After the long hot summer comes the crisp fall mornings of football season.

So, as we anticipate the first kickoff of 2026, let’s look ahead to the end of the upcoming season.

More specifically, let’s project which teams from the West have the best chance of making the Playoff.

This is not a Power Ranking but simply a ranking of each team’s likelihood of becoming a Playoff team.

For example, ranking UNLV ahead of Washington doesn’t necessarily mean that I expect the Rebels to be better than the Huskies.

But the likelihood of UNLV winning the Mountain West and the Group of Six auto-bid may be greater than UW placing high enough in the Big Ten to make the CFP Top 12.

So, with that in mind, let’s get to the rankings!

writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).

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Kerala Cricket Association revokes Sreesanth’s ban. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has received a major boost after the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) revoked the three-year ban imposed on him, clearing the way for his continued involvement in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).The decision was taken at the KCA’s Special General Body meeting held on July 1, where members unanimously agreed to lift the suspension after considering Sreesanth’s unconditional apology for his remarks against the association.The former India pacer had earlier been suspended for three years over comments made through visual and social media platforms, which the KCA said had brought disrepute to the association. Sreesanth had challenged the disciplinary action before the Thiruvananthapuram Munsiff Court, but his petition was dismissed, as per an ANI report.

Unconditional apology changes KCA’s stand

Following the court proceedings, Sreesanth submitted an official unconditional apology expressing regret for his comments directed at the Kerala Cricket Association.After discussing the apology in detail, the KCA decided to revoke the ban, while making it clear that any similar conduct in the future would invite strict disciplinary action.The decision comes as a significant relief for the 43-year-old, who can now continue as the co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in Season 3 of the Kerala Cricket League. The ban had been imposed ahead of the previous KCL season, casting uncertainty over his role with the franchise.

Sreesanth’s cricket career

Sreesanth enjoyed a memorable international career for India, representing the country in all three formats. He played 27 Tests, 53 One-Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals.In Test cricket, the right-arm pacer claimed 87 wickets at an average of 37.59, including three five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 5/40 in an innings and 8/99 in a match. He also picked up 75 wickets in ODIs, including a career-best 6/55, while taking seven wickets in T20Is.His domestic record was equally impressive, with 213 wickets in 74 first-class matches, 124 wickets in 92 List A games and 54 wickets in 65 T20 matches.

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty celebrates a win over the Las Vegas Aces for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship at Barclays Center on June 30, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Michelle Farsi/Getty Images/AFP

NEW YORK— Sabrina Ionescu knew a big game was coming.

It didn’t take long Tuesday night for the Liberty’s star guard to make her presence felt in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game, which New York won 93-85 over Las Vegas. Ionescu scored 26 points to help the Liberty win the in-season tournament for the second time.

READ: WNBA: Liberty beat Aces to win Commissioner’s Cup

“Keep the faith and tables will turn at some point and that was tonight,” she said.

Two quick 3-pointers and Ionescu looked like the player who has made multiple All-Star teams. She had been dealing with injuries this season. First it was a sprained ankle in the preseason that sidelined her for the first two weeks. Then after playing in one game, a back issue sidelined her for the next three weeks. She returned to the lineup on June 14.

After the game was over, the 15,000 fans were chanting Ionescu’s name.

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty runs the floor after a three-point basket against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half for the Commissioner’s Cup Game held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 2026 in New York City.  Michelle Farsi/Getty Images/AFP 

“It was special,” she said. “I always continued to have that belief in myself since I know the work I put in,” Ionescu said. “(An) injury or two isn’t going to diminish who I am.”

She always seems to excel against Las Vegas. Last week, Ionescu had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Aces.

“Her game never takes me by surprise,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon said. “She’s too good.”

Ionescu came into the game shooting 27% from behind the 3-point arc on the season. She’s a career 35% shooter. On Tuesday she hit five 3s, with a deep one sealing the win with about 17 seconds left.

“When you’re coming back from an injury it’s tough,” said teammate Breanna Stewart, who earned MVP honors for the game. “The process is tough. … Her being aggressive and making those 3s, that dagger 3, are big moments. … I’m happy for her.”

As Thomas Tuchel got to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he couldn’t stop smiling.

“I just love it,” the England manager said, talking about knockout football. “It just gives an extra edge. I love these situations, and I feel it is a privilege.”

It is precisely that attitude, and how it has translated into multiple cup runs and three trophies, that was intended to finally give England an edge in tournaments. Tuchel was appointed because of his success in knockout competition, and now here he and his team are primed.

If the German loves the energy this brings, though, his team and their fans may not exactly enjoy this first ever last-32 tie for England.

The Democratic Republic of Congo may seem like more forgiving opposition than others that England could have faced – including Senegal – but they are not expected to give Tuchel’s side an inch.

“Now, in the first knockout, we will face a copy of Ghana, a copy of Panama, a proud team, a defensive team, a committed team to defending, a quick team, happy to counterattack.”

And more than happy with their World Cup so far. They’ve already frustrated Portugal, with a 1-1 draw, before getting this far thanks to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa has been the key player, among a few players with Premier League experience such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Noah Sadiki.

Aside from the rise of African football in this World Cup, the players fire a few individual storylines. There’s something of an irony with Wan-Bissaka, given that he was eligible for England and Tuchel is now struggling for right-backs. With Reece James and Jarrel Quansah confirmed out, he will have to turn to Ezri Konsa or Djed Spence.

Wissa meanwhile endured a difficult season with Newcastle, after all the controversy of his move from Brentford. His very comments before this game, however, put that into necessary perspective.

“We deserve to play England,” Wissa said, on securing third-place in the group. “We have worked hard for this. You know, it’s not easy in our country. There is war in eastern Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.”

It’s also been confirmed that Congolese fans will be allowed to gather for the match, despite recent bans due to fears of Ebola outbreaks.

That says enough. If this match is evidently a fixture almost beyond the imagination of Congolese fans, despite the robust quality of their team, it is almost unthinkable that England actually go out.

That isn’t intended as any disrespect now but more the recent history of the team, and that very rationale for appointing Tuchel.

What happens if he fails at this stage? What would the repercussions be? It would be worse than England’s last shock exit, to Iceland in 2016, given the changed context.

The very prospect nevertheless prompts the kind of energy, and edge, that the German is talking about.

All of that is also tempered by another reality. If England play as they can, and all goes normally – to use Tuchel’s own description – they will win.

“We prepared in the best way possible, in a completely normal way. There are no extra needs. We don’t need to do extra stuff. We just need to be the best version of ourselves. We don’t need anything extra in these stages, but just trust and believe in ourselves that we have what it takes.

“Of course, tomorrow we accept and respect the quality of the opponent, and the fact that anything can happen. That’s why we love this match. We have a fantastic group, an experienced group. But of course we’re nervous and of course we feel the pressure.”

That would be natural given the spirit running through these last 32. So many teams have been emboldened by Paraguay’s victory over Germany, and even how Japan came so close against Brazil.

The floor of international football at this level has clearly been raised, and it makes it more likely that big names can be toppled.

Tuchel insisted that can have the opposite effect – in making England attuned to the challenge.

“I think it can calm us down, in a way. It is narrow margins. In the World Cup, teams are well drilled, teams are defending on the highest level. It is difficult to break teams down. For me, it almost helps us to calm our mind to accept the situation.”

And Tuchel said that composure is going be essential, given the likely complexion of the game. England are going to have to battle through.

“Still you face a team that don’t allow a lot of chances. It can be tiring, it can be a bit nerve-racking. It can be monotonous to break this block down.

“But that’s where the energy goes to, where the mindset has to be: that we don’t freak out; we don’t start to doubt. We keep believing and do our things. Encourage the players, because clearly there is commitment and togetherness.”

That’s what Tuchel loves, but not as much as a knockout victory.

Despite having his next two fights booked, Tyson Fury has been given the green light to fight for the WBC heavyweight world title by the recently upgraded champion.

Fury held the WBC belt between February 2022 and January 2024, making three successful defences before losing it to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed contest. Usyk carried the title until last month, when he vacated it along with his WBA and IBF straps.

WBC Interim champion Agit Kabayel was promptly upgraded to full champion, and talk has now turned to his first defence. Fury recently floated the idea of the match-up, pointing out his number one ranking with the sanctioning body.

Though Germany’s Kabayel had previously talked down the idea of fighting Fury, given their friendship outside of the ropes, he has now told the Ring Magazine that it is just ‘sport’ and would welcome the challenge.

“I respect him a lot, but Tyson called me out. When you have an interest in the fight, it’s sport, competition. I have no personality problem with the guy. When he has interest in the fight with me, why not? I respect him. He’s my big brother. When he says, ‘Agit, I want the belt,’ I say, ‘no problem brother, come on, we’ll make the fight.’”

Kabayel will look to make the first defence of his belt later this year, hopefully in Germany, where he has proven he can draw an impressive crowd.

As for Fury, he has just this week announced a ‘warm-up’ fight against Polish veteran Mariusz Wach, with a view to moving ahead with a pre-signed Anthony Joshua bout in November. Should the ‘AJ’ deal fall through, Kabayel may be a viable option.

Briton Moses Itauma has been ordered by the IBF to hold talks with Cuba’s Frank Sanchez about fighting for the vacant heavyweight title.

Last week Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his IBF, WBA ‘super’ and WBC belts.

The IBF said that, “in accordance with IBF championship rules”, it wants Sanchez, who is number one in their heavyweight rankings, to fight number three contender Itauma.

It said they have until 29 July to reach an agreement.

Itauma, 21, is scheduled to fight Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August in what he has called his “toughest fight”.

He could pull out of the Hrgovic fight or agree to fight Sanchez after that bout.

BBC Sport has contacted Itauma’s promoter Queensberry for comment.

Itauma claimed an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Jermaine Franklin in Manchester in March.

Although the IBF wants to arrange a bout for the vacant title, the WBC upgraded interim champion Agit Kabayel to champion after Usyk gave up its belt.

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who was required to fight German Kabayel after he was granted an exemption to fight Rico Verhoeven in May, is now free to fight any opponent.

How good is Bosnia and Herzegovina in soccer? What to know about USMNT’s knockout opponent in 2026 World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The United States will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout journey on Wednesday with a Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Mauricio Pochettino’s side won Group D to reach the knockout round, finishing top of their group for the first time ever at a FIFA World Cup.

That saw the USMNT secure a third-place qualifier in the opening knockout stage, drawing European side Bosnia & Herzegovina out of Group C, which is Canada‘s bracket. Ranked 61st in the world by FIFA, Sergej Barbarez’s side qualified for the World Cup via the UEFA playoff, beating both Wales and Italy on penalties to earn passage.

The Sporting News brings you all you need to know about Bosnia & Herzegovina, including what they’re ranked, who their top players are, and what their history against the U.S. is.

MORE:Where is Bosnia & Herzegovina on a map?

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How good is Bosnia and Herzegovina in soccer?

• Qualified via: UEFA playoff round, def. Wales (semifinals) and Italy (finals)

• Head coach: Sergej Barbarez (BIH)

• Notable players: Edin Dzeko (Schalke), Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta), Esmir Bajraktarevic (PSV), Amar Dedic (Benfica)

Bosnia & Herzegovina, formerly part of Yugoslavia, have been a staple in European football for decades, but they have fallen on hard times of late.

Their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was their first appearance at the tournament since 2014, and second overall as Bosnia & Herzegovina. They held Italy to a 1-1 draw in the playoff final, winning on penalties in a heroic result that knocked out the four-time champions.

Overall, though, they are a mid-level European nation at best. They have never reached a European Championship final tournament as Bosnia & Herzegovina, and they have flip-flopped between the lower portion of League A and upper portion of League B in UEFA Nations League competition.

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Bosnia & Herzegovina have slowly been on the rise, but they are down from the days where they were ranked in the 20’s globally 15 years ago, and have not done much to develop young talent of the same level.

USMNT record vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

• USA record vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina: 2 W, 1 D, 0 L*

• First meeting: Bosnia & Herzegovina 3-4 USA (Aug. 14, 2013 | International friendly)

• Last meeting: USA 1-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Dec. 18, 2021 | International friendly)

* Does not include previous iterations of national team, including competition as Yugoslavia

The United States have met Bosnia & Herzegovina, or its former iterations, four times in history.

The first meeting came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when the USMNT were beaten 1-0 in the Group F finale on a goal from Slobodan Komljenovic. The result eliminated the United States from the competition, while Yugoslavia qualified as second-place finishers in the group.

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They met again on August 14, 2013 as the U.S. visited Europe and won a high-scoring friendly 4-3 in Sarajevo. Jozy Altidore scored a hat-trick, including goals in the 84th minute and 86th minute, to secure the win. Edin Dzeko also bagged a brace to keep his side in the mix.

Most recently, they met in 2021, during a match in December, where a goal by Cole Bassett in the 89th minute gave the U.S. a 1-0 victory. The USMNT played the entire second half up a man after Amar Begic was sent off for a terrible two-footed challenge on Kellyn Acosta.

Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup squad

Head coach: Sergej Barbarez

The calendar flips to July in one day, the month when Minnesota Vikings training camp begins. So, we are here with some summer predictions for the 2026 club, getting theories out in the open before the summer turns white hot.

We will, of course, lock in formal predictions right before Week 1, as well, but consider these official, too.

10 Summer Calls for the Vikings in 2026

1. Will Fries Rebounds

Fries signed a five-year, $87,720,000 deal in Minnesota during 2025 free agency and produced a 61.8 Pro Football Focus grade upon arriving. At that price, his PFF mark should be 81.8, not 61.8,

The veteran guard won’t quite hit 81.8 this season, but he’ll climb into the 70s, rebuilding his reputation along the way. Fans decided he was terrible after last season, but that is not true. He just wasn’t worth the huge contract.

2. The Offensive Line Stays Healthier, Finishes as Top 12 Group

Everyone besides Fries missed games in 2025 due to injury. In 2026, the offensive line won’t be totally immune to injury, but they won’t utterly ravage the group to the point where the main starting lineup never sees the field.

The OL finished 18th per PFF last year despite the missed games; it will bounce back in 2026 with good health and a Top 12 overall ranking.

3. Fans Realize the Cardinals Should Not Have Cut Kyler Murray

Murray will remain mostly healthy, the Vikings will reach the postseason, and he’ll deliver between 29 and 32 touchdowns. You won’t wonder, “Is Kyler Murray even good?” throughout the regular season; the eye test will deliver a verdict as early as Weeks 1 and 2.

Like the Vikings’ ordeal with Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks, the world will poke fun at the Arizona Cardinals for dropping Murray and paying him to play for the Vikings.

4. Demond Claiborne Feels like Ty Chandler

Minnesota is wickedly overdue to empower a young running back, but that will only appear in flashes with Claiborne. He has straight-line speed, yet it’s unclear whether he can break tackles at an RB1 clip or possesses a bellcow halfback’s vision.

Claiborne will bust off a sweet game or two, leaving a cliffhanger for the 2027 offseason, where fans wonder if he’ll transform into more than an RB1 or RB2.

5. The Vikings Trade No Draft Picks during the Season

Minnesota hired Nolan Teasley about four weeks ago, and he’s not about to offload draft picks during his first season on the job. The 2027 draft is expected to showcase more talent than most. Teasley will make his main impact in the draft — the Vikings need that — so trading picks for veterans before the November 3rd deadline will not appeal to him.

He could, however, trade a player like safety Theo Jackson for a 6th- or 7th-round pick, thereby stockpiling his war chest.

6. Starting CBs Miss at Least 6 Games Combined

A fun fact: Minnesota’s main starting cornerbacks, Byron Murphy Jr and Isaiah Rodgers, missed zero games last year. That’s pretty rare.

Unfortunately, that will change in 2026, with James Pierre and rookie Charles Demmings seeing relief action. Neither will disappoint.

7. Domonique Orange’s Consistency Leads All Rookie Headlines

Caleb Banks, the Vikings’ 1st-Rounder, will take a while to acclimate to the league, and new linebacker Jake Golday is considered “raw.”

Those things won’t beset Orange, who will win the starting nose tackle job immediately and stuff opposing running backs as early as September. By December, Orange will feel like a draft steal because of his rookie game-readiness.

8. J.J. McCarthy Starts 2 or 3 Games

Murray usually misses at least three games per year, and that won’t change in 2026. McCarthy will trot in for relief, show marked improvement from last year, and — you guessed it — the Vikings will have yet another quarterback debate on their hands. Fans will divide into camps over who to play in December — Murray or McCarthy?

9. Dallas Turner Logs Double-Digit Sacks

Turner played 300 snaps as a rookie and tallied 3 sacks. Then, he saw action on 702 plays in his second year, with 8 sacks to his name.

In 2026, he’ll play about 800 snaps and record 11 sacks. The guy will basically improve annually because that’s how it works. Turner-themed debates will largely vanish; it will just become established that he’s pretty damn good.

10. The Vikings Finish 11-6

Minnesota has the roster to win the NFC North and finally win a playoff game for the first time since 2019. The hurdle? The NFC North teams — they’re formidable from cover to cover. There is no longer a team or two to beat up on.

That prevents the Vikings from winning the division — Detroit will prevail — but Kevin O’Connell and friends will finish 11-6 and play football on Wildcard Weekend.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Mexico underlined their status as one of the strongest teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after brushing aside Ecuador to book their place in the last 16.

The hosts produced another dominant display, winning comfortably and extending their perfect record at the tournament to four victories from four matches. With eight goals scored and none conceded, Mexico have emerged as genuine contenders to go deep into the competition.

Here are the key lessons learned from their impressive victory.

Mexico are becoming serious title contenders

Before the tournament began, few people considered Mexico among the favourites to win the World Cup. However, their performances have changed that opinion.

The hosts have shown quality in attack, discipline in defence and tremendous confidence throughout the competition. Four wins from four matches, coupled with a perfect defensive record, suggest that Mexico are capable of challenging any team remaining in the tournament.

Their supporters are already dreaming of something special, believing this could be the year Mexico finally achieves World Cup glory.

The Azteca Stadium remains a fortress

Mexico’s greatest weapon may not only be their players but also their home ground.

The Azteca Stadium has once again proven to be an intimidating venue for visiting teams. Mexico have an outstanding competitive record there, winning 70 of their 89 matches, drawing 17 and losing only twice.

They are also unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the famous stadium, making any potential last-16 opponent, including England or DR Congo, aware of the enormous challenge awaiting them.

Former Australia manager Ange Postecoglou described a trip to Mexico as “stepping into a different World Cup”.

Julian Quinones is enjoying a brilliant tournament

Julian Quinones continued his excellent World Cup campaign with another outstanding performance against Ecuador.

The striker opened the scoring with a powerful finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance and took his tally to three goals in four matches.

His pace, movement and finishing ability have made him one of the standout attacking players of the tournament and an important part of Mexico’s success.

Mexico’s defence is one of the best in the competition

While much attention has focused on Mexico’s attacking players, their defence has been equally impressive.

The hosts have yet to concede a goal and have allowed only six shots on target across four matches.

Their organisation, discipline and determination have frustrated every opponent they have faced so far, making them one of the most difficult teams to break down at this World Cup.

Gilberto Mora continues to make history

Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora has become one of the stories of the tournament.

At just 17 years and 259 days old, Mora became the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.

Despite his age, the youngster has shown maturity, confidence and technical quality beyond his years.

Mexico’s fans believe this could finally be their year

The celebrations after the final whistle highlighted the growing belief among Mexico supporters.

Fans celebrated not only across Mexico but also in cities around the world, particularly in Los Angeles, where thousands gathered to watch the match.

For many supporters, this team represents the strongest Mexican side they have seen in years, with players showing unity, confidence and determination throughout the tournament.

Can Mexico finally end the ‘fifth game’ curse?

Despite the excitement, one concern remains for Mexican supporters: the famous “quinto partido” curse.

Mexico reached the quarter-finals when they hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, but from 1994 to 2018 they were eliminated in their fifth match of every tournament.

If this talented Mexico side can finally break that curse, belief that they can become world champions will only grow stronger.

A street takeover broke out at a Pacoima intersection Tuesday night following Mexico’s World Cup win, with drivers performing dangerous donuts as crowds looked on.

Video from AIR7 showed a man sitting on the ledge of a car window as the vehicle spun in circles in the intersection. At one point, several spectators approached a vehicle and were seen recording the driver’s stunts from just a few feet away.

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Tire marks from burnouts were visible on the street as multiple vehicles participated in the street takeover.

A few blocks away, Los Angeles police formed a skirmish line as officers cleared another gathering.

Fans took to the streets across Los Angeles on Tuesday night to celebrate Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the World Cup.

Fans took to the streets across Los Angeles to celebrate Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the World Cup.

AIR7 also captured scenes along Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles, where fans gathered at an intersection waving green, white and red Mexican flags.

Similar celebrations occurred in Huntington Park and Boyle Heights, where crowds shut down intersections. In other parts of the San Fernando Valley, AIR7 recorded fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Mexico’s win over Ecuador secured the team’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years. Mexico will play in the Round of 16 on Sunday.