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Tom Brady jokes about Bill Belichick in Georgetown commencement speech

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Tom Brady was tapped as the commencement speaker for Georgetown University’s business school graduation, and he gave his speech the only way Brady would know how.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion was praised highly by those who spoke before him, prompting Brady to quickly crack a joke seemingly about his former head coach Bill Belichick.

“I don’t do well with compliments. I had a coach for 20 years tell me how sh—y I was every day,” Brady said.

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Tom Brady celebrating with head coach Bill Belichick at NRG Stadium

Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 5, 2017. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Brady said he was “grateful” to be with the graduates and their loved ones, “even the ones who are [New York] Jets fans.”

“Sitting here looking out at this crowd of amazing business majors, I realized something – sports was a very strange way to make a living. People screamed at me all the time, they gambled on my performance, and they celebrated all my failures. One way that sports is a lot like business, though, is that when you do it long enough, your life gets defined by numbers. Twenty-three, that was the number of pro seasons I played. Seven, those were my Super Bowl wins. Three, those were the Super Bowl losses. Damn it, Eli Manning,” Brady continued.

The thesis of Brady’s commencement, though, was battling through adversity and never quitting, and the best way for Brady to tell his motivational message was by telling the story of his Super Bowl LI comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Brady mentioned the number 99.7, saying if something happens 99.7% of the time, it is a “foregone conclusion.” When Brady began to tell the story of the comeback, he warned the audience of potential adult language.

“I was an athlete, so you might feel like you’re in a locker room a little bit,” Brady said.

Brady then mentioned how the Falcons had a 99.7% chance of winning the Super Bowl when they led 28-3 late in the third quarter.

“Not exactly how I thought the way things would go when I woke up that morning,” he said.

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“But you know what?  It happens sometimes. You guys are going to see that. You’re going to think you’re better than your competition, you’re going to work really hard and it’s still not going to go the way you want. You’re going to find yourself on the short end of that 99.7% wondering just how the hell you got there.”

“Overcoming fear and doubt in the face of those challenges is where you’re going to gain the confidence to make your best choices when things aren’t going the way you want,” he continued. “When the odds are stacked against you, when you’re facing your own 28-3 moment, and believe me it’s coming, you have a choice to make: to quit or to fight your a— off.

Tom Brady holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy at NRG Stadium in Houston

Tom Brady of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 5, 2017. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

FORMER NFL DEFENSIVE END JOSH MAURO DIED FROM FENTANYL, COCAINE AND ETHANOL OVERDOSE: REPORT

“The choice seems pretty obvious, and it’s easier said than done. I mean, why spend all that energy fighting when it’s virtually certain you’ll lose? Why not quit and live to fight another day? Well, sometimes, there isn’t another day. Super Bowl LI, there was no other day… You may only get one chance to impress your boss or land a promotion, or to close a deal or not. So what, then? You better have prepared yourself in advance – to deal with the adversity you’re going to deal with in order to give yourself the best chance to succeed. Down by 25 in the biggest game of my life, do you think I just stumbled randomly into my decision to keep on fighting? The previous 25 years of my life had prepared me for that moment.”

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“You don’t quit, and you don’t make excuses…” Brady went on. “When the opportunity to do something special presents itself, the people most prepared to meet the challenges will be the ones who have made the most hard choices, who have faced adversity and overcome it. They certainly wouldn’t have won all of their fights, but they never quit… If there was a 99.7% chance at anything, it’s that I would be behind the counter at Ben’s Chili Bowl before I was behind a center in an NFL game. But no one could imagine I’d end my career with seven world championships. Maybe, because none of those people knew that I would never, never quit.”

Brady said he had a choice to make while facing his 25-point deficit.

“I said to myself, ‘Don’t be a little b—h. Go out there and fight your a— off. Whether you win or lose, fight to the end.’ At that moment, we had no idea what the outcome of the game would be, but the one thing I’ve learned through sports is the only time you’re sure to lose is when you quit.”

Brady also told the graduates they may have to work with people they don’t like, “like guys from Duke,” as that will force them to face their own fears and doubts “on the path to being successful in life.”

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“The odds are your 28-3 moment won’t end in a trophy or a parade. It may not even end in victory. It almost didn’t for us. But that’s not really the point,” Brady said. “These are all just momentary tests where failure isn’t final, only quitting is. The choice to fight is an opportunity to succeed, yes, but it’s also your chance to grow and show everyone that while you may be beatable, you are unbreakable…

Matt Ryan and Tom Brady shaking hands on football field at NRG Stadium

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan shakes hands with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 5, 2017. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

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“The only thing worse than losing the biggest game of your life is losing respect for yourself along the way.”

To end his speech, Brady implored the graduates to surround themselves with people who push them to be their best, “even if one of those people is a cranky old coach who cuts the sleeves off their sweatshirt and screams at you all day.”

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FIFA says held positive talks with Iran ahead of World Cup

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FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran‘s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, ​he told Reuters, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11 ​to July 19 ‌tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran ⁠in late February.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely ‌together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

Iran holds farewell ceremony for 2026 World Cup football team

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A member of Iran's national soccer team attends a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS.
A member of Iran’s national soccer team attends a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS. via REUTERS – Majid Asgaripour

More ⁠questions have arisen after FFIRI’s Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

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The US ​and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC ‌as a “terrorist entity” and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, but said the two sides had ‌the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had a positive exchange.

Taj told Reuters that FFIRI had a very good meeting with ​Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

Read moreIran crisis, World Cup tensions overshadow FIFA Congress in Vancouver

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“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our ​national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” ​he said.

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa ​arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declined to elaborate.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, ​a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

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Iran’s squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before ⁠moving on to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

Iran are scheduled to get ⁠their World Cup campaign ​under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

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Hearcomesthestar maturing ahead of 2026 Straight Six at Flemington

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Multiple racehorses and jockeys sprint on a grassy track, colorful silks (purple, blue with stars, green and white) blurred in a close finish behind a rail.

Progressive gains have accompanied each season, leading trainer John Moloney to seek further strides from Hearcomesthestar at her Flemington engagement.

Hearcomesthestar holds six triumphs across 28 starts plus eight more podium finishes, though Stakes competition has eluded top results.

Her single Listed placing came at Geelong this year, and Moloney hopes Hearcomesthestar grabs Black Type in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) on Saturday.

Moloney took the Straight Six in 2005 using Songs Of Vienna, akin in profile to Hearcomesthestar.

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“I won this race with Songs Of Vienna and she was there at the right time,” Moloney said.

“So, it’s probably not a bad race to go after with this mare, especially as The Goodwood was run last week in Adelaide where all the good sprinters went around.

“It’s a chance race for a horse like her to get some Black Type.”

Winning her Sandown debut in May 2023, Hearcomesthestar has faced Stakes annually since, hovering midfield.

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Strength and maturity have brought steady betterment to Hearcomesthestar, per Moloney.

Mares like Bella Nipotina, Black Caviar, Pride Of Jenni, and Via Sistina exemplify this age-related uplift for Moloney.

“She has steadily got better from prep to prep to where she is now,” Moloney said.

“A little bit stronger, a little bit better, not by big margins but just each time she has come back into training there has been improvement, so to take on some Black Type racing, as we are on Saturday, it’s worthwhile.

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“I’m not saying we’re Bella Nipotina or Via Sistina, or mares like that, but they seemed to get better with age.

“They trained on, so it’s amazing, that if they are looked after, they can keep producing pretty good runs.

“Here’s hoping she can keep finding that little bit extra for these types of races.”

Her Bendigo fresh-up effort, closing from last for third behind Stoli Bolli, boosted Moloney’s confidence.

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“It was fantastic,” Moloney said.

“The way she got home from the back, to make up that ground with 59 (kilos) on her back.

“We’re meeting the winner again, Stoli Bolli, and I would like to think that wherever it finishes, we won’t be far away again with reasonable luck.”

Check racing betting markets for the Straight Six via top betting sites at betting sites.

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Jerom Lastimosa holds head high after Magnolia exit

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Magnolia Hotshots' Jerom Lastimosa during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals.

Magnolia Hotshots’ Jerom Lastimosa during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Jerom Lastimosa had nothing but pride despite Magnolia’s exit from the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Even after a heartbreaking 105-102 overtime loss to Meralco in the quarterfinals at Ynares Sports Center here, Lastimosa kept his head high.

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“I’m still super proud of what we achieved, especially in this game,” he told the Inquirer.

“We lost an import in the end but we fought, we didn’t just surrender. I’m very proud of us, especially with me because we fought the right way.”

Import Clint Chapman fouled out with four minutes left in regulation, but Magnolia still managed to push the Bolts to the limit.

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Lastimosa played a key role in the fourth quarter as the Hotshots forced overtime, though he also committed costly mistakes down the stretch.

He finished with 28 points, four rebounds and two assists. Chapman, meanwhile, had 26 points and four rebounds.

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Despite failing to advance to the semifinals, Lastimosa was proud of the Hotshots’ resurgence in the elimination round, where he was one of the main factors, along with Chapman.

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After a slow start at 0-3, Magnolia ended up as the fifth seed with a 7-5 record. It was dealt with a twice to beat advantage in the playoffs, but was able to force a do-or-die game.

“We just learned from our mistakes in the first games. We started 0-3, then Chapman came into the team and I guess his impact really showed,” Lastimosa said.

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“He’s the reason why we got to this situation. I’m proud of him and what we achieved.”



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Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 6 Betting Picks and Predictions

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May 14, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) watches as Montréal Canadiens center Joe Veleno (90) takes a shot on goal during the first period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn ImagesMay 14, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) watches as Montréal Canadiens center Joe Veleno (90) takes a shot on goal during the first period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes are waiting in the wings in the Eastern Conference Final after sweeping each of its first two series.

The Montreal Canadiens can lock up its first berth in the final four since the 2020-21 campaign, when the divisions were realigned for one season.

The Habs own a 3-2 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres headed back to Bell Center tonight, as the Atlantic Division champs try to force a Game 7 back at home.

We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NHL picks for Saturday, May 16. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.

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Best NHL plays today

  • Canadiens -1.5 (+155) vs. Sabres
  • Canadiens/Sabres Under 6.5 Goals (-122)

Canadiens -1.5 (+155) vs. Sabres – 8:00 p.m. ET

All three of Montreal’s wins in this series have come by at least two goals, capped off by a 6-3 triumph in Game 5. The Canadiens allowed three goals in the first period before storming back to score four unanswered goals.

In the three victories, the Habs posted 5, 5, and 6 goals, which is a huge improvement from the 2.28 goals per game scored in the first round series win over Tampa Bay.

Buffalo owned the third-highest goal differential in the Eastern Conference this season (+47), but sits at 0 in the playoffs thanks to several blowout losses to Montreal.

Montreal C Alex Newhook has shined in this round with five goals, while Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each compiled 3 goals apiece. Look for the Habs to close this out at home in blowout fashion.

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Sabres/Canadiens Under 6.5 Goals (-122) – 8:00 p.m. ET

There have been plenty of goals scored in this series, but tonight is the highest total between these division rivals at 6.5. Game 5 saw five goals in the opening period and a series-high 9 goals, but it was only the second time these squads combined for more than six goals.

Buffalo seems to run out of gas after these quick starts, scoring only once in the third period in this series. Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes has allowed two or fewer goals in three of five home playoff games, while four games at Bell Center have been decided by one goal.

The Sabres can’t afford to get into a shootout here with the Canadiens with their season on the line. Buffalo yielded two or less goals in four of five road playoff games, resulting in three Unders. Look for Game 6 to remain below this number in Montreal tonight.

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Robert Lewandowski to leave Barcelona at end of season

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Prolific scorer Robert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the Spanish club said Saturday.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Osasuna and Barcelona in Pamplona, Spain, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

BARCELONA, Spain — Prolific scorer Robert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the Spanish club said Saturday.

The Poland striker, who turns 38 in August, was widely expected to be on the move with his contract set to expire.

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Lewandowski joined Barcelona from Bayern on a 45 million euro ($52 million) transfer in 2022, when his new club was in serious financial trouble and still reeling from the exit of Lionel Messi. Lewandowski was seen as a key piece of its rebuilding effort.

He went on to help Barcelona win three Spanish league titles in four seasons, including this campaign, and one Copa del Rey, while scoring an impressive 119 goals in 191 appearances.

“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete,” Lewandowski wrote on Instagram.

Lewandowski did not say in his message what’s next for his career. He has been linked with a move to Juventus or to leagues outside Europe.

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Lewandowski lost the status of being the undisputed first-choice striker for Barcelona coach Hansi Flick this season, as the former Bayern coach often preferred the speed and hustle of the younger Ferran Torres.

Lamine Yamal, who has played on Lewandowski’s right, praised his attack partner.

“Thank you for everything, for your goals, your leadership, and for believing in me since day one,” Yamal wrote on Instagram. “I learned so much from you, on and off the pitch. You will always be a legend.”

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Barcelona has two games left this season. It hosts Real Betis on Sunday and visits Valencia on May 23.



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‘We didn’t deserve to win’- Shubman Gill’s brutal verdict after GT defeat to KKR

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IPL 2026: 'We didn’t deserve to win'- Shubman Gill’s brutal verdict after GT defeat to KKR

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Shubman Gill blamed Gujarat Titans’ poor fielding display for their 29-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, saying the side “didn’t deserve to win” after dropping multiple catches during the high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday.GT’s five-match winning streak came to an end despite a spirited chase led by Gill’s 85, Jos Buttler’s 57 and Sai Sudharsan’s unbeaten 53. Chasing a mammoth 248, Gujarat eventually finished on 218/4 as KKR stayed alive in the playoff race.Reflecting on the defeat, Gill felt Gujarat had actually done well with the bat but failed badly in the field.“Looking at the wicket, 200-210 was par score but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did,” Gill said after the match.GT’s fielding errors proved extremely costly as KKR took full advantage of the missed chances. Finn Allen was dropped twice before smashing a breathtaking 93 off just 35 balls with 10 sixes, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green were also handed reprieves before scoring unbeaten fifties.Gill admitted the Titans failed to maintain the standards they had set earlier in the tournament.“No concerns but our fielding could’ve been a lot better. We set a certain standard and dropping 3 sitters – we didn’t deserve to win this one,” Gill said.Despite the loss, the Gujarat skipper believes the defeat could serve as a timely wake-up call ahead of the playoffs.“Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers,” he added.Earlier in the chase, GT looked well in control with Gill leading the counterattack in style. The opener smashed five fours and seven sixes in his 49-ball 85, while Buttler gradually found rhythm after a slow start. Sudharsan, who briefly retired hurt after taking a blow on the elbow, returned later to complete a fighting half-century.At 177/1 after 16 overs, Gujarat still appeared capable of chasing down the target before Sunil Narine produced a crucial over to swing momentum back in KKR’s favour.KKR had earlier piled up 247/2 after being sent in to bat by Gill. Allen’s explosive knock set the tone before Raghuvanshi’s unbeaten 82 and Green’s unbeaten 52 powered the hosts to their highest score of the season.The defeat leaves Gujarat Titans second on the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points from 13 matches, while KKR moved closer to the playoff spots with a much-needed win.Gill said the Titans would now focus on recovering before heading back home for their next fixture.“I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is and then plan accordingly (for the next game),” Gill said

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Man City to Chelsea: Check full list of FA Cup winners in the 21st century | Football News

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FA Cup full list of winners

FA Cup full list of winners


The FA Cup, England’s oldest and most celebrated domestic knockout tournament, has consistently produced unforgettable moments in modern football. Although its origins date back to 1871, recent editions have continued to deliver drama, surprises, and high-intensity clashes at Wembley, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most unpredictable competitions in the game.

 


2026 FA Cup final brought Chelsea face to face with Manchester City in a blockbuster showdown, where City beat Chelsea by 1-0 to lift the title. Pep Guardiola’s side was not only able to secure another prestigious trophy but also marked his 20th major title with the club, further strengthening his legacy as one of football’s greatest managers.

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In the 21st century, Arsenal have been the most successful FA Cup team, winning the trophy six times since 2000 under Arsène Wenger and Mikel Arteta. Their victories in 2005 and 2014 were especially significant, ending difficult periods without silverware. Chelsea have also enjoyed strong FA Cup success, lifting the trophy five times in this era with consistent performances at Wembley.

 


Manchester United added three more titles in 2004, 2016 and 2024, while Manchester City’s modern dominance includes triumphs in 2011, 2019, and 2023 under Guardiola.

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Yet, the FA Cup’s true charm lies in its unpredictability, famously highlighted by Wigan Athletic’s shock victory over Manchester City in 2013, one of the competition’s greatest upsets. 

 


FA Cup winners list (Since 2000)

Season

Winner

Runner-up

Score

2000–01

Liverpool

Arsenal

2–1

2001–02

Arsenal

Chelsea

2–0

2002–03

Arsenal

Southampton

1–0

2003–04

Manchester United

Millwall

3–0

2004–05

Arsenal

Manchester United

0–0 (5–4 pens)

2005–06

Liverpool

West Ham United

3–3 (3–1 pens)

2006–07

Chelsea

Manchester United

1–0 (a.e.t.)

2007–08

Portsmouth

Cardiff City

1–0

2008–09

Chelsea

Everton

2–1

2009–10

Chelsea

Portsmouth

1–0

2010–11

Manchester City

Stoke City

1–0

2011–12

Chelsea

Liverpool

2–1

2012–13

Wigan Athletic

Manchester City

1–0

2013–14

Arsenal

Hull City

3–2 (a.e.t.)

2014–15

Arsenal

Aston Villa

4–0

2015–16

Manchester United

Crystal Palace

2–1 (a.e.t.)

2016–17

Arsenal

Chelsea

2–1

2017–18

Chelsea

Manchester United

1–0

2018–19

Manchester City

Watford

6–0

2019–20

Arsenal

Chelsea

2–1

2020–21

Leicester City

Chelsea

1–0

2021–22

Liverpool

Chelsea

0–0 (6–5 pens)

2022–23

Manchester City

Manchester United

2–1

2023–24

Manchester United

Manchester City

2–1

2024–25

Crystal Palace

Manchester City

1–0

2025-26

Manchester City

Manchester City

1-0


 

First Published: May 16 2026 | 9:21 PM IST

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Quinn Hughes Hints at Long-Term Future With Minnesota Wild After Playoff Exit | NHL

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The Minnesota Wild might have fallen short in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the whole organization’s long-term outlook still seems pretty strong, honestly. After that rough second-round elimination against the Colorado Avalanche, everyone’s focus jumped fast to what’s next, mostly because of some comments made by Quinn Hughes. 

He was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, and Hughes didn’t just give a safe answer, he actually praised the Wild organization, plus he admitted he’d be interested in staying around long term. This is honestly creating a big wave of optimism in Minnesota heading into the offseason.

Speaking with The Athletic after Minnesota got knocked out, Hughes said, in a pretty obvious way, he has built a real, fast connection with both the organization and the city. The veteran defenseman went on to say that he likes playing in Minnesota, he’s taken with the team culture, and he thinks the Wild are putting together something kind of special, for what comes next. 

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Hughes also talked up general manager Bill Guerin, and the kind of trust that seems to live inside that whole setup. As Hughes described it, the mood inside the Wild locker room mattered a lot in how he felt about the franchise once he arrived halfway through the season.  

Those comments immediately stood out , because Hughes is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Minnesota had to move pretty significant assets to acquire him, without any promise that he would stay around for the long term. So when the defenseman talked openly about the idea of re-signing, a lot of fans saw it as a huge, kind of signature win for the organization.  

Minnesota Wild Emerging As Serious Long-Term NHL Contender

The Wild’s growing optimism seems to reach way beyond just Hughes, alone, it goes further. Minnesota now has one of the NHL’s most promising young groups, led by names like Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and defenseman Brock Faber. Also, young netminder Jesper Wallstedt put in some encouraging playoff showings, even though the pressure was heavy against Colorado.

For years, Minnesota was sort of stuck trying to fit in with the NHL’s elite teams. But now the organization looks like it could be set up to become a steady Stanley Cup contender under Guerin’s leadership.

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If Hughes eventually agrees to a contract extension, that huge trade that brought him to Minnesota could turn into one of the most important events in franchise history, and help push the Wild toward a real championship-level side.

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Canada and Other Teams to Play in Toronto and Vancouver at FIFA World Cup 2026: Full Fixtures and Dates

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Canada will host some of the biggest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Toronto and Vancouver set to welcome national teams and supporters from around the world.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will feature 48 countries for the first time in FIFA World Cup history. Canada will stage 13 matches across two cities, including all three group-stage games involving the Canadian men’s national team.

With the countdown to kickoff continuing, here is the full list of confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures to be played in Toronto and Vancouver.

  • Mexico vs South Africa: opening match of 2026 World CupMexico vs South Africa: opening match of 2026 World Cup

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Toronto FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures

Toronto’s BMO Field will host six matches during the tournament, including Canada’s opening World Cup game on home soil.

Toronto Match Schedule

June 12, 2026
Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

June 17, 2026
Ghana vs Panama

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June 20, 2026
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire

June 23, 2026
Croatia vs Panama

June 26, 2026
Senegal vs Iraq

July 2, 2026
Round of 32 Match

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Toronto is expected to become one of the major football destinations during the tournament as fans from different countries travel to Canada for the World Cup experience.

Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures

BC Place in Vancouver will host seven matches, including knockout-stage football and two Canada group-stage games.

Vancouver Match Schedule

June 13, 2026
Australia vs Intercontinental Playoff Winner

June 18, 2026
Canada vs Qatar

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June 21, 2026
Qatar vs New Zealand

June 24, 2026
Switzerland vs Canada

June 26, 2026
Germany vs Curaçao

July 2, 2026
Round of 32 Match

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July 7, 2026
Round of 16 Match

Vancouver will also play a major role in Canada’s World Cup journey, with crucial matches expected to draw huge crowds inside BC Place.

Canada’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

The Canadian men’s national team will play all three group-stage matches inside Canada.

Canada Fixtures

  • June 12 — Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (Toronto)
  • June 18 — Canada vs Qatar (Vancouver)
  • June 24 — Switzerland vs Canada (Vancouver)

The home tournament represents a historic opportunity for Canada to make a deep World Cup run in front of local supporters.

Countries Confirmed to Play in Canada

Several nations are already confirmed to play matches in Canada during the tournament, including:

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  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Croatia
  • Senegal
  • Australia
  • Switzerland
  • Ghana
  • Panama
  • Qatar
  • New Zealand
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Iraq
  • Curaçao
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina

More countries could still play in Canada depending on knockout-stage qualification and final tournament arrangements.

A Historic World Cup for Canadian Football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest edition of the tournament ever, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and bringing global football attention to Canada like never before.

From Canada’s opening match in Toronto to knockout-stage football in Vancouver, the tournament is expected to become one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in the country.

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Former MMA fighter, 30, dead after rescuing four girls from lake current

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A former mixed martial artist died after playing hero, saving four girls from a strong current, according to reports.

Medet Zheenaliev, 30, spotted four girls swimming in Lake Issyk-Kul in his home country of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, and one of them was reportedly pulled under the current.

Zheenaliev and a friend went into the water to save the girls, but the fighter never resurfaced, according to The Sun.

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A general view of the Octagon cage during UFC Fight Night at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City

The Octagon cage is seen during the UFC Fight Night event at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on March 30, 2024. (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Divers found his body the next day.

FATHER DIES TRYING TO SAVE 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AFTER GIANT WAVE SWEEPS HER OUT TO SEA AT CALIFORNIA BEACH

The lake is the ninth-deepest in the world, reaching a depth of 2,192 feet.

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Zheenaliev had four professional fights, splitting them even with two wins and two losses. His debut was a victory over Vladimir Kravchuk on Sept. 23, 2017, in Fightpro’s Battle for the Belt in Moscow. Zheenaliev earned the victory with an armbar submission 2:08 into the fight.

A general view of the UFC Octagon inside The Arena in Abu Dhabi during UFC 242

A general view of the Octagon during UFC 242 at The Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sept. 7, 2019. (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)

At the Battle on Volga 3 six months later, he defeated Shamil Temirkhanov in a first-round knockout.

He did not have the same success in his final two fights, tapping out to a rear-naked choke in the second round against Akhmadkhan Bokov at the Road to M-1 on April 7, 2018.

A general view of the UFC Octagon inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

A general view of the UFC Octagon inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, prior to the UFC 328 event on May 9, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

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He then took a nearly 17-month hiatus and fought Makkasharip Zaynukov at GFC 16, but doctors stopped the fight after round one and gave Zaynukov the victory.

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

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