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Luxury automaker McLaren launching golf-equipment brand

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The worlds of golf and Formula 1 racing just got a whole lot closer.

McLaren, the parent company of its namesake racing team, known for winning 23 Formula 1 World Championships and over 200 Formula 1 Grand Prixs, on Monday announced its first foray into golf-equipment manufacturing with the launch of McLaren Golf.

“McLaren Golf is a high-end, engineering-led venture which goes beyond the equipment,” McLaren Golf CEO Neil Howie said in a press release. “We’re building a brand grounded in McLaren’s high-performance DNA, and embedding it in a new sporting arena. We’ve hired some of the best minds in engineering and combined them with leading figures from the golf world to create an innovation-led company that pushes the limits of what golfers can expect from their equipment. We can’t wait to see our ambition come to life on the course this year.”

The announcement is the latest sign of a blossoming connection between golf and Formula 1 racing.

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The Netflix PGA Tour docuseries, “Full Swing,” comes from the same producers as the highly acclaimed “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” docuseries and follows the same format.

Many F1 drivers, like McLaren’s own Lando Norris, are avid golfers, with Norris, along with three other drivers, taking part in the Netflix Cup in 2023, a crossover golf match highlighting Netflix’ two docuseries.

There are also stark similarities between automotive and racing design and golf-club manufacturing, from the extreme focus on speed and aerodynamics to the strict adherence to conforming regulations.

“At McLaren Racing, we’re driven by performance and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said in the release. “Taking our benchmark-setting engineering standards from the grid to the golf course feels like a natural step, and one that opens the McLaren brand to a new audience.”

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No additional details were included in Monday’s announcement, although the brand is promising the official launch of McLaren Golf and its first products on April 29.

To visit the McLaren Golf homepage and sign up for when the product launches, click here.

Want to overhaul your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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WrestleMania 42 title matches become clear

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The WrestleMania 42 title picture was cleared up Saturday night at WWE Elimination Chamber.

Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley picked up victories in their respective men’s and women’s Elimination Chamber matches and earned title shots at WrestleMania, which will take place April 18-19 in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.

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Randy Orton points to the WrestleMania sign

Randy Orton celebrates his win during WWE Elimination Chamber at the United Center on Feb. 28, 2026, in Chicago. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)

Orton came into the men’s match as a wild card. He had to get through Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, LA Knight, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans to win the match.

Luckily for Orton, Paul was on a tear as he eliminated three opponents. But Paul didn’t account for being attacked by a masked man. The person entered the chamber after one superstar was eliminated. He then delivered a curb stomp to Paul, who was then eliminated by Rhodes. Moments later, Seth Rollins revealed himself to be the masked man.

Rhodes needed to stay on high alert as Undisputed WWE champion Drew McIntyre entered the fray. He pummeled Rhodes before Orton got involved. He RKO’d McIntyre and Rhodes nailed him with the Cross Rhodes. Rhodes was distracted long enough for Orton to hit the “American Nightmare” with an RKO. Orton pinned Rhodes to get his championship chance.

Rhea Ripley enters the chamber

Rhea Ripley enters the ring during WWE Elimination Chamber at the United Center on Feb. 28, 2026, in Chicago. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)

In the women’s match, Ripley entered the match fifth. She managed to avoid some of the chaotic moments as Asuka nailed Alexis Bliss with green mist. Kiana James pinned Bliss and eliminated her, but it was enough of a distraction to help Raquel Rodriguez. She capitalized and hit a Tejana Bomb on Asuka and onto James. She pinned both competitors and eliminated them.

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Ripley’s experience in the chamber paid off. She went to the high-risk district and nailed a cannonball from the top of a pod. It allowed Tiffany Stratton to nail the Prettiest Moonsault Ever with a pin to eliminate Rodriguez.

Ripley and Stratton were the final two left. Ripley hit Stratton with an electric facebuster, making the former champion bleed from her nose. As Stratton regained the upper hand, she tried to set up Ripley for another moonsault but Ripley pushed her into the pod.

Ripley forced Stratton back into the ring, hit the Riptide and pinned Stratton.

Rhea Ripely points to the sky

Rhea Ripley celebrates her win during WWE Elimination Chamber at the United Center on Feb. 28, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)

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Orton will face McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Ripley will challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Scherzer slated for Saturday start; Davis Schneider to rep Jays in union

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DUNEDIN, Fla. — Before Max Scherzer’s contract had even been finalized, he was in full uniform at the Blue Jays’ player development facility Monday throwing a bullpen session in his familiar No. 31.

Not only that, there’s a chance the 41-year-old will be pitching in Grapefruit League games within the week, as the Blue Jays are tentatively planning to have him start Saturday’s game against the Phillies.

“Good catching up with Gramps,” said manager John Schneider. “It’s nice to have him back. Not only watching him throw — which looked really good — but just catching up with him, really. You guys all know the character that he is and it’s nice to get him back around some new faces and awesome to see him.”

Another bullpen session is slated for Wednesday, but since Scherzer has already been facing free agent hitters, he could be starting games as soon as this weekend.

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Earlier in the week, Kevin Gausman will pitch Tuesday, followed by Dylan Cease Thursday and a combination of Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer Friday.

BLUE JAYS CHOOSE UNION REP

The Blue Jays chose an acting union rep Monday, with Davis Schneider officially taking over the duties that were once handled by Chris Bassitt. Early in spring, Daulton Varsho represented the Blue Jays, but Schneider will now handle the role with support from Varsho, George Springer, Tyler Heineman and Scherzer, among others.

“We’re a union, so everyone’s voice matters,” Schneider said. “Making sure everyone’s on the same page, talking to other teams, talking to other reps and discussing what everyone else is thinking.”

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The role is especially important at a time that the sport’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Dec. 1. Union leader Bruce Meyer met with the Blue Jays Monday morning, fielding questions from players for about an hour and a half along with MLBPA executives and former pitchers Kevin Slowey and Andrew Miller.

Schneider was in the minor leagues the last time the sport’s CBA expired, so this is new for him, but he intends to connect regularly with veteran players as questions emerge this season. 

“It’s not just me,” Schneider said. “Having Max back is big, being friends with (Chris) Bassitt, I can just text him and what he’s thinking. You’re also boys with everyone around the league, so no one’s afraid to talk to each other.”

Players are bracing for a lockout as MLB is expected to push for a salary cap, which the MLBPA has always opposed.

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Bendel Insurance Thrash Ikorodu City 4-0 as Enyimba Held at Home on NPFL Matchday 28

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Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered exciting results across different centres, with Bendel Insurance producing the standout performance of the weekend.

Bendel Insurance recorded a dominant 4-0 home win over Ikorodu City. Alex Oweilayefa was the star of the match, scoring three goals in the 15th, 27th and 59th minutes. Wisdom Udom also found the net in the 24th minute as the hosts took full control early in the game and secured an emphatic victory in front of their supporters.

Rangers also enjoyed a good afternoon as they defeated Nasarawa United 2-0. Godwin Obaje opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Chidiebere Nwobodo added the second goal eight minutes later to seal a comfortable win.

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Bayelsa United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Rivers United in the South South derby. The only goal of the match came in the 13th minute when Temple Emekayi turned the ball into his own net, handing Bayelsa United all three points.

Remo Stars continued their strong form with a 2-0 win against Katsina United. Haruna Hadi scored twice within two minutes in the second half, finding the net in the 60th and 62nd minutes to put the game beyond reach.

There was no breakthrough in Minna as Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw. Both sides created chances but failed to convert them.

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Shooting Stars secured a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars. Sodiq Ibrahim gave the hosts the lead in the 30th minute before Qamar Adegoke doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute. Mustapha Jibrin reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, but Kano Pillars could not find an equaliser.

In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat. James Ekebuike put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute. Enyimba responded late in the game, with Ekene Awazie scoring in the 85th minute to rescue a point for his side.

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Six Nations 2026: O’Connell happy to see Irish plans come to fruition

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Ireland assistant coach Paul O’Connell says it was pleasing to see the coaching plans “come to fruition” in the side’s thumping five-try 42-21 Six Nations win over England at Twickenham on 21 February.

The Irish side catapulted themselves into contention for the title by building on their home win over Italy in Dublin after suffering a humbling opening weekend defeat by France.

Following the tournament’s rest week, a home game against Wales is next up for Ireland this Friday [20:10 GMT], with Scotland the visitors to the Aviva Stadium on the final weekend of the championship on 14 March.

“You have certain messages every week, you’ve a certain plan going into the game thinking it’s going to work, and at times that has happened over the last few weeks – it just hasn’t always happened,” O’Connell reflected at Tuesday’s media conference.

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“To see some of the play that came out in the game, to see some of the bits that you’re working on in the training ground come to fruition, was great as well.

“The hunger of the players was enjoyable to watch too, right up until the end of the game, how hard they worked to produce a performance. That’s one of the most satisfying things you experience as coaches in the stand.”

The forwards coach says there remains plenty of room for improvement in the remaining two fixtures.

“For us it’s just about getting better from the last performance and that’s what the focus is on and the excitement for us as coaches and as players.

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“Even though it was a good result there are plenty of things we need to improve on.”

O’Connell added that winning the Triple Crown or the championship have not been a topic for discussion but is up front about the side’s ambitions.

“We haven’t discussed trophies or silverware or anything like that, but we might,” he told reporters.

“You always come into a campaign trying to win it and we don’t shy away from it. Andy has a meeting tomorrow, he might mention it, I don’t know.

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“But for us as coaches and players, it is just about getting set for the Welsh game.”

The Irish coach explained that the return of centre Bundee Aki after a four-game suspension for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials in Connacht’s URC loss to Leinster in January had come as a boost before the meeting with Steve Tandy’s side.

“It’s great, he’s a brilliant personality to have around the place. He trained quite well today and it’s great to have that leadership, that kind of personality, around the group.”

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Leeds: Daniel Farke ‘will never jog again’ after red card

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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke says he “will never jog again” after being “embarrassed in front of the whole world” by his red card at the end of Saturday’s home defeat by Manchester City.

Farke, 49, headed straight on to the Elland Road pitch at the final whistle to confront referee Peter Bankes, aggrieved at several decisions in his side’s hard-fought 1-0 loss in the Premier League.

Farke, sent off for the first time in his 16-year managerial career, said he did not swear or use threatening language towards Bankes and his fellow officials, and that he was shown the red card before he said anything.

He gave an 11-minute answer when asked about the incident in his news conference for Tuesday’s match with Sunderland (19:30 GMT).

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“I jogged over,” he said. “Not one bad word. No swear words or bad language. I just wanted to ask him why he didn’t add any [further stoppage time] on. He didn’t speak to me and just pulled out the red card.

“To pull out a red card and embarrass me in front of the whole world, I wasn’t happy. Even the assistants were shocked the red card was shown. This is not how we should work with each other. I have so much respect for the referees.

“I don’t think Peter did it on purpose, he just misjudged it. I will never jog again.”

The former Norwich boss could appeal against the dismissal but is yet to decide if he will.

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“I’m not sure what the processes are and when we can appeal it,” he said. “I can just give you my gut feeling this should not be a red card.

“When there has been a clear and obvious mistake, and for me this was a clear and obvious mistake, it should be overturned. This is what I’ve experienced when players have a red card by mistake, it can be overturned, and I expect the same.”

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WBC come under fire for allowing Usyk to defend world title against Verhoeven

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The WBC’s decision to sanction a heavyweight world title contest between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven has led one fan to label the event as a ‘complete circus’.

Usyk has been an old-school fighter throughout his career and a valid, respected and appreciated world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, applauded for his triumphs on away soil and fearlessness will to take on all comers.

Following an extraordinary run of arduous and enduring contests, where he maintained his undefeated record, the disciplined Ukrainian has become a pound-for-pound star and is recognised as a modern heavyweight legend.

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At 39 years old, most feel he has earned the right to fight who he wants and make as much money as he can.

However, the fact that the coveted WBC heavyweight world title will be on the line for a contest between Usyk and Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, who boasts a professional boxing record of 1-0, has understandably riled up boxing fans around the globe.

Verhoeven’s solitary win came 12 years ago, against a 0-5 Janos Finfera, and ‘The Prince of Kickboxing’ now has the opportunity to become boxing’s fastest heavyweight world champion, if he manages to do the unthinkable and dethrone Usyk.

After receiving backlash when the event was announced, the WBC explained that they had not yet determined whether Usyk’s belt would be on the line. Although, after 24 hours of ‘careful consideration’, it has now been ruled that will be permitted to fight for the world title.

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Typically, a fighter must be ranked in the WBC’s top 15 in order to challenge for their belt, a position which boxers regularly risk their lives to reach. Assumably, Verhoeven will usurp those combatants in the coming weeks, skipping the line due to his outstanding kickboxing record.

A recent example of the WBC making the opposite decision entirely was when Tyson Fury, then champion, faced Francis Ngannou in that latter’s first pro bout. While Fury was allowed to keep the belt, the match-up was not a world title fight and Ngannou had no chance of winning the belt.

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On social media, the reaction was one-sided, as fight fans unanimously condemned the WBC’s verdict, labelling the state of boxing as a ‘complete circus’ and stating that the sanctioning body are ‘making a mockery of the sport’.

Despite the frustration and disappointment at Usyk not fighting mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, Usyk will be ordered to fight the German upon his next outing should he want to hold on to the belt.

As for Usyk’s WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles, there is no update as of yet. He may be stripped of or vacate those belts prior to his clash with Verhoeven, with Murat Gassiev potentially being elevated to WBA world champion if it does occur.

Meanwhile, the IBF crown could potentially be added to the already scheduled final eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr, which takes place on the Fundora-Thurman undercard at the end of this month.

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A corner turned for how the Premier League is played – and what it means

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The article below is an excerpt from the free Monday edition of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To get my latest analysis, reporting and insights delivered straight to your inbox, sign up by entering your email address in the box above.

Members of Inside Football and Independent Premium subscribers get an extra bonus edition every Friday. Become a member at just £3 a month here.

Arsenal’s win over Chelsea confirmed that there have already been more set-piece goals this season than in the entirety of the last campaign. There are clear reasons for that rise, from tactical evolution to calendar congestion, as the game’s powerbrokers weigh up what it means – not just for “the product”, but for how this increasingly unpredictable season will ultimately be decided.

For all of the discussion around set-pieces, and what almost seems to be a moral debate about how football should be played, there have been moments when Arsenal have embraced the perception. The squad have come in after some wins singing a particular fan chant: “Set piece again, ole ole.”

That wasn’t quite the case after the 2-1 win over Chelsea, which keeps them top of the table by five points, albeit with a game more played than Manchester City. Instead, there was a sense of resolve.

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The match might not have been the most aesthetically enrapturing, but it was absorbing – precisely because of the tension from the title race.

These are the two sides of the Premier League right now: holding in the box, but still holding attention.

This is about much more than Arsenal, after all. As the team that have scored most from set-pieces, and duly lead the table, they merely typify a trend.

That trend is certainly difficult to dispute now. Set-piece centrality is more than a tactical fad, as has been discussed in this newsletter already this season. The last week alone represents an extreme.

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As early as Monday, we had the rugby lineout-style jostling that characterised Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Everton. By Sunday evening, and those three strikes at Arsenal, it was confirmed that this season has already seen more set-piece goals than the entirety of 2024-25 – and that with a quarter of the campaign still left to play.

There is a distinctive reason for this, but also some indication it’s a bit overplayed. Some of the images are unedifying. Put simply, you would much rather watch matches replete with skill and creativity rather than groups of players huddling together in the area while grappling. Through balls over throw-ins, individual brilliance over in-swinging corners.

Such scenes stand out all the more when you consider the billions of expenditure, and Thursday’s giddy talk about “Premflix” in Singapore, as well as the sense of a “product” that just keeps selling itself.

And yet it was only 24 hours before Arsenal’s crucial win – with set-pieces central – that the discussion revolved around a sensational set of Saturday 3pm games. Vintage Premier League; maximum chaos.

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How couldn’t it? Jordan Pickford secured a 3-2 away win for Everton with a magnificent match-winning save, amid an increasingly erratic season for Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Burnley 3-4 Brentford was utter mayhem, although the pedantic, VAR-dominated way it ended also played into a theme.

By the same token, Arsenal-Chelsea was the marquee Sunday match, so ended up shaping a lot of impressions. A huge factor in the game playing out how it did, however, was simply because these are two highly tactical coaches in what has been a highly intense calendar. It is somewhat inevitable that such games are going to be won on the margins.

Hence Liam Rosenior’s frustration at his team’s errors in that area – albeit with some gripes about the officiating. The Chelsea manager didn’t call them “marking assignments” this time, but admitted it is something he has to get more up to speed on. His team are at least good at attacking set-pieces, which is indicative.

This trend has been accentuated by the fact that club analysts have all realised there is still significant “opportunity” in “restarts”.

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After years when the positional game – in other words, Pep Guardiola’s ideology – dictated that it was strategically more advantageous to keep possession and play short corners, it is now seen as one of those areas where new attacking approaches have outpaced defensive responses. There is a mismatch, which probably means this is going to continue in some form for some time. The probabilities have changed.

Approaches have changed with it. Look at Liverpool, who made it seven set-pieces in a row this weekend to also make it three wins on the spin – the second-best run in the Premier League at the moment.

That came after a summer when the club hierarchy decided to specifically lean into individual creativity when many rivals pivoted towards other collective approaches and set-pieces. Those individuals have nevertheless had adjustment issues, though.

And if you cannot beat them…

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Mikel Arteta would, of course, insist that he himself is a disciple of the positional game, but that augmenting the ideology with set-pieces is itself a counter-response to deep defences. Liverpool might have found that against West Ham United. Arteta was meanwhile quick to point out after the Chelsea win that “we haven’t scored set-pieces for a few weeks now, but we scored so many in open play – today was an option”.

Much more relevant than such a pre-emptive argument might have been the Basque’s explanation for why they ceded so much play to Chelsea late on. “To train game context in those scenarios is becoming really difficult because we don’t have time to train.”

This is by now an increasingly worn argument, but it is always worth repeating. As the football calendar continues to demand more and more commitment, something has to give. That is naturally going to be high-quality general play.

This is what the game’s stakeholders are not getting. This is what greedy club leaderships are not getting.

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Time and space to properly train at elite level is the cost of so much calendar congestion.

Other stakeholders are conscious, though. The weekend’s IFAB meeting showed lawmakers want to eliminate such grappling from the game, amid the introduction of time limits.

The Premier League is expected to assess this for next season, although some club figures already point out there was supposed to be a crackdown this season.

They are conscious of “the product”.

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And there is another point to be made – that other side that some stakeholders also do not get. For all the attempt to position football as an “entertainment product”, it has never been that. It is something unique, which is also why it has never been just “a business”. So much is driven by deep emotional investment, regardless of what events on the pitch actually look like. You can throw up a dour 0-0 draw and people keep coming back for other reasons.

So it is with this season. Some of the football is underwhelming, but the storylines may yet be off the scale.

We have already got the title race. The Champions League race is now increasingly charged, especially after Manchester United and Liverpool gathered pace just as Aston Villa dropped points – and Chelsea try to figure out where they are.

Almost the entire mid-table can dream of Europe, with clubs like Brentford and Bournemouth maybe enjoying historic opportunities. There is then the relegation battle, which is really looking like it is going to involve a storyline on the scale of Tottenham Hotspur’s battle for survival.

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And all of this while the football has not been all that.

There is evidently no set way of doing this.

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US-Iran war adds to list of concerns

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March 3 marks 100 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off. A series of playoffs this month will determine the last six teams to make up the newly expanded 48-team tournament.

But with the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory strikes in the Middle East, one of those playoff contenders — likely Iran’s neighbors Iraq — may replace Iran, who qualified a year ago.

“It’s not possible to say exactly, but there will certainly ​be a response,” Iran Football Federation President, Mehdi Taj, said on Monday on  Iran’s IRIB Channel 3. “This will surely be studied by the country’s high-ranking sports officials and there will ⁠be ​a decision on what’s going to ​happen.

“But what we can say now is that due to this ​attack and its viciousness, ‌it is far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with ​hope.”

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While no decision has been taken for the men’s side, Iran’s women kicked off their Asian Cup campaign with defeat to South Korea on Monday in Australia with nothing in the way of protest or politics on display. While Australia has not directly attacked Iran in the way that the US and Israel have, the Australian Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese, has said that “we support the United States” in its actions.

Iran’s men are due to play all three of their World Cup group games in the US. First against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, host city of the 2028 Olympics, then against Egypt in Seattle.

A World Cup for everybody?

Tournament organizers FIFA have said they are monitoring the situation, and the organization’s general secretary, Mattias Grafstrom, added that “our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating”.

However, Iranian fans will be banned from traveling to the US for the tournament as they — like fellow qualifiers Ivory Coast, Senegal and Haiti — are on US President Donald Trump’s travel ban list. Players and approved officials are exempt. Trump’s travel bans, and a perceived general air of hostility to foreigners enforced by ICE agents, are also sparking safety concerns among potential travelers.

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While talk of a European boycott of the tournament has cooled slightly since Trump backed down on his threats to annex Greenland by force earlier this year, the volatility of the US president makes predictions difficult.

Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino further muddies the waters. Infantino was at the launch of Trump’s Board of Peace just over a week before the Iran attacks and donned a MAGA-style cap at the event.

World Cup ticket prices proving prohibitive

For those from countries not on the banned list or at war with the hosts, the price of tickets and associated costs are controversial. Final tickets start at $2,000 ($1704) and the best seats are $8,680. That’s before accounting for FIFA’s resale portal, which recently had a ticket listed at $143,750.

Prices could rise still higher, with FIFA holding back an unspecified number of tickets to be released in April, once all the qualifiers are known (barring any boycotts or withdrawals). These will be “on a first come, first served basis” and the lack of regulation around secondary ticket sellers, including FIFA’s own platform, has many fans concerned things will get worse.

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With US stadiums often only accessible by car, even those fans lucky enough to afford the ticket, travel and accommodation will be stung for parking. A spot at the SoFi stadium in Los Angeles, for example, will set you back $300 per matchday and still leave you a mile (1.6 kilometers) to walk. These costs are significantly higher than they would be for US domestic sporting events at the same arenas.

Fan parks in major doubt

For those without tickets, or with tickets to matches elsewhere, fan parks have become part of the World Cup tapestry in the last 20 years. But a partial federal shutdown in the US has put those in doubt this year. Almost $900 million designated for the 11 host cities in the US has yet to be received, leading to many cities warning they may have to scrap events.

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani stands at a lectern during a protest over World Cup ticket prices in September 2025
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has been among those critical of World Cup ticket pricesImage: Andrea Renault/ZUMA/picture alliance

“We have to start making some really tough decisions and it starts with our fan festival,” Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee said, warning that there must be resolution before the end of this month. Other cities have made similar noises.

“The matches up at the stadium will take place, but preparing for all the impromptu events and watch parties that we are expecting to see will be in jeopardy,” Martinez said.

Mexico cartels also cast shadow

Preparations for the tournament in Mexico and Canada had, until recently, appeared more serene. Mexico City will host the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, and games in the country will take place across three cities.

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But a wave of violence set off by the killing of a Mexican drug cartel boss in late February has raised some safety concerns there too.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed last week that FIFA will visit the country soon to make an assessment, but that Infantino told her he has “full confidence” in the country as a host.

“He assured me that the World Cup would be held in our country,” she said. “We agreed that a FIFA team would definitely come to review several issues. We’ve been working on this for a long time, but the issue of security is particularly important, of course.”

Two Canadian cities, Toronto and Vancouver, will also host games.

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Edited by: Chuck Penfold

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Charles Barkley talks Olympic hockey fallout

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Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley sounded off on the frenzied reactions to the U.S. men’s hockey team getting invited to the White House by President Donald Trump.

Trump talked to the Olympic gold medal-winning team immediately after they defeated Canada in overtime last weekend. He said they would be invited to his State of the Union address and added that he needed to invite the women’s team as well or he would be “impeached.”

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Charles Barkley sits courtside

Charles Barkley sits courtside against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Trump critics took the joke as a shot at the women’s team, which sparked questions from NHL and Professional Women’s Hockey League reporters as the players returned to their respective club teams.

“I’m proud of the United States men. I’m proud of the United States women. You should have invited both of them to the White House, but it shouldn’t have been disrespect, misogyny,” Barkley said on the “Steam Room” podcast. “Like, yo, man, why do y’all have to mess everything up? Everything isn’t Democrat, Republican, conservative, liberal. That’s why we got this divided, screwed up country. Stop it man. Because, you know, the public, they’re idiots. They’re fools. They can’t think for themselves. I know y’all say stuff to trigger them. Y’all say stuff and y’all know they’re going to be fools.”

Barkley lamented that the average person would get riled up over the supposed controversy.

Team USA poses for photo

The U.S. team poses for a group photo after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Milan, Italy, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Luca Bruno/AP Photo)

“We don’t have to fall for stupidity. But we do – that’s my point. These people out here are stupid. They need something to trigger them. Just because they want us to be stupid. We don’t have to be stupid. He should have invited both teams to the White House. Simple as that. Guys who didn’t want to go shouldn’t have to explain why they didn’t go.”

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The former Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns star made clear he would go to the White House regardless of whether Trump was in office.

“I’ve said this before, I’m not a Trump guy. But if I got invited to the White House, I would go. I’m not a Trump guy – I want to make that clear. But I respect the office,” Barkley said. “He’s the president of the United States. But if guys don’t want to go, I understand that too. It doesn’t have to be a talking point. It doesn’t have to be un-American.

Megan Keller with the American flag

Megan Keller (5) celebrates with a flag alongside Cayla Barnes (3) of Team United States after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime during the women’s gold medal match against Canada on Day 13 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 19, 2026. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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“I just wish y’all would stop falling for the stupidity.”

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NBA Picks Tonight: Clippers vs. Warriors, Celtics vs. Bucks, Nuggets vs. Jazz Predictions

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Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesSep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors seem destined for a Western Conference play-in spot as they continue to play without Stephen Curry. The NBA’s best-ever 3-point marksman will again be a spectator when the Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

The Warriors said Sunday that Curry will miss five more games before his achy right knee is re-evaluated. That declaration means Golden State won’t have Curry for at least 15 games in total, barring any further setbacks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return still hangs in the balance as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets visit the Utah Jazz in another match that we’ll study.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Golden State is eighth in the West, five games behind the No. 6 Los Angeles Lakers for an automatic playoff spot. The Clippers are 2 ½ games behind the Warriors in ninth, making Monday’s game highly important for both teams, particularly Los Angeles.

Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points in Sunday’s 137-117 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans and he has scored 20 or more points in his last 37 appearances. Point guard Darius Garland, acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, is slated to make his Los Angeles debut and he knows his job is to get the ball to Leonard.

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Golden State is just 4-6 without Curry and was blasted 129-101 by the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Depending on guys like Gui Santos, Will Richard, Pat Spencer and Nate Williams in place of Curry and Jimmy Butler (ACL, out for season) isn’t going to last long-term.

Clippers -1.5 points to cover spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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BOSTON CELTICS AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Antetokounmpo missed his 15th straight game Sunday due to his right calf injury and there is no guarantee the two-time MVP will suddenly be ready to go. Milwaukee got creamed by the Chicago Bulls – who had lost 11 straight – 120-97 and gave up 27 consecutive points during one stretch of the second half.

The teams split the first two meetings this season but what stands out is how Boston totally shut down the Milwaukee offense during a 107-79 home win on Feb. 1. Ryan Rollins scored 25 on 10-of-16 shooting and the rest of the Bucks had 54 points on 19-of-66 shooting (28.8%) as Milwaukee was held to a season low for points.

Jaylen Brown continues to carry the Celtics but he surely was happy to see Neemias Queta score a career-best 27 points and collect 17 rebounds in Sunday’s 114-98 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Boston has won 11 of its last 13 games and looks primed to dispose of the Bucks again.

Under 215.5 total points, -110 (DraftKings)

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DENVER NUGGETS AT UTAH JAZZ

Nikola Jokic has scored 30 or more points in four of the last five games and he figures to be a triple-double threat against the woeful Jazz. Jokic also might pack extra motivation as he had just 14 points in the first meeting between the teams on Dec. 22. He took just seven shots (making five) and also had 13 rebounds and 13 assists.

The Nuggets haven’t been playing well and are struggling with eight losses in their past 12 games. Denver lost 117-108 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday despite Jokic contributing 35 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Sidekick Jamal Murray had 39 and 25 points the past two games, both in losses.

The Jazz are focused on tanking and have dropped five straight games, including back-to-back home games against the New Orleans Pelicans. Utah will show for the game – league rules mandate it – but it would be stunning for it to muster a victory or slow Jokic down.

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Nikola Jokic to score 30-plus points, -119 (DraftKings)

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