The Atlanta Falcons are acquiring offensive tackle Wanya Morris from the Kansas City Chiefs, according to several reports.

Atlanta will also get a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, while a 2027 sixth-rounder goes to Kansas City in exchange, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Advertisement

Morris, 25, appeared in 12 games last season for the Chiefs, starting one. However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first snap of Week 14’s matchup with the Houston Texans and missed Kansas City’s remaining four games.

In three years with Kansas City, Morris played in 43 games with 11 starts during the 2024-25 campaign. He even caught a touchdown pass in a Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals that season. Morris was the Chiefs’ 2023 third-round pick (No. 93 overall) out of Oklahoma.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world’s biggest soccer tournament

Advertisement

However, several others had moved ahead of him on the Kansas City depth chart, including six-year veteran Jaylon Moore, second-year player Esa Pole and Chukwuebuka Godrick, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson from national champion Indiana.

Morris is expected to fill a swing tackle role with the Falcons, as he did with the Chiefs. Atlanta has Jake Matthews entrenched at left tackle and signed Morris’ former Kansas City teammate Jawaan Taylor to be the starting right tackle. The Falcons also have Michael Jerrell on the depth chart at right tackle, who they acquired from the Seattle Seahawks last season.

Advertisement

The right side of the line will be particularly important in the Falcons’ offense with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta also needed offensive line depth with tackle Storm Norton going on the physically unable to perform list on Thursday. Morris is also known as a good run-blocker, which has value in an offense featuring Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. at running back.

Not many can get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo, Julian Quinones did – at the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Playing for Al Qadsiah, the 29-year-old Quinones scored 33 goals in 31 matches. It was five more than Ronaldo’s 28 (in 30 matches) for Al Nassr. On Thursday, the Mexican forward proved he hadn’t forgotten his goal-scoring boots, striking the first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against South Africa in the marquee event opener at the Estadio Azteca.

The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild. It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.

Earlier, news agency AFP reported, thousands of football fans attempted to shove their way into Mexico City’s official World Cup fan zone on Thursday, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game.

Access to the fan fest in Zocalo Plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the fan venue where the Mexico-South Africa game at the city’s Azteca Stadium will be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police, as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.

“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan wrapped in a poncho with the colours of the Mexican flag. “There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

With AFP inputs 

Featured Video Of The Day

IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season

Patrick Mahomes had his wife Brittany Mahomes and their kids by his side as he made history.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s agency, Equity Sports, announced via X that he signed “the largest contract in NFL history… yet again.”

Advertisement

“The magic continues,” the post read. “Congratulations.”

Calling the deal “historic” and “game-changing,” the post noted that the 30-year-old athlete’s contract is valued at $504.75 million.

“Another milestone deal negotiated by Equity Sports CEO @chriscabott,” the X post concluded.

Patrick, who has been with the Chiefs since 2017, shared a video of the special moment to his Instagram that was originally posted by his football team.

“The Mahomes are here to stay 🏠❤️,” the team’s official account captioned a video, which featured Patrick signing the record-breaking deal as his wife Brittany, 30, and their three kids were there for support.

Advertisement

The couple shares daughter Sterling Skye, 5, son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon III, 3, and daughter Golden Raye, 16 months. The entire family sported the Chiefs’ signature red.

Patrick also shared photos of the special moment to Instagram, writing in the caption, “CHIEFS KINGDOM!!!! We are here to stay! Love this place and the people that are apart of it and thank yall for being there for me and my family everyday! We ain’t done yet tho! ⏰.”

Fellow player and longtime friend Travis Kelce commented on the post, writing, “LFG!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”

Brittany celebrated her husband’s career milestone with an Instagram post of her own, writing, “Red is our color & Kansas City is our home🙏🏼❤️.”

Advertisement

ESPN broke the news of the deal, reporting that the Chiefs added two years to Patrick’s contract that ties him to the team through 2033.

This story Patrick Mahomes Has Support of His Whole Family as He Signs Record-Breaking $504 Million Contract first appeared on Star. Follow Star on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Japan’s Wataru Endo addresses fans before a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and announced his retirement from international football after failing to recover from a persistent foot injury, bringing an emotional end to an 11-year international career.The Liverpool midfielder had been engaged in a race against time to prove his fitness for the tournament after suffering a serious foot injury during a Premier League match against Sunderland in February. The setback effectively ended his domestic season, forcing him to spend the final months of the campaign on the sidelines undergoing rehabilitation while hoping to make one final appearance for his country on football’s biggest stage.There was optimism when Endo was included in Japan’s preliminary World Cup plans. He even returned to Liverpool’s matchday squad as an unused substitute during the club’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season. However, after linking up with the national team in Nashville, Tennessee, it became clear that the 33-year-old had not recovered sufficiently to compete at the level required for a World Cup campaign.The decision means Endo’s international career ends before the tournament begins, despite initially being named in Japan’s 26-man squad.

Endo announces international retirement

Alongside confirming his withdrawal from the World Cup squad, Endo revealed that he is stepping away from international football entirely.The midfielder, who became one of the defining figures of Japan’s modern era and served as captain in recent years, issued an emotional statement reflecting on both his disappointment and his pride in what the team has achieved.“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever.“Of course, there’s frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together since the Qatar World Cup – me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of ‘winning the World Cup’ into something we can say as a matter of course.”Rather than focusing on the personal heartbreak of missing the tournament, Endo used his farewell message to back the next generation of Japanese players and urge supporters to continue believing that Japan can one day become world champions.“The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before.“With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans. The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday.“Let’s believe in that and cheer them on together. And let’s unite Japan’s strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament – everyone, let’s take on the North and Central America World Cup together!!”He concluded with a final rallying cry for his teammates:“Everyone, give it everything you’ve got.”

An international career spanning two World Cups

Endo’s retirement brings the curtain down on a national-team career that began in 2015 and ultimately produced 73 appearances and four goals for Japan.He was first selected for a World Cup squad in Russia in 2018, although he did not feature on the pitch during that tournament. His first World Cup appearances came four years later in Qatar, where he established himself as one of the key figures in Hajime Moriyasu’s side during Japan’s memorable run to the Round of 16.By the time the 2026 tournament arrived, Endo had become captain, one of the team’s senior leaders and an important symbol of the squad’s growing ambition on the global stage.

Injury ends final World Cup dream

The timing of the injury makes the outcome particularly painful for Endo. The Liverpool midfielder underwent surgery after sustaining the foot injury against Sunderland in February, and much of the remainder of his season was devoted to recovery work in an effort to return before the World Cup.

Japan poses for a team photo ahead of the friendly soccer international between Japan and Iceland in Tokyo, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

His final appearance for Japan came in their last pre-tournament friendly, a 1-0 victory over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. Koki Ogawa scored the only goal of the game with an 87th-minute header, securing a winning send-off before the squad departed for North America.That match has now become the final chapter of Endo’s international career.

Japan appoint new captain and replacement

Japan have already moved to fill the void left by their captain’s departure. Ajax defender Ko Itakura will inherit the captain’s armband for the World Cup campaign, while Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been drafted into the squad as Endo’s replacement.Moriyasu’s side now head into the tournament without one of their most experienced leaders as they prepare for a challenging Group F campaign.Japan head into their World Cup campaign with encouraging momentum, beginning their Group stage against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 14, followed by fixtures against Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26. The build-up has been equally positive, with Japan’s men’s national team closing their preparations with a 1-0 win over Iceland on May 31, 2026. That result capped a strong set of friendlies, including impressive 1-0 victories over England at Wembley on April 1 and Scotland on March 29.While Endo will no longer be on the pitch, he made clear in his farewell message that he intends to follow every step of the journey from afar, this time not as captain, but as a supporter hoping to see Japan achieve the dream he spent years pursuing.

South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment as Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez gave Mexico a historic victory in the opening match of the expanded 48-team tournament. While South Africa showed moments of determination, several factors contributed to their downfall.

Here are three reasons why Hugo Broos’ side lost their opening game.

1. Playing the Host Nation Was Always Going to Be Difficult

Facing the host country in a World Cup opener is one of the toughest challenges in football. Mexico had the advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the famous Estadio Azteca, with thousands of supporters cheering every attack and creating a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.

South Africa struggled to settle into the game as the crowd constantly backed Mexico and piled pressure on Bafana Bafana. The hosts fed off the energy from the stands and quickly took control of the contest.

2. South Africa Started the Match With Too Much Fear

The approach taken by coach Hugo Broos raised questions from the start. South Africa lined up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, showing respect for Mexico but perhaps too much respect.

Rather than trying to impose themselves on the game, Bafana Bafana sat deep and allowed Mexico to dominate possession. The plan backfired when a defensive mistake gifted Quiñones the opening goal after only nine minutes.

Conceding so early destroyed South Africa’s game plan and forced them to chase a match they never looked capable of controlling.

3. The Red Card Made a Bad Situation Worse

South Africa were already struggling before Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute after bringing down a Mexican player as the last defender.

Playing with ten men against the hosts was always going to be a huge task. Mexico took advantage of the extra space and eventually doubled their lead through Raúl Jiménez.

Things became even worse when Themba Zwane received a second red card late in the game, leaving South Africa with only nine players. A team that entered the match cautiously was always likely to suffer after losing players.

In truth, the 2-0 scoreline was probably kind to Bafana Bafana. Mexico hit the woodwork and created several other chances that could have made the defeat much heavier.

Final Thoughts

Mexico deserved their victory and made history by winning a World Cup opening match for the first time. Quiñones’ early goal set the tone for the evening, while South Africa’s defensive mistakes, cautious approach and disciplinary problems combined to hand the hosts a comfortable win.

If Bafana Bafana are to progress in the tournament, they must play with greater confidence and avoid the costly errors that ruined their World Cup opener.

The first of 104 World Cup matches was won by the country that hosted the start of the tournament.

Mexico took down South Africa, 2-0, in Mexico City after Estadio Azteca played host to the World Cup opening ceremonies.

Mexico was the better team from the jump, scoring in the ninth minute after already having two corner kicks.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Raul Jimenez celebrates with teammates after scoring Mexico’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images)

A pass from South Africa’s goalie got away from a teammate and was picked off by Erik Lira. The ball was then taken by Julián Quiñones, who took just one dribble toward the middle of the field and ripped a right-footed shot into the net, putting the crowd into a frenzy.

Hopes of a South African comeback took a hit when Yaya Sithole was given a red card in the 50th minute for bringing Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez on what would have been a breakaway.

From then on, South Africa was playing with 10 men, making it an even larger mountain to climb.

Mexico players applaud fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Angel Delgado/Getty Images)

MEXICO SCORES FIRST GOAL OF 2026 WORLD CUP ON HOME TURF AFTER EMOTIONAL NATIONAL ANTHEM IN OPENING CEREMONY

The dagger came in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez scored a header on a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado, making it a 2-0 game. Playing in his fourth World Cup, it was Jiménez’s first goal in tournament history, and he could not help but let out his emotions.

South Africa was hit with one more red card in the 84th minute, and Mexico was given one in the 92nd minute. South Africa’s Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico’s César Montes, will each miss their next games against Czechia in Atlanta and Korea in Guadalajara, respectively.

In World Cup history, Mexico has now won 15 of the 23 matches in which it has scored first, drawing five and losing three.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, held the tournament’s opening ceremonies, during which all 48 competing countries were represented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in the building with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Mexico is coming off a disappointing trip to Qatar, as it was the first time since 1978 that it competed in a World Cup and did not make it to the knockout stage. Aside from its ban in 1990 and not qualifying in 1982, it had made it past the group stage in nine straight World Cups it played in.

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

Ask Vikings coach Matt Daniels and there’s not much of an issue with Brett Thorson holding. Or, at least, with catching the snap from the long snapper.

The talented rookie punter is the underdog in his competition against veteran Johnny Hekker, who received a single-season deal worth $1.262 million on the cap (OTC). Every penny will stick around as dead money if he gets cut.

Still, Thorson was brought to town for a reason. He boasts a booming punt, capable of offering his team healthy field position. Thorson is operating under a UDFA contract that sees just $90,000 guaranteed. In other words, cutting him won’t be any hindrance to the cap if things don’t work out.

What’s working in his favor, though, is his youth, upside, and capacity to settle in as a holder.

Vikings Coach Matt Daniels Believes Rookie Punter Can Hold

Gone are the days of Tony Romo – and, more accurately, the currently playing QBs – holding the ball for PAT and FG. Rather, the job responsibility has shifted to the punter, the specialist who spends his days working with the other specialists. Giving him the added workload makes all the sense in the world.

Per Daniels, the Kirby Smart approach of not leaning on his punter is derivative of the Bill Parcells approach. Once upon a time, Mike Zimmer was the head coach of the Vikings. Notably, he’s a Parcells disciple. Every so often, Zimmer would make headlines for his comments on kickers. Did he ever oversimplify the kicking/holding operation?

More pertinent for right now: can Thorson overcome his inexperience as a holder to secure the P1 spot in 2026?

Check out what Matt Daniels had to say: “Obviously, coming out of Georgia, Kirby is really from a Parcells tree […] where the quarterbacks are the holders.” Not long afterwards, Coach Daniels noted Thorson’s “great hands” before describing that the focus is on placing the ball down cleanly and at the correct angle for Will Reichard.

Therein lies the key, folks: working in a way that makes Reichard comfortable.

Earlier in the same presser, Coach Daniels described how Reichard keeps “chasing” perfection. Doing so means adjusting his mechanics in an effort to drill the football perfectly straight rather than last year’s approach, one involving a “little baby draw.”

Any punter who can’t allow Reichard to thrive isn’t going to be employed by the Minnesota Vikings.

Advertisement

“I watched over 300 snaps of this guy at practice and there’s no issue with the holding,” Daniels went on to say of Thorson.

Last year, Oscar Chapman competed with Ryan Wright to be the team’s starting punter. In all likelihood, Mr. Wright — somebody who offered an exclusive for VT — would have won the job no matter what, but Chapman appeared to bobble the ball at one point. That didn’t help, folks.

At this stage, Johnny Hekker appears to be a 99.9% certainty to handle the snap from long snapper Andrew DePaola cleanly. He is, like all of us, human, meaning he’ll make mistakes. What he nevertheless offers is a high degree of consistency. At no point will he be nervous about catching a heater from DePaola.

Brett Thorson has a longer runway in the NFL since he’s still a young fella. Quite possibly, he’ll be able to punt the ball for greater distance while offering better hang time, too. But then there’s the other aspect of the job: holding. That small does detail matters.

Put bluntly, the Vikings cannot chase upside at punter at the risk of undermining elite play from Reichard.

Advertisement

Matt Daniels has a few months before needing to make a final call. The punter battle will get rolling in late July when the Vikings return for training camp.

---

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.