Leinster welcome the DHL Stormers to the Aviva Stadium in a huge URC semi-final, with a Grand Final place on the line, major injury concerns on both sides and a fascinating recent history between two of the competition’s heavyweight teams.
The Big Match Story
The BKT United Rugby Championship has reached the serious end of the season and Saturday’s semi-final at the Aviva Stadium is loaded with pressure, history and opportunity.
For Leinster, this is about more than simply reaching another final. After another painful Champions Cup ending, the URC has become the trophy they must deliver. They have the home advantage, the squad depth, the knockout experience and the bookmakers’ confidence, but they also have the burden of expectation.
Advertisement
For the DHL Stormers, this is a chance to produce one of the great away wins in their URC history. They have beaten Leinster before, including a remarkable 35-0 victory in Cape Town earlier this season, but winning at the Aviva Stadium in a semi-final is a very different challenge.
“Leinster have the stronger squad, the better home record and the market confidence. The Stormers have the recent head-to-head warning sign that makes this dangerous.”
The bookmakers have made Leinster overwhelming favourites at 1/10, with the Stormers priced at 13/2. The handicap is set at 14 points, which suggests the market expects Leinster to win with a degree of comfort. However, the Stormers’ recent record in this fixture means this is not quite as simple as the odds suggest.
Match Officials
Hollie DavidsonReferee, SRU – 29th game
Advertisement
Sam Grove-WhiteAssistant Referee, SRU
Adam JonesAssistant Referee, WRU
Mike AdamsonTMO, SRU
Hollie Davidson takes charge of the semi-final, assisted by Sam Grove-White and Adam Jones, with Mike Adamson on TMO duty. In a game where the breakdown, scrum and defensive line speed will be central, the officiating interpretation could have a major influence on momentum.
Advertisement
Key Match Stats
2ndLeinster League Finish
3rdStormers League Finish
+145Leinster Points Difference
+160Stormers Points Difference
Advertisement
Category
Leinster
DHL Stormers
League Position
2nd
3rd
Played
18
18
Wins
12
12
Draws
0
1
Losses
6
5
Points Difference
+145
+160
League Points
63
60
Quarter-Final Result
Leinster 59-10 Lions
Stormers 44-21 Cardiff
Top Try Scorer
Joshua Kenny – 9
Evan Roos – 12
Top Points Scorer
Sam Prendergast – 75
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 169
The numbers show why this semi-final is so intriguing. Leinster finished above the Stormers by three league points, but the South Africans finished with the better points difference. Both sides won 12 of their 18 regular-season matches, with the Stormers drawing once and losing one fewer game than Leinster.
“The standings say Leinster are favourites. The points difference says the Stormers are not here by accident.”
URC Historical Record
Leinster URC Record
P
W
Win %
L
D
505
362
71.68%
129
14
DHL Stormers URC Record
P
W
Win %
L
D
105
66
62.86%
33
6
Leinster’s long-term URC record remains exceptional, with 362 wins from 505 matches and a win rate of 71.68%. The Stormers’ record since joining the competition is also impressive, with 66 wins from 105 matches and a 62.86% win rate.
That gives this fixture a proper heavyweight feel. Leinster have the long-term pedigree. The Stormers have built one of the strongest records of the South African franchises since entering the URC.
Advertisement
Recent Form
Leinster URC Form
Date
Opponent
Venue
Result
F
A
27 Mar 2026
Scarlets
Aviva Stadium
Won
36
19
17 Apr 2026
Ulster
Affidea Stadium
Won
29
21
25 Apr 2026
Benetton Rugby
Stadio Monigo
Lost
26
29
09 May 2026
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Aviva Stadium
Won
31
7
16 May 2026
Ospreys
Aviva Stadium
Won
68
14
30 May 2026
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Aviva Stadium
Won
59
10
Stormers URC Form
Date
Opposition
Venue
Result
F
A
28 Mar 2026
Edinburgh Rugby
DHL Stadium
Won
33
14
18 Apr 2026
Connacht
DHL Stadium
Lost
24
33
25 Apr 2026
Glasgow Warriors
DHL Stadium
Won
48
12
08 May 2026
Ulster
Affidea Stadium
Draw
38
38
15 May 2026
Cardiff Rugby
Cardiff Arms Park
Lost
16
22
30 May 2026
Cardiff Rugby
DHL Stadium
Won
44
21
Leinster have won five of their last six URC matches, scoring 249 points across that run. Their last three home URC fixtures at the Aviva have produced wins by 24, 54 and 49 points, which explains why the handicap has landed at two converted tries.
The Stormers have been less consistent, but their best rugby has been devastating. Their 48-12 win over Glasgow Warriors and 44-21 quarter-final win over Cardiff showed the power and attacking rhythm they can produce when they get front-foot ball.
Major Historical Angles
This is Leinster’s fourth successive BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final appearance.
Leinster’s only victory in those previous three semi-finals was their 37-19 win over Glasgow Warriors last year.
Leinster have twice met South African opposition at this stage, losing to the Vodacom Bulls at the RDS Arena in June 2022 and at Loftus Versfeld in June 2024.
Leinster have not been beaten at the Aviva Stadium in the URC since Munster won there in May 2023.
Leinster have won all seven URC matches against South African opposition at the Aviva Stadium.
This is the Stormers’ third URC semi-final, having won their previous two at DHL Stadium against Ulster in 2022 and Connacht in 2023.
The Stormers’ only previous semi-final outside South Africa ended in a 27-16 defeat to the Crusaders in Super Rugby in 2004.
The Stormers have visited Ireland ten times and won just twice: 16-12 over Connacht in May 2024 and 27-21 over Munster in November 2025.
The sides have met five times, with Leinster’s only win coming in the only previous meeting at the Aviva Stadium, 36-12 in January 2025.
“The Stormers have the better recent head-to-head record, but Leinster have the Aviva factor. Seven wins from seven against South African opposition at the venue is the stat the home side will lean on.”
Head-To-Head Meetings
Date
Match
Venue
Home
Away
30 April 2022
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
20
13
24 March 2023
Leinster Rugby v DHL Stormers
RDS Arena
22
22
27 April 2024
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
42
12
25 January 2025
Leinster Rugby v DHL Stormers
Aviva Stadium
36
12
26 September 2025
DHL Stormers v Leinster Rugby
DHL Stadium
35
0
The Stormers hold the stronger recent record in this fixture, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from the five URC meetings. However, the location changes the conversation. Leinster won the only Aviva Stadium meeting 36-12 and have been extremely difficult to beat at the venue.
Top Scorers
Leinster Top Try Scorers 25/26
Player
Tries
Joshua Kenny
9
Scott Penny
6
Jimmy O’Brien
5
Tommy O’Brien
5
Stormers Top Try Scorers 25/26
Player
Tries
Evan Roos
12
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
10
Paul de Villiers
7
Ntuthuko Mchunu
6
Leinster Top Points Scorers 25/26
Player
Points
Sam Prendergast
75
Harry Byrne
67
Joshua Kenny
45
Scott Penny
30
Ciaran Frawley
27
Stormers Top Points Scorers 25/26
Player
Points
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
169
Jurie Matthee
86
Evan Roos
60
Paul de Villiers
35
Ntuthuko Mchunu
30
The loss of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is enormous in this context. He is not just the Stormers’ top points scorer; he is also second on their try-scoring list. Removing a player with 169 points and 10 tries from a semi-final team changes everything about the attacking threat.
Advertisement
Injury News
The biggest pre-match blow belongs to the Stormers, who are without star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and explosive winger Seabelo Senatla.
Stormers blow: Feinberg-Mngomezulu has scored 169 points and 10 tries this season. Losing him removes their leading points scorer, their main attacking organiser and one of the most dangerous individual players in the competition.
Leinster, however, are not without problems of their own. Joe McCarthy, Dan Sheehan, Tommy O’Brien, Rónan Kelleher, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong and Jordan Larmour are all listed as doubtful, while several others are ruled out.
Leinster Doubtful
Joe McCarthyDan Sheehan Tommy O’BrienRónan Kelleher Garry RingroseTadhg Furlong Jordan Larmour
Advertisement
Leinster Out
Ryan BairdJack Boyle Will ConnorsHugh Cooney RG SnymanCharlie Tector Paddy McCarthy
“If Leinster get enough of their doubtful players through the fitness tests, they should have too much. If not, the Stormers’ power game becomes far more relevant.”
Five Key Battles
1. Sam Prendergast v Jurie Matthee
This is the control battle. Prendergast leads Leinster’s points scoring with 75 and must keep the home side in the right areas. Matthee has 86 points this season and now carries extra responsibility with Feinberg-Mngomezulu absent.
2. Josh van der Flier v Evan Roos
Roos has scored 12 tries this season and gives the Stormers enormous carrying power. Leinster must stop him before he gets over the gainline.
Advertisement
3. Leinster Scrum v Stormers Power
If Tadhg Furlong is fit, Leinster will fancy their set-piece platform. If he is absent or limited, the Stormers will look to turn the scrum into a pressure point.
4. Hugo Keenan v Warrick Gelant
Keenan offers control, positioning and defensive reliability. Gelant brings unpredictability and counter-attacking danger. One mistake in the backfield could be decisive.
5. Leinster Bench v Stormers Bench
Leinster often break games open after 50 minutes. If their bench brings the expected impact, that is where the handicap may be covered.
How Leinster Can Win
Leinster’s route to victory is clear: win territory, squeeze the Stormers set-piece, force them to play from deep and apply relentless defensive pressure. Without Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the Stormers may not have the same ability to turn half-chances into seven-point moments.
Advertisement
Fast defensive line speed Set-piece accuracy Prendergast territory kicking Breakdown pressure Bench impact
How The Stormers Can Win
The Stormers cannot afford a slow, controlled arm-wrestle. Leinster are too comfortable in that type of game at the Aviva. The visitors need tempo, turnovers and a match that becomes emotionally uncomfortable for the home side.
Keep it close after 50 minutes Win the aerial battle Create breakdown chaos Get Evan Roos involved early Punish Leinster errors
Why The Handicap Is 14 Points
Reason
Handicap Impact
Leinster have won their last three home URC fixtures by 24, 54 and 49 points.
Supports Leinster -14
Stormers are without Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Reduces their attacking ceiling
Leinster have won all seven URC matches against South African opposition at the Aviva Stadium.
Major home advantage angle
Stormers have won just two of ten visits to Ireland.
Concern for away underdog
Stormers beat Leinster 35-0 earlier this season.
Warning against overconfidence
“The number is big, but Leinster’s recent Aviva margins explain it. The danger is that the Stormers have enough power to make this much tighter than the market expects.”
Advertisement
Betting Odds
Leinster1/10
Draw25/1
Stormers13/2
Leinster -1410/11
Advertisement
Handicap Draw19/1
Stormers +1410/11
The match odds offer little value unless used in multiples. The more interesting market is the handicap. Leinster -14 is aggressive but understandable given their home scoring power, the Stormers’ injury list and Leinster’s seven-from-seven Aviva record against South African opposition.
The Stormers have enough quality to make this awkward. Their recent head-to-head record against Leinster deserves respect, Evan Roos is a massive threat and their points difference across the season shows they are a genuine top-three side.
However, the Aviva Stadium factor is huge. Leinster are unbeaten there in the URC since Munster’s win in May 2023 and have won all seven URC fixtures against South African opposition at the venue. Add in the loss of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the balance tips strongly towards the home side.
The likely pattern is Stormers staying competitive for 40 to 50 minutes before Leinster’s pressure, bench and territorial control begin to tell.
SportsNewsIreland Prediction
Advertisement
Leinster 34-17 DHL Stormers
Leinster to win, cover the 14-point handicap and move into the URC Grand Final.
In 13 career appearances at Big Jack’s Memorial Tournament, Rory McIlroy has five top-10 finishes and another four top-20s. It’s a record, on one of the game’s splashiest stages, that most players would embrace, but McIlroy is, of course, not most players. He’s a 30-time PGA Tour winner with six major titles and the career Grand Slam. He has arrived at a place where he’s not looking to win just any tournaments but the right kind of tournaments. Majors. National opens. Events hosted by or affiliated with legends.
“I would say here and Tiger’s event at Riviera, they’re the two that I would love to win,” McIlroy said Wednesday.
Tiger’s event is the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles, where McIlroy has gone winless in 10 attempts. “Here” is this week’s event, the Memorial, at Muirfield Village in Ohio, where McIlroy is 0-for-13. “I always thought it would be cool to win here and take that little walk up the hill off the 18th green and shake Jack’s hand,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy and Nicklaus go back nearly two decades: mentee and mentor, fellow GOATs and South Floridians, occasional lunchmates at the Bear’s Club. During one of those bread-breakings a couple of years back, McIlroy gave Nicklaus a shot-by-shot description of how he planned to attack Augusta National at that year’s Masters. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Nicklaus told him. “I think it’s exactly the way you should play it.” Before this year’s Masters, Nicklaus spotted McIlroy during a range session and offered him more counsel. “I put my hands on his shoulders,” Nicklaus said, “and I said to him, ‘No effing double bogeys.’”
Advertisement
McIlroy did card a couple of doubles, but Nicklaus’s message still was received: Don’t be a dummy out there. Heeding that strategy led McIlroy to his second straight green jacket.
Which brings us back to Muirfield Village. What wisdom has Nicklaus imparted to McIlroy about how to manage Nicklaus’s masterwork?
“He hasn’t asked me,” Nicklaus said Tuesday.
Reporters did, though — specifically, whether Nicklaus had any theories about why McIlroy had not yet triumphed at Muirfield. Nicklaus provided a thoughtful answer.
Advertisement
“I think that this golf course is a golf course that really requires patience,” he said. “I didn’t design it for big hitters, didn’t design it for short hitters, didn’t design it for the middle. I tried to design it so we could take care of everybody and try to give a fair shake to every kind of player. And when you get that, you can’t just stand up and just whack away at it on every hole.”
That grip-it-and-rip-it approach is how a younger Nicklaus used to try and slay his own design (unsuccessfully), and it’s not hard to imagine a younger, bolder McIlroy coming into MVGC with the same mentality. In time, though, McIlroy, like Nicklaus, has learned that driver — at least with the distance he smashes his tee shots — is no good at Muirfield. That’s because the fairways pinch his landing zones.
“It’s frustrated me in a way that I feel like my biggest weapon is in some way neutralized here,” McIlroy said. “And then I have to play the golf course like most of the other guys in the field.”
That is, strategically — identifying the best leaves for the most optimal angles into the greens and then controlling the flight and spin of those approaches.
Advertisement
The greens are no pushover, either, Nicklaus said, particularly for players who like to zip back their irons (see: most modern Tour pros). “Take 3, 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18,” Nicklaus said. “If you spin the ball off of those greens, what happens? Not a good result.”
The alternative? Vary your trajectories, Nicklaus said. That’s what he learned to do, both at Muirfield and another ballpark with which he became synonymous, Augusta National. ”I think Augusta’s a trajectory golf course also,” Nicklaus said.
McIlroy is a traj maestro. Really, he can do just about anything he wants with a golf ball. At Muirfield, it’s just a matter of committing to the shots that the course demands. If McIlroy can follow that formula, a warm handshake from his Bear’s Club pal might be in his very near future.
“I would love to see Rory play well here,” Nicklaus said.
Having revealed several superstitions in his on-court interview – thanking the crowd in French, maintaining the same racquet tension no matter the conditions and keeping the same post-match routine – Cobolli was asked about them in his press conference.
“I’m a little bit [superstitious] but not crazy – this week I’m a little bit more crazy than the others,” he said. “I just go to the same restaurant, the same menu, the same shower.”
Cobolli then recalled a moment at a previous French Open when he was using the shower and Nadal knocked on the door asking him to hurry up because he was waiting to use that particular cubicle.
“He told me that it was his shower since 14 years,” continued Cobolli. “So I think the best thing that I’m doing is the shower.”
Advertisement
Cobolli recovered from losing the first set to beat Auger-Aliassime 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 and he will make his top-10 debut on Monday if Jakub Mensik, who faces Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final, fails to win the title in Paris.
Arnaldi’s win in Wednesday’s night session means an Italian finalist is guaranteed, even after the shock second-round exit of overwhelming favourite Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti being ruled out of the tournament because of injury.
Game 1 heroes Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos during Game 1 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Many see a different RJ Abarrientos in his return to the PBA Finals—a huge contrast from his two previous trips, when he was a rookie who often kept second-guessing things.
This time, Abarrientos looks more like a confident and secure sophomore who has emerged as arguably the team’s main man and, without doubt, one of the best in his position in the league.
Article continues after this advertisement
Advertisement
Abarrientos finished with 24 points and seven rebounds to help the Gin Kings to a 102-100 victory over TNT on Wednesday in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But even he had a mature outlook on his late-game heroics, where he knocked down two huge four-point shots that paved the way for Justin Brownlee’s game-winner.
“Those two four-point shots that I made are not sustainable, so we need to be better,” Abarrientos said, while also admitting that he has a lot of things to tidy up if he and his teammates want to double their series edge in Game 2 on Friday.
On top of those things is his defense.
Advertisement
Article continues after this advertisement
“Coach Tim (Cone) got mad at me,” Abarrientos said, noting how TNT erased an 18-point Ginebra lead and even went ahead courtesy of Rey Nambatac, the Finals Most Valuable Player from last season’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“My defense against Nambatac, especially in this Finals, is unacceptable. So I need to be better and I have to embrace that,” Abarrientos said.
Abarrientos hit two four-pointers late—the first gave Ginebra a one-point lead and the second put the Kings ahead, 100-97, with 20 seconds remaining.
Advertisement
Article continues after this advertisement
“He hit some huge shots, we were down both times and got the leads on both shots, which were gigantic,” Cone said.
The Tropang 5G again tied the game courtesy of a Roger Pogoy triple but Brownlee secured the win for the Gin Kings, hitting a jumper with six-tenths of a second remaining.
The midseason conference has become Abarrientos’ breakout campaign, one where the team and its faithful legion watched him knocking down big shot after big shot from Ginebra’s opening assignment all the way through the hard-fought semifinal series with Rain or Shine.
Advertisement
He is the league’s top local scorer at 21.4 points per game, hitting 49-percent of his shots, on top of 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals through 19 games of the second conference.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Advertisement
His rise in the ongoing conference has also made Abarrientos the front-runner for the Best Player of the Conference award, which could only be a mere formality given that other candidates from the early part of the tournament, NLEX’s Robert Bolick and San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo, were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
Advertisement
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Advertisement
Film
Background Info
3-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Top 3 rusher in Tennessee high school football history in yards and touchdowns
All-State honors in high school
Second-team All-SEC in 2025
Notable career stats heading into 2026
Received 44.9% of the carries out of the backfield in 2025
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
3.68 Yards per carry after contact
Strengths
Shows quickness at the line
Explosiveness getting to the second level of the defense
Vision to find running lanes
Speed to cut outside and turn up the field
Doesn’t shy away from contact
Player Summary
DeSean Bishop has some potential to be something based on the traits he flashed on film. The quickness is there, he is explosive as a runner getting to the second level. On top of it all, for someone with his speed, he showcases some serious power in his style, where he isn’t afraid to meet defenders in space. He has a chance to really showcase some new skills as the Vols have a change at quarterback, so they will need the run game to bring him along slowly.
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 02: Joao Fonseca of Brazil looks dejected as he leaves the court after defeat to Jakub Mensik of Czechia after their Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on Day Ten of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on June 02, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
João Fonseca may not be leaving Roland Garros with a trophy, but the 19-year-old Brazilian leaves Paris as one of the biggest stories of the tournament.
Over the past two weeks, Fonseca announced himself on one of tennis’ biggest stages, with performances that will be remembered long after this year’s tournament ends.
The teenager became the first player ever to defeat Novak Djokovic at a Grand Slam while still in his teens and only the second player in history to recover from two sets down against the Serbian legend.
Advertisement
Fonseca also defeated two-time Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud and became the first Brazilian man to reach the quarterfinals in Paris since Gustavo Kuerten in 2004.
This run has lifted him to a career-high No. 25 in the live ATP rankings and makes him one of the brightest young talents in the sport.
Speaking after his defeat, Fonseca reflected on the lessons he learned during the tournament.
Advertisement
“Still the same guy. I just know my limits better. I didn’t know if I could handle a five-hour match. I never saw my limit yet. I know I can be confident with my physique. I’m more confident with my game.”
Fonseca arrived in Paris as a promising young talent. He leaves as a player who has shown he belongs among the best in the world.
At just 19 years old, the future looks brighter than ever.
Rising U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Diego Kochen is set to leave Barcelona on loan this summer, according to reports.
The 20-year-old shot-stopper is set for the next stage of his development with more playing time, and Danish side Lyngby Boldklub are currently the favorites to temporarily add the American goalkeeper.
What Happened
Kochen is highly rated at Barcelona and spent much of last season rotating between Barcelona’s first team and the reserves. While he did not see the field for the senior team, he did serve as the team’s third goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny, meaning he was part of 40 matchday squads for the Spanish giants.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, he featured in 20 games for Barça Athletic in the fourth tier of Spanish soccer last season. He has made one first team appearance, albeit in a friendly game against Club América back in 2023.
According to ESPN, though, the club is open to letting Kochen leave on loan this summer to earn the playing time needed to further his development.
Kochen’s US Men’s National Team Hopes
Kochen has been a regular for the U.S. on the youth level and has played for the U-16, 17, 19, 20, and 23 teams. The goalkeeper is eligible for Venezuela and Peru, but Kochen has solely been focused on playing for the USA.
He’s gotten close. Kochen was called into the USA camp twice in 2024 and is spending this summer with the senior team as a training goalkeeper alongside Philadelphia Union rising star Andrew Rick, allowing the two youngsters an up-close look at the World Cup experience.
Advertisement
A Potential Landing Spot
While Kochen’s future is not fully decided, Lyngby Boldklub are the reported favorites to sign him on loan this summer.
The club was promoted to the Danish Superliga after this most recent season. They are reportedly open to taking Kochen in on a season-long loan, while Kochen himself is also open to the opportunity. Kochen’s contract with Barcelona runs through 2028.
What Comes Next?
Kochen will remain with the U.S. throughout the team’s World Cup run, although he is not a member of the official roster and, as a result, is ineligible to play.
After a win over Senegal this past weekend, the U.S. will face Germany this weekend before facing Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in the group stage of the World Cup.
Advertisement
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
Kyler Murray left the Arizona Cardinals in March — they kicked him out — and now that franchise is embroiled in a contractual standoff with Jacoby Brissett, a man viewed by most as a decent backup quarterback in the NFL.
The Cardinals are no stranger to messy operations, but even this situation feels bizarre by their standards.
Cardinals QB Room Gets Stranger
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing stands alongside quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during a home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Dec. 7, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, Petzing and Brissett worked through game situations as the Cardinals continued their NFC West schedule late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brissett Holds Out
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss wrote late last month, “After months of negotiating, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals are still not close to reaching an agreement on a reworked deal for this season. A source told ESPN that the two sides are ‘significantly’ far apart. Brissett has not attended any of the Cardinals’ voluntary OTAs or the voluntary offseason program as he waits for a new contract for 2026, the second year of a two-year deal he signed in March 2025.”
Advertisement
“His deal currently pays him $4.88 million, with the potential to grow to $5.39 million, of which just $1.5 million is guaranteed. By comparison, Gardner Minshew II, whom Arizona signed as a free agent in March, had $5.14 million guaranteed by the team for 2026.”
Fast forward to June, and Brissett wholly skipped the first week of organized team activities (OTAs), confirming the holdout. It’s ugly in the desert.
This Would Be Like Carson Wentz Playing Hardball
Advertisement
To give you an example of how embarrassing this situation comes off for the Cardinals, consider a Vikings example. Pretend Carson Wentz was under contract on a two-year agreement for $6 million. All of a sudden, he tells the Vikings he wants $10 million. The Vikings’ front office and coaching staff would look at each other and say, “Who does this guy think he is? Do we even need him?”
That’s what’s happening in Arizona — except Brissett projects to be the Cardinals’ QB1 in 2026. And it’s worth noting that this is shaking out is because general manager Monti Ossenfort opted to conclude the Murray era.
Brissett is not among the league’s best quarterbacks, and for a guy who would be a backup quarterback on almost every other squad, it’s bizarre to witness a hardball holdout.
SI.com‘s Donnie Druin noted on the holdout, “Brissett, 33, is likely staring down at his last opportunity to earn more than slightly above minimum money. The Cardinals reportedly have known about Brissett’s desire for a raise through the offseason and have been willing to work with Brissett — though ESPN reported last week the two are significantly far apart in their negotiations.”
Advertisement
“While Brissett’s contract doesn’t reflect that of a starting quarterback, it feels as if the veteran has little leverage with two other capable passers in the room with him.”
The World Nudging ARI toward Carson Beck
The Cardinals should tread carefully before handing Brissett a fat contract. He’s 33 and hasn’t been a consistent starter in his career. The odds of him forging a Rich Gannon-like career arc are low. That hardly happens to anybody.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prepares for action during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. On Nov. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, Brissett led Arizona’s offense while attempting to guide the Cardinals through an interconference matchup during the closing stretch of the season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona did, however, draft Miami’s Carson Beck in Round 3 five weeks ago. He’s hungry and waiting for his marching orders. If the Brissett standoff persists, the Cardinals should entertain telling Brissett “thanks but no thanks” while giving Beck a full audition for the QB1 job.
Most don’t expect Arizona to do much of anything in 2026, especially in a division with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals can learn about Beck’s skill set and know that if he doesn’t have “it,” well, they’d be in line for a high draft pick next April, which could land Texas’s Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Advertisement
The main takeaway? Arizona should examine Beck’s readiness, the longer Brissett continues the unorthodox holdout.
Brissett’s Career Resume
Brissett has essentially authored the blueprint for a top-tier NFL bridge quarterback. Across a ten-season career, he’s started 85 games, accumulating 14,766 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions, with a 61.9% completion rate. His career passer rating of 86.4 encapsulates his performance: solid, dependable, rarely erratic, and seldom spectacular.
His most statistically efficient year came with Washington in 2023, albeit in limited action, where he achieved an impressive 146.8 passer rating. His most extensive playing time was with Indianapolis and Cleveland, demonstrating his capacity to sustain an offense over prolonged periods.
Advertisement
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) delivers a pass during first-half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. On Nov. 30, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, Brissett directed Arizona’s offense on the road while facing a Buccaneers team competing for positioning in the NFC playoff race. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Beyond his passing, Brissett has added 1,224 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, proving his ability to convert crucial first downs. While Brissett won’t transform a struggling team into a championship contender, he also won’t be the reason for its downfall. His reliability and stability are valuable, which is precisely why teams in search of a credible, patient, and mature quarterback have kept him employed.
It’s just that he’s not the type of dude who should a team hostage via holdout.
Maybe the Cardinals should’ve kept Murray?
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Manchester United are looking to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad this summer
Manchester United are targeting five new signings this summer following an agreement for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is set to become the first arrival of the Michael Carrick era.
The Red Devils have just secured their return to the Champions League and, having played only 40 matches across all competitions last term, are aware their squad will face greater demands over the next 12 months.
Advertisement
Consequently, they’re looking at a number of new recruits, with The Times reporting that several midfielders are on their shortlist. An agreement worth an initial £35million has been reached with Atalanta to bring in their Brazilian star.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
In addition to this, they hold an interest in Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Elliot Anderson has also been mentioned, though it appears Manchester City are frontrunners to secure his signature.
A striker is also on their agenda, with the club already confirming that Rasmus Hojlund has departed Old Trafford on a permanent basis. A left-back is another position under consideration, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall a potential target.
Advertisement
Despite their ambition to recruit, the United hierarchy has made clear, and Michael Carrick firmly agrees, that the pathway into the first-team for young players must not be completely blocked. The former United player turned manager is a strong advocate of utilising the academy.
Carrick is familiar with the club’s heritage and swiftly reintegrated Kobbie Mainoo following his appointment in January.
The midfielder rediscovered his best form, and the club are keen to see more homegrown talent emerge, with players such as Shea Lacey receiving chances last term.
Ruben Amorim faced criticism for neglecting the club’s young prospects while also relegating Mainoo to the substitutes’ bench, deploying the midfielder only intermittently. Carrick’s arrival was warmly welcomed by families of academy players, who believed he would prove far more receptive to their development.
United are also poised to witness further high-profile departures, which will create space within their squad and generate revenue for their recruitment strategy.
Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana are available for transfer, while Casemiro has departed after his contract expired.
Advertisement
Jadon Sancho, who has endured an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa, is another player set to leave without a fee.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Noah Lyles is also in action with fellow Team USA superstar and indoor world champion Jordan Anthony, with Team GB’s Jeremiah Azu and former Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs in the men’s 100m.
Georgia Hunter Bell goes in the women’s 1500m, while Amy Hunt and Dina Asher Smith are up against superstar duo Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Julien Alfred in the women’s 200m.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Advertisement
When is the Rome Diamond League?
The meeting in Rome will be held on Thursday 4 June at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the meeting live on BBC Three, with coverage on the channel from 8pm BST. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Nearly 900 people have been arrested in riots that broke out after Paris Saint-Germain club won the coveted Champions League for a second consecutive year over the weekend. Speaking with FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen, Mateusz Grodecki, Associate Professor at The Maria Grzegorzewska University, says that football violence “is about proving one’s masculinity and the excitement that violence provides to one’s life”.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login