Each country must provide Fifa with a final squad of between 23 and 26 players (at least three of whom must be goalkeepers) by the deadline of 2 June, and a subsequently injured player may only be replaced by someone from a previously-submitted 55-man preliminary squad, up to 24 hours before the team’s first World Cup match.
Squads are set to be name throughout May, with Thomas Tuchel slated to name his 26-man England group on Friday 22 May, while Bosnia and Herzegovina became the first nation to confirm their squad on 11 May.
Here are all the World Cup 2026 squads and every player who will be at this summer’s tournament:
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Group A
Mexico
Coach: Javier Aguirre
South Africa
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Coach: Hugo Broos
South Korea
South Korea are set to announce their squad on 16 May.
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
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Czech Republic
Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Group B
Canada
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Coach: Jesse Marsch
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia, who beat Wales in the playoffs en route to qualifying for just the second World Cup in their history, became the first side to name their squad on 11 May, with 40-year-old Edin Dzeko the headline inclusion. Roger Milla for Cameroon in 1994 is the only previous outfield player in his 40s to have appeared at a World Cup but former Man City striker Dzeko is set to be added to that exclusive club.
Coach: Sergej Barbarez
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Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj (St Pauli), Martin Zlomislic (Rijeka), Osman Hadzikic (Slaven Belupo)
Defenders: Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta), Amar Dedic (Benfica), Nihad Mujakic (Gaziantep), Nikola Katic (Schalke), Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo), Stjepan Radeljic (Rijeka), Dennis Hadzikadunic (Sampdoria), Nidal Celik (Lens)
Midfielders: Amir Hadziahmetovic (Hull City), Ivan Sunjic (Pafos), Ivan Basic (Astana), Dzenis Burnic (Karlsruher), Ermin Mahmic (Slovan Liberec), Benjamin Tahirovic (Brondby), Amar Memic (Viktoria Plzen), Armin Gigovic (Young Boys), Kerim Alajbegovic (RB Salzburg), Esmir Bajraktarevic (PSV Eindhoven)
Morocco are set to announce their squad on 21 May.
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Haiti
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Coach: Sebastien Migne
Scotland
Coach: Steve Clarke
Group D
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USA
USA are set to announce their squad on 26 May.
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Paraguay
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Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Australia
Australia are set to announce their squad on 1 June.
Coach: Tony Popovic
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Turkey
Coach: Vincenzo Montella
Group E
Germany
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Germany are set to announce their squad on 21 May.
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Curacao
Coach: Dick Advocaat
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Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast are set to announce their squad on 15 May.
Coach: Emerse Fae
Ecuador
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Coach: Sebastian Beccacece
Group F
Netherlands
Netherlands are set to announce their squad on 25 May.
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Coach: Ronald Koeman
Japan
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma has missed out on Japan’s squad for the World Cup after a cruelly-timed hamstring injury, with Takumi Minamino another attacking option sidelined as he recovers from a serious knee issue. Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has endured his own series of set-backs but is in line to make his first appearance for his country in nearly two years.
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa.
There were few surprises in the Sweden squad named by Graham Potter, with Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski omitted as expected after a year out of the game with a knee injury. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak give Potter plenty of firepower up front, with the former Chelsea and West Ham manager hopeful that the latter can find form. “Our challenge is to get Alex in the best moment of the season and for him to hit top form,” Potter said. “Because if he does, he’s a world-class player.”
Coach: Graham Potter
Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County)
Defenders: Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby AIF), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Emil Holm (Juventus), Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Erik Smith (St. Pauli).
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Midfielders and forwards: Taha Ali (Malmo FF), Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Mattias Svanberg (VfL Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Ken Sema (Pafos).
Tunisia
Tunisia are set to announce their squad on 15 May.
Coach: Sabri Lamouchi
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Group G
Belgium
Belgium are set to announce their squad on 15 May.
Coach: Rudi Garcia
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Egypt
Egypt are set to announce their squad on 29 May.
Coach: Hossam Hassan
Iran
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Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
New Zealand
English coach Darren Bazeley has dipped into non-league football to help fill his New Zealand squad with 36-year-old defender Tommy Smith, who plays for National League side Braintree Town, featuring for the first time since 2024. Smith actually appeared for the All Whites at their most recent World Cup in 2010, as did Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood who captains the side. On the other end of the experience spectrum, two-cap Newcastle Jets midfielder Lachlan Bayliss has also been selected by Bazeley.
Coach: Darren Bazeley
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Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall FC), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham AFC), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town)
Midfielders: Joe Bell (Viking FK), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle), Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets)
Forwards: Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Eli Just (Motherwell FC), Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Ben Old (Saint-Étienne), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC)
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Group H
Spain
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Cape Verde
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Coach: Bubista
Saudi Arabia
Coach: Georgios Donis
Uruguay
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Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Group I
France
Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser has been rewarded for his outstanding form for Ligue 1’s surprise package with a spot as France’s third-choice goalkeeper. In a battle of Premier League forwards for the final place in a deep attacking group, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta edges out Tottenham loanee Randal Kolo Muani – a scorer in the final shootout four years ago.
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Coach: Didier Deschamps
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.
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Senegal
Coach: Pape Thiaw
Iraq
Coach: Graham Arnold
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Norway
Norway are set to announce their squad on 21 May.
Coach: Stale Solbakken
Group J
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Argentina
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Algeria
Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
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Austria
Austria are set to announce their squad on 18 May.
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Jordan
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Coach: Jamal Sellami
Group K
Portugal
Portugal are set to announce their squad on 19 May.
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Coach: Roberto Martinez
DR Congo
DR Congo are set to announce their squad on 18 May.
Coach: Sebastien Desabre
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Uzbekistan
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Colombia
Colombia are set to announce their squad on 29 May.
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Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
Group L
England
England are set to announce their squad on 22 May.
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Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Croatia
Croatia are set to announce their squad on 18 May.
Shakur Stevenson has been linked to a number of names since his super-lightweight title win, but there is one man that former sparring partner Regis Prograis believes will beat the pound-for-pound star if given the opportunity.
Since claiming the WBO crown at 140lbs by comprehensively beating Teofimo Lopez, Stevenson has been called for fights against Conor Benn, Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis.
Speaking to YSM Sports Media, Prograis hailed the talent of Foster, saying that the only person who can defeat the Texan is himself, despite the 32-year-old’s three prior losses.
“I have been saying this about O’Shaquie forever. At one point in time, I was number one in the world at 140lbs, he was coming up at 130lbs and I was telling people that Shaq is the truth because his name was so small.
“He didn’t have the name but I was always high on Shaq, for a long time. I have been knowing Shaq since he was a child, basically, so I know how good he was, he was just, naturally, real good.
“He works hard and he has the mindset, Shaq has been through a lot of stuff and when you have been through stuff like that, your mindset does change, you have different type of mindset. It is going to be hard to beat somebody like Shaq.
“Really, I don’t think that someone like him could be beat, he can only beat himself, he has early losses and that is kind of what happened to him, he kind of beat himself.”
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Prograis – who recently said he backs Stevenson to beat Haney should they fight – then went on to explain why he believes Foster is the man to hand the pound-for-pound star his first loss.
“Yes, [I would favour Foster over Stevenson]. I have been in the ring with Shaq more, for sure, but I am telling you, I have got him over Shakur.”
“He is natural, he can switch; he can go southpaw and orthodox, equally as good on both sides. Shaq can take a punch, Shaq has really good foot movement and Shaq has power also. He doesn’t have that big one-punch knockout power but he has got the power where you have to respect him because it is going to hurt.
“I know how good Shakur is. Shakur is a highly skilled fighter but, for me, right now, I got Shaq.”
To make the fight, Foster would need to move up two weight divisions and challenge for Stevenson’s super-lightweight title, or have Stevenson drop back down and meet him at 135lbs.
The San Antonio Spurs will look to draw even in their best-of-seven series when they battle the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night. San Antonio held on for a 115-111 win on Monday night as the road team has won all three games. The Spurs (62-20), who won the 2014 NBA crown, are 7-3 on the road in the playoffs. The Knicks (53-29), who last won an NBA title in 1973, had a 13-game postseason winning streak snapped.
Tipoff from Madison Square Garden in New York is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Spurs lead the all-time postseason series 5-3. The Knicks are a 1.5-point favorites in the latest Knicks vs. Spurs odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 216.5. Before making any Spurs vs. Knicks picks, check out the Knicks vs. Spurs predictions from SportsLine’s Mike Barner.
Barner is perenially one of SportsLine’s top NBA experts, and he enters this game on a sizzling 143-106 roll on all NBA picks, returning $1,682 for $100 players during that span. Anyone following his NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
After studying Knicks vs. Spurs from every angle, Barner is leaning Under 216.5 total points. The Under has hit in three of the past four head-to-head meetings. The Under has also hit in three of the last five San Antonio games and in two of the last three New York matchups. The Knicks also had the fifth-best scoring defense in the NBA during the regular season, allowing 110.1 points per game, while the Spurs were eighth at 111.5.
The Under has hit in 53 of the last 100 New York games when the line was over 205, and 3-3 in six head-to-head meetings in 2025-26. Barner expects defense to win the day. See his Knicks vs. Spurs spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Under in Knicks vs. Spurs at FanDuel here:
David Sullivan agreed to stay away from West Ham’s women and youth teams one-on-one following a historic complaint.
The former joint chair, who resigned last week, said he had entered a “temporary agreement” with the Football Association not to meet with any academy or women’s players alone while the body resolved a complaint about an incident in 1981.
The revelation comes after the BBC and The Times reported that the FA opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving allegations about Mr Sullivan’s conduct.
David Sullivan has denied all allegations (PA)
Mr Sullivan said the agreement was not a “ban” and denied the event at the centre of the historic complaint ever took place.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said the FA must explain “why no further action was taken” following the investigation. It is understood that West Ham United and the FA refute this.
On Monday, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. The accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned the tabloid newspapers Daily Sport and Sunday Sport.
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According to the reporting, the claims about Mr Sullivan involve him pressuring young or aspiring models in their late teens or early twenties.
Mr Sullivan said the claims are “entirely false” and that he “categorically denies” them.
Ms Nandy said in a statement on Tuesday evening: “These latest revelations are utterly horrifying.
“If it is the case that an investigation concluded that there were sufficiently serious allegations to warrant a ban on contact with the youth and women’s teams, then the FA must explain this decision and why no further action was taken.
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“I expect a full and urgent explanation from the FA and West Ham as to how these incredibly serious allegations have been handled.”
David Sullivan, left, and co-owner David Gold in 2010 (Getty)
Mr Sullivan said the restriction was a “negotiated agreement” with the FA.
“I wish to clarify recent media reports regarding a negotiated agreement with the Football Association, which has been inaccurately described as a disciplinary ‘ban’,” he told The Independent.
“In my entire 16 years at West Ham United, I have never met any academy or women’s team players 1-2-1. Therefore, a negotiated and temporary agreement with the FA not to do so until the FA resolved an outstanding complaint in relation to a single anonymous complaint regarding an event in 1981 was entered into.
“The complaint had nothing to do about my time in football, and it never happened. I saw it as a meaningless restriction, as it didn’t impact on my work in any way, therefore I accepted it for a quiet life.”
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The FA said it was unable to comment on individual safeguarding cases, but that it took all allegations “very seriously” and worked closely with police.
A spokesperson said: “We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and all referrals to us are handled in line with our rigorous and stringent policies and procedures.
“Appropriate action is always taken against individuals who pose or may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football.
“This includes issuing appropriate suspensions in accordance with our safeguarding regulations. The aim of our process is to safeguard children and adults at risk.”
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A West Ham United spokesperson said: “West Ham United has clear and robust safeguarding measures in place, measures that are independently assessed and audited on an annual basis. The club is unable to comment or provide details on any individual safeguarding matter as per safeguarding best practice.”
In a statement announcing he was stepping down as chair of West Ham at the weekend, Mr Sullivan said: “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media.
“After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.
Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby looks on during the spring football game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby shocked everyone this week by winning his injunction, and getting a temporary restraining order against the NCAA allowing him to play for Texas Tech in 2026.
It’s hard to say anything is surprising in college football anymore, but this decision was shocking. Ignoring the morality of betting on your own football team, it also seems illegal to have other people place bets on your behalf, which Sorsby admitted to doing. Sorsby and Texas Tech have continued to claim that the issue at hand was a mental health crisis, but I couldn’t imagine the university going through all this trouble if he was a back up kicker.
The NCAA has lost control of college sports. If you don’t like their decision, you take your case to a favorable judge, and you’re allowed to do whatever you want. I am completely against Sorsby ever getting a second chance like most fans of college football, and I wish there was something the NCAA could do to prevent him from playing in 2026 and beyond.
We’ve seen the governing board of the NCAA doesn’t have a backbone, but other universities are fighting against this injustice.
Per Pete Thamel, the Big Ten will be meeting to discuss whether they will continue to schedule regular season games against Texas Tech. Nebraska’s AD, Troy Dannen, and many other AD’s have announced they will no longer be scheduling games against Tech as well.
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I applaud these schools for taking a bold stance, and hoping to keep any integrity left in college sports. Hopefully other universities will follow suit and remove any future matchups against Texas Tech.
However, where I am most intrigued to see the fallout from this decision is in the Big 12. Many schools have already come out to voice their displeasure on this ruling, fighting to keep the game safe from further malfeasance.
At the end of the day, this should have been a cut and dry case. Sorsby bet on his team, he did not play, but had insider information about game plans that can lead to advantage in gambling. He’s not nearly as bad as former Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, but those athletes will never come near the MLB ever again.
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A terrible precedent has been set by the NCAA, and now it’s up to the other universities to stand up against Texas Tech, and prevent something like this from ever happening again.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate, Hugo Almeida, has urged fans to lower their expectations regarding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup tournament while hoping to help Portugal win their first-ever Mundial. Speaking to Lusa, as quoted by GOAL, Almeida expressed confidence about Ronaldo entering the tournament in ‘good form’.
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“The age isn’t a problem, today we see many players at 39, 40, 41 years old arriving in great shape,” Almeida said. “Ronaldo prepares himself better and better and it is the competition that is missing from his curriculum and which he has been chasing for a long time. I believe he will arrive in good form.”
While Almeida dismissed concerns regarding Ronaldo’s age, he stressed that fans should not expect the performance of a player between 20 and 30 years of age from the 41-year-old. Instead, he noted that the Al-Nassr forward’s experience will prove invaluable for the Portugal national team at the World Cup.
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“Now, we cannot expect a Ronaldo as loose as when he was 20 or 30 years old, but he is very experienced, the best of all time, and he makes the difference, without a doubt,” Almeida added.
Ronaldo and Portugal reached the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Morocco. They have been placed in Group K of the 2026 World Cup alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
“Ronaldo makes the difference” – Almeida offers opinion on Portugal team selection
Almeida further opined that while Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, he is the difference maker on the national team. There have been suggestions that Ronaldo should be dropped from the national team, with critics arguing that he is preventing young players from getting enough minutes.
Speaking to that, Almeida expressed confidence in head coach Roberto Martinez’s selections, insisting that the Spaniard ‘chose who gave him more guarantees’.
“The coach knows very well what he is going to do and has been preparing for the competition for a long time. He chose who gave him more guarantees, that is the most important thing,” Almeida concluded. “He could have a more fixed striker, but Portugal never play with fixed strikers. Goncalo Ramos has been doing well and Ronaldo makes the difference from one moment to the next.”
Ronaldo holds the record for Portugal’s most capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Jun 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Braden Montgomery (24), reacts after his walk off two run home run during the tenth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Twelve Chicago White Sox players have made their major league debuts this season.
On Wednesday night, the club will look to build on the momentum created by its latest new arrival and take a series from the team with the best record in baseball.
Host Chicago rallied for a 6-5, 10-inning victory against the Atlanta Braves in Tuesday’s opener of a three-game series as right fielder Braden Montgomery punctuated his first major league game with a walk-off, two-run homer.
Montgomery went 2-for-5 with three RBIs, saving his best heroics for last as the White Sox secured their fifth walk-off victory this season and moved a half-game behind the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central.
“Just how we drew it up,” Montgomery said. “That was … I still don’t know what to say. That was unreal.”
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Fellow rookie Jacob Gonzalez added two hits and an RBI for the White Sox, and Miguel Vargas hit his 16th home run as Chicago fought back from an early 4-0 deficit.
While Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson delivered his 18th and 19th home runs of the season, and Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies added three hits apiece, the Braves endured a scare when right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. left in the fourth inning with left hamstring tightness after attempting to run out a grounder.
Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Acuna will undergo an MRI on Wednesday and is day-to-day. Weiss said the injury “doesn’t seem as bad” as the left hamstring strain that put Acuna on the injured list from May 3-18.
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“This one more recently, I don’t feel any pain,” Acuna said. “I just feel a little bit tight, so let’s see what happens with the MRI (Wednesday).”
Left-hander Chris Sale will start for Atlanta on Wednesday. Sale (8-4, 2.23 ERA) is coming off a 7-2 home loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Thursday, when he allowed three runs and a season-high 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.
“You’ve got to chalk it up to just being one of those days, really,” said Sale, who walked two, struck out six and hit a batter. “I just felt like anything that got put in play was a hit. My command was in and out at times. My stuff was pretty good, but it just seemed like they always found holes.”
A first-round draft pick of the White Sox in 2010, Sale went 74-50 with a 3.00 ERA in seven seasons for Chicago, making 148 starts among his 228 appearances. He is 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA in six starts against his former team, with 57 strikeouts in 37 innings.
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Right-hander Davis Martin (8-2, 2.61 ERA) is slated to start for the White Sox. Initially set to pitch on Tuesday, he was given an extra day of rest after getting hit hard in a 6-4 loss at Minnesota on June 2.
Martin allowed six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings, with three walks and two strikeouts.
“We have these off days, and you have the ability to get things lined up to maximize the recovery for guys,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “And Davis, as much as he’s been pitching, we thought the opportunity to give him extra time, make sure that he is recovered well and at his best, was really important.”
WNBA legend Nancy Lieberman believes Caitlin Clark is to thank for the league’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has allowed players to get much higher salaries.
“She’s a generational player. She came with a fan base of millions, and it’s helping the league,”Lieberman said.
“They don’t get the $2.2 billion collective bargaining agreement, honestly, without her being there.”
Women’s basketball legend Nancy Lieberman said she would have punched Chennedy Clark in the face if she were Caitlin Clark.(Getty Images)
That recent surge in attention has helped change the financial future of the WNBA.
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reached a tentative new collective bargaining agreement in March. The deal delivers major salary increases, a larger salary cap and more player benefits.
The new WNBA CBA is a transformative seven-year labor deal establishing the first-ever revenue-sharing model (averaging 20% of league and team revenue). It nearly quintuples the team salary cap and introduces sweeping upgrades to player benefits, family planning and facility standard
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Lieberman said Clark’s arrival helped push the league into a new era.
“You can’t deny she brings the media,” Lieberman said. “You’re talking about her. You probably weren’t talking about anybody four years ago.”
Lieberman compared Clark’s effect on the WNBA to that of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods on their respective sports.
“She’s done her job, just like Tiger did, just like Michael Jordan did,” Lieberman said.
Clark entered the WNBA in 2024 after a record-setting college career at Iowa. She brought massive television audiences, sold-out arenas and a national conversation that followed her from college into the pros.
Lieberman said that kind of attention does not take away from the rest of the league. It helps expose more fans to everyone.
“Now, you take A’ja, you take Napheesa, you take Stewie, you take Kelsey Plum, and you take Sabrina, and all these other great athletes, and now you put them together — that’s very formidable,” Lieberman said.
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“These young players that are coming into the league have this incredible fan base,” Lieberman added. “They were making millions of dollars in college with their NILs, so they just brought that to the league…
Clark’s Indiana Fever are off to a surprisingly underwhelming start to the 2026 season amid championship expectations after how close the team got last year.
In 2025, the Fever came one game shy of reaching the WNBA Finals, all while Clark was sidelined with injury. But so far Indiana is off to just a 6-5 start this year, while Clark has seen a seeming decline in shooting accuracy.
But Lieberman believes the Fever will be “fine” as the season develops. Lieberman said teams now circle Fever games the way players once circled matchups with Michael Jordan.
“You see the schedule and you get amped up for the Fever because you’re dealing with some of the most famous players in the league,” Lieberman said.
“Same with Angel Reese. So, it’s just part of it, people used to get amped for Michael Jordan. It’s okay, you’ve created a reputation for yourself, you’ve been able to exceed the reputation, and people want to play against the best.”
She said the same is true for other marquee teams and stars.
“It’s like the Aces,” Lieberman said. “You look at the schedule and you go, ‘We’re playing A’ja Wilson,’ and you get amped up for this. Same with Angel Reese.”
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Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
EXCLUSIVE: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has allegedly used the country’s soccer system to spy on citizens, potentially violating FIFA bylaws, according to a new report from a major opposition party.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)’s U.S. office provided the report to Fox News Digital. It outlines an alleged plot for Iran’s soccer federation and top clubs to be drawn into a broader state security apparatus, and that at least 15 IRGC commanders have been formally documented and identified in soccer club management.
The NCRI, citing alleged official IRGC documents, accuses the IRGC of using clubs, stadium infrastructure and security-linked management posts to monitor fans, suppress dissenting athletes and violate FIFA rules on political interference.
The report alleges facial-recognition technology and other devices and tracking systems were used to monitor spectators. The report cites alleged internal Iranian security documents, including Tehran Province Security Council material from 2025 and a Sarallah Headquarters security plan from 2024.
According to NCRI-US’s translations of those documents, officials discussed facial-recognition cameras at Azadi, Takhti and Shahr-e Qods stadiums; ticketing tied to Iran’s national civil-registration database; seat-by-seat mapping of spectators by national ID; monitoring and vetting of fan-club leaders; and designated police staging areas or quick-reaction units inside stadiums.
“It is highly critical for security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies to utilize and exploit the video surveillance cameras of the Azadi Complex during matches, given the constant potential for unpredictable security incidents. It is highly conceivable that future riots and civil unrest could originate inside the sports stadiums,” the report said, quoting the documents.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and Iran’s mission to the United Nations for comment.
NCRI-US is the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, an Iranian opposition coalition that advocates replacing the Islamic Republic with what it describes as a democratic, secular and non-nuclear republic. The group says the material was obtained through the network inside Iran of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, or MEK, a major opposition movement that Tehran considers an enemy.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of NCRI-US, told Fox News Digital that the organization first became focused on stadium surveillance while tracking how Iranian authorities identified protesters during recent uprisings.
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“Our focus was basically in terms of the protests and seeing how the Iran regime actually [was] trying to identify the protesters in the streets, identifying the leaders of the protests,” Jafarzadeh said. He said NCRI later realized, while reviewing what he described as a large batch of internal material, that “when it comes to a sports field, the Iran regime has a special attention on sports as a means of repression.”
Jafarzadeh added that Iranian soccer stadiums are among the few spaces where large numbers of young people gather and express collective emotion, making them a target for security forces. Soccer is Iran’s most popular sport, and clubs such as Persepolis and Esteghlal draw massive followings.
According to NCRI’s report, minutes from a May 2025 Sports Commission meeting under the Tehran Province Security Council discussed the need to equip multiple Azadi, Takhti and Shahr-e Qods stadiums with facial-recognition cameras.
The same document says cooperation from the Football Federation, the Football League Organization, Esteghlal and Persepolis was “strictly required” for the video surveillance project at Azadi Stadium, according to the NCRI. Another section lists the president of Iran’s soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, among officials copied for “executive implementation.”
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The report also cited minutes from a later Tehran Province Security Council session saying officials discussed smart ticketing connected to Iran’s National Organization for Civil Registration, mandatory identity verification, numbered seats matched to national ID numbers, facial-recognition cameras, X-ray scanning machines and “fan cards” for pre-vetted fan leaders.
Jafarzadeh said NCRI believes the purpose of collecting such information is to identify people who oppose the regime and enable later arrests.
Iranian football supporters gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran on May 13, 2026, for a ceremony honoring the Iran national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event featured performances of anthems dedicated to the team and the unveiling of the team’s kit.(Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu)
“The information they got from the sports facilities, they used in order to identify the people who were opposed to the regime, and then later on arrested them,” Jafarzadeh said. “The regime uses sports and athletic events in order to exert its repression on the population.”
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The report further alleged that Iran’s soccer system has been penetrated by IRGC and security-linked figures for decades. NCRI names at least 15 people it describes as IRGC or security-linked figures who have held senior positions in clubs, federations, league management or sports bodies. Among them, the report identifies Taj as a former IRGC intelligence officer who currently leads the Iran soccer federation.
Official FIFA bylaws say member associations must “manage their affairs independently,” ensure their affairs are not influenced by third parties, and that they be “neutral in matters of politics and religion,” “independent,” and avoid “any form of political interference.”
Jafarzadeh said FIFA should expel Iran’s soccer federation, comparing the case to international sports bans imposed on apartheid-era South Africa.
Iranian football supporters gather at Enghelab Square in Tehran during a ceremony for the Iran national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 13, 2026.(Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu)
“You cannot have a sports club, a sports facility, dominated with the military, which is part of the Iran regime,” he said. “Sports federations, they have to be able to operate autonomously independent of the government…
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“My message to FIFA is that do exactly what you did with South Africa during the apartheid. The Iranian Football Federation that is controlled by the Revolutionary Guards must be expelled from FIFA.”
FIFA also says violations of that independence requirement can lead to sanctions, even if the outside influence was not the fault of the association.
Fox News Digital has reached out to FIFA for comment.
The report also accuses Iran of systematic gender discrimination in sports, especially restrictions on women entering stadiums and state control over female athletes’ uniforms.
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Human Rights Watch reported in 2022 that Iranian authorities blocked dozens of women from entering a soccer stadium in Mashhad. FIFA, however, has also pointed to recent cases where women were allowed to attend Iranian matches, including a 2024 women-only crowd at a Persian Gulf Pro League match in Isfahan.
Rights groups say Iranian women continue to face discriminatory barriers to stadium access.
Iranian football supporters gather at Enghelab Square in Tehran during a ceremony for the Iran national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 13, 2026. Thousands attended the event where anthems dedicated to the national team were performed and the team’s kit for the tournament was unveiled.(Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu)
Rights groups have documented cases in which Iranian athletes faced punishment after supporting or participating in anti-government protests.
Habib Khabiri, a former famed Iran national soccer player and team captain, was listed in a 1985 United Nations report among people “allegedly summarily and arbitrarily executed” in Iran in 1984-1985. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Khabiri was arrested in 1983, tortured in prison and executed in 1984 after alleged ties to the Mojahedin-e Khalq.
Jafarzadeh highlighted Khabiri as a symbol of the regime’s repression of athletes, as Khabiri was a rising soccer star who became captain of Iran’s national team before being arrested and asked to appear on television to renounce his political beliefs.
“He refused, and he was executed on June 21, 1984,” Jafarzadeh said. “He became a symbol for all of the athletes.”
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Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be missing several elite players like Fermin Lopez, Hugo Ekitike etc. due to injury, but the tournament remains packed with some of the most talented footballers on the planet. From established superstars to the next generation of wonderkids, the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico promises no shortage of quality.
With elite talent comes enormous valuations. As clubs continue to spend record-breaking sums in the transfer market, the World Cup has become one of the biggest scouting events in global sport. Every performance is analysed by executives, sporting directors and recruiters looking to identify players capable of transforming their teams.
With that in mind, we have assembled the most valuable starting XI from players set to participate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The lineup features the highest-valued player in each position based on current market estimates and represents a combined valuation of approximately $1.68 billion.
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From global icons such as Kylian Mbappé to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, this star-studded XI is expected to provide many of the defining moments of the tournament.
Position by Position: Meet Football’s Most Valuable World Cup Stars
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Most valuable starting 11 from FIFA World Cup 2026
Player
Age
Valuation (USD million)
Goalkeeper
Diogo Costa
26
47.5
Defenders
Nuno Mendes
24
93.04
Pau Cubarsí
19
93.04
Gabriel
28
80
Achraf Hakimi
27
91.4
Midfielders
Vitinha
26
162.82
João Neves
21
162.82
Pedri
23
174.45
Forwards
Kylian Mbappé
27
232.6
Erling Haaland
25
232.6
Lamine Yamal
18
232.6
Total
1678.47
The most striking aspect of this team is not just its staggering $1.68 billion valuation but also its youth.
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in the lineup at just 18 years old and is already valued alongside some of the biggest names in world football. Spain’s Pau Cubarsí follows closely behind at 19, further highlighting the country’s emergence as a production line for elite young talent.
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The XI has an average age of approximately 24.6 years, demonstrating how heavily clubs continue to invest in players who are either entering or yet to reach their peak years. Only Gabriel Magalhães, at 28, is older than 27, while Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé are both 27.
Portugal is the best-represented nation in the team with four players – Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and João Neves — underlining the country’s remarkable ability to produce world-class talent heading into the tournament.
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Why The Most Valuable Player Isn’t Necessarily The Best Player
Market value and footballing ability are not always the same thing.
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A player’s valuation is influenced by a variety of factors beyond performances on the pitch. Age, contract length, injury history, club status, commercial appeal and resale potential all play significant roles in determining how much a player is worth in the transfer market.
Younger players often command higher fees because clubs are investing not only in what they can deliver today but also in what they might become in the future. Likewise, players with long-term contracts generally carry higher valuations because their clubs are under less pressure to sell.
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Commercial considerations also matter. Global popularity, sponsorship appeal and social media reach increasingly influence how clubs and brands assess a player’s value.
This explains why some of the world’s best footballers may not necessarily top market valuation rankings. Experienced stars approaching their 30s can still perform at an elite level, but younger players often carry higher price tags because they offer a longer period of potential return on investment.
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In many ways, this World Cup XI represents the intersection of performance, potential and business value. The average age of around 25 reflects a transfer market that increasingly rewards players capable of delivering today while still offering years of value in the future.
The Young Stars With the Most to Gain in 2026
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Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) – The potential $116 Million Speedster Current Club: RB Leipzig Projected Value: $116 million
Few young forwards arrive at a World Cup with as much momentum as Yan Diomande.
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The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout Bundesliga campaign, directly contributing to 20 goals despite missing part of the season due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Blessed with explosive pace and the ability to attack from either flank, Diomande has already attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool and PSG are among the teams monitoring his development, and a strong World Cup could significantly accelerate his rise. For a player who has previously spoken about his admiration for PSG, the tournament could become the perfect platform to trigger a blockbuster move.
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Rayan (Brazil) – Brazil’s Next Transfer Market Sensation
Current Club: AFC Bournemouth Projected Value: $92.8 million
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Rayan’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad raised eyebrows initially, particularly after more established attacking options were overlooked. However, the Bournemouth forward quickly justified the faith shown in him. Since arriving in England, the teenager has showcased a combination of power, directness and end product that has made him one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe.
With clubs such as PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal and AC Milan reportedly keeping tabs on him, a standout World Cup could push his valuation into elite territory and place him among the most sought-after forwards on the market.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) – The Midfield Prodigy Ready for the Big Stage
Current Club: Lille Projected Value: $69.6 million
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Still only 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi has already accumulated two full seasons of senior football with Lille, a remarkable achievement for a player of his age. The midfielder’s decision to represent Morocco over France has only increased excitement around his future. Comfortable under pressure, dominant in aerial duels and capable of unlocking defences with precise distribution, Bouaddi possesses a skill set that appeals to Europe’s elite clubs.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich and PSG are all believed to be admirers, and the World Cup offers him an opportunity to announce himself to a truly global audience.
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Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) – The Engine of Algeria’s Future
Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen Projected Value: $58 million
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While attacking stars often dominate headlines, Ibrahim Maza’s influence comes from the work he does between the lines. The 20-year-old has already established himself as a trusted performer at Bayer Leverkusen, earning regular minutes through his intelligence, work rate and tactical awareness.
Maza excels at winning possession, progressing the ball and creating opportunities for teammates. As Algeria look to make an impact on the world stage, he is expected to play a central role. Strong performances could attract serious interest from clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, potentially making him one of the tournament’s biggest midfield winners.
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Víctor Muñoz (Spain) – The Attacker Ready to Seize His Opportunity
Current Club: Osasuna Projected Value: $46.4 million
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Víctor Muñoz’s decision to leave Real Madrid in search of regular football has already paid dividends. The versatile attacker has flourished at Osasuna, using his pace, creativity and finishing ability to establish himself as one of Spain’s most promising young forwards. With injuries opening doors in Spain’s attack, Muñoz could find himself with a bigger role than many anticipated heading into the tournament.
Real Madrid retain a buy-back option, but interest from Barcelona and several Premier League clubs suggests his future remains wide open. A productive World Cup could dramatically increase both his profile and his market value. this is the final story draft. please make it more readable but don’t remove any facts. also see whether the flow of the copy seems right o and suggest if something can be added in the end.
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More Than a Trophy: Why the World Cup Is Football’s Biggest Shop Window
While the World Cup is ultimately about lifting football’s most coveted trophy, it has also become the sport’s most influential marketplace.
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History is filled with examples of players using the tournament as a springboard to greater opportunities. In 2014, James Rodríguez arrived in Brazil as a promising talent and departed as the Golden Boot winner before completing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. Four years later, Kylian Mbappé used the tournament in Russia to establish himself as football’s next global superstar.
The 2026 edition offers an even greater opportunity. With 48 teams, more matches and a global audience expected to run into the billions, players will receive unprecedented exposure. Every goal, assist and standout display will be watched not only by fans but also by scouts, sporting directors and club executives searching for their next major signing.
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For some players, the World Cup is an opportunity to justify an already enormous valuation. For others, it is a chance to enter an entirely new financial bracket.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray appears in team-produced content during the club’s offseason program after joining the organization in free agency. On June 8, 2026, the Vikings featured Murray in released media as he continued preparations for his first season in Minnesota following his March arrival. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
VikingsTerritory will have a 53-man roster projection in July and August, but first, it’s time to look at the lay of the land before mandatory minicamp, which begins this week in Eagan. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t have the busiest offseason known to man per player movement, though the team does feel somewhat different with Kyler Murray in the saddle.
The following is a depth chart projection — with training camp seven weeks out. All rookies are noted in bold.
Vikings Roster Battles Come into Focus before Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason goes through pregame warmups before a home matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mason entered the season as an important addition to Minnesota’s backfield and depth chart plans. Captured on Oct. 19, 2025, the image shows the veteran preparing for another regular-season challenge. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The first week of OTAs — and probably upcoming minicamp — taught the masses that Murray is the unabashed frontrunner to win the Vikings’ QB1 job. It’s not that mysterious.
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Running Back
RB1: Aaron Jones RB2: Jordan Mason RB3: Demond Claiborne RB4: Zavier Scott RB5: Kejon Owens
Claiborne flashed at OTAs, and he’ll have three more months to do that before perhaps getting some rookie touches in September. He’s got the speed for the job — 4.37.
Fullback
FB1: Max Bredeson
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With C.J. Ham freshly retired, Minnesota won’t abandon the fullback spot; Bredeson is in the house as a replacement.
Wide Receiver
WR1: Justin Jefferson WR2: Jordan Addison WR3: Jauan Jennings WR4: Tai Felton WR5: Myles Price WR6: Jeshaun Jones WR7: Dontae Fleming WR8: Dillon Bell WR9: Luke Wysong WR10: Marcus Sanders WR11: Terrill Davis WR12: Michael Briscoe WR13: Trayvon Rudolph
The Jennings acquisition made this group to die for — and perhaps the NFL’s top WR corps. Bell, an undrafted free agent, has already turned heads this month.
Tight End
TE1: T.J. Hockenson TE2: Josh Oliver TE3: Ben Yurosek TE4: Gavin Bartholomew TE5: Bryson Nesbit
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This is the single untouched roster spot from the 2026 offseason, though Ben Sims left for the Miami Dolphins.
Darrisaw said he feels the best he has in two years, and that his ACL is “great” overall. That makes fans feel, well, great.
Right Tackle
RT1: Brian O’Neill RT2: Ryan Van Demark RT3: Walter Rouse
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Expect O’Neill contract extension talks to heat up between now and September.
Center
C1: Blake Brandel C2: Michael Jurgens C3: Gavin Gerhardt
Brandel took all starting snaps at OTAs. He’s “the guy” at center in 2026, believe it or not.
Left Guard
LG1: Donovan Jackson LG2: Henry Byrd LG3: Delby Lemieux
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Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson participates in position drills during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jackson drew attention from evaluators with his size, athleticism, and versatility along the offensive front. Photographed on March 2, 2025, the workout helped solidify his standing among the draft’s top offensive line prospects. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Jackson said last week that he felt like a “headless chicken” learning the Vikings’ playbook as a rookie and that he now feels more acclimated.
Right Guard
RG1: Will Fries RG2: Joe Huber RG3: Vershon Lee RG4: Tomas Rimac
It’s a big year for Fries. Minnesota spent big on him last offseason, but can somewhat easily offload him next offseason if he proves to be a dud.
— Defensive Roster —
Outside Linebacker
OLB1: Andrew Van Ginkel OLB2: Dallas Turner OLB3: Bo Richter OLB4: Tyler Batty OLB5: Chaz Chambliss OLB6: Cam’Ron Stewart OLB7: Arden Walker
The Vikings will embark on a regular season without Danielle Hunter or Jonathan Greenard for the first time since 2014.
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Defensive End
DE1: Jalen Redmond DE2: Caleb Banks DE3: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins DE4: Isaiahh Loudermilk DE5: Eric Johnson DE6: Smith Vilbert DE7: Monkell Goodwine *Please Note: Most NFL terminology considers this spot “defensive tackle.”
With Loudermilk and Johnson signed in the last several weeks, Minnesota keeps stacking DT depth.
Nose Tackle
NT1: Domonique Orange NT2: Levi Drake Rodriguez NT3: Taki Taimani NT4: Elijah Williams
This group has a lot of beef, which is exactly what you want from a nose tackle room.
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Middle Linebacker
MLB1: Eric Wilson MLB2: Ivan Pace Jr. MLB3: Jacob Roberts MLB4: Bangally Kamara
Some think Pace Jr. could be cut in August if rookie Jake Golday is the real deal.
Weakside Linebacker
WLB1: Blake Cashman WLB2: Jake Golday WLB3: Josh Ross WLB4: Keli Lawson
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman celebrates after a defensive stop during a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Cashman played a key role in Minnesota’s defensive effort and energized the home crowd with his intensity. Captured on Dec. 25, 2025, the moment reflects his leadership within Brian Flores’ defense. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Like O’Neill, Cashman is eligible for a contract extension, although he turned 30 this offseason.
Cornerback
CB1: Byron Murphy Jr. CB2: Isaiah Rodgers CB3: James Pierre CB4: Charles Demmings CB5: Dwight McGlothern CB6: Zemaiah Vaughn CB7: Da’Veawn Armstead CB8: Marcus Allen CB9: Tyreek Chappell
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This group doesn’t have stars, but it finally has a bit of depth. That eluded the Vikings last year while Murphy Jr. and Rodgers somehow didn’t miss a single game.
Safety
S1: Josh Metellus S2: Jay Ward S3: Theo Jackson S4: Jakobe Thomas S5: Tavierre Thomas S6: Kahlef Hailassie S7: Jacob Thomas
Vikings Nation remains on Harrison Smith Watch. We bet he returns for one more year.
— Special Teams Roster —
Kicker
K1: Will Reichard will battle Brandon Aubrey from the Dallas Cowboys in 2026 for the title of best kicker in football.
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Punter
P1: Johnny Hekker P2: Brett Thorson
Thorson won the award for best college punter in 2025, and he’s somehow not automatically the Vikings’ main punter in 2026.
Long Snapper
LS1: Andrew DePaola
DePaola is the oldest man on Minnesota’s roster.
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Kick Returner
KR1: Myles Price
Price wants to play more on offense in 2026; we shall see if that’s real or just a summer talking point.
Punt Returner
PR1: Myles Price PR2: Tai Felton
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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