• Alex Eala continues her campaign in the 2026 Wimbledon Championships vs Maya Joint in the singles second round.

Wimbledon 2026 schedule

July 2, Thursday – Singles second round

• 8:30pm (tentative) – Alex Eala vs Maya Joint

LIVE UPDATES: Alex Eala vs Maya Joint – Wimbledon 2026 second round

• Refresh this page for updates.

A mantra we can all live by 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/Xxido1LNF7

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2026

It’s heating up 🔥

Who’s ready for Day 4!? 🙋‍♀️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/r9b2maOaqX

— wta (@WTA) July 2, 2026

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns to Mexico’s Renata Zarazua during their women’s singles first round tennis match on the second day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2026. AFP

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Alex Eala collected a milestone—for herself and for the country—with her victory at Wimbledon. She also earned something else: A shot at redemption.

Fresh off her first main-draw win at the All England Club, Eala will face Maya Joint in the second round of the Wimbledon Championships, a rematch of a showdown that produced one of the most unforgettable defeats of her young career.

The two last met in the 2025 Eastbourne Open final, where Eala came within a point of claiming her first WTA title before Joint rallied to deny her despite the Filipino ace holding four championship points. The defeat stung, but it also marked history as Eala became the first female player from the Philippines to reach a WTA singles final.

“A really great match,” Eala recalled after her Wimbledon opener. “I’d love to have the chance to improve on some things that I could have improved from that match.”

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A year later, much has changed.

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Suncorp Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 18 NRL game between Brisbane Broncos and
Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Broncos vs.
Cronulla Sharks
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 4, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: Suncorp Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

Cronulla faces a crucial test of its top-eight credentials when it travels to Brisbane on Saturday night. The Sharks have remained competitive despite the absence of Nicho Hynes, with Braydon Trindall continuing to guide the side around the park, but consistency remains their biggest challenge. Brisbane has been hit hard by injuries throughout the season, yet Michael Maguire’s side continues to compete with determination and will relish the opportunity to test a fellow finals contender at Suncorp Stadium. Young playmaker Thomas Duffy has impressed in recent weeks, adding further intrigue to an attack searching for stability. With both clubs chasing momentum entering the final third of the season, this looms as a pivotal contest.

Folarin Balogun’s teammates came to his defense after the USA World Cup star was given a red card during the team’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night.

Balogun received the red card after he stepped on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus only gave Balogun the card after a VAR review. The red card meant Balogun will not be able to play in the team’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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United States’ Folarin Balogun, right, stands by after being issued a red card by Referee Raphael Claus, of Brazil, as United States’ Weston McKennie (8) looks on during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

A FIFA official told The Athletic a team cannot appeal against the red card or the suspension. The official pointed the outlet to a portion of the organization’s rules and regulations, which states, “A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”

Balogun’s teammate, Weston McKennie, called the lack of an appeal process “bogus” and disagreed with the referee’s decision to issue the red card.

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Bosnia’s Sead Kolasinac (5) talks to United States’ Folarin Balogun after Balogun was sent off, as Christian Pulisic (10) watches during the World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Julio Cortez / AP)

“Obviously the ref made a decision that he made, but I think it’s questionable,” McKennie said. “I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all. It’s disappointing.”

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun’s act “was never intentional.”

“It’s never a red card. Never. … If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are fighting for the ball and your feet land,” he said.

Balogun is the third player to score in a World Cup knockout match and be sent off. He follows Brazil’s Ronaldinho in 2002’s quarterfinal match against England and France’s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

Referee Raphael Claus of Brazil shows a red card to United States’ Folarin Balogun, right, during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

It’s the fifth red card handed to an American in the squad’s World Cup history.

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Eric Wynalda received one against Czechoslovakia in 1990, Fernando Clavijo got one against Brazil in 1994 and Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope each received one against Italy in 2006.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We have your 2026 World Cup anytime goalscorer picks for Thursday’s three knockout games

CommBank Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 18 NRL game between Parramatta Eels and
Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Parramatta Eels vs.
Manly Sea Eagles
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday July 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Where: CommBank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview

Manly heads to CommBank Stadium looking to overcome another setback when it faces a Parramatta side refusing to let its season fade away. The Sea Eagles must now adjust without experienced halfback Luke Brooks, placing added responsibility on young Joey Walsh as the club enters a critical stage of the campaign. Parramatta has consistently shown resilience despite an injury-ravaged season and continues to challenge more fancied opponents through effort and commitment. Manly remains the stronger side on paper, but the Eels have developed a reputation for making life difficult regardless of the circumstances. Another spirited performance would come as little surprise in what shapes as a dangerous assignment for the visitors.

Celebrations have begun for Team USA after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But it’s also bittersweet considering Folarin Balogun, who scored his third World Cup goal in the victory, won’t be available on Monday night in Seattle against Belgium after being shown a red card in the 64th minute in a massively controversial decision.

When head referee Raphael Claus of Brazil showed the red card to Balogun, the crowd at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and the millions watching from home were stunned. Not only did the USMNT have to face Bosnia and Herzegovina for the remainder of the game down one man, but he would be missing the next match if they made it through.

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Folarin Balogun of the United States reacts to receiving a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

After the match, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas didn’t hold back his thoughts about how the game was officiated on the night.

“An absolute joke of a refereeing night,” Lalas said during the FOX Sports broadcast.

Lalas also had an interesting post on X involving Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, which was invoked by many after seeing what happened to Balogun.

In Balogun’s case, it was determined that him stepping on the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg, which led to a rolled ankle, was enough to flash the red card after VAR review despite both players jostling for position to receive the ball coming their way.

USA ADVANCES IN WORLD CUP AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

There was nothing done with intent on Balogun’s end; rather, he was just trying to land with his right leg after being bumped himself, and his foot unfortunately came down on Muharemovic.

Folarin Balogun of USA receiving a red card from Referee Raphael Claus during the World Cup match between USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates)

But Lalas immediately thought about Messi’s situation that occurred in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. Messi was trying to get a ball away from an Algerian player when he was seen digging his cleat into the back of the player’s calf.

Lalas posted the clip on X with the simple caption, “‘Sup,” making it pretty clear what he was referring to. Messi wasn’t reprimanded on the pitch, or after, for what appeared to be a more egregious action than Balogun considering he was looking down at his opponent’s leg from behind before the cleat hits the calf.

Balogun wasn’t even looking at the back right leg of Muharemovic, though it was clear it could’ve been an injury given the rolled ankle that was being stepped on.

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) and United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

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Either way, the USMNT will have to think about who will take Balogun’s place against Belgium, as manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff will deliberate over that key position against their next formidable opponent.

But this red card will be debated for the days leading up to the next match, which will be held at Seattle Stadium on July 6 at 8 p.m.

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

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has logged just 893 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in the last two seasons despite being paid as one of the NFL’s most expensive players at his position. Hockenson took a paycut to remain in Minnesota this offseason, and now ESPN claims it’s a make-or-break campaign for the 28-year-old.

The man should benefit from the arrival of Kyler Murray, as will the offense as a whole.

Vikings TE Decision Now Has a Clock

Bill Barnwell: Make-or-Break in 2026 for Hockenson

On a positive note, Barnwell actually ranked the Vikings’ RBs, WRs, and TEs as the NFL’s eighth-best before he delivered the Hockenson opinion.

He wrote, “Both Jefferson and Addison saw their catch rates drop to career lows last season, which I feel comfortable chalking up to subpar quarterback play. T.J. Hockenson, though, recorded the best catch rate of his career, in part because he was catching bunches of short checkdowns.”

“The tight end hasn’t been the same player since his 2023 ACL tear, and the Vikings could really use his ability to create after the catch and up the seam to help new QB Kyler Murray this season. This is a make-or-break year for Hockenson, who will be a free agent after the campaign.”

Hockenson has been the object of some fans’ scorn over the last two seasons, mainly because of his diminished production compared to his meaty paycheck.

The Injury That Pumped the Breaks

In 2023, late in the season, Hockenson was tackled low by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph, a defender with a modus operandi of targeting ACLs. Hockenson indeed tore his ACL, ending his season and setting into motion a long recovery. Vikings fans despise Joseph to this day for his deed.

Since then, Hockenson has never posted his production from 2022 or 2023.

Hockenson’s 2025 season statistics — 51 catches, 438 yards, and three touchdowns — might appear underwhelming at first glance, suggesting a decline in performance. However, a deeper look beyond the box score reveals a different narrative.

A significant factor was the instability of the Vikings’ offensive line. Head coach Kevin O’Connell himself acknowledged that Hockenson was tasked with an unusually high volume of blocking assignments, often to compensate for protection deficiencies. It greatly limited his opportunities to contribute as a pass-catcher, making it difficult to achieve the Pro Bowl-caliber receiving numbers he’s known for when he was primarily functioning as an emergency blocker.

Too, the team’s quarterback situation was in constant flux, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all seeing action. The lack of continuity at quarterback prevented the passing game from establishing any consistent rhythm, forcing Hockenson to operate within a perpetually shifting offensive scheme.

Therefore, Hockenson’s 2025 performance was not a sign of diminished skill, but rather a reflection of the extraordinary circumstances in which he was asked to help stabilize a struggling offense.

As he turns 29, a rebound is in reach. He retains his top-tier route-running ability and remains a large, reliable target.

A Bounceback if Murray Follows the Trey McBride Blueprint

And that bounceback is within reach, mainly because of the evidence down in the desert.

McBride became one of the NFL’s best tight ends over the last couple of seasons, and guess who threw him the ball? Murray. McBride and Murray proved they could feast on a lousy team; there’s a blueprint suggesting Murray would pick up where he left off in Arizona. In fact, Murray could be perfect for Hockenson.

That’s in addition to Murray already having Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings at his disposal. The 2022 or 2023 form of Hockenson would shove Minnesota’s offense to new heights, if one assumes that Murray takes off with the Vikings.

Free Agency in Eight Months if Not

The Vikings already built the escape hatch. Hockenson’s offseason pay cut a few months ago not only adjusted his salary but also moved his free agency to 2027, effectively making 2026 a “prove-it” year. While this might seem harsh, it’s a strategic move for smart teams dealing with expensive veterans coming off average seasons.

If Hockenson returns to his 2022 and 2023 form, the decision is straightforward: extend him. Keeping one of the NFL’s better tight ends in O’Connell’s offense would be a no-brainer. That version of Hockenson remains incredibly valuable.

Should 2026 resemble 2025, the Vikings have the option to let him enter the market and find his replacement through free agency or the 2027 NFL Draft.

Therefore, Barnwell is right: it’s make-or-break for Hockenson.

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

Anthony Joshua could be presented with a world title shot in 2027, but first he must take care of Tyson Fury later this year.

The two British heavyweights are expected to collide in November, yet we are still awaiting the announcement of a specific date, location and promoter.

What we do know, however, is that Fury and ‘AJ’ will enter respective warm-up fights against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga on the same weekend.

The first of which will take place at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24, with 46-year-old veteran Wach having been selected as a low-risk opponent.

It would also seem that there are no plans to broadcast this fight, but rather for it to be treated as an exclusive event for the 2,000 fans in attendance.

Joshua, meanwhile, has equally been matched with a low-risk opponent, only it could be argued that even Kristian Prenga poses a greater threat than Wach.

Regardless, the 36-year-old is heavily favoured to come through his contest in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, before entering a long-awaited showdown with Fury.

If he defeats ‘The Gypsy King’, Joshua is then likely to pursue three-time world championship glory, potentially against newly-crowned WBC ruler Agit Kabayel.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the German insisted that he will be waiting for either Joshua or Fury, having previously sparred both heavyweights on numerous occasions.

“Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let’s do it. Kabayel will wait for you.

“We can make the fight but first of all I think all the fans, the British fans, want to see the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury fight and, after that, we can see who’s best for the fight with me.

“First of all AJ [for Fury] and after, why not? This is a big fight. We can make this also in Germany in a stadium. We can make this in the UK in a stadium.”

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Kabayel was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his three belts and, in turn, avoid any mandatory duties.