Sports
More than just numbers: How lower-ranked teams are shining at FIFA WC 2026 | FIFA World Cup 2026
For decades, FIFA rankings have offered a broad guide to international football’s balance of power. They have separated favourites from outsiders and shaped expectations long before a ball is kicked.
Yet, the opening fortnight of the 2026 World Cup has demonstrated that rankings alone no longer tell the full story.
From World Cup debutants Cape Verde taking points off Spain and Uruguay to Egypt and Iran frustrating Belgium, and DR Congo forcing Portugal to settle for a draw, the tournament has produced a growing collection of results that suggests the gap between football’s established powers and emerging nations is shrinking.
The elite sides still possess greater depth, superior infrastructure and richer histories. But increasingly, lower-ranked teams are proving that tactical organisation, collective discipline and self-belief can compensate for disparities in resources.
Heavyweights have struggled to impose themselves
The surprises are beginning to resemble a pattern rather than a collection of isolated upsets.
World No. 2 Spain were held to a goalless draw by 72nd-ranked Cape Verde despite dominating possession and registering 23 shots. The World Cup debutants had only six attempts and one effort on target, but their defensive discipline earned them a memorable point.
It was not an isolated result. Twenty-sixth-ranked Uruguay needed a late equaliser to avoid defeat against 58th-ranked Saudi Arabia and were then held 2-2 by Cape Verde, a side ranked nearly 50 places below them.
Twelfth-ranked Belgium have also found themselves frustrated. After drawing 1-1 with 34th-ranked Egypt, the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by 20th-ranked Iran despite enjoying 68 per cent possession and producing 22 shots.
Meanwhile, eighth-ranked Portugal were unable to overcome 61st-ranked DR Congo. Despite completing 789 passes and monopolising possession, the Europeans had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Elsewhere, 17th-ranked Japan recovered twice to secure a 2-2 draw against sixth-ranked Netherlands, while 90th-ranked Curaçao denied 24th-ranked Ecuador despite facing 28 shots and conceding 75 per cent possession.
Cape Verde have become the symbol of the shift
No team has captured that transformation better than Cape Verde. Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks arrived in the United States with few expectations. Instead, they have emerged as one of the stories of the tournament.
Against Spain, Bubista’s side defended with remarkable organisation. Although they saw only 26 per cent of possession, they restricted Spain’s 23 shots to eight efforts on target and preserved a memorable draw.
Their meeting with Uruguay demonstrated another dimension. Cape Verde twice came from behind and converted four shots on target into two goals. Uruguay, despite creating 16 attempts and earning 11 corners, could not shake off the Africans.
Rather than merely surviving, Cape Verde have shown they are capable of competing.
That belief, perhaps more than any statistic, explains why they have become one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
Globalisation has reduced the quality gap
The narrowing divide is not accidental. Football’s talent pool is now spread more evenly across the world than at any previous time.
Players from Africa, Asia and smaller footballing nations are increasingly gaining experience in Europe’s top leagues and academies, exposing them to elite coaching, tactical systems and sports science.
National teams that once relied on one or two exceptional individuals are now fielding squads containing players accustomed to competing at the highest levels.
Data analysis has also transformed preparation. Smaller federations may not possess the resources of football’s superpowers, but advances in video analysis and performance analytics have made detailed tactical planning accessible to a much wider range of nations.
Diaspora players and dual-nationality recruitment have further strengthened many teams, providing depth that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.
The result is a tournament where the differences in technical quality remain significant, but the margins separating teams have become increasingly fine.
Defensive organisation has become football’s great equaliser
Another recurring theme of the tournament has been the effectiveness of compact defensive systems. Possession statistics have repeatedly favoured the traditional powers, but possession itself has often proved meaningless.
Spain’s 74 per cent share of the ball produced no goals against Cape Verde. Belgium’s 68 per cent possession against Iran yielded 22 shots but no breakthrough. Portugal enjoyed three-quarters of possession against DR Congo yet managed only one more attempt than their opponents.
Many lower-ranked nations have embraced a pragmatic approach, prioritising shape and discipline over possession. By denying space between the lines and forcing opponents into wide areas, they have compelled technically superior teams into speculative efforts.
Counter-attacks and set-pieces have become valuable weapons, allowing underdogs to remain dangerous without dominating the ball.
The football may not always be expansive, but it has proved remarkably effective.
Expanded format has increased competitiveness
Before the tournament, critics feared that the expanded 48-team World Cup would dilute quality and create more one-sided contests.
The opposite has happened. The additional places have provided emerging football nations with opportunities that previously did not exist.
Teams such as Cape Verde and DR Congo have used that platform to demonstrate how far they have progressed, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Japan and Curaçao have all shown they belong on the biggest stage.
The larger field has broadened football’s geographical reach without reducing competitiveness.
The established powers will still expect their greater depth and experience to become decisive once the knockout rounds begin.
But the first fortnight of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has delivered a clear message: Rankings and reputations are becoming increasingly unreliable measures of strength.
The giants remain powerful, but the outsiders are no longer arriving simply to participate. They are arriving to compete and, increasingly, to disrupt.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The schedule of an independent professional wrestler is already jam packed with shows, travel, media interviews, training and everything else in between. Adding anything else onto their plates would be a near-impossible task to manage.
Pro wrestling star Vinny Pacifico is taking the challenge head on. He will be in a new movie called “The Hours that Keep Us,” which features a talented cast from the sports and entertainment industries. The Tommy Dwyer-directed film will feature MMA stars Paige VanZant and Mickey Gall as well as actors Zack Ward and Chelsea Bray.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Vinny Pacifico flexes for the crowd. (Vinny Pacifico)
Pacifico, who was in “Mr. Reset and the Society of Turnbuckle & Bone” and “The Forsaken Few,” told Fox News Digital he was ecstatic about the cast for the movie.
“That’s going to be absolutely phenomenal,” Pacifico said. “The cast is insane. We got Paige VanZant. We got Mickey Gall, Zack Ward, Chelsea Brea and Tommy Dwyer – he’s the director and he’s going to be in it as well. … That film has the craziest cast you could imagine and it’s really exciting. That’s going to be a really fun movie.
“It’s one of those things where it’s like you can sit back and you’re like, wow, what a phenomenal group of people from all different industries – wrestling, MMA, film and so many different places. We have so many people in this film. So many different fan bases. It’s a really beautiful thing.”
Pacifico said “The Hours that Keep Us” will be an anthology-type film with three different stories intertwining with each other.
“They’re all dark stories and they each have a connection,” he explained. “Bottom line, it’s going to be special, it’s going to be different.”
Meanwhile, Pacifico is still wrestling in between filming.
Paige VanZant stands ringside before the catchweight bout between Nikolay Veretennikov and Austin Vanderford during UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash., on Feb. 22, 2025. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
He talked to Fox News Digital about balancing doing everything while keeping his mental health in check.
“It hasn’t been easy to be honest. I really have not had any time for myself or just to sit still because even in between, on the days that I’m not wrestling or doing a movie, it’s answering emails, booking more stuff and doing media. … Mental health, I’ll be honest, I haven’t had time to think much,” he said. “Of course, being in entertainment, we always go through moments where we have anxiety where we get mad at ourselves. We want more, we want this. We’re always critiquing ourselves in wrestling and films, as an actor. We’re always looking at ourselves like ‘What could we do better?’ But I haven’t had much time to really sit and think about stuff. I kinda have just been go, go, go, which I’m grateful for.
“But, it’s not easy because you do have to really, mindfully, take the time to step back and be like, all right, I need a few minutes to just be with my family, be with my friends or just focus on something that’s not work related for just a little. If it consumes you, it’s not always a good thing. For me, it’s like, OK, I did what I needed to do today. When ‘Mr. Reset’ came out, I had nine interviews in a row and then I went to the gym and then I had another interview and I said you know what? OK, I’m gonna do these interviews, I’m gonna go to the gym, I’m gonna everything, and then by 3 p.m., when I’m done with everything, I’m gonna put my phone down and just be with my family and be with my wife and just live. I feel you have to mindfully do those things.”
Pro wrestler Vinny Pacifico steps inside of the ring. (Vinny Pacifico)
Still, Pacifico said he was “grateful” for every opportunity he receives in and out of the ring.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“The Hours that Keep Us” is set to start filming next month.
Detroit — When lefty Brant Hurter went down on May 23 (lumbar spine inflammation), it opened a gaping hole in the Tigers’ bullpen.
At the time, it felt irreparable. It left the Tigers with two lefties, Tyler Holton and long-reliever Enmanuel De Jesus. Missing was Hurter’s ability to be both a multi-inning bridge and, whenever Holton was unavailable, a leverage situational lefty.
Advertisement
And yet here we are, a full month later, and we aren’t talking about any kind of gaping hole in the bullpen.
Jun 10, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Sommers (51) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Credit that to the next man up, who in this case has been 6-3, 250-pound lefty Drew Sommers.
In the Tigers’ 5-4, 10-inning, series-sweeping win against the White Sox Sunday, manager AJ Hinch, having used Holton for two innings on Saturday, would certainly have brought in Hurter for the top of the eighth inning.
The Tigers were down 3-1 and the top of the White Sox order was due up, featuring three left-handed hitters. Without hesitation, he summoned Sommers and the lefty struck out Sam Antonacci, right-handed pinch-hitter Randal Grichuk and Colston Montgomery.
Advertisement
“I think he’s nasty, really tough on lefties,” Hinch said recently. “If he can navigate the counter, the righties, the pinch-hitters, that’s the difference between him being a viable option or just somebody who is filling in.”
He’s become viable. Hitters are 2-for-20 against him since his arrival, with 10 strikeouts. Lefties are 1-for-12. Righties are 1-for-8. He hasn’t allowed an extra-base hit.
Not at all the same guy who showed up last season and seemed utterly overwhelmed by the level.
“If we can learn patience in this world, it would probably help view people and players differently,” Hinch said. “He learned a lot and I think the game slows down a little bit. It’s not as new. The strike-throwing, has been excellent.”
Advertisement
Sommers, 25, was acquired from the Rays before last season for right-hander Mason Englert. And his first taste of the big leagues was bitter. In three innings, he was tagged for six runs on seven hits and three walks.
He’s not the same guy, on or off the field.
“Just having the experience from last year,” he said. “Getting all the butterflies out and knowing the teammates more. I was very timid when I first walked in the door last year.
“Lots of big names. I didn’t know how to act or conduct myself. But after having spring training in big-league camp and getting to know these guys better, it’s like, OK, they’re just like any other players.
Advertisement
“It’s the same. So I’m not freaking out.”
He’s pounding the strike zone, that is the primary difference. His strike percentage has increased from 57% to 67%.
“The overall conviction comes with the experience,” Hinch said. “There have been some subtle adjustments. Player development has done a good job of centralizing the adjustment when he starts spraying the ball a little bit. But mostly, he’s a calmer version of himself now.”
He showed some advanced pitch-ability on Sunday. He won a seven-pitch at-bat against Antonacci, showing him sinkers and sliders for six pitches and then busting a 2-2 four-seamer above the zone and getting the chase.
Advertisement
Against the right-hander Grichuk, who is still in the league because of his ability to mash lefties, Sommers fell behind 2-1. Dangerous count, but Sommers surprised him with a well-disguised, well-located changeup. That’s Sommers’ third pitch, the one he’s developing to neutralize righties and he had Grichuk well out in front.
He put him away with a four-seamer.
Sommers didn’t mess around with Montgomery, beating him with three straight, 95-mph four-seamers.
“Everybody, when they first come up, whether it be butterflies or just the adjustment to the league, it always happens,” catcher Dillon Dingler said of Sommers’ rough debut. “He’s been up here already so he’s made the adjustment. The biggest thing is just being in the zone.
Advertisement
“Drew is awesome. He’s got great stuff. Talking to some of the (opposing hitters), they say he’s a tough at-bat.”
The White Sox would concur.
“Simple as that,” Sommers shrugged. “I got comfortable and I am able to just do what I do best.”
Yankees at Tigers
First pitch: 6:40, Wednesday, Comerica Park, Detroit
TV/radio: Detroit Sports Net/97.1, 107.9
LHP Carlos Rodon (3-2, 3.50), Yankees: Coming off elbow surgery, this will be just his eighth start. But he allowed three runs or less in the first seven. In the short sample, he’s having trouble finding his slider lane against left-handed hitters. They are 5-for-12 with two doubles and a homer off it. The Tigers have a history of making Rodon work (5.44 ERA in 15 starts) and his 13% walk rate this year should play into that narrative.
Advertisement
RHP Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58), Tigers: This will be his second start back off the IL (groin). His stuff was good in Houston last Wednesday but his command, especially with his slider, was a tick off. The bulk of the damage (three runs in 4.2 innings) came off mis-located sliders (doubles by Christian Walker and Yordan Alvarez, solo homer by Jeremy Pena). He will face more left-handed hitters against the Yankees, which will bring his splitter more into play.
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Drew Sommers, Tigers’ lefty reliever, fills gaping hole in bullpen
Sometimes the golf world creates some really cool collaborations, and this is definitely high up on my list. TAG Heuer and TaylorMade are coming together for a special edition release that includes a TAG connected golf watch and TAG Heuer edition Spider ZT putter along with some TaylorMade x TAG gear. Let’s see what makes the collection so special, and why this partnership makes a lot of sense.
Both TaylorMade and TAG have a mirrored history in technological progression within their respective industry. For TaylorMade it’s been through shaping modern golf equipment dating all the way back to the introduction of the first metal wood, as well as the first “family” of drivers launched together leading to today’s TaylorMade that includes clubs, balls, apparel and digital platforms supported by players around the world. They’ve also amassed quite the braggadocious tour staff with current World Number 1, Number 2, Number 7 (TAG and TaylorMade Ambassador Tommy Fleetwood) and Number 9.
TAG Heuer’s progression came from their work in chronograph engineering that helped to define its reputation in precision timing. There are so many parallels to draw between watch-making and the world of golf. TAG states, “Golf unfolds without the pressure of a clock, yet it demands constant precision and focus. Each shot produces an immediate result, while the reasons behind it often remain subtle, shaped by technique and state of mind. This interplay between what is felt and what is executed has shaped the brand’s approach to the sport.”
;)
TAG Heuer / TaylorMade Golf
The hero piece for the collaboration is the new TAG Heuer x TaylorMade Calibre 45mm E5 Connected Golf Watch. As a special edition of TAG’s golf watch, the TaylorMade collaboration brings in some new styling with a beautiful deep navy and black band that compliments the fine-brushed, lightweight grade 2 titanium case; a perfect combination of comfort and durability. The ceramic bezel features an 18-hole scale with TAG and TaylorMade branding with dedicated watch faces available only for this model. It also comes in a very cool special edition box for the collaboration.
The E5 Connected Golf Watch is powered by TAG’s in-house developed TAG OS, which not only promotes normal health monitoring via several sensors (heart rate, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope and altimeter) but of course gives some golf specific tracking, including on-course shot tracking, GPS maps and the new Automatic Strokes Gained feature. This is a big one for the collaboration, and when I spoke with the TAG team about the new release, they considered this one of the two “can’t miss” features of the watch collaboration. Knowing essentially in real time what you’re doing well in and what could use a little bit of work as measured by strokes gained is a great way to stay up to date with your performance on the course. The other can’t miss feature? The duality of the watch.
Representatives from both TaylorMade and TAG spoke very highly of the sophistication of the watch off the golf course. Connected watches can sometimes feel like they’ve lost their premium luster. Trading beauty for technology can be a difficult balance to manage, but TAG refuses to budge on what makes them such a premium offering. With the new collaboration you can feel just as comfortable wearing it on the golf course as you can changing the watch face back to a “standard” option with just the click of a button to enjoy a night out on the town. Just ask shared ambassador Tommy Fleetwood.
;)
Tag Heuer / TaylorMade Golf
The watch features an AMOLED touchscreen with sapphire glass and the battery can last up to three days of standard use, with two days of use being a more average target and seventeen hours of screen time for their sport mode, including twelve hours of dedicated golf use.
On top of the watch collaboration, there’s also some goodies in the collection from the TaylorMade team, including what I think is probably the most gorgeous rendition of the Spider ZT putter yet.
;)
TaylorMade Golf
The limited-edition TaylorMade x TAG Spider ZT is finished with a deep, rich navy color with silver accents and polished chrome for the sole plate. The alignment bug is the TAG logo, and the weights on the bottom have a “watch-like” design to them as well. The putter comes with a special premium head cover as well as a special-edition SuperStroke grip that matches the build. After unboxing the very TAG inspired packaging, you’ll also be greeted with a dual-logo ball marker as part of your purchase.
The collection also includes a curated TaylorMade x TAG Heuer duffel bag, hat options, and a golf glove.
The collection is available for purchase on June 25th.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Lionel Messi further separated himself from the rest of soccer history on Monday as he set a record for the most goals all time in the FIFA World Cup.
Messi was charging down the field behind Argentina’s attack. The Austrian defense seemed to be too focused on the ball and lost track of Messi as he filtered in behind them. Messi got the pass and fired the shot past the goalkeeper in the 38th minute and scored.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal against Austria during the World Cup Group J match in Arlington, Texas, on June 22, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP)
He has 17 World Cup goals in his career, passing Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most all time. He may have had the record sooner. Messi received a penalty kick attempt around the 8th minute of the match. However, shot was wide to the right.
Messi’s goal against Austria put Argentina up 1-0.
The goal comes amid a tough week for Messi and his family. Jorge Messi was set to undergo medical treatment for an undisclosed illness last week. Messi’s family asked for “humanity” from the media.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi watches the ball during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, on June 22, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo)
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition.”
Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria last week in his first group-stage match of this year’s World Cup. He was seen in tears after his first goal.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after missing a penalty shot during the World Cup Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, on June 22, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer. And those feelings were because of that,” Messi said. “I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Lionel Messi has broken the World Cup top scorer record after scoring his 17th goal in the tournament’s history for Argentina in their Group J match against Austria.
The Argentina captain added to his tally this year, having already scored three with his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Algeria, and the Inter Miami forward continued his fine form against Austria in Dallas.
Messi stroked a tidy finish into the bottom corner in the 39th minute, after teammate Thiago Almada cleverly left a cutback from Facundo Medina.
The goal, for a 1-0 lead, actually came after Messi missed a penalty inside the first 10 minutes to spurn an early opportunity to break the record, before two other misses from decent chances.
Entering the contest in a tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16), Messi moved one clear in just the latest historic mark left on the game.
The record has stood for 12 years since Klose’s last goal at World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Messi has taken 28 games, the most appearances in World Cup history, to reach 17 goals, and also took three more appearances to draw level with Klose’s final tally.
The record is unlikely to last as long, though, with France captain Kylian Mbappe, still just 27 years of age, only three behind Messi on 14 goals, having broken the French all-time top scorer record with a brace against Senegal in this tournament.
While England’s Harry Kane already has 12 World Cup goals, after a double in the 4-2 win over Croatia, which matched Gary Lineker’s England World Cup record and positioned himself to rise yet further up the rankings with Thomas Tuchel’s side starting to produce free-flowing attacking football that could help him replicate his Bayern Munich exploits.
Messi, 38, is attempting to guide Argentina to a fourth crown and back-to-back titles after their triumph in Qatar. Argentina face Jordan in their final group stage match on Saturday 27 June.
Watch Live: New Maple Leafs defenceman Darren Raddysh talks trade to Toronto
Srixon revealed its new ZXi RKT driver lineup at the Travelers Championship.
There’s been no tech information given yet, and when I reached out for comment on the new lineup, I got a fun “no comment…yet” response from the team.
However, it’s my job to know how to make inferences on equipment just from photos, so let’s dive in.
Here are 3 things we know or can safely assume from the photos.
1) Three models in the new family
Srixon has photos of three models in the new ZXi RKT family. The LS appears to be a nice compact pear shape that players love with two adjustable weights from front to back for launch and spin control.
The ZXi RKT (core) has two weights this time around for heel-to-toe CG movement, and would presumably be the most fittable model in the lineup, which is a trend we’re starting to see from more and more OEMs. Interestingly, they don’t have a back weight in this model, though. They might be using the “chassis” as a fixed weight in the back that allows for an MOI number they may be chasing that then stays consistent regardless of weight movement from the toe and heel positions. We’ll have to keep an eye on the information for that!
ZXi RKT MAX only has one weight port in the very back, which would make me guess that it’s built for stability and ease of launch. This is a pretty standard three-model lineup, but there are some significant changes compared to the last generation of Srixon drivers.
2) There’s a lot they can do with that much carbon fiber
;)
Srixon Golf
Compared to the last generation product, there’s a significant increase in carbon fiber. Combined with each model getting a lovely new “player’s” shape, this allows them to improve their adjustable weighting. You’ll notice that the weights themselves are pushed further out to the edges on each model, which allows for great CG changes and more stability regardless of final weight setting. Having the carbon fiber take over on the sole allows that weight to be moved to the edges for a higher overall MOI value.
Carbon fiber unlocking more stability? Great. Carbon fiber unlocking stability and what looks to be the best Srixon driver shape ever? Phenomenal.
3) They’re addressing the big complaint
;)
Srixon Golf
It’s safe to say that the one universal complaint or criticism of the Srixon ZXi driver lineup was the sound. Most of the guys on tour are hotmelting the heads to address this, but the retail consumer doesn’t get that benefit. The ZXi stuff was a bit more high-pitched than I think most people would want, and it felt a bit firm off the face, thanks to that louder, harsher noise. It was by no means a Nike Sumo, but compared to the increase in carbon fiber and an overall dampening of noise from other OEMs, it really stood out.
If you look closely at the photos, there’s a marking on the sole that says “Acousticore”. One can only assume, and hope, that this means they have specifically targeted the sound and feel of these drivers and that they’ve passed through player testing with flying colors.
4) (BONUS) They’re still rockin’ hard for their guys on Tour.
;)
Srixon Golf / USGA
We’ve also found four more models from Srixon on the conforming list. These line up with similarly named models in the past that were created specifically for certain tour players. Hideki Matsuyama and Shane usually get something with a little bit of tour sauce, and I’d be shocked if one of these wasn’t for Ryan Fox or Sepp Straka. Maybe something in here is trying to bring a Srixon driver into the bag for JJ Spaun as well.
That ZXi RKT LS+ sure looks fun.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
“>
Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final match against Jessica Pegula of the US at the WTA500 Berlin Tennis Open tournament in Berlin on June 21, 2026. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)
Czech world number 13 Linda Noskova overcame American world number four Jessica Pegula to claim the Wimbledon warm-up WTA tournament in Berlin 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 on Sunday.
The players took the court almost six hours late after a day of wild weather in the German capital, which forced the tournament to be evacuated for several hours.
The 21-year-old claimed the opening set and maintained control in the match despite losing the second set against the 2024 champion to claim a second career title and a first at WTA 500 level.
READ: Alex Eala stopped by Linda Noskova in Berlin Open semifinals
It’s Linda’s time in Berlin 👏
She comes through a three-set classic against Pegula to claim the title!#BTO26 pic.twitter.com/W475ubqb27
— wta (@WTA) June 21, 2026
Czech Noskova is set to climb into the WTA top 10 for the first time in her career when the new rankings are released next week.
“(This is) very incredible and unforgettable for me,” Noskova said.
“It’s my second title, so like I said, you never forget the first ones, but you always never forget the second ones as well.”
The result was a setback for 32-year-old Pegula, who has never won a Grand Slam, just a week out from the start of Wimbledon.
Pegula eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals on Saturday to reach the final in Berlin for a second time.
Noskova breezed past Filipina qualifer Alex Eala in the semis and continued her strong form to break Pegula twice and claim the opening set.
Pegula found her feet in the second, breaking her opponent once to take it 6-4, the first time Noskova had dropped a set so far this tournament.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
The American looked to have a footing in the match but Noskova broke early in the deciding set to drag the match back into her favour.
Noskova is set to remain in Germany in the coming week to take part in the Bad Homburg tournament, another key Wimbledon preparation event, before travelling to England.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox reinstated catcher Kyle Teel from the 60-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the visiting Cleveland Guardians.
Teel, 24, opened the season on the IL. After straining his right hamstring during Team Italy’s World Baseball Classic game against the United States on March 10, he sprained the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte on May 16.
Teel just completed a four-game rehab stint at Charlotte, where he batted .500 (8-for-16) with one home run, four RBIs and five runs. He posted a five-hit game at Buffalo on Friday.
A first-round draft pick (14th overall) by Boston in 2023, Teel came to Chicago in the December 2024 deal that sent left-hander Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox. Teel made his major league debut last season and batted .273 with eight homers and 35 RBIs in 78 games for the White Sox.
Chicago optioned catcher Edgar Quero, 23, to Charlotte in a corresponding move Monday. Quero is batting .187 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 55 games this season.
–Field Level Media
Iran’s national team left a touching message calling for peace, respect and friendship after their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.
The handwritten note was found in the team’s dressing room after a goalless draw in their second Group G game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the message released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI), the players thanked the people of Los Angeles for their hospitality and expressed pride in representing their country during a difficult period.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity.”
The team also thanked Iranian supporters for their backing during the tournament and ended the message with a call for unity among nations.
“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations,” the statement added.
The note also paid tribute to the victims of an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people reportedly lost their lives on the opening day of the conflict involving Iran.
Iran’s participation at the World Cup has been affected by ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.
Several members of Iran’s backroom staff were denied entry visas into the United States, while the Iranian Football Federation also raised concerns after its ticket allocation was withdrawn shortly before the competition began.
As a result, Iran moved their tournament base from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana in Mexico. The team has also faced strict travel rules, allowing them to enter the United States only a day before matches and leave immediately after games.
Iran began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to another draw. They will complete their group-stage matches against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
Despite the challenges, Iran remain hopeful of progressing to the knockout stage as they prepare for their final Group G encounter.
Andy Burnham gives verdict on calls for general election as he is sworn in as MP
Katie Nielsen Panola County: Built for the Courtroom
Ethereum Price Prediction: The notorious jaredfromsubway.eth Drained, Vitalik Buterin was a Victim, and The Quest to Make ETH Saver and Faster
-
Fashion3 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Miami – Corporette.com
-
Tech6 days agoThe Adder At The Heart Of Intel’s 8087 FPU
-
Entertainment2 days agoRenter of Home in Anne Heche Crash Denies Settlement With Son
-
Business2 days agoSoccer-U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing
-
Tech7 hours agoMicrosoft accidentally kills epic Outlook email threads
-
Business3 days agoWall Street Week Ahead: Investors see Micron earnings as pulse check of AI rally momentum
-
Politics4 days agoBBC Reporter Discusses Cross Party Criticism Of Trumps Iran Deal
-
Crypto World3 days agoHIVE shares jump as $220M AI deal speeds Bitcoin mining pivot
-
Crypto World2 days agoJake Chervinsky accuses CME of protecting derivatives monopoly
-
Crypto World2 days agoCan Charles Hoskinson Really Rescue Cardano?
-
Sports4 days agoFIFA World Cup 2026: Canada beat 9-men Qatar 6-0 to register first ever win | FIFA World Cup 2026
-
Business2 days agoMHP SE 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (OTCMKTS:MHPSY) 2026-06-20
-
Business4 days agoBrexit cost 6% of UK economy, Bank of England company data suggests
-
Crypto World4 days agoAnthropic’s Dario Amodei Urged AI Unity at G7, Even as US Banned His Models
-
Politics2 days agoAndy Burnham and the meaning of Makerfield
-
Crypto World7 days agoRobinhood opens AI-powered trading to all users, sending HOOD stock past $100
-
Tech1 day agoSignal’s Meredith Whittaker says AI chatbots ‘are not your friends’ and calls Copilot agents a backdoor
-
Tech5 days agoWeeks Of In-The-Field Testing And A Verdict
-
Tech4 days agoAdobe adds its AI assistant to Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign
-
Tech4 days agoAWS enters the context layer race with a graph that learns from agents, not manual curation
You must be logged in to post a comment Login