapping QB2 assignments for QB2 assignments — just doesn’t make sense for the 23-year-old.
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Too Early for a Trade
Kevin O’Connell said in 2024 that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations. Well, here we are.
If the Vikings were to trade McCarthy now, especially after selecting him as their franchise quarterback just two years ago, it would directly contradict their head coach’s previous warnings. The move would be particularly puzzling given the widespread enthusiasm for McCarthy as the team’s future in April 2024.
Discarding him before he has had a fair chance to develop seems premature. McCarthy’s professional career has faced significant hurdles. His early entry into the league, a rookie-year injury that led to benching, and a rocky 2025 performance all contributed to his inconsistent start.
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Even if the Vikings believe Murray offers a better immediate solution for the 2026 season, it doesn’t necessitate McCarthy’s immediate departure.
Quarterback development is a lengthy process, and teams that rush it often regret their decisions. The Jets with Sam Darnold and the Cleveland Browns with Baker Mayfield serve as cautionary tales; both teams moved on too quickly, only to see those players succeed elsewhere. Minnesota risks falling into a similar trap.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw passes during pregame warm-ups at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota prepared for a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, McCarthy went through his routine throwing session while fans and media monitored the young quarterback before kickoff inside the home venue before another NFC test. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Vikings aren’t obligated to declare McCarthy a superstar today; their priority should be avoiding a shortsighted decision.
Trading him now would essentially invite another franchise to “fix McCarthy.” Should another coach successfully develop him into a star, the Vikings would spend the next decade justifying how a 23-year-old former 1st-Round pick was let go without a development plan. You might recall the Vikings casting Darnold off last offseason and him winning a Super Bowl 11 months later.
Trade Price?
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Pretend for a moment that McCarthy indeed requests a trade later this summer, possibly after losing the competition to Murray. Now might be the best time to sell, as the Vikings could realistically grab a mid-round pick. At worst, McCarthy would fetch a 5th-Rounder.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy dropped back and delivered a first-quarter throw at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota faced the Green Bay Packers. On January 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, McCarthy operated within the structure of the offense while the Vikings sought early rhythm in a high-stakes divisional matchup against their longtime rival. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
On the whole, the likelihood of McCarthy leaving the Vikings is low. The team needs all the quarterback depth it can find after injuries to its quarterbacks killed the 2023 and 2025 campaigns.
But there’s always a chance that McCarthy personally asks for a change of scenery, and per Marshall, the Broncos shouldn’t be ruled out.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Switzerland have settled into possession in Vancouver but they haven’t been able to translate it into clear-cut chances.
A nice exchange ends with Embolo losing possession just outside the box, but Diaz can’t make anything of it on the counter.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:09
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Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
The first shot on target comes from Dan Ndoye, as the ball is laid off to him and his fizzes a half-volley too close to Vargas.
The offside flag was up anyway.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:07
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Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
The first half-chance for Colombia as the ball is sent to the back post and Akanji is forced to turn it behind.
(Getty)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:05
Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
Some early possession for the Swiss, though it’s given away cheaply by Akanji.
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Colombia have their first venture towards the Switzerland box but it comes to nothing.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:03
KICK-OFF! Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
We’re underway in Vancouver!
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 21:00
Switzerland vs Colombia
Both sides are out at BC Place, and we’ll be underway shortly after the national anthems.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:56
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Switzerland vs Colombia
Under 10 minutes until kick-off in the final last-16 tie at the 2026 World Cup.
We’ve had some classics in this round already…will we see another this evening?
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:52
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Switzerland vs Colombia
(Getty)
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:48
World Cup 2026 TV schedule: How to watch every knockout game live in the UK
The last-16 of the 2026 World Cup is delivering bucketloads of drama for fans to watch live on television.
Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.
Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 20:44
Argentina were doomed – then Lionel Messi did this to change everything
The report from the biggest game of the day…
One of greatest ever knock-out upsets becomes one of the greatest ever comebacks. Egypt might call it one of the great injustices. Argentina, for now, won’t care.
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This 3-2 victory over a spirited and justifiably aggrieved Egypt again exposed so many issues, but also so much fortitude – not least that of probably the greatest player of all time.
The hosts posted 201 for seven on the back of 70 from Phil Salt, with the entire India team only just besting the opener’s score as they were rounded up for 76.
Archer and Tongue were too hot to handle, both seamers pushing the speed gun past 90mph to scatter the power-packed Indian top order in a match-winning new-ball burst.
Tongue claimed career-best figures of four for 28 and Archer took three for 29, with the innings wrapped up 8.2 overs ahead of time.
It was an emphatic result in Nottingham – eclipsing India’s previous worst result in T20s by a massive 45-run margin – and handing the hosts a 2-0 lead with two to play in the Vitality Series.
Manchester United have been busy in the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick aims to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season
Diario AS claims that any sale Real Madrid agrees to this summer must exceed £85million, meaning United will have to drop a hefty sum to secure his signature. It is understood that the France international is keen to stay in Spain but recent transfer activity between United and Madrid could help push the deal forward.
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Former Chelsea defender Desailly has pointed to the move of Raphael Varane as he gave the green light to Tchouameni’s potential move to United. Speaking to sportscasting.com, the ex-France international said: “I’m sure Aurelien Tchouaméni would move to the Premier League, and Manchester United is still a massive club; a massive name.
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“He had a difficult season, but at least he shows leadership. That’s why when you talk about Konaté or Tchouaméni, I’ll always choose Tchouaméni because of his desire. And he also wears my number 8 on his back, so I love him for this!
“I believe that he has that little bit of leadership and the desire to bring the team all together. So it could be a good move for him, just like when Raphaël Varane swapped Madrid for Manchester back in the day.
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“So why not? I would encourage him to go for it and try the Premier League.”
Varane is a prime example of a success story from La Liga to the Premier League, joining United in 2021 for a fee of around £41m. He won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford, making 95 appearances and becoming a defensive stalwart.
Casemiro also made the same move a year later and became a fan favourite at Old Trafford. The defensive midfielder racked up 160 appearances for United, making 40 goal contributions and securing two domestic cups along the way.
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His departure from the club this summer kick-started United’s pursuit of Tchouameni, and the 26-year-old could look to his old Madrid colleagues for inspiration in heading to the Premier League.
Michael Carrick has already secured the £35m signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer and will be keen to add more firepower to his squad as his first season in permanent charge edges closer.
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
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Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
Switzerland take on World Cup dark horses Colombia in Vancouver in the round of 16, stripped of injured 20-year-old breakout star Johan Manzambi. The winners will go on to face title holders Argentina, who survived an almighty scare against Egypt earlier today. Follow our liveblog for minute-by-minute match commentary.
Jannik Sinner believes the work he and his team put in after the French Open has already paid off following his straight-sets victory over Jan-Lennard Struff at Wimbledon.
The world No. 1 defeated Struff 7-5, 7-6(5), 6- 3 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Playing in hot conditions, Sinner admitted he was pleased to get through the match in three sets.
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When asked whether the heat made the victory even more satisfying, the Italian laughed before saying:
“Yeah, thanks for reminding me.”
He then explained how the French Open disappointment led to the important changes behind the scenes.
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“We worked a lot, especially after Paris, trying to understand what went wrong there. We prepared ourselves in the best possible way.”
Sinner said he was especially encouraged by how he felt physically throughout the match.
“It was a huge test today. I felt really, really comfortable on the physical side today. A good step forward.”
Although he hopes not to experience another setback like the one in Paris, Sinner believes his team is now better prepared.
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“If it would happen again like in Paris, I hope not, but if it happens again, we know we need to change some things again.”
The defending Wimbledon champion also praised Struff, describing the German as one of the toughest opponents on tour.
“Very, very tough player to play against. He deserves everything he’s done and achieved in his career.”
Sinner will now head into the Wimbledon semi-finals looking to continue his title defence after another composed performance on grass.
And the photo from that goal was just unreal. It was snapped by Elsa of Getty Images — she’s shot so many incredible sports moments — and just look at it: It’s from inside the net as the ball goes in, with Messi watching from afar and getting ready to celebrate. The rest of the players are watching it, with some realizing what just happened.
It’s so good:
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 07: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera inside of the goal.) Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina scores his team’s second goal past Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi is lifted by teammates as they celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi is thrown in the air in celebration by teammates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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A tearful Messi perfectly celebrated Argentina comeback vs. Egypt
July 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Karolina Muchova of Czechia serves against Naomi Osaka of Japan during their Ladies’ Singles quarterfinal match on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Karolina Muchova reached her first Wimbledon semifinal after defeating Naomi Osaka 7-6, 6-4.
The Czech star extended her winning streak to nine consecutive matches, producing another impressive performance to book her place in the last four.
After the match, Muchova laughed when told she looked calm throughout the contest.
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“Oh my God, I was nervous.”
She praised Osaka’s ability to punish even the smallest mistakes.
“She’s an unbelievable athlete. You can’t lose that focus. You have to keep playing every point. If you give her a little chance, she takes it.”
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Muchova also admitted she had never enjoyed playing on Centre Court before the breakthrough.
“I don’t know if you guys know, but I played three times on this court and it was 0-3, so I wasn’t in a very good relationship with this court.”
That finally changed with her biggest Wimbledon win yet.
“I’m super happy we finally made it today and I got that win in front of you all.”
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The victory sends Muchova into her first Wimbledon semifinal and her first Grand Slam semifinal in two years.
She will now face Coco Gauff for a place in the Wimbledon final. Although Gauff leads their head-to-head 6-1, Muchova won their most recent meeting in Stuttgart earlier this year. The semifinal will also be the first time they have faced each other on grass.
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