The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived in the United States, along with two other countries, which means watch parties are being organized.
World Cup Watch parties will begin Thursday, June 11 – when Mexico hosts South Africa – with several bars and restaurants showing the games for patrons to enjoy. And then the excitement continues on Friday, June 12, when the United States plays Paraguay.
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The Elmont Swim Club is one of the venues that will be having a unique watch party – in the water on Friday evening.
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“We’re excited to bring fans together for a World Cup experience that feels completely different from a traditional watch party,” said Philip Pedregon, Beverage Director at The Elmont. “This is what the Elmont Swim Club is all about – creating a fun, energetic atmosphere where people can cool off, enjoy great company and celebrate big moments together.”
The Tin Man, a local bar franchise, will unveil limited-edition pint glasses for Mexico and the USA on Thursday and Friday.
Jun 8, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a FIFA soccer ball in locker room A during a tour of Kansas City Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here is a roundup of places to enjoy the World Cup games in El Paso.
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Watch the World Cup 2026 at the Dome Bar
The Dome Bar inside the Paso del Norte Hotel in Downtown El Paso invites World Cup fans to come out and pair your favorite games with cocktails at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11; 7 p.m. Friday, June 12; and 1 p.m. Friday, June 19.
Sunú plans opening on Thursday, June 11 for World Cup
Sunú, a new Mexican restaurant, will hold its grand opening at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, just in time for World Cup 2026 watching.
Seating inside Sunú Taqueria Molino at 610 N. Mesa St. is seen Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. The restaurant is scheduled to open June 11.
The restaurant at 610 N. Mesa St. has several TVs on its walls for watching the game.
Hooters across Texas to show World Cup games
Hooters locations in Texas could be home base for watching the matches this summer, offering food and drink deals every day of the week.
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Enjoy several summer offers including ½ pound of steamed shrimp ($9.99), one pound of snow crab legs ($19.99), 10 buffalo shrimp served with fries ($9.99), 10 boneless wings served with fries ($9.99), 22-ounce Michelob Ultra Big Daddy drafts in a collectable cup ($5.99), 22-ounce Modelo Big Daddy Mugs ($6.99) and Corona bottles ($5).
Elmont Swim Club to have first night viewing party
The Elmont Swim Club will kick off World Cup season with its first-ever Night Swim Viewing Party on Friday, June 12 at 240 W. Castellano Drive.
The Elmont Swim Club will officially open the 2026 swim season on Sunday, April 12. The resort at 240 W. Castellano Drive has a fun children’s area as well as a couple of slides and a pool with lazy river.
Guests are invited to watch the match live from the pool and enjoy a one-of-a-kind summer viewing experience featuring discounted Swim Club admission beginning at 5 p.m. The Swim Club will remain open until 10 p.m. for the special event.
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The evening will include special promotions and tastings from Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and NÜTRL, along with games, contests, prizes and giveaways throughout the night.
To help build the atmosphere ahead of kickoff, Suavecita FM will broadcast live on-site from 5 to 7 p.m. The U.S. vs. Paraguay match will be shown live from 7 to 10 p.m., giving fans a chance to swim, cheer and celebrate alongside fellow supporters.
The Night Swim Viewing Party is the first of several World Cup watch parties planned at The Elmont.
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For more information about The Elmont Swim Club, admission, season passes and upcoming events, visit theelmont.com.
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Tin Man to offer limited-edition Mexico pint glass
All Tin Man locations will offer a limited-edition Mexico pint glass Thursday, June 11. Fans are invited to watch the 2026 World Cup, starting at noon.
All Tin Man locations in El Paso will offer a limited-edition Mexico pint glass Thursday, June 11. Fans are invited to come watch the World Cup 2026, starting at noon.
The bar will also offer a limited-edition glass for the USA on Friday, June 12, at p.m.
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Locations: 2301 N. Zaragoza Road., 1300 Airway Blvd., 1495 George Dieter Drive., 13500 Eastlake Blvd., 4935 N. Mesa St., 7729 Paseo del Norte Blvd., and 11100 Sean Haggerty Drive.
The District to offer World Cup Watch party
The District, at 1160 Airway Blvd. Suite DA, will host a World Cup 2026 watching party at 1:00 p.m. It will offer food and drink specials, including $3 Tecate and Modelo beers, $0.40 Hornitos, and a $9 grilled chicken wrap with fries.
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It will also offer a watch party for the USA team at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, with drink specials during the game.
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A Touch of Germany to have World Cup Sunday, June 14
A Touch of Germany, 1550 Hawkins Blvd, Suite 16, will host a watch party for Germany as it takes on Curaçao at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 14. Come hungry, because the restaurant will offer Leberkäse for $11.99 during the match. Information: 915-595-8888.
Plaza Hotel to offer World Cup watch party.
The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park invites the public to watch World Cup soccer Friday, June 12 at La Perla. During the game, the rooftop bar will offer tacos and margaritas.
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United States will play Paraguay at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT.
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St. Augustine Pizza Pub to host World Cup watch party
A staff member places a cooked pizza onto a plate during a pizza-making class at Saint Augustine Pizza Pub on March 11, 2026, in East El Paso, Texas.
St. Augustine Pizza Pub, 1691 N. Zaragoza Road, will be showing the World Cup matches, starting at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11. The pub will offer $2 Tecates, $5 Clamatos, and $4.50 for local beers.
The F1 penalty points system has been put in place to keep the driving standards in the sport above a certain level. These were introduced in 2014 after the driving standards took a dip in the early 2010s, and there were quite a few incidents on the track. We even had Romain Grosjean getting banned in 2012 for the first-lap incident in Belgium.
As part of the Penalty Points system, drivers are given points based on the severity of their transgressions. These transgressions could be dangerous driving, causing a collision, etc. These points stay with the driver for 12 months, after which they expire.
Any driver who ends up accumulating 12 F1 penalty points faces a race ban. As we get ready to move on from the F1 Hungarian GP, who are the biggest delinquents on the grid? Let’s take a look.
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F1 Penalty Points: Who is close to a ban?
#1. Ollie Bearman
Penalty Points: 4
Ollie Bearman now has 4 F1 penalty points to his name.
One point: Change of direction while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
One point: Causing a collision with Liam Lawson at the 2025 Brazilian GP sprint (expires on November 8, 2026).
Two points: Causing a collision with Carlos Sainz at the 2025 Italian GP (expires on September 7, 2026).
#2. Kimi Antonelli
Penalty Points: 3
Kimi Antonelli has three F1 penalty points on his superlicense.
Two points: Causing a collision with Charles Leclerc in the 2025 F1 Dutch GP (expires on August 31, 2026)
One point: Forcing another driver off the track at the 2025 F1 Italian GP (expires on September 7, 2026)
#3. Lewis Hamilton
Penalty Points: 3
The seven-time F1 champion was issued a penalty point for his incident with Franco Colapinto. He’s now at 3 points.
One point: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto during the 2025 F1 Brazilian GP (expires on November 9, 2026)
Two points: for failing to slow down under yellow flags during a reconnaissance lap prior to the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix (expires on August 31, 2026)
#4. Alex Albon
Penalty Points: 3
Alex Albon has three penalty points on his license.
One point: Causing a collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Las Vegas GP (expires on November 23, 2026)
Two points: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the Azerbaijan GP (expires on September 21, 2026)
#5. Lance Stroll
Penalty Points: 3
Lance Stroll is currently at three F1 penalty points on his license.
One point: Change of direction while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
Two points: Causing a collision with Esteban Ocon at the US GP sprint (expires on October 18, 2026)
India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion, winning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards after starring in India’s 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe in Harare. Sooryavanshi finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the series with 151 runs in three innings, blending fearless strokeplay with remarkable composure beyond his years. His performances earned him his first-ever international Player of the Match award and maiden Player of the Series honour, a fitting reward after dominating Zimbabwe’s bowling attack throughout the series.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Series Performance
Speaking after receiving both awards at the post-match presentation, the youngster described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
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“It felt really good. Our preparation was very good during the two or three days after we arrived in Harare. I also played the Under-19 World Cup here, so I really enjoy playing at this venue, everyone backed me, the captain, the coaches, everyone, so I’m very happy,” Sooryvanashi said. Known for his attacking style, Sooryavanshi said he never changed his natural game despite making the step up to international cricket.“My game is the same as what I play in T20 cricket. I was just trying to do that for the team. In all three matches, I tried to give the team a good start. If I got a good start, then I wanted to make the innings bigger. That was my only approach. What I do in practice, I try to replicate it in the match as well. Dream come true, my first Player of the Match and Player of the Series!” Sooryavanshi added.
India beat Zimbabwe by 35 runs
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India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe with a convincing 35-run victory in the third and final match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Defending 192, the visitors restricted Zimbabwe to 157/7, handing skipper Shreyas Iyer his first T20I series win since taking over the captaincy.The chase got off to the worst possible start for Zimbabwe as Mayank Yadav dismissed Brian Bennett with the very first ball of the innings. Yash Thakur then struck twice in the fourth over, removing Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza, leaving the hosts reeling.Ryan Burl fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 54 off 43 balls, while Wessly Madhevere contributed 28. However, regular wickets prevented Zimbabwe from threatening India’s total. Mayank Yadav finished with 3 wickets, Yash Thakur claimed 2, while Ravi Bishnoi and Ashok Sharma chipped in with one each.Earlier, India posted 192/5 after electing to bat, thanks largely to a sensational 81 off 49 balls from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenage opener smashed eight fours and four sixes, registering his second T20I half-century before falling 19 runs short of a maiden century.Ishan Kishan scored 29, Shreyas Iyer added 27, and Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 25 off 14 balls provided the finishing flourish. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the standout bowler with 2/41.The victory marked India’s third successive T20I win, completing a dominant clean sweep after difficult tours of Ireland and England, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finishing as the leading run-scorer of the series.
Former jockey Craig Carmody, who enjoyed significant wins at Randwick during his riding career, has successfully applied his skills as a trainer to guide the promising sprinter Sir Les to an important victory at the track.
Carmody is widely recognised for his role as the regular rider of the multiple Group 1 winner Intergaze, with whom he famously thwarted Octagonal’s farewell performance in the 1997 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. He continues to ride his own track work, and Sir Les has been his latest focus.
After securing wins in his first two provincial starts, the three-year-old proved to be his own undoing at Rosehill in May, becoming too keen and finishing as the favourite. This led Carmody to reassess his training strategy.
Carmody decided to ease the horse’s workload and concentrate on teaching him to harness his natural speed. The results of this approach were clear on Saturday, as Sir Les ($4.40) achieved an emphatic 3-1/4 length triumph over Benevac ($2.40 favourite) in the Sydney Roosters Partners Handicap (1100m).
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“He’s a bit aggressive, so I’ve spent a lot of time on his slower work,” Carmody stated. “When he’d try to get ahead of me, I’d get him back to virtually a trot and slow canter, and eventually he would give to me.”
“Repetition, day after day, got it through his head that you don’t have to run through the bridle.”
Following a two-decade tenure as a jockey, Carmody was granted a trainer’s licence in 2005 and has since experienced stakes race success with runners like Single and Everage.
Sir Les’s dam is Everage, and the colt’s name is a tribute to the celebrated characters Sir Les Patterson and Dame Edna Everage, creations of the renowned comedian Barry Humphries.
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Carmody expressed his satisfaction with Sir Les’s comeback performance, drawing a humorous parallel to his former mount, Intergaze.
“It was great to see. Like Intergaze,” he quipped. “I’m being very kind to Sir Les. He is nothing like Intergaze yet. But he gives me a great turn of foot, so that’s something to work on.”
Plans are in place to spell Sir Les, with the aim of targeting sprint races during the summer and early autumn periods.
Get the latest racing odds and place your bets on the upcoming races with Australian betting sites.
Jul 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) greets catcher Miguel Amaya (left) and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) at home plate after both players scored runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a strong case for National League MVP as he leads the visiting Chicago Cubs in pursuit of a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
The All-Star center fielder went 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, a home run, three RBIs and a stolen base as the Cubs rolled to an 11-0 victory on Saturday.
According to ESPN, he’s the first Cubs player to record at least 200 RBIs and 90 stolen bases before turning 25 since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Crow-Armstrong, 24, has been on a tear because he has become selective at the plate.
“He’s got a lot of confidence right now,” Counsell said. “(He) can be on go and say no… I think there were points last year where he was on go and it didn’t matter where the pitch was. That’s the difference and that makes (him) the right kind of aggressive.”
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Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.38 ERA) is scheduled to start for Chicago. In his last outing, he received a no-decision after allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in an 8-6, 10-inning home loss to the Detroit Tigers.
It was his first appearance since suffering a left hamstring strain on June 7 that landed him on the 15-day injured list. The same problems that plagued Taillon all season resurfaced.
The right-hander gave up back-to-back home runs and left Chicago in a 4-0, first-inning hole. Even after missing time on the IL, he is tied for fourth in the majors with 22 home runs allowed.
Taillon has nine career starts against Pittsburgh and is 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA. In 53 innings, he has struck out 43 and walked 13.
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“I’ll keep working behind the scenes to try and figure out the homer thing,” Taillon said. “It feels like that is the snakebite for me. It’s not like I am giving up a ton of hits in a row. It’s the untimely homer.”
The Pirates, meanwhile, are looking for a stronger effort from scheduled starter Braxton Ashcraft (9-4, 3.95 ERA), who struggled in his most recent appearance.
The right-hander allowed eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits while walking one and striking out two in an 8-5 loss at the New York Yankees.
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Despite going 4-1 with a no-decision over his last six starts, Ashcraft believes he can pitch better.
He has fared well against the Cubs, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.42 ERA, 24 strikeouts and four walks over 22 1/3 innings in five career starts.
He earned a home victory over Chicago on May 26, allowing one run on seven hits while walking one and striking out five in 6 1/3 innings of a 12-1 Pirates victory.
“It goes back to execution,” Ashcraft said. “Being able to execute with two strikes. Being able to execute with runners in scoring position. That’s how you limit runs, and I’ve done a bad job of that probably the last five starts.”
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Pirates manager Don Kelly said his club can avoid a sweep and snap a three-game losing streak.
“We need to find a way,” Kelly said. “We’ve shown the ability this year to bounce back and be resilient.”
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and the offensive line during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
Most think that the Minnesota Vikings will do poorly within the NFC North, a juggernaut of a division. Maybe that proves true.
What’s of interest here, though, is constructing the best possible team by using the talent across the division’s four teams: the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. The offense will be in 11 personnel and the defense in a 3-4 nickel formation. Check out what that fictional team could look like if we siphoned off the best players.
For whatever it’s worth, Dan Campbell would be the HC. Brian Flores would be the DC and Ben Johnson the OC.
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The Best NFC North Team Ahead of 2026
Offense
Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) lines up against the Eagles on September 19, 2022, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
LT: Christian Darrisaw (MIN)
LG: Joe Thuney (CHI)
C: Gade Mays (DET)
RG: Jonah Jackson (CHI)
RT: Penei Sewell (DET)
QB: Caleb Williams (CHI)
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
WR: Justin Jefferson (MIN)
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
TE: Colston Loveland (CHI)
WR: Jameson Williams (DET)
Team Player Tally:
Chicago Bears: 4
Detroit Lions: 5
Green Bay Packers: 0
Minnesota Vikings: 2
Commentary and Quibbles:
It’s odd, isn’t it, when the Bears finish high in a thought exercise for strong talent on offense. Many will insist that Jordan Love deserves the QB spot. Maybe that’s true, but Caleb Williams is far more talented.
The best players are Penei Sewell, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Justin Jefferson. Good luck with those three. Choosing a third receiver was tough since a lot of players are good without being truly great; Jameson Williams beat out Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden.
OT Zach Tom deserved a spot but didn’t get in ahead of the OTs included above.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel lines up before the snap at Lumen Field as Seattle’s offense prepares for another play during a late-season NFC matchup. On Nov. 30, 2025, Van Ginkel readies himself across from the Seahawks while continuing his versatile role within Brian Flores’ defense on the road that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
EDGE: Micah Parsons (GB)
DT: Jalen Redmond (MIN)
DT: Alim McNeil (DET)
EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson (DET)
LB: Jack Campbell (DET)
LB: Andrew Van Ginkel (MIN)
CB: Jaylon Johnson (CHI)
CB: Keisean Nixon (GB)
FS: Xavier McKinney (GB)
CB/S: Brian Branch (DET)
CB: DJ Reed (DET)
Team Player Tally:
Chicago Bears: 1
Detroit Lions: 5
Green Bay Packers: 3
Minnesota Vikings: 2
Commentary and Quibbles:
The Lions and Packers lead the North for overall defenders. Micah Parsons is the single best defender and it’s not particularly close.
That being said, all of Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Xavier McKinney, and others flirt with elite. Andrew Van Ginkel got kicked to off-ball linebacker in this fictional scenario, but maybe Devin Bush should get that spot.
The secondary here would be elite. McKinney is a fantastic center fielder. The CB trio could fly under the radar but those are all excellent players. Maybe the weakest spot is at DT. Do the Vikings see Caleb Banks become a force be the end of 2026?
Carol Zhao will compete in the final home open of her career after being awarded a main-draw singles wild card for the tournament in Toronto.
Tennis Canada announced Sunday that Zhao and Ariana Arseneault — both natives of Richmond Hill, Ont. — received the remaining main-draw singles wild cards for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
Zhao, who turned professional in 2016, has represented Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup seven times and won doubles gold alongside Gabriela Dabrowski at the 2015 Pan American Games. She has confirmed the 2026 season will be her last on the professional tour.
In doubles, Leylah Annie Fernandez of Laval, Que., will reunite with her sister, Bianca Jolie Fernandez, in the doubles bracket, while former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu will team up with Kayla Cross.
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The pairing of Andreescu and Cross recently represented Canada together at the Billie Jean King Cup.
“The National Bank Open has always been a special opportunity for Canadian players to compete on home soil, and having eight Canadians in the main draw reflects the continued growth and depth of tennis in this country,” tournament director Karl Hale said in a statement.
“Fans will also be excited to see the Fernandez sisters reunite after reaching the semifinals in Toronto in 2024, while Billie Jean King Cup teammates Bianca Andreescu and Kayla Cross add another exciting Canadian team to the doubles draw.”
Noelle van Lottum, Tennis Canada’s head of women’s tennis, said Zhao and Arseneault earned the opportunity through their strong contributions to Canadian tennis.
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“Carol has been a respected figure in Canadian tennis for many years, and we’re thrilled to give her the opportunity to compete at her home tournament for one final time,” van Lottum said. “Ariana’s game continues to trend in the right direction, and she is doing all the right things to position herself to compete at the highest levels.”
The eight women’s main-draw wild cards have now been allocated. The previous recipients were Andreescu, Cross, Katherine Sebov of Toronto, Cadence Brace of Toronto, Rebecca Marino of Vancouver and Venus Williams.
Tennis Canada also announced Avery Alexander and Ana Grubor have received qualifying wild cards. A third Canadian qualifier will earn entry through a four-player playoff, while the final qualifying wild card was exchanged through a reciprocal agreement with another tournament.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday with qualification for the World Cup and a record two-million-dollar first prize on the line. A record 16-nation line-up — up from 12 at the previous edition — will compete with 10-time title-holders and defending champions Nigeria the team to beat.
Michael Kim made history with an exclamation point on Friday at the 3M Open.
Kim, 33, was going for just the 16th sub-60 round (59) in PGA Tour history heading into the 18th hole. Kim’s wedge shot from the fairway on the par-5 18th rolled to the fringe of the green, leaving him 24 feet away from making a birdie and adding his name to the history books.
Kim had one thing on his mind when stepping up to the putt: Don’t leave it short.
Michael Kim of the United States poses for photos with his scorecard after shooting a 59 during the second round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on July 24, 2026, in Blaine, Minn.(Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
“I tend to leave those short when it’s that uphill and I just, last thing was just get it there, just don’t leave it short,” Kim said.
He certainly did not leave it short. Kim buried it in the bottom of the cup and then gave a few huge fist pumps in celebration.
Going into the last couple of holes, Kim knew what was at stake and wanted to give himself a shot at making the record books.
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“I just kind of told myself, like, ‘Hey, this is the way, this is the moment to get into the history books, and let’s go for it. Let’s not try to luck our way into it. Let’s try to step up and hit some really good shots,’” he said.
Michael Kim hits a tee shot on hole 14 during the second round of the 3M Open golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn., on July 24, 2026.(Nick Wosika/Imagn Images)
Kim went on multiple runs throughout his round. Starting on the third hole, he made five birdies in a row. He then made par on the eighth hole, but proceeded to birdie three of the next four holes.
He ended his round with four straight birdies.
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Kim was impeccable with his putter as eight of his 11 birdies were from more than 10 feet away.
“When you hit a putt, and it does exactly what you kind of envisioned before you hit it, it’s an awesome feeling. Felt like that all day out there,” he said.
Michael Kim walks to his ball after hitting a tee shot on hole 14 during the second round of the 3M Open golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn., on July 24, 2026.(Nick Wosika/Imagn Images)
Kim’s historic day moved him into a three-shot lead over Ben Kohles, but Kim knows there is a lot more golf left to play.
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“Today was an awesome day, but, still, I’m only halfway there. So, still need to kind of get focused up for the weekend,” he said.
Kim’s 59 was the fourth on tour since 2024. Jake Knapp was the last to do so during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
Rodri has become the biggest talking point at Manchester City in recent days.
From winning the World Cup with Spain, being crowned the best player in the tournament and with speculation intensifying around a potential move to Real Madrid, there has been plenty written and spoken about the 30-year-old.
He will undergo surgery on a minor back issue on Monday which is set to sideline him for a few weeks, but Blues boss Enzo Maresca spoke about the midfielder returning to City once he’s fit.
That is a reassuring message for Blues fans even if the new manager stopped short of steadfastly rejecting any talk of a possible departure for Rodri.
His ability, experience and leadership are just three of the attributes that make him a world class operator and in a summer where City have seen Bernardo Silva, for large periods of last season Rodri’s partner in the middle of the park, bring an end to his Etihad career, the need to retain Rodri seems imperative.
Elliot Anderson has arrived in a club-record £116million deal and Ayyoub Bouaddi may well follow him from Lille with the French club seeking £80million for the talented teenager’s services. But it would be a brave and arguably foolish move to allow Rodri to leave this summer when there is an opportunity for Anderson and Co to learn from one of the best in the business.
The counter argument is the fact that Rodri is into the final year of his contract and the offer of a new deal remains unsigned. There is also the possibility that the player agitates for an exit amid a desire to return to his homeland.
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But if City can convince Rodri to stay, the transformative role he could play over the next 12 months is worth more than the figure Real Madrid are likely willing to pay for a player in his 30s who could move to the Spanish capital for free in 12 months.
“I don’t think you are looking at less than £80million for him,” said Manchester Evening News’ chief City writer Simon Bajkowski on the Talking City podcast this week.
“And I think City can start the dialogue at £100m. They have to price up how much is it worth to us this season having Rodri and not having Rodri, especially having lost Bernardo Silva this summer and all his experience. Do you want another leader walking out of the door or do you want to get another year out of him even if he might be a bit grumpy at times because he would rather be in Madrid. Tough. He is under contract.
“Leroy Sane wanted to go one summer and Bayern Munich thought they could get him on the cheap and City said no and he didn’t go. Bernardo Silva wanted to go quite a few summers and there were a few offers but City said no that doesn’t meet our valuation.
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“Is Rodri the sort of player that is going to go on strike or down tools for a year because he doesn’t get to go to Real Madrid? I don’t know but I think City would like to think not.”
He added: “Rodri has only got a year left on his contract but he has just been named the best player at the World Cup. Players are going for big money but how much does the best player in the World Cup cost? A fair bit even with one year left on his contract.
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“City are not going to let him [go] cheaply. We have not heard from the man himself, maybe he wants to stay. You can see why he would want to go to Madrid but at the end of the day they have to agree a deal with City and that looks pretty difficult.”
The International Olympic Committee announced Friday it will not investigate Gianni Infantino regarding President Donald Trump’s call to him about Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card.
The USMNT star received a red card in the round of 32 of the World Cup, which initially made him ineligible to play in the next round.
However, FIFA decided to suspend the red card, which made Balogun eligible. Trump later said he called Infantino and asked for a review, but FIFA claimed it was not influenced by Trump.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the FIFA World Cup winner’s trophy before handing it over to Spain captain Rodri at the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The ruling added to what was already a huge controversy. Critics argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place. Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and a strong reaction from Belgium.
A London-based NGO formally complained this month to the IOC ethics commission about Infantino. The IOC’s Olympic Charter cites neutrality among “fundamental principles of Olympism” for sports bodies like FIFA and its 100-plus members, which have included Infantino since 2020.
No formal investigation will be opened, the IOC said, because the complaint by the rights group FairSquare did not relate to FIFA’s or Infantino’s specific relations with the Olympic body.
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The complaint “refers only to (FIFA’s) decisions on its governance and its management, including its relations with government, and to (FIFA’s) implementation of the rules of its sport,” the IOC said in a statement.
President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City July 17, 2026.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“Consequently, the complaint falls outside the IOC ethics commission’s jurisdiction,” the statement continued.
“All I did was I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said at the time. “And, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything, that would be different.
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“I think it’s a terrible … if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play. I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players.”
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 final match with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2026.(Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
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