If you want the Minnesota Vikings to use rookie Jake Golday like they use outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, it looks like you’re in for a treat.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently spoke about Golday’s skill set, and when asked how his traits compare to Van Ginkel’s, he did not balk at the comparison.

Brian Flores Has a Fun New LB Puzzle to Solve

O’Connell on Golday

A reporter asked O’Connell if Van Ginkel is a reasonable comp for Golday, and O’Connell replied, “He has some of those characteristics to him. We were fortunate enough to get him where we did.”

Golday also said about Van Ginkel, “I’m my own person at the end of the day, but I can’t complain about that comparison. He’s an amazing player so I strive to be like a guy like that. He just looks so calm out there all the time. It’s just crazy how he gets to the ball every single play. I’m like, ‘Dude, you’ve got to teach me your ways.’”

Nothing can be definitively learned about Golday’s eventual usage in June, but it’s safe to assume that he probably isn’t a pure off-ball linebacker. The hints suggest that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will use him as a pass rusher at times.

Solving the Current OLB3 Mystery?

On the second night of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, along with a 7th-Rounder, for two 3rd-Round picks. They evidently could not afford Greenard’s asking price of $100 million over the next four years.

Instantly, Minnesota’s OLB room went from a roster strength to a roster question mark, mainly because of uncertainty about the depth behind Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Could an unsung player like Bo Richter or Tyler Batty really climb the ranks enough to do some damage at OLB3?

Well, that question may be moot if Golday sees action as a Van Ginkel-like hybrid. After all, drafting an off-ball linebacker in Round 2 is a little high; it just makes more sense if Minnesota chose Golday knowing he could provide EDGE tools. Outside linebackers frequently fly off the board in early rounds. Inside linebackers are rarer.

Perhaps Flores will use Golday as an EDGE right away, eliminating the OLB concerns.

Zone Coverage‘s Trevor Ripley noted earlier this month, “Minnesota drafted Golday to address a future need, but he may be too good to keep in the garage for a year. There’s a world where, despite the recent extension, Golday surpasses Wilson on the depth chart at some point this season.”

“It may be a bit nebulous what his actual role will be for much of training camp and maybe even into the preseason. But Flores might find a way to get the rookie on the field in any way he can — whether it be edge, off-ball, or maybe even the designated diver on Tush Push calls. Golday could certainly handle all of it.”

Avoiding the Round 2 EDGE Rusher Scourge

Of course, Golday must beat the odds if he’s used in an EDGE capacity. A little-known fact: there’s something about Round 2 EDGE rushers that just don’t take off in the NFL.

Since 2020, these OLBs and DEs have been picked in the 2nd Round:

• Nik Bonitto (DEN, 2022)
• Tuli Tuipulotu (LAC, 2023)
• A.J. Epenesa (BUF, 2020)
• Azeez Ojulari (NYG, 2021)
• Yetur Gross-Matos (CAR, 2020)
• Jeremy Chinn (CAR, 2020)
• Braden Fiske (LAR, 2024)
• Willie Gay Jr. (KAN, 2020)
• Dayo Odeyingbo (IND, 2021)
• Arnold Ebiketie (ATL, 2022)
• Keion White (NWE, 2023)
• Logan Hall (TAM, 2022)
• Sam Williams (DAL, 2022)
• Boye Mafe (SEA, 2022)
• Josh Paschal (DET, 2022)
• Boogie Basham (BUF, 2021)
• Derrick Hall (SEA, 2023)
• Nic Scourton (CAR, 2025)
• Marlon Davidson (ATL, 2020)
• Donovan Ezeiruaku (DAL, 2025)
• David Ojabo (BAL, 2022)
• Darrell Taylor (SEA, 2020)
• Chris Braswell (TAM, 2024)
• Isaiah Foskey (NOR, 2023)
• Mike Green (BAL, 2025)
• Drake Jackson (SFO, 2022)
• Marshawn Kneeland (DAL, 2024)
• BJ Ojulari (ARI, 2023)
• Oluwafemi Oladejo (TEN, 2025)
• JT Tuimoloau (IND, 2025)
• Joshua Uche (NWE, 2020)

Based on expectations from draft night, that group has not lived up to expectations. There are some hits, but overall, picking an EDGE in Round 2 has not been fruitful over the last several years.

More Clues at Training Camp on the Way

The next stop in determining Golday’s role is training camp, which gets underway in late July and, for fans, on August 1st. Coaches are saying all the right things about Golday’s versatility, but the rubber will hit the road in Eagan five weeks from now.

Sometimes, rookies are not ready right away, so that’s another Golday storyline to monitor: whether as a pure ILB or OLB-ILB mix, will Golday be ready for Week 1?

The general update is that coaches plan to use him like Van Ginkel. It’s a tough act to follow because Van Ginkel’s is so efficient, but Golday is ready to give it a whirl.

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

Aaron Jones enters Year No. 3 with the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 and Year No. 10 in the pros. This week, he sent a message to his naysayers on Instagram — he ain’t washed.

A strange account used that term to describe Jones, and he’s evidently using it as fuel. He didn’t hesitate to correct the record.

Jones Thinks the Doubters Have It Wrong

Jones: I’m Not Washed

An Instagram account called “VikesVision” that posts graphics of players with bold adjectives in the background found its way to Jones this week, affixing the “washed” label.

Jones commented, “When the lights come on, it’s Showtyme 😈. Silence the doubters and haters! When I first got in the league, he’s not good enough. He’s too small. Next they say, he’s injury prone — played in just as many games as your favorite backs.”

“Numbers Don’t lie. Line them up with the worlds best! The thing is, no one ever expected me to be here but ME! 10 in and I ain’t stopping now 😤💛🙏🏾.”

It is unclear why VikesVision arbitrarily called Jones washed in the first place. It’s a pro-Vikings account.

Stint with the Vikings So Far

Last year was a mixed bag for Jones due to injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. His health has always been a primary concern; he’s exceptional when active, but his absence is felt when he’s sidelined. Despite the shortened season, he still managed a respectable 747 yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns, a solid performance for a running back approaching 30.

His most productive season with the team was 2024, his inaugural year in Minnesota, where he amassed 1,546 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns. Interestingly, Justin Jefferson recorded the exact same yardage total that season.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Vikings’ success hinges on Jones staying healthy. While his play is valuable, by December at 32, he’s not a long-term solution.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Jones’s leadership is crucial. With fullback C.J. Ham retired and safety Harrison Smith’s future uncertain, retaining a veteran presence was important for the Vikings, and Jones fills that role effectively.

Accepting a Paycut

Meanwhile, Jones accepted a paycut to stay in Minnesota this season. The Vikings lowered his base salary to $5.5 million, and he signed off on that arrangement,

It was likely that Jones and his agent poked around the NFL’s free-agent landscape and quickly realized he would not fetch more than $5.5 million with a new team, making it a no-brainer to remain in Minnesota at a reduced price.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz remarked in March, “Keeping Jones around at roughly 60 percent of his previous base salary makes some sense for the Vikings, especially with the free agent running back class being pretty picked over already. The former longtime Packer should still have some juice left as part of a committee backfield.”

Minnesota also lowered tight end T.J. Hockenson’s salary, so it was apparent that the franchise wanted to keep its veteran leadership — on its terms.

Shared Backfield?

Remember last year, when the Vikings rolled into the regular season with Jones and Jordan Mason as the main running backs? That’s happening again, and this time, it’s a complete mystery about the true RB1. That is — no one knows who will take the first hand-off from Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

Mason rushed for 758 yards on 159 attempts in 16 games, with 6 touchdowns. Jones missed five games, accruing 458 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 132 carries. Mason logged 4.8 yards per carry — Jones at 4.2

Minnesota’s backfield should be in good hands, though it lacks a youthful spark unless 6th-Round rookie Demond Claiborne turns heads right away.

FantasyLife‘s Ian Hartitz noted on Claiborne last month, “As for Claiborne: Maybe there could be something here! Ace NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler’s one-line summary for the Wake Forest product was, “A low-calorie De’Von Achane: small, darting, electric.” There are some warranted size (5-foot-9, 188 pounds) and “little things” concerns, but then again, this isn’t exactly a depth chart full of world-beaters.”

“Ultimately, Jones might not be someone you’re thrilled to plug in as your RB2, but he’s undoubtedly a value based on his projection (RB32) vs. ADP (RB40). A similar sentiment is true for Mason, who, at a minimum, seems priced closer to his floor than his ceiling. I’m dubious Claiborne ever gets a chance at a fantasy-viable role, but you could imagine what it’d be like if he did.’

Jones will turn 32 in December.

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

Elliot Anderson finally looks set to join Manchester City after an agreement was reached for the Nottingham Forest midfielder

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson.

The England midfielder has been City’s priority addition since the season ended with several offers beyond into the triple-figures launched. The latest of those is reported to be a staggering £116million with Forest finally accepting those terms.

While an agreement has been struck on a fee, it is claimed that Anderson still needs to finalise personal terms, but is expected to undergo a medical in New York on Friday.

The signing of Anderson is quite the coup for City in their post-Pep Guardiola era with his former assistant Enzo Maresca set to take over.

Manchester United were also interested in signing the 23-year-old but quickly moved onto other targets upon learning of his lofty asking price.

A mini-rebuild is expected at Etihad Stadium this summer with stalwarts Bernardo Silva and John Stones departing. Joskvo Gvardiol and Rodri have also been linked with departures.

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

With a deal for Anderson sealed, City may well intensity their efforts for Sandro Tonali with the Newcastle United midfielder also on their radar.

Tottenham are currently attempting to sign the Italian but their two reported offers are yet to meet his £100m asking price.

Arsenal have also been linked with the former AC Milan star but now appear more focused on his club team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.

Both London clubs have also identified Mateus Fernandes as a target with the West Ham star the midfielder Man United switched focus onto after it became clear that Anderson would likely be heading to City.

The former Newcastle ace has started both of England’s World Cup group games with Thomas Tuchel confirming ahead of the tournament he would not stop his players sealing transfers while in camp.

First Published: Jun 26 2026 | 7:13 AM IST

Ecuador produced a stunning comeback to beat Germany 2-1 and book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South Americans had failed to score in their opening two Group E matches, drawing with Curaçao and losing to Ivory Coast. But they saved their best performance for last as they came from behind to defeat the group winners in New Jersey.

Germany took the lead after just two minutes when Leroy Sane finished calmly after a clever pass from Florian Wirtz.

Ecuador were unhappy with the goal, believing Pedro Vite had been fouled by Aleksandar Pavlovic moments earlier. However, the referee allowed the goal to stand.

The decision appeared to inspire Ecuador, who equalised seven minutes later. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo fired a low shot past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 1-1.

Ecuador continued to attack after the break and got the winning goal in the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest from a corner to beat Neuer and spark wild celebrations among the Ecuador fans.

Angulo was one of Ecuador’s standout players and was named Man of the Match after causing Germany problems throughout the game.

Germany, who had already secured qualification before kick-off, looked below their best and could not find a way back into the match.

The victory gives Ecuador a place in the Round of 32, where they could face England if results in the other groups go their way.

The result also dealt a blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

The rise of legalized sports betting has led to a rise of online abuse that athletes have had to deal with while trying to perform on a daily basis in their respective sports.

Fanatics Sportsbook, which has become the fastest-growing sportsbook in the United States, is trying to combat that social media abuse with a groundbreaking partnership announced on Thursday.

Fanatics Sportsbook has partnered with Integrity Compliance 360, Inc. (IC360) and Signify Group to establish the Bad Actor Program, designed to tame online hostility toward athletes, which is ever-increasing across social platforms.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

A team member stands inside the Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 14, 2025. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

This important step in safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in legalized sports betting will begin at the start of football season in the U.S., which comes at the start of college football in late August.

IC360 will collaborate with Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service to monitor for targeted abusive and threatening content across multiple social platforms. If problematic abuse and threats toward athletes, organizations and teams are detected, those individuals behind the accounts will be placed into IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor program.

It’s a similar platform as IC360’s ProhiBet, which helps restrict wagering by athletes, coaches and trainers. The Bad Actor program will provide sportsbooks with the ability to restrict wagering by those who are threatening athletes and coaches.

PRO TENNIS PLAYER REVEALS SCARY MESSAGE FROM SPORTS BETTOR: ‘I WILL COME AFTER YOU’

“This groundbreaking program will hold bettors accountable for threats made against players, coaches, and officials,” Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said in a statement. “It falls in line with our core values at Fanatics — respect and tolerance for the athletes and coaches that play the games that we love. We encourage other operators to join the initiative because there is no sports betting potential loss that should embolden a sports betting customer to threaten or harass an athlete online.”

Also, as part of Threat Matrix’s monitoring of global sports competitions, athletes and officials will be encouraged to report abusive direct messages to expedite the process. Once submitted, Signify will analyze reports, assess the severity of the messages and escalate serious cases to its in-house specialists for detailed investigation. And if behavior crosses to a criminal threshold, the proper law enforcement agencies will be contacted.

Fanatics Sportsbook will also be suspending or permanently terminating a customer’s account if it is determine they have engaged in abusive, threatening, defamatory or harassing conduct of any kind toward sports officials, players or coaches. As the sportsbook enforces a  zero-tolerance policy for bettors who engage in threatening conduct, the Bad Actor program only escalates that key pillar of the company.

The Fanatics Sportsbook app is displayed on a smartphone in New Hyde Park, N.Y., on Sept. 17, 2025. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Threats of violence and harassment in sports at arenas and on social media are increasing at an alarming rate, undermining the integrity of the sports betting industry,” Scott Sadin, co-CEO of IC360, said in a statement. “Addressing the individuals with ProhiBet Bad and Threat Matrix is crucial to protecting athletes and other stakeholders from serious, long-term harm.”

Too many times athletes have come forward, sharing their direct messages where sports bettors have sent threats, used vulgar language and much more. Arthur Bouquier, who was the No. 219-ranked men’s tennis player in the world at the time, revealed a scary message he received in 2025, where a bettor who lost his wager, “I will come after you.”

“French tennis is so mediocre right now that French players stick to playing at home to avoid embarrassment abroad,” the message to Bouquier read. “Let me remind you that you don’t achieve much when you leave France – it shows the limits of your tennis game. 

“I swear, if you lose, I will never forgive you. I will track you and your family down just to hurt you, even if it means going to prison. Might as well, because if I lose these 2000 euros, I’ll be on the streets, so my life won’t make sense anymore – I might as well spend my days in prison.”

The Fanatics Sportsbook logo appears on a smartphone in New Hyde Park, N.Y., on Sept. 17, 2025. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fanatics Sportsbook hopes the Bad Actor program helps deter and punish abusive online offenders, while showing those involved in the sports world that they can identify those who cross the line and deal with them accordingly.

As King said, Fanatics Sportsbook hopes the rest of the sports betting world follows suit to maintain the integrity of an industry that continues to evolve.

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

Two-division world champion Jermall Charlo is set to return to action in Australia next month. Should he be victorious, there is one reigning champion that the Texan is hoping to take on.

Charlo claimed world honours at both super-welterweight and middleweight but after almost three years without defending his WBC 160lb crown, the undefeated Charlo was stripped of his belt in May 2024.

Since then, ‘Hit Man’ has fought only once, knocking out Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna on the Caleb Plant vs. Armabdo Resendiz card last May, where victory for him and Plant was supposed to tee up a grudge match until Resendiz pulled off the upset in the main event.

Resendiz was then elevated to WBA super-middleweight world champion, but he lost the belt in an attempted first defence against Jaime Munguia last month. 

Speaking with FightHype, 36-year-old Charlo confirmed that he is still pursuing that strap, targeting a shot at Munguia’s title in 2027.

“Let’s get done with this fight in July and then I will try to fight before the end of the year to give you [fans] another fight.

“Then I want to go and fight Munguia, Munguia sounds like a good fight.” 

Charlo first makes his comeback on the Errol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu card in Sydney on Saturday, July 26, facing off with Australian super-welterweight champion Koen Mazoudier in the co-main event.

Fellow American two-division ruler Stephen Fulton is also scheduled to appear on that ‘Australia vs. USA’ card, tasked with former super-featherweight world title challenger Liam Wilson.

The final round of group-stage fixtures continues at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 26, with qualification scenarios becoming clearer across Groups E, F and D.

While some teams have already secured their place in the Round of 32, others are still fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Germany enter the day as Group E winners, the United States have already wrapped up top spot in Group D, while Group F remains one of the most competitive groups in the tournament with three teams still chasing automatic qualification.

Ivory Coast And Curaçao Battle For Second Spot

Germany have already secured top spot in Group E after winning their opening two matches, leaving the battle for the second qualification berth wide open.

Ivory Coast currently hold the advantage and know that avoiding defeat against Curaçao should be enough to progress. Ecuador remain alive but need a positive result against Germany and help from elsewhere.

Curaçao have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and still have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

Group E Scenario 

• 
  Germany have already won the group.
• 
  Ivory Coast qualify with a win or draw.
• 
  Curaçao qualify with a win over Ivory Coast.
• 
  Ecuador need a win and favourable results elsewhere to remain in contention. 

Key Match

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast

This is effectively a knockout game. A victory would send Curaçao into the Round of 32 for the first time, while Ivory Coast only need to avoid defeat to secure qualification.

Group F: The Tightest Group Heads For A Dramatic Finish

Group F remains one of the most unpredictable groups in the competition.

The Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all remain firmly in the race for the two automatic qualification spots. With only one match remaining, every goal could prove decisive.

Group F Scenario 

• 
  Netherlands qualify with a win or draw.
• 
  Netherlands win the group with a win and a Japan draw or loss.
• 
  Japan qualify with a win or draw.
• 
  Japan win the group with a win and a Netherlands draw or loss.
• 
  Sweden qualify with a victory.
• 
  Tunisia have been eliminated.

Japan vs Sweden

This could effectively decide one of the automatic qualification spots. Sweden need victory, while Japan know that even a draw could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.

USA Already Through, Australia And Paraguay Fight For Survival

The United States have already secured top spot in Group D after winning their first two matches and are guaranteed a Round of 32 fixture in Santa Clara. That leaves Australia and Paraguay battling for second place.

Australia enter the final matchday in the stronger position and need only avoid defeat against Paraguay to progress. Paraguay, meanwhile, face a straightforward task: win and they advance. Türkiye have already been eliminated after two defeats.

Group D Scenario 

• 
  USA have already won the group.
• 
  Australia qualify with a win or draw.
• 
  Paraguay qualify with a win.
• 
  Paraguay could still qualify with a draw depending on third-place rankings, but it is not guaranteed.
• 
  Türkiye have been eliminated.

Paraguay vs Australia

Curaçao and Ivory Coast will kick-start the June 26 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 1:30 am IST in a crucial Group E encounter.

Which two teams will feature in the second game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?

Ecuador will face Germany in the other Group E fixture, also scheduled to begin at 1:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?

Tunisia will take on the Netherlands in a Group F clash scheduled to start at 4:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?

Japan and Sweden will lock horns in the second Group F fixture at 4:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fifth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?

Türkiye will meet the United States in a Group D encounter beginning at 7:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the sixth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 26?

Paraguay and Australia will square off in the other Group D fixture, also starting at 7:30 am IST.

Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 26 matches in India?

The broadcast of the June 26 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.

Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 26 matches in India?

The live streaming of the June 26 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the ZEE5 app and website for viewers in India.

Ecuador’s World Cup qualification campaign began with a three-point deduction slapped on them back in 2022 for fielding Colombia-born Byron Castillo, who Chile claimed was ineligible to play the qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar.

They began the 2026 qualifiers under Felix Sanchez, who guided them to three wins from six matches before the former Qatar boss was dismissed in July 2024, straight after a Copa America quarter-final defeat by Argentina.

“They lost the shootout, and Sanchez was sacked in the dressing room after the game,” South American football expert Tim Vickery told BBC Sport.

“They treat their coaches with great harshness.”

Beccacece reign began with a 1-0 defeat by Brazil but his side did not lose again in 11 matches as they qualified for the World Cup as runners-up in South America – only behind the Selecao.

It meant they arrived at the tournament with high expectations and boasting a 19-game unbeaten run.

But it was far from the start they or their supporters had hoped for.

A last-gasp 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in the opener was followed by a humiliating goalless draw with debutants Curacao – which turned the fans against the coach.

“I am very sorry I didn’t make ​it to the heart of the Ecuadorean fan,” he had said.

“For the fans who don’t know me, I think I didn’t quite click with them. There is something they don’t like with me ​and that is fine.”

After no playing career of note, Beccacece earned his reputation as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli during Chile’s era of success a decade ago – helping them to reach the 2014 World Cup and secure their first-ever Copa America title in 2015.

He was also Sampaoli’s assistant at the 2018 World Cup with Argentina while he was in charge of Spanish side Elche before joining Ecuador.

Having now masterminded Ecuador’s turnaround at the World Cup, the 45-year-old has perhaps achieved the biggest feat of his managerial career.

“We never feel like we are in hell, nor do we feel like we are in heaven,” he said after beating Germany.

“We have our feet grounded on earth and we feel and think in the right manner.”