By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
World Cup 2026 – Group H guide: Fixtures, squads, star players, odds and prediction
The expanded 2026 World Cup sees a record 48 teams compete to lift the biggest prize in football, but while there are plenty of new faces and potential fairytales in North America this summer, one thing remains the same – the usual suspects are favourites once again.
While 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up France will bid to make a third World Cup final in a row this summer, it’s European champions Spain who head into the tournament as favourites, with Luis de la Fuente’s side hoping to build on the success of Germany two years ago.
La Roja surprised plenty of fans and pundits in a superb run to the final at Euro 2024, and their World Cup campaign should provide a similarly comfortable route through to the knockout rounds.
Two-time winners Uruguay will provide a fairly stern test for Spain early on and will be confident of qualifying in second as they look for another surprise run to the latter stages, while third place is up for grabs – on paper anyway – between 61st ranked Saudi Arabia and 69th ranked Cape Verde, who are one of the feel-good stories of the summer after qualifying for a first World Cup in their history.
Group H fixtures
(all times BST)
15 June, 5pm: Spain v Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
15 June, 11pm: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
21 June, 5pm: Spain v Saudi Arabia – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
21 June, 11pm: Uruguay v Cape Verde – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
27 June, 1am: Uruguay v Spain – Estadio Akron, Zapopan (Mexico)
27 June, 1am: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – NRG Stadium, Houston
Spain
Luis de la Fuente’s side begin the tournament as favourites after a hugely successful last few years that started with a victorious Euro 2024 campaign two summers ago. La Roja have been in fine form since beating England in Berlin, losing just once – in the 2025 Nations League final, on penalties to Portugal.
Spain have not come close to winning football’s biggest prize since their famed campaign of 2010, but there is a feeling at home that this squad is the best equipped to do so since the days of Iniesta, Xavi and co. After exiting the tournament at the round of 16 stage to Morocco in Qatar, a semi-final berth would be the minimum expectation this time round, but in private there might be questions asked if this side doesn’t go all the way.
Many of the same names from the 2024 squad will be present in North America this summer. De la Fuente has already made a bold move in selecting a squad devoid of any Real Madrid players, with both Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen left at home as La Roja go for a blend of experience and youthful verve. Lamine Yamal will once again be the focal point of the squad, supported by the likes of Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner in Berlin two years ago.
There are some questions over defensive options and the fit of some of the attackers in the squad, but if de la Fuente can successfully adapt the game plan used in 2024, Spain may well end this summer with another star over the famous crest.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
Star player – Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: It’s difficult to pick a star man in a team that will include the likes of Pedri and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, but teenage sensation Lamine Yamal stands out this summer as Spain’s main man. The 18-year-old was the breakout star of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 and he has only improved since two summers ago. He comes into his first World Cup off the back of another title-winning season at Barcelona, having scored 16 goals and registered 12 assists in just 28 games in La Liga. Yamal is at risk of missing the first two group games for La Roja after picking up a hamstring injury late into the season, but expect him to hit the ground running one he returns as he looks to add the biggest trophy of all to an already impressive cabinet.
Breakout talent – Marc Pubill, Atletico Madrid: Such is the talent in the Spain squad that most of its members are already household names, though defender Marc Pubill could be the player who has the most to gain from his call-up this summer. The 22-year-old has already impressed at times for Atletico Madrid this season – with manager Diego Simeone saying he is “growing at an enormous rate” – and while he’s not been able to nail down a starting spot at the club, his versatility at the back means he could feature for La Roja this summer in what could be the first major steps of a successful international career.
Fifa ranking: 2.
Odds to win the World Cup: 5/1, latest odds at The Independent via Oddsjam.
Uruguay
La Celeste are famed as one of the World Cup’s biggest over-achievers, having won the competition in 1930 and 1950, and the 2026 crop of players will be hoping to emulate the likes of Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan as they look to advance to the latter rounds.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa is said to be stepping down after the tournament, with the former Leeds boss leading the side into a second major tournament after finishing a respectable third at the 2024 Copa America.
And while Bielsa’s squad doesn’t possess the same level of talent as the previous golden generation, that Copa run and the performance against England in March showed that they are capable of digging in and getting results against ‘better’ sides.
With plenty of defensive steel, a bit of midfield nous – including Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian de Arrascaeta – and potential match-winners in the form of players such as Valverde and Darwin Nunez, Uruguay could be among the dark horses this summer. Having failed to get out of the group in 2022, a place in the quarter-finals this time around would likely be seen as a successful campaign – and a repeat of 2010 would be seen as a small miracle.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Santiago Mele (Junior FC)
Defenders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastian Caceres (Club America), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matias Vina (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martinez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atletico San Luis), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting), Brian Rodriguez (Club America)
Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre (Club America), Federico Vinas (Real Oviedo), Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal)
Star player: Federico Valverde: Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde is Uruguay’s talisman, and he’ll lead the Celeste as they look to make another surprise run to the latter stages of the World Cup. Valverde is coming off the back of a disappointing season at club level but his undoubted talent and versatility mean he remains one of the most useful players in world football. He might want to improve his record of goal contributions – having scored just nine times this season at club level – but as shown with his goal against England and a hat-trick against Manchester City, the 27-year-old remains a man for the big occasion. With the help of Nunez and Gimenez, can Valverde spur his nation into another surprise performance?
Breakout talent: Maxi Araujo: The battle to be Uruguay’s breakout star this summer may well be between ‘rival’ wingers in Club America’s Brian Rodríguez and Sporting’s Maxi Araujo. The former scored 13 goals in 34 games for the Mexican club and has become known for his pace, but 26-year-old Araujo has been a key man for Sporting for a couple of seasons now. He’s hardly a nobody after winning a Primeira Liga title last season – and putting in a great performance in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man City in the Champions League – but this could be the tournament where more fans begin to notice him.
Fifa ranking: 17.
Odds to win the World Cup: 100/1.
Saudi Arabia
2026 marks a seventh World Cup finals for Saudi Arabia, though the 2034 hosts have plenty to do if they want to equal their best-ever performance.
Saudi Arabia got to the round of 16 the last time the World Cup was held in the USA in 1994, though their previous six tournaments have all ended at the group stage. The fact that there will be some third-placed teams qualifying in this expanded tournament gives the side hope of making it out of Group H, though realistically a group-stage exit still feels the most likely outcome.
Nevertheless, this is a team that will benefit from the experience of qualifying for the last two World Cups, while new manager Herve Renard brings great international expertise having won Afcon with Zambia and the Ivory Coast previously.
A 1-0 loss to Jordan in the semi-finals of the Arab Cup at the end of last year demonstrated the limitations of this Saudi side though, and it remains to be seen if they can build on their previous tournament experience – in any case, a place in the round of 32 would be seen as a huge success.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ula) Nawaf Al Aqidi (Al Nassr), Ahmed Al Kassar (Al Qadsiah), Abdulqudus Attiah (Al Taawoun)
Defenders: Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (RC Lens), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), Zakaria Hawsawi (Al Ahli).
Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (NEOM SC), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr), Sultan Mandash (Al Hilal), Saleh Abu Al Shamat (Al Ahli).
Forwards: Feras Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Abdullah Al Salem (Al Qadsiah), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr).
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsari: Midfielder Al-Dawsari had perhaps the best moment of his career so far when he scored the goal that beat Argentina in Qatar in 2022, and in 2026 the 34-year-old once again leads his team at a World Cup, hoping to go one better than last time in making it out of the group. He scored eight goals in just 26 games from left wing at club level this season, and he’ll need to replicate that sort of form if Herve Renard’s side are to make the round of 32.
Breakout talent – Saud Abdulhamid: Lens defender Abdulhamid – who is on loan at the club from Roma – is the only player in the squad who plays his club football outside of Saudi Arabia, and he was part of the squad that just won the French Cup to secure the first trophy in Lens’ history. It was also an immensely successful season in the league as they finished second in Ligue 1, just six points behind PSG. While Abdulhamid often featured for Lens at right wing-back, he has been used as a traditional right-back in defence at international level too. At 26 years old, this could be the stage where he takes the next step in his career ahead of potentially playing in the Champions League next season.
Fifa ranking: 61.
Odds to win the World Cup: 1000/1.
Cape Verde
2026 marks a first appearance at a World Cup for Cape Verde, with manager – and former player – Bubista leading his nation to the world’s biggest tournament with a qualifying campaign that produced seven wins from 10 games against the likes of Cameroon and Angola.
On the pitch they will be led by former Lille and Nottingham Forest forward Ryan Mendes, with a supporting cast including Omonoia’s Willy Semedo, Benfica’s Sidny Lopes Cabral and the qualification campaign’s top scorer in Dailon Livramento.
The minnows head into the tournament with nothing to prove but everything to gain, with their best previous tournament performances coming as they reached the quarter-finals of Afcon in 2013 and 2023.
The celebrations seen when Cape Verde secured qualification show that hopes are not exactly high for their performance in North America this summer, and that will not have changed when they were drawn in a group against Spain and Uruguay. However, with the expanded tournament leaving room for third-placed sides to qualify, there can always be dreams of making it to the round of 32 at the first time of asking.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego).
Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joao Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK).
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Yannick Semedo (Farense).
Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir).
Star player – Dailon Livramento: Veteran midfielder Ryan Mendes may be the anchor of the team but forward Dailon Livramento was the key man in qualification, scoring five times in a historic campaign. The 25-year-old failed to find the net for his new side Casa Pia since joining in September, though he found opportunities hard to come by. Conversely, he scored and assisted in the 4-2 loss to Chile in March, showing that he remains a focal point of the team at international level.
Breakout talent – Sidny Lopes Cabral: Versatile Benfica defender Sidny Lopes Cabral looks certain to be Cape Verde’s breakout star this summer, helped in part by his €6m move to Benfica in January. Jose Mourinho is said to have personally approved the signing of the 23-year-old, who impressed for Portuguese side Estrela Amadora in the first half of the season. Lopes Cabral can play at both full-back and on the wing, though he may be used as a more attacking option at times this summer – something he can do to great affect, as shown with a hat-trick against Casa Pia in November and a goal and assist against Chile in March.
Fifa ranking: 69.
Odds to win the World Cup: 2000/1.
Group H prediction
Spain should face little opposition in their bid to finish first in Group H, though their match against Uruguay should be an interesting one (and perhaps a good early yardstick for how the favourites are performing early on). La Celeste should have more than enough to qualify in second, while Saudi Arabia will hope to sneak into the last 32 via a third-placed finish. It looks like it will be difficult for Cape Verde to earn any points in their maiden World Cup journey, but – as Saudi Arabia proved against Argentina in 2022 – anything is possible with enough morale and belief.
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A terrifying scene briefly interrupted Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final Thursday night, as a player took a shot directly to the face, resulting in hospitalization.
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb skated off the ice, covering his face after being in the direct line of an 87 mph shot.
A slap shot from Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers hit McNabb square in the face just past the midway point of the first period. McNabb dropped his stick, went down to the ice and grabbed his nose as he skated immediately off and down the tunnel.
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Vegas Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb takes a puck to the face during the first period of Game 2 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 4, 2026. (Karl DeBlaker/AP Photo)
The ESPN broadcast reported early in the second period that McNabb had left the arena and gone to a local hospital.
McNabb was coming off the first three-assist performance of his NHL career in Game 1. He is one of three original Golden Knights players who have been around for the franchise’s entire nine-year existence and is in the final for a third time.
“You lose a guy like Nabber who logs heavy minutes, such a good teammate, plays the game so hard, it’s tough,” captain Mark Stone said. “They battled as hard as they could.”
Vegas Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb takes a puck to the face during the first period of Game 2 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 4, 2026. (Karl DeBlaker/AP Photo)
“Any time you see that happen to a teammate, especially to a guy like Nabber who is a huge part of this team, a leader, it’s tough,” fellow D-man Noah Hanifin said. “It’s hard to see that happen to any guy on the ice. We’re just hoping for the best for him.”
Head coach John Tortorella said he did not have an update after the game.
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb reacts after a puck hits his face during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game two of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 4, 2026. (James Guillory/Imagn Images)
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The Golden Knights were up 2-0 in the third period but squandered their lead quickly. After tying it with less than two minutes to go, Carolina Hurricanes‘ Seth Jarvis found the back of the net to tie the series at one before both teams head west.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Zverev v Mensik LIVE: French Open latest scores, order of play and updates ahead of first men’s semi-final
Jakub Mensik 5-7, 1-2 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev is in cruise control now. He dinks in a drop shot, has Mensik pinned at the net, and fizzes a volley cross-court behind him.
Mensik goes for the backhand slice drop shot but it falls short and his frustration is evident, the body language telling the story.
But Zverev completely stumbles over a routine forehand, and a vicious Mensik forehand to the baseline takes him by surprise too and he can’t clear the net. 40-30.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:58
BREAK! Jakub Mensik 5-7, 1-2 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev hammers a forehand cross-court behind Mensik as he ventures forward and that’s another two break points.
And he takes it at the first time of asking, the pair going back and forth in a table-tennis style net rally, before Mensik can’t stretch far enough and thwacks the ball off his frame and out.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:53
*Jakub Mensik 5-7, 1-1 Alexander Zverev
A Zverev forehand looks to be dropping well long but just about makes it onto the line.
The umpire checks a first serve which certainly looked out from the press box, and he double faults for the first time. But another vicious serve keeps him in control and Mensik can’t reach the resulting drop shot.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:51
Jakub Mensik 5-7, 1-0 Alexander Zverev*
Mensik gets onto the front foot with a nice drive volley but then double faults and tips his head back in frustration. His first serve percentage has been way down, at 55 per cent.
But he holds with a booming serve and tidy volley.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:46
GAME AND FIRST SET! Jakub Mensik 5-7 Alexander Zverev
Some of the fight looks to have gone out of Mensik now. Zverev redirects him nicely with the combo of a serve out wide and forehand into the opposite corner, does it again, and that brings up set point.
Mensik drags one back with another brilliant backhand winner down the line, but Zverev has two more set points.
An ace seals the set. The German has just been too solid.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:40
BREAK! Jakub Mensik 5-6 Alexander Zverev*
Mensik double faults twice in his next service game and now Zverev has a first break point as he pummels a forehand beyond the Czech’s reach.
Now Mensik goes for the drop volley but Zverev gets there, and the Czech nets the reply. The second seed will serve for the set.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:35
*Jakub Mensik 5-5 Alexander Zverev
Mensik plays a tidy cross-court backhand which lands just on the tramline, and Zverev can’t get his volley over the net. 15-15.
But some fierce serving completes an easy hold.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:31
Jakub Mensik 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
Mensik looks a bit more sparky now and is going for his shots a bit more. Zverev thumps a forehand long for 40-0 and does the same on a second serve return, and that’s a nice, easy hold for the Czech.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:27
*Jakub Mensik 4-4 Alexander Zverev
A Mensik cross-court forehand, at full stretch, fizzes long, and Zverev escapes.
Flo Clifford5 June 2026 14:25
Shreyas Iyer has emerged as the top contender to replace Suryakumar Yadav as the Indian cricket team T20I captain and if reports are to be believed, then the official announcement should come on Saturday. While there are not many people who will doubt the calibre of a player like Shreyas, it is almost shocking that the last time that he played in a T20I match for India was back in December 2023. Since then, he was snubbed twice for T20 World Cups and did not even find a place in the Asia Cup squad. However, that did not dampen his spirits and in the almost 30 months that he stayed away from the national side, he won the IPL title once, led Punjab Kings to the final next season and is now on the verge of completing a stunning comeback story.
A Tale Of Rejections
Despite guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title, Shreyas did not find a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. It came as a surprise to many experts or fans but there was a feeling that he was still not the middle-order batter who was undroppable by the selectors. For KKR, he scored just 351 runs in 15 matches that season and although he completed a stunning journey after getting dropped from the BCCI central contracts in 2023, his exclusion showed that the selectors were just not convinced.
A move to Punjab Kings followed ahead of IPL 2025 and the price tag of Rs 26.75 crore was probably a good indication of how much he was valued by the franchises. Shreyas did not disappoint as he slammed 604 runs and led by example as his team reached the final before losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Selectors were once again put on high alert but he once again found him in the rejection list when it came to Asia Cup 2025 as well as T20 World Cup 2026. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that it was not the player’s fault and he was once again overlooked in favour of T20I specialists.
The Winds Of Change
While Shreyas continued to show his good run of form, things were going downhill for Suryakumar Yadav. The explosive batter led India to the World Cup title in 2026 but the murmurs never ceased over his batting form. A poor show in the Asia Cup as well as the World Cup did not soothe the nerves and soon, fans as well as experts started having their doubts.
Cut to IPL 2026 and Suryakumar was once again unsuccessful in impressing everyone with his batting. Just 260 runs in 13 matches for him and with Mumbai Indians finishing ninth in the points table, there was no place to hide for the star batter.
In contrast, Shreyas continued to play big knocks and his batting form was one of the main reasons behind PBKS winning their first six games in IPL 2026. While a dramatic dip in form ultimately resulted in the team not reaching the Playoffs, Shreyas once again finished the tournament with 498 runs at an average of 55.33.
Time For A New Leader?
With the selectors focusing on T20 World Cup 2028 and the LA Olympics, a new leader is being considered to take over the reins of the national team. Suryakumar’s form led to the selectors looking at alternatives and Shreyas has become the biggest talking point with his leadership record as well as a proven option to bat at No. 4. While Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma were also names that made headlines, it is his experience of leadership that handed Shreyas a huge advantage.
While nothing is official as of now, it seems like India are on the verge of a major leadership change and if the transition is indeed completely, Shreyas’ comeback story will be nothing short of a blockbuster movie script.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says it will be a “strange start” for Andoni Iraola as the new Reds boss, with so many of his players away at the World Cup, but there will still be pressure on him to “hit the ground running”.
“Arne Slot winning the league then finishing fifth and that not being enough has put huge pressure on whoever takes over, because it pressurises you coming in as a new manager to get things right straight away,” Houghton told BBC Radio Merseyside.
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“It will be difficult for him because a lot of players are on World Cup duty. He would love to have his players in as early as possible because he wants to get his mantra and way of playing across to them.
“I think it’s going to be a strange start for the new manager, having to deal with players not being there until August. From the fans’ point of view, there has to be patience. We can only judge him when he’s had time to work with his full squad.
“But he’ll have to hit the ground running and make sure he gets what he wants across to his players very quickly.
“Every Liverpool manager is under pressure to challenge for trophies. You’re at one of the biggest clubs in world football so there should be that pressure.”
Sports
How Maja Chwalinska went from qualifying defeat to French Open finalist in a year | Tennis News
Poland’s Maja Chwalinska (AP Photo)
Paris: While Paris buzzes around her, Maja Chwalinska keeps things simple: tea, a show, perhaps a little tennis, and an early night. It is the routine that has carried Roland Garros’ surprise finalist from world No. 114 to No. 21 in the Live Rankings, and she sees no reason to change it now. On Saturday, the Pole will face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in the biggest match of her life, determined to remain inside the bubble that has served her so well these past weeks.Chwalinska, 24, has the word “free” etched on her left hand. She declined to explain its meaning, but is perhaps related to her struggle against depression, which forced her to step away from the game. “I feel like I’m in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” she said after the semi-finals. “I just try to focus on every single match, give my all and then, after the tournament, there will be time to process it. Breathe in, breathe out.” A year ago, Chwalinska left Roland Garros after losing in qualifying competition. Now the 5 ft 5’ Pole stands one match from becoming the first qualifier in the Open era to win the title. A self-confessed tennis addict, she devours matches whenever she can, using them to study opponents and deepen her understanding of the game. That knowledge is reflected in her own tennis, a left-handed blend of angles, variety and imagination that keeps rivals guessing and has become one of the stories of this tournament.“I’m a tennis freak, I love watching tennis. When I was younger, I watched tennis all day, every day. I feel like it helps me read the game better,” she said, adding that she is grateful that she could watch Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic when growing up. “Sometimes I go back to these old matches and watch them play. It feels like poetry.” The daughter of a retired coal miner and a receptionist, Tomasz and Marcela, Chwalinska was uncertain of how she would pay for her stay in Paris as she progressed through the draw. A sponsor stepped in to help. She still does not have a clothing sponsor, but after the fortnight of her life, it is hard to imagine companies will not be queuing up to back her, whatever the outcome of Saturday’s final.’
Sportsbooks believe the Minnesota Vikings will win 8.5 games in 2026, and if that sounds familiar, it’s because that particular forecast has basically followed Minnesota for eight straight summers. But according to CBS Sports, Vegas is overlooking the Vikings, while overrating the Green Bay Packers.
It’s a rare bit of enthusiasm for Minnesota from a national media outlet.
The Vikings Get Rare Backing from CBS Sports
Jordan Dajani: Pick the Over for Vikings
Dajani of CBS Sports assessed the entirety of the NFC North, speaking highly of the Vikings, who are expected to finish in last place inside the division, according to live betting odds.
“Kyler Murray will have some fantastic weapons to work with, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Jauan Jennings. I believe Jennings is one of the most underrated signings of the entire offseason, so don’t get me started on him,” Dajani began.
“He ranked second on the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards over the past two seasons and led the team in red-zone targets (34), fourth-quarter targets (50) and third-down targets (69) during that span. He’s also an elite run blocker and doesn’t drop the football. Thanks for entertaining my rant. Murray now also has the backing of a Brian Flores-led defense, which he didn’t have in Arizona.”
During his time in Arizona — 2019 to 2025 — the Cardinals ranked eighth-worst in the NFL per EPA/Play.
Dajani continued, “The Vikings did lose Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Jonathan Greenard on the defensive front, but I like some of the additions they made in the draft, including linebacker Jake Golday, defensive tackle Domonique Orange and safety Jakobe Thomas.”
“The Vikings hit the over on this line last year thanks to a five-game winning streak to end the season. Do we really see Minnesota getting worse? Verdict: Over 8.5 wins.”
Probably a Safe Bet
All of Dajani’s logic checks out; it’s not far-fetched. In short, the Vikings were a nine-win team last year — already beating the 8.5-win forecast with a similar roster, sans Greenard to Philadelphia — and have upgraded the quarterback spot with Murray.
The defense is Minnesota’s calling card for now, as the enterprise changed when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. The unit struggled during Kevin O’Connell’s first year with Ed Donatell calling the shots, but turned it around immediately when Flores walked through the doors in Eagan.
Pairing Murray with a Top 3 defense — Murray is accustomed to average or poor defenses in Arizona — should be the special sauce to top 8.5 wins. In his career, Murray has a better EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, and C.J. Stroud. If you can imagine Mayfield or Lawrence under center for the Vikings, that’s basically what Murray will bring per efficiency.
Kevin O’Connell Due for a Playoff Win
O’Connell took over the Vikings in 2022 and has led the team to the NFL’s fifth-best win percentage in four seasons. Two of his seasons — 2023 and 2025 — were ruined by QB1 injuries, but even during those campaigns, O’Connell stabilized operations enough for Minnesota to find 16 total wins.
Yet, with the fifth-best win percentage, the man has not won a playoff game. Very few NFL head coaches see a fifth year without a postseason triumph; O’Connell snuck through.
Before too long, he must win a playoff game or risk hot-seat whispers. Winning regular season games only goes so far. The Vikings haven’t won a playoff game since 2019 — the day Kirk Cousins and Kyle Rudolph walked off the Saints in overtime down in New Orleans.
Bullish on the Lions
Dajani was also high on the last-place Detroit Lions, noting, “The Lions have plenty going for them. Quarterback Jared Goff has led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns over the past four seasons. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has scored more touchdowns in his first three seasons than any player in NFL history.”
“Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta provide a great supporting cast. Detroit traded running back David Montgomery to Houston, but I think Isiah Pacheco is going to play a fun role in this offense with his maniacal running style.”
Pound for pound, the talent of the Lions’ depth chart suggests it’s closer to first place in the NFC North than last place.
Dajani added, “Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson is an elite pass rusher, Jack Campbell was one of the best linebackers in football last year and cashed in on a lucrative deal, and Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, DJ Reed and Roger McCreary can handle the weapons in the NFC North if they stay healthy.”
“It’s important to note that the Lions have the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL this season. I’ll take them to go 11-6.”
The Los Angeles Rams are the runaway frontrunner to win the Super Bowl, especially after trading for EDGE rusher Myles Garrett this week.
As we count down to the first college football game of the 2026 season, we continue our new series: The records of each top CFB program in the West against all the others in the region.
Some schools have met many times over the years, while others are beginning new rivalries in the wake of recent realignment.
For each opponent in the table below, we provide the total games played, wins, losses, ties, winning percentage, first year played, and most recent contest.
We continue with Arizona State, which has played 727 games vs. regional foes, winning 428, losing 288, and tying 11 for a winning percentage of .596.
The Sun Devils have recorded the most wins (46) and lost the most games (52) against Arizona (with one tie). UA is also ASU’s most-played opponent at 99 games.
Here is a breakdown of Arizona State’s records vs. the region’s teams.
Arizona State Football Wins vs. the Top Programs in the West
| Opponent | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % | First Game | Most Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60.0 | 10/30/1971 | 12/30/1987 |
| Arizona | 99 | 46 | 52 | 1 | 47.0 | 11/30/1899 | 11/28/2025 |
| Boise State | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.0 | 10/05/1996 | 12/22/2011 |
| BYU | 29 | 21 | 8 | 0 | 72.4 | 11/23/1935 | 11/23/2024 |
| Cal | 36 | 17 | 19 | 0 | 47.2 | 09/25/1976 | 09/30/2023 |
| Colorado | 15 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 73.3 | 09/16/2006 | 11/22/2025 |
| CSU | 21 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 95.2 | 11/18/1950 | 09/16/2000 |
| Fresno State | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60.0 | 11/07/1931 | 09/16/2023 |
| Hawai’i | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 71.4 | 09/18/1954 | 12/24/2006 |
| Nevada | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33.3 | 10/12/1946 | 09/09/2006 |
| UNLV | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.0 | 09/13/2008 | 09/11/2021 |
| New Mexico | 30 | 24 | 5 | 1 | 81.7 | 12/03/1932 | 09/18/2015 |
| NMSU | 30 | 22 | 7 | 1 | 75.0 | 10/25/1930 | 08/31/2017 |
| Oregon | 39 | 18 | 21 | 0 | 46.2 | 11/12/1966 | 11/18/2023 |
| Ore St | 47 | 30 | 16 | 1 | 64.9 | 10/21/1961 | 11/19/2022 |
| San Diego State | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 80.8 | 11/29/1934 | 09/15/2018 |
| San Jose State | 30 | 19 | 11 | 0 | 63.3 | 11/26/1936 | 09/01/2007 |
| USC | 40 | 14 | 26 | 0 | 35.0 | 10/14/1978 | 09/23/2023 |
| Stanford | 34 | 18 | 16 | 0 | 52.9 | 11/11/1978 | 10/22/2022 |
| UTEP | 49 | 33 | 13 | 3 | 70.4 | 11/26/1925 | 09/02/2004 |
| UCLA | 40 | 16 | 23 | 1 | 41.2 | 09/09/1976 | 11/11/2023 |
| Utah | 36 | 23 | 13 | 0 | 63.9 | 10/07/1961 | 10/11/2025 |
| Utah State | 13 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 63.9 | 10/09/1948 | 09/13/2003 |
| Washington | 39 | 22 | 17 | 0 | 56.4 | 09/13/1975 | 10/21/2023 |
| WSU | 47 | 29 | 16 | 2 | 63.8 | 10/01/1960 | 10/28/2023 |
| Wyoming | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 62.5 | 11/24/1951 | 08/31/2024 |
Chelsea have announced the passing of club legend Bobby Tambling at the age of 84.
The former striker remains one of the most important figures in the club’s history, having scored 202 goals in 370 appearances for the Blues.
“Chelsea Football Club has very sadly lost one of our most legendary players with the passing of Bobby Tambling at the age of 84,” the club said in a statement.
“We send our deepest condolences to Bobby’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Tambling spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge and played a key role in Chelsea’s promotion to the First Division during the 1962/63 season.
His 202 goals made him Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer for many years before Frank Lampard surpassed the record in 2013. Tambling remains the club’s highest league goalscorer with 164 goals.
Among his many achievements, Tambling famously scored five goals in a single match against Aston Villa and established himself as one of the most prolific forwards of his generation.
His contribution to Chelsea has continued to be recognised long after his playing career ended. He has a suite at Stamford Bridge named in his honour, and supporters regularly display a “Tambling 202” banner on matchdays.
Tambling passed away following a long illness in Cork, Ireland.
He is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy that secures his place among the greatest players in Chelsea’s history.
There is perhaps no easier-to-buy or more universally-approved Father’s Day gift than golf balls. It’s pretty much fool-proof. No matter your skill level, any player who loves the game can appreciate the allure and thoughtfulness of a fresh dozen.
But which balls does Dad prefer? If you don’t know his preferred brand and model, you can always go with a different characteristic. There are a number of golf ball sub-categories you can search to help narrow it down: Tour-caliber models, limited-edition selections, bright colors, balls with sports-team logos and more!
There are also plenty of deals to explore. PGA TOUR Superstore is currently offering some great promotions on golf ball bundles for Father’s Day. Check out a few of them below.
Golf ball deals for Father’s Day
-Buy 2 Get 1 Free on Srixon
-2 for $99 on Bridgestone Tour B Family
-2 for $45 on Wilson Duo Soft 25 Family
-2 for $99 on TaylorMade TP5 Family
-2 for $99 on Callaway Chrome Family
-2 for $50 on Callaway Supersoft Family
-2 for $45 on TaylorMade Speedsoft Family Golf Balls
Of course, if you’re truly lost on the golf ball selection front, personalized models are a great way to make a special statement. Even if Dad doesn’t play the brand you choose, he can always keep the balls as a sentimental reminder of your thoughtfulness.
Click the links above to shop current deals, and check out the links below to shop some of the most popular brands and models for Father’s Day.
Shop some of our favorite balls for Father’s Day
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Chrome Soft is engineered for outstanding tour performance with new speed technology for players who want fast ball speeds, higher ball flight, greenside control and soft feel. Plus, on a high visibility yellow ball. FAST: New Tour Fast Mantle The revolutionary new Tour Fast Mantle uses a material that generates more distance through an optimized core/layer system. CONSISTENT: Advanced Seamless Tour Aero Uniquely designed aerodynamic package is built for higher ball flight, distance and consistency on every shot. Precision Technology also ensures each technology is meticulously measured through industry-leading manufacturing, over 150 million proof points, to provide the ultimate in consistency. CONTROL: Tour Level Urethane Cover This high performance cover is developed for incredible shot stopping wedge control with soft feel. Yellow Golf Ball Bright high-visibility color makes it easier to spot in the air, find in the rough, and follow on every shot.
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Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has said the late arrival of several players to camp played a part in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Poland in an international friendly in Warsaw on Wednesday.
The Fulham defender was among the players introduced in the second half after joining the team’s camp on Monday.
Nigeria looked set for victory after taking a 2-1 lead, but a stoppage-time goal from Poland denied the Super Eagles a win as the match ended in a draw.
Speaking after the game, Bassey admitted that the team were disappointed not to secure the victory but pointed to the limited time the players had together before the match.
“We should have got the win. Conceding two late goals in both halves shows there are things we must adjust,” Bassey said.
“A lot of us arrived at different times, and a few players only joined camp yesterday, so it was good to get some minutes on the pitch.”
The defender, however, believes the team will improve as the players spend more time together ahead of future matches.
The result means Nigeria remain unbeaten in their recent games, although the late goals conceded against Poland will give the coaching staff important lessons as preparations continue for upcoming competitions.
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