Christian Pulisic has declared the current United States national team to be the strongest he has ever been a part of, with the AC Milan forward expressing significant optimism for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Pulisic, a long-standing figurehead for US soccer, believes the team is in an excellent position as anticipation builds for the tournament, which is set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I think you could say so,” Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this iteration of the US team was its strongest since he established himself in the squad.

“Looking at the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well. Multiple guys that can play in every position. It’s a very strong team.”

The squad, led by Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino, is expected to feature attacking talents such as Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, alongside midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. Defensively, Tim Ream and Chris Richards are anticipated to play key roles, with Matt Freese and Matt Turner in goal.

For Pulisic, the prospect of competing in a World Cup on home turf adds an extra layer of motivation to soccer’s premier event.

“A World Cup is enough motivation in itself and having it in the US, having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for,” he stated.

The 27-year-old hopes American fans will provide a crucial boost to the team when the tournament commences. The US are scheduled to face Paraguay on 12 June at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“I know the energy in the stadiums is going to be great,” he said. “We want to take as much of that as we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”

Pulisic, who has represented the US since his teenage years, emphasized the profound significance of wearing the national team shirt.

“Representing the US and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly,” he affirmed. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”

Often labelled “Captain America” and seen as the public face of the men’s game in the country, Pulisic revealed he prefers to ignore such external pressures.

“I’d say I definitely tune it out,” he explained. “It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.”

He added that his leadership style has evolved towards setting standards through his work ethic rather than through speeches.

“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example,” he said.

Pulisic also clarified that he does not feel burdened by a broader responsibility to be the sport’s standard-bearer in the United States, though he hopes to inspire younger players.

“I’m focused on doing my job,” he said. “If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do it.”

Despite growing expectations for the co-hosts, Pulisic was hesitant to define success by a specific finishing position, stating only that the initial objective is to progress from the group stage before approaching the tournament one match at a time.

His message to supporters, however, was unequivocal: “The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”

The PGA Tour has announced that it will not be hosting an event in Hawaii during the 2027 season, ending a 56-year run of holding a tournament in The Aloha State. The change comes as the Tour and CEO Brian Rolapp have consistently teased a revamped schedule beginning next year.

The Tour was forced to cancel The Sentry at the start of the 2026 campaign due to the dying grass on the Plantation Course at Kapalua amid a local dispute with the company responsible for delivering water to the area. 

An aerial view of the golf course from over the ocean prior to The Sentry at The Plantation Course at Kapalua on December 31, 2023 in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR) (Ben Jared/PGA TOUR)

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With The Sentry being canceled, the Sony Open at Waialae Country on Oahu served as the Tour’s season opener in ‘26, which was won by Chris Gotterup. The event was in the final year of its sponsorship, although the Tour has shared that it is working toward making the event the opening event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

Chris Gotterup of the United States celebrates with the trophy on the 18th green after his winning round of the Sony Open in Hawaii 2026 at Waialae Country Club on January 18, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

The Tour’s removal of The Sentry and the Sony Open wipes out what has now turned into a traditional two-week stretch on the island to begin a new season.

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The PGA Tour did not share further details about the 2027 schedule upon its announcement about leaving Hawaii, but with Sentry reportedly being an event title-sponsor through 2035, it will need to find a new landing spot on the calendar. The logical stop would be Torrey Pines in San Diego, which checks the West Coast and great weather boxes, but the venue is also looking for a new sponsor, as its deal with Farmers Insurance ended in 2026.

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View of the 18th hole is seen during the final round of The Sentry at The Plantation Course at Kapalua on January 5, 2025 in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) (Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

The Tour’s decision not to begin next season in Hawaii makes sense, as there are plenty of venues in the lower 48 states that are much easier to operate from, but the departure will have a tremendous financial impact on the state.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that The Sentry is estimated to have a $50 million annual impact on the community, while the Sony Open directly generates an estimated $100 million in revenue per year, plus another $1 million per year to Friends of Hawaii charities.

Adam Schefter Reveals Patriots Have ‘Interest’ In This Prospect With No. 31 Pick originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The pursuit of an A.J. Brown trade currently is the top story surrounding the New England Patriots. The reporting on the Brown trade has made it easy to forget that the Patriots soon will add several players in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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So, what will New England do with the 31st-overall pick?

ESPN insider Adam Schefter offered insight in the latest episode of his podcast. Schefter identified Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor as a prospect whom New England could target late in the first round.

“I have a sense the Patriots might have some interest in (Iheanachor),” Schefter said. “They have to operate under the assumption that AJ Brown’s gonna be coming in, so they’re gonna be in a good spot.”

It’s unclear whether the Patriots would target a tackle like Iheanachor as a replacement for right tackle Morgan Moses or left tackle Will Campbell. Iheanachor primarily played right tackle at Arizona State, but New England could view him as a player capable of playing either spot.

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Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and personnel executive Eliot Wolf have insisted Campbell will remain at left tackle, but that wouldn’t preclude them from drafting a prospect with left-tackle traits as a contingency plan in case Campbell eventually needs to be moved to left guard. It’s also worth noting that Vrabel attended a scouting event at Arizona State last month, giving him an up-close look at Iheanachor.

Here’s what NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Iheanachor in his scouting summary:

“An ascending, traits-heavy tackle prospect, Iheanachor is a former high school hooper and late-comer to football. He has good length and excellent lean mass. His hands and footwork need refinement, but his range and play strength should translate to any run scheme. There is work to do with pass-protection technique, but strong performances against Texas Tech’s rush duo last season and at the Senior Bowl suggest Iheanachor might be more game-ready than I previously anticipated. In a year light on high-end tackles, Iheanachor’s measurables, athleticism and upside could push him up the board.”

The NFL draft begins Thursday night.

More NFL: Adam Schefter Reveals Likely Trade Price For Patriots-A.J. Brown Deal

Metz defender Tahirys dos Santos, who survived a Swiss bar fire on New Year’s Eve that killed 41 people, has signed his first professional contract.

The 19-year-old, who helped rescue his partner at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, was one of more than 100 people injured, sustaining burns to 30% of his body that needed a skin graft.

He returned to action for Metz reserves on 11 April.

Dos Santos, who joined the academy aged eight, has agreed a one-year deal.

“This moment has an even more special meaning after the difficult months I went through in hospital,” he told the club website.

The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

During a local tournament, I walked onto a green and spotted a pitching wedge obviously left by a group ahead. After we all putted out, I picked up the wedge and put it in the basket of my cart, thinking I would drop it off at the clubhouse at the turn or give it to its owner if we caught up with him. After I teed off on the next hole, a fellow competitor said I had violated Rule 4, having more than 14 clubs in my possession which called for a 4-stroke penalty. I argued that I never intended to use the club and did not even put it in my bag, so it couldn’t be a violation. What say you? – Rick Itami, Liberty Lake, WA

We say kudos to you for not telling this dunderhead to go pound sand or taking even more drastic action.

Clearly, there can be quite a difference between referencing a Rule and knowing what in fact it says. Rule 4 — 4.1, to be exact — specifically covers this courteous act, noting it does not add to one’s club count, so long as the club isn’t used. Your competitor was at best wrong and at worst trying to get one (or four) over on you.

For more club-count related guidance from our guru, read on …

Can you carry clubs outside of your bag and not have them count toward the legal limit of 14? —Joseph Mills, Pinehurst, N.C.

Yes… but only if you balance them on your nose.

Come now, Joseph — 14 clubs maximum means 14 clubs maximum (per Rule 4.1b[1]), not 14 clubs and however many more you can stash under your armpit, in your opponent’s bag and behind bushes.

Breaching this rule is a two-stroke penalty per hole in stroke play, maximum two holes, and once you realize you’re in breach you must declare the extra clubs out of play immediately or be disqualified. Golf is a game of honor, not hoarding.

Want to find the right gear for your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.

The Los Angeles Lakers, after an upset win on their home court, will host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday in Game 2 of their 2026 NBA playoff first-round series. The West’s No. 4 seed, Lakers (53-29), defeated the fifth-seeded Rockets (52-30) 107-98 in Sunday’s Game 1. Los Angeles has now won four straight, while Houston has dropped two of their last three games. The Lakers are 24-16 all-time versus the Rockets in the NBA postseason. Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) remain out for the Lakers. Kevin Durant (knee), who missed Game 1, is listed as questionable for Game 2.

Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The latest Rockets vs. Lakers odds have Houston as a 5.5-point favorite, while the over/under for total points scored is 206.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Rockets picks, check out the Rockets vs. Lakers predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the first full week of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 24-9 roll (73%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Now, the model has simulated Rockets vs. Lakers 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Rockets vs. Lakers: 

Top Rockets vs. Lakers predictions

After 10,000 simulations of Rockets vs. Lakers, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (206.5). Six of the Rockets’ last eight games have gone Over the total. The total has gone Over in seven of Houston’s last eight games against an opponent in the Western Conference and eight of the last 10 games the Rockets have played in April. 

The SportsLine model is projecting the Rockets to have six players scoring 10.7 or more points, led by Durant with 27 points if he’s able to go. LeBron James is projected to lead the Lakers with 24.6 points scored, as five Lakers players will score 10 or more points. The teams are projected to combine for 217 total points as the Over hits 62% of the time, making it a great selection for anybody targeting NBA parlay betting. See the Rockets vs. Lakers spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Rockets vs. Lakers at FanDuel here:

How to make Rockets vs. Lakers picks

After simulating each possession of Rockets vs. Lakers 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the spread hits more than 60% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks. 

So who wins Rockets vs. Lakers, and which side of the spread hits more than 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

A pair of American League teams will meet for the second of a three-game set on Tuesday’s MLB schedule as the Houston Astros visit the Cleveland Guardians. Houston (9-15) is last in the AL West but ended a four-game losing streak by taking Monday’s contest 9-2. Cleveland (13-11) is atop the AL Central and was 5-1 in series openers before losing yesterday. Ryan Weiss (0-2, 6.75 ERA) will take the mound for the Astros, while the Guardians will counter with Parker Messick (3-0, 1.05 ERA).

First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Guardians won four of six matchups with Houston last season. The latest Guardians vs. Astros odds list Cleveland as the -144 favorite on the money line (risk $144 to win $100). The over/under for total runs is 8. Before making any Astros vs. Guardians picks or MLB predictions, be sure to see the Guardians vs. Astros predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

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The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It was a profitable 35-29 on top-rated MLB money-line picks last season. It also excelled making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.    

Now, the model has set its sights on Guardians vs. Astros and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Astros vs. Guardians:

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Top Astros vs. Guardians predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Guardians vs. Astros, the model is going Over 8 combined runs. For over/under betting, no team has hit the Over more than Houston this year, with Monday’s contest being the latest instance. The Over is 17-7 for the Astros and has hit in each of its last four games. The Over also sports a 6-3 record for Cleveland over its last nine.

Houston leads the AL in OPS while ranking dead last in ERA, so both teams often light up the scoreboard when the Astros are in action. Having Weiss on the mound won’t help with the latter as he’s given up 10 ER over his last 8.2 IP, but Houston is also projected to have the top two batters in terms of total bases accumulated. Both teams are forecasted to score over 4 runs, on average, as the Over has all of the value. Get the Astros vs. Guardians money-line pick at SportsLine.

How to make Guardians vs. Astros picks

After simulating every pitch of Astros vs. Guardians 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Guardians vs. Astros, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.

A bizarre incident took place in the city of Jalgaon in Maharashtra, as a tractor drove onto a cricket field and stopped play in the final of the Jalgaon Rural MLA Cup tournament. In a video that has gone viral on social media, the shocking incident unfolds as a youth drove a tractor into the field and straight over the pitch. Players and umpires helplessly watched as the event took place, after which chaos ensued as a number of people entered the field.

From the video, the game appeared to be underway before it had to be abruptly halted as the tractor drove onto the field. Following the ruckus, the youth appeared to drive off.

WATCH: Tractor drives onto cricket field, halts play

Tractor Driver plows the cricket pitch mid-final in Jalgaon after the driver wasn’t invited to the tournament pic.twitter.com/LLS61mkRWJ

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 18, 2026

According to reports, the incident took place after a prominent local person was not invited for the final. The match was eventually cancelled after the incident, but no police complaint was reportedly filed.

The video went viral across social media, with several users reacting strongly to the incident. Some speculated the reason behind such an issue, while others lamented it.

This world you think you have experienced petty then the world shows you some other level of petty https://t.co/vMHGFxrSBr

— Neli (@MainNeli_) April 18, 2026

I am thinking about the result of the match? Will it be forfeited?

— Dipesh Zala (@imdeep33) April 19, 2026

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Looks like he owns the field and they didn’t give him enough importance.

— Aniket Waman (@praisehellsatan) April 19, 2026

IPL 2026: As it stands

Coming back to cricket on the highest level, the race for the playoffs is heating up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been the early pace-setters and lead the points table, having garnered 8 points or more from their opening matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have endured topsy-turvy campaigns so far but are not far away from the leading pack.

Meanwhile, concerns engulf the dugouts of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are towards the bottom of the table. Although they are the three most successful franchises in IPL history, their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy already.

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Planet Waves was one of the seven Stands added with Bizarre Lineage Update 1 as a primarily ranged combat option. This Stand can be obtained using a Meteorite Arrow, a craftable item that requires resources from the Update 1 Raid battles. Being a ranged Stand, Planet Waves is an excellent PvE tool, allowing you to make short work of regular enemies and bosses alike through powerful meteor showers.

Here’s everything you need to know about Planet Waves in Bizarre Lineage.

How to get Planet Waves in Bizarre Lineage

Planet Waves, like Death 13, can be obtained through a specific item without relying on the Stand Arrow or Lucky Arrow RNG. The chief component required to get this Stand is the Meteorite Arrow, a craftable item. In order to craft it, you need a Meteor Fragment and a Mysterious Arrow.

Meteor Fragments are rare drops from Legendary Chests, while Mysterious Arrows are random boss drops from the three Update 1 Raids in Bizarre Lineage. You can farm Legendary Chests from the aforementioned Raids as well, so you don’t have to go out of your way to pursue them. As for Mysterious Arrows, the odds of receiving one through the three Raids are decent, though it may take a few tries to get it to drop.

Once you have these items, head to Gupta, the Crafting NPC, and craft the Meteorite Arrow. Then, use it from your inventory to instantly gain access to Planet Waves.

The Bizarre Lineage Prison Escape Raid battle guide goes over everything to do in the most mechanically complex Raid battle of the game.

Planet Waves moveset and game plan in Bizarre Lineage

As mentioned previously, Planet Waves is primarily a ranged Stand, making it well-suited for sniping enemies from afar. Because of this, its combo potential is fairly low, but that does not make it any less effective than the likes of Death 13 or Diver Down. Its heavy ranged focus makes it one of the best Stands in the game to take on bosses like Heaven Ascended DIO or Death 13. Securing a high rank with this Stand is a cinch.

While in melee range, Planet Waves automatically summons meteors as part of its passive ability. This can create some space between you and the opponent, so that you may retreat and continue your barrage of ranged skills to pressure or defeat them.

Here is a complete list of its moves, along with their respective properties:

• Barrage: Standard melee barrage move.
• Breaker: Powerful melee burst attack. Can be used to knock the opponent back.
• Meteor Rain: Summons a long meteor shower. The most powerful ability in Planet Waves’ skills.
• Lucky Meteor: Randomly summons meteors to strike nearby enemies.
• The Meteor: Summons a massive meteor for a lot of damage.
• Meteor Waves: Summons a straight line of meteors. Meteor line position shifts based on your movement.

The best skill in Planet Waves’ arsenal is Meteor Rain, which has the Stand conjure a meteor shower that continues for a long time. It can easily shred through the health pools of boss enemies, including the mighty The World Overheaven Raid.

Optimizing its damage is also simple through perks like Justice, Death Valley, and Repose that come with the Stand. Stack Perks like Play with Your Food, Resourceful, and The Godfather to make Planet Waves a dominating force on the battlefield.

Also read: Unique Roblox username ideas for new players

FAQs on Bizarre Lineage

How do I get Planet Waves in Bizarre Lineage?

Planet Waves can be obtained upon using a Meteorite Arrow, which you can craft with a Mysterious Arrow and a Meteor Fragment.

What does Planet Waves specialize in?

Planet Waves specializes in ranged combat, piling on plenty of damage through meteor showers.

How do I get Mysterious Arrows in Bizarre Lineage?

Mysterious Arrows can be farmed from the Death 13, The World Overheaven, and Prison Escape Raid battles.