It’s the kind of thing many football fans experience during World Cup watch parties: The “home” team scores a goal and fans in a beer garden or pub cheer as one – and may even embrace in celebration – even though they had been complete strangers just moments earlier.

For Katie Wood, a clinical psychologist at Swinburne University in Melbourne, these shared moments can actually support mental health.

“The greatest protective factor for our mental health is connectedness—the connection to ourselves, to other people, to our community, and to our culture,” Wood told DW. And sport, in her view, hits exactly this note; it brings people together.

This form of connection isn’t limited to families or friends. It can also emerge when, for a brief moment, one feels they are part of something bigger. A World Cup is the perfect setting for giving people this sort of feeling.

Americans celebrate alongside Algerians

What this looks like in practice has been on show throughout this World Cup: fans from a wide variety of countries cheer together, swap jerseys, or suddenly find themselves side-by-side supporting the same team.

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In Lawrence, Kansas, the city center was spontaneously transformed into a green-and-white public viewing area during the match between Algeria and Austria. Because the Algerian national team had set up its World Cup base there, hundreds of local Americans turned up wearing Algerian jerseys, with the national colors painted on their faces and flags in their hands.

It is also becoming evident elsewhere just how quickly football can build bridges. After the Round-of-16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, DW observed two fans swapping jerseys as a memento of the evening they had shared. In Seattle, meanwhile, following the USA’s elimination, a Belgium supporter was seen comforting a disappointed American fan.

A visitor to San Francisco told DW about a moment that stuck with him: “A man saw my jersey. He didn’t know me at all. He walked up, hugged me, and simply said, ‘This is the World Cup.’”

A sense of belonging: a fundamental need

Katie Wood sees this as the unique strength of a tournament like the World Cup. People who might never have crossed paths in everyday life share the same emotions for a brief time.

“You can come from vastly different walks of life. But the moment you support the same team, a collective experience with a shared goal emerges.”

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That goal taps into a fundamental need that many underestimate: the need to belong. It makes no difference whether someone has been a fan for decades or is watching a match for the very first time. What matters more is the shared experience, the tension before kickoff, the roar when a goal is scored, the shared frustration after a defeat.

“No one knows what we go through as human beings day in and day out,” a visitor at a fan zone told DW. “That’s why moments like these are so special.”

And even those without a favorite team can get caught up in the atmosphere.

“I’m just happy,” a visitor in Philadelphia told DW. “I don’t even have a team, but I’ve come to love watching the games.”

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An escape from the stresses of everyday life

The World Cup can offer a way to step back from everyday life for a while.

“When so much is happening in the world, we look for ways to escape our daily routine for a bit,” Wood explained. “And experiencing the World Cup—with all the excitement surrounding it—together with other people is a very healthy way to do that.”

Of course, the focus of a tournament like the World Cup is usually the football itself. For many fans, however, the strongest memories of a World Cup are about the moments that happened on the fringes of the match itself.

This article was originally published in German.

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Edited by: Jonathan Harding

England clinched a four-wicket win over India, bringing the series to a tie at 1-1. Joe Root’s stellar innings of 99 not out was pivotal as India’s batters faltered, crumbling to just 233 runs. (Photo/AP/PTI)

A masterclass in chasing from veteran Joe Root and a clinical bowling display helped England bounce back in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The resounding win levels the three-match series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all blockbuster finale at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bowl first, England’s pace attack capitalized on the conditions to bundle India out for a modest 233 in 44 overs, triggering a spectacular mid-innings collapse.Earlier, India looked well-poised for a commanding total, coasting comfortably at 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) had laid a solid foundation, with the duo keeping the scoreboard ticking with authoritative strokeplay.However, England’s pacers struck back ruthlessly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts triggered a batting slide that saw India lose their final seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wag under constant pressure, and India were eventually folded up with six overs left unplayed.Chasing a modest 234, England’s top order faced some testing times against the moving ball and Both the openers fall inside first four overs with just eight runs on the board. India’s pacer Gurnoor Brar bowled with impressive fire, picking up 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former skipper played with ultimate composure, pacing the chase to perfection. As wickets tumbled around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair navigated a tricky period, stitching together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to shift the momentum firmly back in England’s favor.After Jacks departed for 30 of 44, it was Gus Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The duo put on a rapid, unbroken 38-run partnership off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a breezy cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls, while Root, though cruelly stranded on a masterly 99 not out from 133 balls, anchored the chase brilliantly to the end.England overhauled the target to finish at 235 for 6, wrapping up the game with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now balanced after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the series decider at Lord’s promises to be a thrilling affair.Brief Scores:India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Gurnoor Brar 2/67)Result: England won by 4 wickets.

When Gervonta Davis stated his plans to return to action, there was one former world champion being deemed as the frontrunner to be his opponent, but ‘Tank’ may be forced to look elsewhere, with his targeted dance partner set to face an alternate contender.

Davis has been inactive since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025, but he revealed plans for a comeback back in December, where he declared his intentions of rematching Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz – who lost a decision to Davis back in 2021.

“I’m taking him next, soon as my knee gets better.”

In response, Cruz provided additional hope of witnessing the clash by unveiling his three-man hitlist, which was topped by ‘Tank.’

“First [choice] would be Gervonta Davis, then Subriel Matias, and why not Ryan Garcia. I think those three names would be fantastic for my first fight of 2026.”

However, seven months later and Davis’ return is still unknown, with Al Haymon recently detailing that the Baltimore-born knockout artist would be sidelined until 2027 – a statement which Davis has since denied.

‘Pitbull’ seems unwilling to wait around for ‘Tank’ though, as ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has reported that Cruz looks set to defend his WBC interim super-lightweight title against Puerto Rico’s Néstor Bravo with a date of Saturday, September 19 being targeted.

Apunta pleito entre Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz y Néstor Bravo para el 19 de septiembre en USA. Arizona o California entre posibles sedes. pic.twitter.com/PgfPmnBv2Q

— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) July 11, 2026

The bout is expected to headline a bill in either Arizona or California, with Bravo looking to make an impression on the world stage and build upon a statement knockout of the year contender against Pedro Campa back in January.

It means that Davis will have to likely look elsewhere to determine his next opponent, and he has been linked to some more unlikely names in recent weeks.

Jockey Jamie Mott opted to cut short his family break to partner the exciting debut winner American Eagle at Sandown.

Mott had ridden at Caulfield the previous Saturday before heading to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast with his family to recuperate.

However, he was back in action on Wednesday at Sandown, teaming up with the Clayton Douglas-trained American Eagle for a victory in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1200m).

American Eagle ($3.40), despite not appreciating the heavy track conditions, triumphed by three-quarters of a length over the $2.80 favourite Judas Tree. Commit ($5) secured third place, a long neck further back.

The colt American Eagle has only been under Douglas’s care for the past fortnight, following the 28-day disqualification issued to Anthony and Sam Freedman.

After contesting trials in Sydney, American Eagle was dispatched south, where he won an 800-metre jump-out at Mornington on July 8.

“I was really looking forward to riding this guy,” Mott commented.

“He came down here with some nice raps on him and he gave me a really good feel on what was a really testing track at the Mornington jump-outs.

“Today the track conditions were a little bit better than what they were there and I was confident, even though he’s a horse that will be better on top of the ground, but I was confident he would get through it today.

“I think he’s got a lot of class and a bright future.”

Clayton Douglas, while still getting acquainted with American Eagle, has been impressed by what he has witnessed from the colt in the short period he has been under his guidance.

“He’s got a great temperament and that’s going to take him a long way,” Douglas said.

“He’s a big strong horse that is going to keep on developing and I think there will be some nice races for him in the future.

“We think that he will get out over further so we wanted to make sure that he raced in a good manner today and we felt the Sandown track would suit him, a big spacious track, where we could let him balance up.

“He hit the line nicely and I think he will improve off the run as I think he’s a bit away fitness wise.”

With only two weeks left until the Freedman father-and-son training team can resume their duties, Douglas jokingly remarked that he might need to race the colt multiple times to secure some victories.

“I think the best thing with this horse is that I might ease off him a touch to get him ready for some better races in the spring,” he added.

Compare the leading Australian betting sites for the best racing odds.

Argentina were stunned by England’s response to taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final and were shocked by the defensive nature of Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions, having specifically prepared themselves for the introduction of pace in the second half.

The Independent understands Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was braced for the introduction of one of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, if not both. Scaloni and his staff were aware that their side’s main vulnerability is when a game is stretched, leaving them vulnerable to speed in behind.

Argentina players remarked afterwards that they feared this exact scenario following Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal, only to gradually realise that England were dropping deeper and deeper.

Scaloni and his staff were still preparing themselves for one of Saka or Madueke to come on by the second hydration break, but then saw how Tuchel was planning to introduce a series of defensive-minded players, further removing England’s out-balls and threat on the counter-attack.

It meant Scaloni felt free to go even more attacking – including bringing on match-winner Lauturo Martinez for left-back Nicolas Tagliafico – to eventually win the game in stoppage time.

Ezri Konsa came on for Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute as Tuchel switched to a back five. Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly then replaced Reece James and Declan Rice, respectively, in the 82nd minute.

It was only in the 90th minute, after Enzo Fernandez had scored a long-range equaliser for Argentina, that another forward was introduced in Marcus Rashford for Djed Spence and Ivan Toney for John Stones. England also only had 12 per cent of the possession in between Gordon’s opener and Martinez’s winner.

On seeing Tuchel’s first change and its impact – with Argentina enjoying more and more territory and chances – Scaloni abandoned plans to keep a defensive measure in store. The coach saw that he no longer needed a specialist left-back against English pace, so went for broke with Martinez coming on for Tagliafico on 81 minutes, and 62nd-minute sub Nico Gonzalez going to left-back.

England’s tactical decisions were a huge subject of discussion among Argentina players amid their celebrations, with particular surprise at how quickly Tuchel went to five at the back and how neither Saka nor Madueke played a single minute in the match. The players had been reminded of the qualities of both at half-time.

It also seemed to surprise several England players, with captain Harry Kane even remarking the approach of trying to “hold on” to a 1-0 lead was “not enough at this level”. That sentiment was echoed by centre-back Marc Guehi, who said: “We should have carried on pushing. It kind of felt like we scored and then the mentality was go back, defend.”

The FA are nevertheless understood to feel that England’s elimination was not the fault of Tuchel’s tactical decisions, as they press ahead trying to win a home Euro 2028 under the German. Chief executive Mark Bullingham has privately expressed his satisfaction with the manager’s overall performance.

There is a belief within the FA that Tuchel is also attempting to evolve some cultural issues within the team. One theory that has grown is how the players almost felt a natural instinct to withdraw, despite the manager visibly doubling and then trebling down on this.

Tuchel, who signed a contract extension in February that will take him to Euro 2028, spoke about this very issue following the defeat to Argentina. Asked whether it is possible to change the English mentality, he said: “If it happens then it has to be changed.

“But I’m not sure, I always try to think in football terms, in football matters. I haven’t seen the data yet but I think right after the goal, the momentum swings completely in ball possession, chances and it drops dramatically.

“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not to become more passive with a back five but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.

“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure, but we just struggled. We couldn’t find any duels any more which was why we dropped deeper and deeper, which was never the plan but it happened. We needed to get back on the ball otherwise you cannot break the pressure and you cannot get the momentum back.

“I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA to take the ball, control the game and the ball, which is also a big problem.”

The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.

Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.

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Here is cornerback Jaden Davis.

Jaden Davis background, 2025 season

Davis enters his third NFL season, all with the Cardinals. The Cardinals drafted him in the seventh round in 2024. He spent his entire rookie season on their practice squad. In 2025, he didn’t start the season on the practice squad, but did have two stints on it before he was signed to the active roster. He played in three games at the end of the season.

He played 38 defensive snaps and 24 on special teams. He had three total tackles, one on special teams.

Jaden Davis contract details, salary cap hit

He is signed through this season and will be an exclusive rights free agent.

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He will make a salary of $1.005 million if he makes the roster and that will be his cap hit.

Roster outlook, questions he faces

Davis got playing time last year because of multiple injuries. Everyone is back, so he is unlikely to make the roster, although his versatility playing nickel and special teams might land him another stint on the practice squad.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: CB Jaden Davis

A slow time in sports got even slower on Thursday as some games on the schedule were altered due to the air quality in the Northeast and Midwest.

Wildfires in Canada have affected the air quality in those areas to the point where residents were urged to stay inside and wear masks if they had to go out.

At least two sporting events were forced to be moved because of the air: one MLB game and an MLS match.

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A cyclist wears a mask as smoke from wildfires blankets Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. (Laura Proctor/Bloomberg)

Polish soccer star Robert Lewandowski was set to make his MLS debut on Thursday, but the air quality forced the postponement of his Chicago Fire’s contest against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The Philadelphia Phillies also announced roughly three hours before the scheduled first pitch that their game against the New York Mets, originally slated for 7:10 p.m. ET, was moved up an hour.

The National Women’s Soccer League played a game at Citi Field that turned into the most-attended women’s sports contest in New York history, with 42,175 people attending Gotham FC’s match against the Washington Spirit at Citi Field. But Washington’s Trinity Rodman wasn’t happy with the game, which included two hydration breaks per half, being played.

A general view of Citi Field before the Queens Classic match between Washington Spirit and Gotham FC in New York. (Brenden Willsch/Imagn Images)

EARTHQUAKE RATTLES ICONIC NATIONAL PARK NEAR ITS MASSIVE SUPERVOLCANO

“If we have to have a hydration break every 15 minutes, then we shouldn’t be playing the game, and that’s my opinion,” Rodman said. “But at the end of the day, there’s 40,000 people. It’s a whole event, so it’s really tough. It’s just a really hard situation for everyone to work around.”

Three MLB games were postponed in 2023 due to air quality concerns in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

The air quality in the tri-state area has been deemed “unhealthy,” perhaps putting a wrinkle in Sunday’s World Cup final at nearby MetLife Stadium. But it is expected to be better in time.

Due to the air quality, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she “directed” NJ Transit and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority “to make select quantities of masks available to commuters and at rest areas along the Turnpike and Parkway.”

A general view of Citizens Bank Park during hazy conditions from wildfires in Canada in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies was postponed because of unsafe air quality. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to “stay somewhere cool” and “drink plenty of water.”

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