Minnesota Vikings players gathered in a pregame huddle during warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium before facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, the group prepared together as Minnesota finished its early routine and readied for another NFC matchup in front of the home crowd before kickoff that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings did virtually nothing to enhance their interior offensive line this offseason, rolling with last year’s pair of guards, Donovan Jackson and Will Fries, while promoting Blake Brandel to center after Ryan Kelly’s retirement. Now, according to ESPN, that unit is the club’s “x-factor” in 2026.
ESPN determined every NFL squad’s x-factor this week, and for Minnesota, that’s the iOL.
The Vikings’ Interior Offensive Line Has to Pay Off
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson worked through positional drills at Lucas Oil Stadium while teams evaluated interior blockers during the NFL Scouting Combine. On March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis, Jackson took part in testing and field work as draft prospects tried to strengthen their profiles before pro days and private team visits. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
ESPN: Vikings X-Factor: Interior Trenches
In an article that claimed the Vikings have the sport’s 22nd-best roster heading into 2026, Seth Walder noted the iOL as the x-factor: “X factor for 2026: Interior offensive line. Will Fries struggled last season at guard after signing a big free agent contract, with a sixth percentile pass block win rate.”
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“But he boasts upside, as does fellow guard Donovan Jackson, Minnesota’s first-round draft pick in 2025. Blake Brandel played 347 snaps at center last season in his first time playing the position in the NFL. He is expected to start there again in 2026.”
The interior offensive line was a problem for the Vikings about half a decade ago but has largely stabilized since Kevin O’Connell took over in 2022.
Walder added, “How those three players improve could play a big role in how much offensive success the Vikings have this season.”
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Donovan Jackson
Jackson produced a commendable rookie campaign, finishing just under 60.0 per Pro Football Focus. He also navigated a broken wrist right away in his career, playing 14 of an eligible 17 games.
From the Walder observation, it’s all about Jackson taking the next step. He played steady enough to give fans hope for a promising career; no one will be too surprised if he shows up in 2026 and balls out.
Jackson also said last month that he’s more prepared as a sophomore: “I feel like last year I was a headless chicken trying to learn a foreign language with this playbook. Another year under my belt, I come out here, and I’m trying to get better with certain details.”
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Will Fries
Fries is in a different boat. He must elevate his game in 2026. While that may sound blunt, it’s accurate. The Vikings invested heavily in him, not for an adequate starter, but for a cornerstone player. After his initial season in Minnesota, he still has much to prove.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons worked past Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries during first-half action at Lambeau Field, testing Minnesota’s protection in a divisional matchup. On November 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Parsons got by Fries as the Vikings offensive line dealt with pressure from one of football’s premier edge defenders. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Fries’ stellar performance with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024 is the caliber of player Minnesota believed they were acquiring. His 2025 season wasn’t a complete failure, but it certainly didn’t justify his substantial contract. PFF assigned him an overall grade of 61.8, which is merely passable.
However, passable is insufficient for an annual salary of $18 million. That grade should be closer to 71.8, not 61.8. This is the stark reality of his contract. If Fries makes strides in 2026, the investment will begin to look justified, bringing collective relief. But if his performance remains the same or similar, the situation will quickly become uncomfortable next offseason.
The Vikings require the dominant Fries from his Colts tenure; they paid a premium for that level of play.
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Blake Brandel
Brandel has unexpectedly emerged as one of the most intriguing players on the roster.
Just a few years ago, such a statement would have seemed odd. Since joining the Vikings in 2020, Brandel has primarily served as Minnesota’s versatile offensive line backup — a reliable utility player capable of stepping in at guard, tackle, and even center when needed.
Now, though, the Vikings are giving him a genuine audition at center, a decision that speaks volumes. Minnesota notably passed on signing a veteran center in free agency or drafting one early. The move follows Brandel’s performance last season when he filled in for Ryan Kelly, who missed nine games due to concussions. Brandel showed improvement as the weeks progressed, apparently convincing Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips to continue this experiment.
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill and guard Blake Brandel worked through side-by-side reps during minicamp as the offensive line sharpened its timing. On June 10, 2025, in Minneapolis, the pair focused on footwork and communication while Minnesota continued building cohesion up front during offseason preparation at the team’s training facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Should Brandel perform as a Top 15 center, the Vikings’ trust will be validated. They might even consider a preemptive contract extension. A two-year extension at approximately $6 million per season could prove to be a shrewd move if he solidifies his position as a starter by September.
While Brandel typically begins a season as the flexible backup, this time, the Vikings are treating him as their primary plan at center. He logged a 61.4 PFF mark, not far off the aforementioned Fries. In fact, Jackson, Fries, and Brandel logged similar grades in 2025. Decent, not great.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
England’s Tammy Beaumont acknowledges the crowd before a break for tea during day three of the first Women’s Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England, Saturday June 24, 2023. (PTI)
England opener Tammy Beaumont has announced that she will retire from international cricket after the one-off Test against India at Lord’s, which begins on Friday.The 35-year-old will bring the curtain down on an international career that began in 2009. “Playing for England for nearly 17 years has been the greatest honour,” said Beaumont.“When I fell in love with playing cricket as a young girl, I barely knew that playing cricket for England was an option and it brings me so much joy to think how many girls and boys have been inspired, this summer especially, and how far the game has come in our country,” she said.“We’ve always wanted to take the cap forward for the next generation and the time has come for me to hand over that privilege to the next generation of England players.”“This Test match at Lord’s – our first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s – feels like the perfect occasion to sign off on a career that I could never have dreamt would be as special as it has been.”Beaumont made her England debut in 2009 and has played 260 international matches. She is England Women’s leading ODI century-maker, with 12 hundreds.She has represented England in 11 Tests, 140 One-Day Internationals and 109 T20 Internationals. Her 12 ODI centuries remain an England women’s record.One of the biggest moments of her career came in 2017, when she was named Player of the Tournament as England won the Women’s World Cup at home. Beaumont finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer with 410 runs.More recently, Beaumont was left out of England’s squad for the latest Women’s T20 World Cup, which ended with Australia beating the hosts by seven wickets in the final at Lord’s last Sunday.Her omission came despite returning to England’s T20I side after spending more than two years out of the format between January 2022 and March 2024.Although she did not play any T20Is during England’s Ashes tour of Australia at the start of last year, Beaumont featured in all five T20Is against India during their tour of England last summer before missing out on the latest World Cup squad.She was also part of England’s team that was knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.In 2023, Beaumont became the first England woman to score a double century in Test cricket when she made 208 in the Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.She is one of only two England women, and one of five England players overall, to have scored an international century in all three formats of the game.
A 15-year-old women’s singles competitor at Wimbledon learned quite the lesson during play on Monday.
Tantrums will not be tolerated.
Ida Wobker, from Germany, was disqualified from the Wimbledon junior tournament after throwing her racket on the ground, which bounced into the stands. The decision was confirmed by the All England Club on Sunday.
A general view on day six of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 4, 2026 in London, England.(Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
The incident occurred during the second set of the first round match between Wobker and her opponent on Saturday.
Maria Valentina Pop, of Romania, had dominated the first set, 6-0, and with things deadlocked in the second set at 5-5, Wobker hit a backhanded shot out of bounds.
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Showing clear frustration for the error, Wobker threw her racket, and though she might not have intended to do so, it flew into the stands. It’s unclear if it struck any spectators, but there were a bunch in the lower levels where the racket landed.
Wobker was quick to go over and apologize for her grave mistake, but officials paused the match and deliberated over the punishment.
A general view overlooking courts 14-17 on day seven of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Sunday July 5, 2026.(Adam Davy/PA Images)
In the end, Wobker was given a code violation for her behavior on the grass, and Pop was rewarded the automatic bid into the next round of the women’s junior singles tournament. She would later lose to Daniella Britton in that second round match.
Wobker addressed the incident on her Instagram Stories on Saturday night, writing that, “S— happens, you learn from it!,” according to The Sun.
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The International Tennis Federation rules have clear direction on what to do when a racket is thrown in Wobker’s manner, stating that a player “shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet” during a tournament.
Officials stepped in, and as Wobker said, she’s going to learn from the situation.
A general view of flowers, a Rolex clock and a sign on the outside of Centre Court on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2026 in London, England.(Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
It wasn’t her best effort on the court before the moment of frustration, committing 11 double faults during services and 44 unforced errors.
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But, at just 15 years old, Wobker is ranked 24th in the International Tennis Federation’s junior world rankings, meaning she has a lot of career left in her to channel her frustration on the court.
The Los Angeles Dodgers held a comfortable 3-1 lead against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night before a chaotic eighth inning turned the game on its head.
Dodgers reliever Will Klein allowed two runners on base with one out in the top of the eighth inning. Rockies’ Tyler Freeman grounded Klein’s fastball to Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, deputising for Mookie Betts.
However, Rojas, who is signed to a $5.5 million contract, squandered the inning-ending double-play as the ball bounced off the heel of his mitt, allowing the Rockies to make it 3-2 with two runners on base. The veteran infielder was also at fault when he failed to cover third for Freeman.
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Rojas failed to squeeze second baseman Alex Freeland’s low throw and the ball ended up in the Dodgers dugout. Freeman was allowed home plate to make it 3-3. Following the game, Rojas admitted his mistake that proved to the turning point of the game.
“Physical errors happen, and I’m okay with that, I’m not perfect,” Rojas said. “But mental errors are the ones that are kind of disappointing. Like, I should have been on third base … That’s the one that I kind of like kick myself for.”
The Rockies scored another unearned run in the eighth to take a 4-3 lead. The Dodgers failed to respond and Colorado sealed a thrilling comeback win.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reflects on “dependable” Miguel Rojas’ costly mistake
Although Miguel Rojas’ mistake led to a collapse in the eighth inning, the Dodgers had the chance to respond in the ninth when they had two runners on base with one out.
However, Rockies reliever Jordan Romano escaped the jam to earn a thrilling win for Colorado. Following the loss, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reflects on Rojas’ mistake.
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“It doesn’t happen very often that he doesn’t make a play,” Roberts said. “So when it happens, you know, we don’t like it, doesn’t feel good, but you know that player, I give him a lot of grace, because he is very dependable.”
The Dodgers took an early lead after Shohei Ohtani’s 300th career home run, making him the first Japanese-born player to reach that mark.
The only annual regular event in golf that is co-sponsored by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour is the Scottish Open, and the 2026 version tees off at 2 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday from North Berwick. It’s the fifth year in a row both Tours sponsor this, and it was a smart change to make back then, with so many good USA players often heading over to Europe anyway two weeks ahead of the British Open, which is next week.
What is perhaps most unusual about this year’s event is that there are seven players from LIV in the field, led by Spain’s Jon Rahm, who is a +1500 third favorite to win it for the first time. And I think he will be mega-motivated for the rare chance to face off against stars from the PGA Tour for the first time outside of a major championship since the 2023 Tour Championship. The majors are each run by independent organizations and haven’t placed any bans on LIV players like the PGA Tour has.
There are seven LIV guys in this year’s field – also Tyrrell Hatton (could see him contending, too), David Puig, Tom McKibbin, Laurie Canter, Victor Perez, Adrian Meronk – and they are competing as DP World Tour members. Earlier this year, they paid outstanding fines for leaving for LIV and were given conditional DP World Tour membership back.
It was crucially important for Rahm to get that so he could be eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup (must be a DP World Tour member to play for Europe). Rahm actually has talked about investing his own money to keep LIV afloat. This is a great British Open tune-up for the LIV guys, especially because it’s a typical 72-hole stroke-play event with a 36-hole cut, things that don’t exist in LIV.
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Rahm has been dominating LIV in 2026 with two wins and four runners-up in nine starts but missed the cut at the U.S. Open in his last worldwide start. In two career outings at the Scottish Open, he has been seventh (2021) and T-55 (2022). I think a Top 10 at +155 works this week, but a win would not surprise me. Rahm’s eight PGA Tour wins this decade are still third-most on the Tour in that span. He is among the last to tee off in Round 1 at 9:05 a.m. ET on Thursday.
The top three finishers at this event get into next week’s British Open if not already qualified, and normally the victor would also earn a PGA Tour card through at least the 2027 season. But the LIV guys are not eligible for that.
Seven of the world top 10 are teeing it up this week (Rahm is 11th). Will No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (+550) finally win for the first time since January? He has been close so many times, including four runners-up since then – dropping two of those in a playoff.
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Those four second-place finishes are most by a PGA Tour player since the 2021-22 season. Scheffler hasn’t won this tournament but has been eighth and third his past two trips. I do wonder if he’s more focused on defending his British Open title next week.
Americans have won this event only six times, but the defending champion is rising American star Chris Gotterup … who also happens to come off a win Sunday at the John Deere Classic (35 players from there are teeing it up here). The 26-year-old is +2700 to repeat, which no one has ever done in the Scottish Open. Gotterup’s three wins this year are tied for the PGA Tour lead with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick (+2000).
No doubt the biggest Horse for the Couse is No. 2 Rory McIlroy (+1000), but being from Northern Ireland you’d expect he thrives in conditions like Scotland. McIlroy has a win (2023) runner-up and T-4 in his past three starts here and is the only golfer to finish top five at the past three. McIlroy tries to become the first golfer in history to win the Masters and Scottish Open in the same year.
The Renaissance Club hosts for the eighth year in a row and is a par 70 at 7,282 yards. The course record is 61, which Gotterup tied in Round 2 last year. CBS has weekend coverage from noon-3 ET with the time difference.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson and wide receiver Justin Jefferson stood together on the sideline during regular-season action, giving Minnesota’s offense a quick between-series snapshot. During the 2025 regular season, the two pass catchers watched from the boundary as the Vikings reset for another possession and discussed the game flow with teammates nearby on camera. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The NFL regular season is about nine weeks away, and in the meantime, the Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL’s most interesting teams, according to Bleacher Report. Kristopher Knox at that website ranked the league’s most intriguing teams, and Minnesota made the cut.
The analysis checks out, as Minnesota is one of the few squads with a high-profile quarterback battle this summer.
QB Battle Gives Vikings a Main Hook
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stood on the field after a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium, reflecting on another regular-season result. On November 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, O’Connell remained visible after the game as Minnesota wrapped up its afternoon against an AFC opponent away from home. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
BR: Vikings One of the NFL’s Most Interesting
The Vikings checked in at No. 4 on Knox’s list of eight intriguing teams, and he wrote, “This is mainly about the team’s acquisition of Kyler Murray, which paves the way for an intriguing quarterback battle involving the 2019 No. 1 overall pick and third-year first-rounder J.J. McCarthy.”
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“Both face immense pressure to get it together for a team that contains arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, a great offensive line and a high-quality defense.”
The Vikings’ quarterback battle will continue at training camp in three weeks.
Knox continued, “Kevin O’Connell’s squad is barely a year removed from a 14-win season and is built to win right now, but those major quarterback questions are likely to linger throughout the summer.”
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“Throw in the fact that Minnesota will be tested every week in the overwhelmingly strong NFC North, and you have a recipe for intrigue in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Offense
What’s interesting on offense? Damn near everything. At quarterback, onlookers will watch as Murray attempts to forge a Sam Darnold-like season (2024) in 2026. Darnold had no problem asserting himself and utterly thriving in Minnesota; there’s no reason to believe that Murray can’t follow suit. If it’s not Murray, well, it will have meant that McCarthy turned the corner, dethroning Murray for the QB1 job and hoping to resume his path as the Vikings’ quarterback of the future.
The team also has naturally intriguing and explosive playmakers in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson. Murray had decent weapons in Arizona over the last seven seasons, but he never really had a stable four-deep like the Vikings offer in 2026.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson signaled after making a reception for a first down against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, flashing early-career confidence. On October 4, 2020, in Houston, Jefferson moved the chains during second-quarter action as Minnesota’s offense looked for rhythm in a road matchup that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports.
For running backs, the outlook is different. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are back for shared RB1-RB2 duty, while Minnesota drafted Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne in Round 6 in April. Claiborne could emerge as a late-round stud, or he could emulate former Vikings running back Ty Chandler’s career, where fans saw glimpses of promise but never the total package.
Defense
The defense is fascinating because it’s straight-up good. Since Brian Flores arrived in Minneapolis, his group ranks second leaguewide in EPA/Play, and recently, the unit held the 2025 season together when the quarterback performance faltered.
There are also newcomers. Minnesota drafted Caleb Banks (DT, Florida), Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati), Domonique Orange (DT, Iowa State), and Jakobe Thomas (S, Miami) in the first three rounds a couple of months ago; the Vikings’ most defense-oriented draft (in the first three rounds) in franchise history. So, there are many new faces to monitor.
It’s also time to get a verdict on outside linebacker Dallas Turner. Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on April 24th for two 3rd-Round picks, one of which has already been used on the aforementioned safety Thomas. Another will transfer to the 2027 draft bucket.
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel surveyed the field before kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium, showing his usual pregame focus. On December 8, 2024, in Minneapolis, Van Ginkel prepared for another NFC matchup as Minnesota’s defense readied for a game with postseason stakes inside the home venue. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Too, the Vikings may field a defense without Harrison Smith for the first time since 2011. Intrigue aplenty.
Expectations for the Head Coach
O’Connell has unequivocally proven his ability to win from September through early January.
Since he arrived in 2022, he has transformed the Vikings into one of the league’s more constant winners, earning the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2024 — a testament to Minnesota’s success and O’Connell’s role in stabilizing the franchise. The Vikings have the league’s fifth-best win percentage on his watch.
Meanwhile, Flores has constructed a formidable defense, and O’Connell’s offense has typically provided the team with enough resilience to remain competitive. The next crucial step for O’Connell is securing a playoff win.
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It’s no longer sufficient to state that the Vikings are well-coached and competitive; that much is understood. The pressing question now is whether he can deliver when the postseason tournament begins. It’s where the 2026 season becomes particularly intriguing. Minnesota’s roster appears capable of contending, with a defense that should perform well on the road and dangerous offensive playmakers. Should the quarterback situation be resolved, the Vikings are expected to be in the playoff hunt from the outset.
When January arrives, the dynamic shifts. Can O’Connell overcome formidable opponents like the Los Angeles Rams in high-pressure situations? Can his offense avoid faltering in a playoff game? Can he win at all? Legitimate concerns
O’Connell has earned oodles of trust and goodwill, but he must win in mid-January.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 lived up to its billing, producing a mix of shock results, emotional farewells and dramatic finishes across eight knockout matches.
Morocco continued their brilliant run by dispatching co-hosts Canada, while Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil to end Neymar’s dream of lifting football’s biggest prize. Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career also came to an end after Portugal’s narrow defeat to Spain, marking the close of another legendary chapter in international football.
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Elsewhere, France overcame a stubborn Paraguay, England survived a spirited Mexican challenge, Belgium ended co-hosts USA’s campaign and Argentina produced a late comeback against Egypt with Lionel Messi at the heart of the fightback.
Switzerland completed the quarter-final line-up after prevailing in the Round of 16’s first and only penalty shootout, setting up four blockbuster last-eight clashes.
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But how did each of the Round of 16 matches pan out? This is how:
Morocco’s impressive run continues
Morocco’s fairy-tale campaign gathered further momentum as the Atlas Lions produced another disciplined display to beat co-hosts Canada 3-0 and become the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Canada enjoyed vocal home support and looked to take the initiative early, but Morocco’s compact defensive shape frustrated the hosts before they struck with ruthless efficiency. Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, rewarding Morocco’s patient build-up play after a tightly contested first half.
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Canada pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, only to leave gaps at the back. Ounahi capitalised again in the 82nd minute with his second goal of the night before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory in stoppage time, finding the net in the 90+8th minute.
The convincing win extended Morocco’s remarkable run in the tournament and set up a quarter-final meeting with France as Walid Regragui’s side moved another step closer to history.
France survive Paraguay’s physical challenge
France needed both patience and composure to overcome a determined Paraguay outfit that made life difficult for the 2018 world champions throughout the contest. Paraguay disrupted France’s rhythm with an aggressive pressing game and physical challenges, forcing Didier Deschamps’ men into a cagey battle rather than the free-flowing football they usually prefer.
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Despite dominating possession, France found it difficult to create clear-cut chances as Paraguay defended in numbers and remained organised. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute when captain Kylian Mbappe found space inside the penalty area and clinically converted the game’s only goal.
France then managed the closing stages professionally, denying Paraguay any route back into the contest. The narrow victory kept Les Bleus’ hopes of another World Cup crown alive and booked a fascinating quarter-final showdown against the tournament’s surprise package, Morocco.
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Haaland ends Brazil’s sixth trophy dream
One of the biggest upsets of the Round of 16 came in New Jersey as Norway eliminated five-time champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory. Brazil dominated possession and created the better opportunities for much of the contest but repeatedly failed to convert their chances.
Norway remained compact defensively and waited patiently for openings before Erling Haaland changed the game in spectacular fashion. The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute before adding his second in the 90th minute to leave Brazil on the brink of elimination.
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Neymar reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 90+10th minute after Brazil were awarded a late spot-kick, but there was little time left to complete the comeback.
The defeat ended Brazil’s hopes of a record-extending sixth World Cup title, while Neymar confirmed after the match that this had been his final appearance for the national team. Norway, meanwhile, marched into the quarter-finals brimming with confidence.
Bellingham powers England to quarters
England overcame a resilient Mexico side 3-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the Round of 16 to keep their World Cup ambitions intact. Jude Bellingham produced a sensational first-half display, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to hand England a commanding advantage with goals in the 36th and 38th minutes.
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Mexico responded before the break through Julián Quiñones in the 42nd minute to keep the contest alive, before Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty on the hour mark to make it 3-1.
Mexico refused to surrender and Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty in the 69th minute, ensuring a nervy finish for Gareth Southgate’s side. England ultimately held firm to progress into the last eight, where they will face giant-killers Norway in what promises to be a fascinating quarter-final encounter.
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Heartbreak for Ronaldo as Spain march on
One of football’s greatest players, Cristiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Spain snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The Iberian rivals cancelled each other out for much of the contest, with both teams producing disciplined defensive displays and limiting clear-cut opportunities. Portugal came close on several occasions but lacked the finishing touch, while Spain remained patient despite prolonged spells without creating a breakthrough.
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Just when extra time appeared inevitable, substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, scoring in the first minute of stoppage time (90+1′) to break Portuguese hearts. The late strike ended Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the World Cup, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers in football history.
Spain, meanwhile, marched into the last eight, where they will meet an in-form Belgium side in one of the standout quarter-final clashes.
Belgium knock the hosts out
In one of the most talked-about games before kick-off, Belgium produced one of the most commanding displays of the Round of 16, brushing aside co-hosts USA 4-1 to prove their credentials as genuine title contenders.
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The visitors made a blistering start, with Charles De Ketelaere opening the scoring in the ninth minute before doubling Belgium’s advantage in the 33rd after Malik Tillman had briefly restored parity for the hosts with a well-taken goal in the 31st minute.
Belgium continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo after the interval, and Hans Vanaken effectively ended the contest with a composed finish in the 57th minute. The United States searched for a route back into the game but struggled to breach Belgium’s organised defence.
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Romelu Lukaku added the finishing touch deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+3rd minute to complete a convincing 4-1 victory that brought the home nation’s World Cup campaign to an end and sent Belgium into a heavyweight quarter-final against Spain.
Despite a thrilling display of football by Belgium, the game will be remembered for the controversy surrounding USA’s Balogun, whose red card in the round of 32 game was revoked a day before the Belgium clash, causing a major uproar in the football world, with many accusing FIFA president Gianni Infantino of rigging the tournament.
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Argentina’s great escape vs Egypt
Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the tournament, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and keep their title defence alive.
Egypt stunned Lionel Scaloni’s side early as Yasser Ibrahim gave them the lead in the 15th minute before Mostafa Ziko doubled the advantage in the 67th, leaving Argentina staring at a shock exit. With time running out, the holders finally sparked into life.
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Defender Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute, shifting the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favour. Four minutes later, Lionel Messi delivered yet another decisive moment on the World Cup stage, levelling the contest in the 83rd minute and extending his extraordinary scoring run in the tournament.
Egypt were unable to withstand the relentless pressure, and Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround with a dramatic winner in the 90+3rd minute, sealing Argentina’s place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
Switzerland survive game of patience
The final Round of 16 fixture proved to be the tightest contest of the knockout stage, with Switzerland and Colombia unable to find a breakthrough across 120 minutes before the Swiss prevailed 4-3 in the tournament’s first penalty shootout. Both teams defended resolutely and created only a handful of meaningful chances in a tense tactical battle where neither side was willing to overcommit.
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Switzerland struck first in the shootout through Granit Xhaka before Juan Fernando Quintero responded for Colombia. Zeki Amdouni converted his effort, but Davinson Sánchez missed to hand Switzerland an early advantage. Manuel Akanji then failed to capitalise after missing his kick, allowing Jáminton Campaz to level the contest. Cedric Itten restored Switzerland’s lead before Cucho Hernández missed under pressure.
Rubén Vargas calmly converted the decisive penalty after Luis Díaz had kept Colombia alive, sending the Swiss into the quarter-finals, where they will take on defending champions Argentina.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced isn’t a “remake” akin to games like Resident Evil 4 or the Resident Evil 2 remakes. However, it’s not a one-to-one recreation of the 2013 classic. With Resynced, Ubisoft has taken a few liberties to bring the experience much closer to modern Assassin’s Creed standards.
And these “improvements” and “changes” aren’t limited to the gameplay aspects of Resynced. Instead, there are also a fair few changes made to the progression and story.
Here’s a look at all the major changes between Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and the 2013 original.
Gameplay changes in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
Combat has seen major overhauls compared to the original (Image via Ubisoft)
The biggest change between the original and Resynced is the combat and its pacing. In the original Black Flag, the combat was built primarily around the counterplay options, akin to games like Batman Arkham City. However, with Resynced, Ubisoft is using the hit-box-based system of the recent entries.
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That said, the combat in Resynced is significantly faster than some of the recent AC games. Furthermore, since it’s not an RPG, there aren’t any “stats” to keep track of this time around.
Instead, the combat simply revolves around enemy HP and Defense gauges. Parrying an attack or performing a quick attack breaks the enemy’s Defense, opening them for a quick takedown. It’s a simple but very effective system that harkens back to the original AC games.
Additionally, the stealth is also much more pronounced in Resynced. Much like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, light and darkness play a vital role in stealth this time around, especially on Hard difficulty. Speaking of which, there are also difficulty presets in Resynced, which wasn’t a thing in the 2013 original.
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Flaming Rounds deal more damage, but at reduced range (Image via Ubisoft)
Furthermore, the naval combat has also received major upgrades, as you have access to ammunition types for Heavy Shots and Mortars in Resynced. The Flaming Rounds, for instance, are an alternative to Heavy Rounds, which lack in range but make up for that with their DPS.
Additionally, you also get 3 Officers that you can recruit for the Jackdaw. These Officers grant active perks to naval combat, such as perfect blocking (Lucy Baldwin) or additional Heavy Rounds volley (Deadman Smith).
Story changes and additions in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
Original cutscenes are preserved in Resynced (Image via Ubisoft)
While Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced keeps the original’s story intact, it does add a few new branching narratives that further flesh out some of the key characters from the story. For instance, once you complete Sequence 8, you get access to the quest, In a World Without Gold. This is a fairly lengthy optional quest revolving around Blackbeard.
Furthermore, this quest not only offers you a good chunk of additional content, but also fleshes out the relationship between Edward, his crew, Anne, and most importantly, Edward Thatch.
In addition to this, there are also quests related to each of the three Officers. These are also side quests, but offer a substantial amount of backstory for Edward and how he eventually opens up to his crew on the Jackdaw. There are also some additional lines added to story quests.
That said, the original story and cutscenes are preserved in Resynced and are now presented with much better lighting and animations.
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Miscellaneous changes in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
The Store in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (Image via Ubisoft)
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced also features some minor changes, apart from its story and combat overhaul. For instance, in Resynced, there’s a dynamic time-of-day system, and also the ability to change it at any time (outside of story missions).
Additionally, much like the recent Assassin’s Creed games, the entire open world map (apart from Principe Island) is completely seamless. This means that you can travel between land and the Caribbean without having to contend with a loading screen.
Lastly, much like the recent AC games, there are microtransactions in Black Flag Resynced. However, these are mostly cosmetic-only and don’t necessarily affect gameplay.
Also, you can easily unlock a ton of outfits for Edward Kenway by simply playing the game and completing the main story quests.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered unforgettable drama, stunning upsets and late comebacks. Now, only eight teams remain, with four exciting quarter-final matches set to decide who moves one step closer to lifting football’s biggest prize.
Europe dominates the last eight with six representatives, while Africa and South America each have one team still chasing World Cup glory.
Here is what fans can expect from each quarter-final.
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France vs Morocco
France and Morocco meet again after their memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final, but this Moroccan side is stronger and more experienced.
Kylian Mbappé celebrates one of his two goals in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The African champions have impressed throughout the tournament with their fearless attacking football and long unbeaten run. They will believe they have what it takes to finally defeat France.
However, France remain one of the favourites for the title. Led by Kylian Mbappé, they have blended experienced stars with exciting young talents such as William Saliba and Michael Olise.
This promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the quarter-finals.
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Spain vs Belgium
This match will pit the tournament’s best defence against one of its most dangerous attacks.
Belgium have scored 13 goals so far, with Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard playing leading roles in their impressive attacking displays.
Spain, meanwhile, have yet to concede a single goal. Their disciplined defence and organised style under coach Luis de la Fuente have made them one of the hardest teams to break down.
Whichever side wins this tactical battle could become one of the favourites to reach the final.
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Norway vs England
This could be the biggest individual battle of the quarter-finals.
Norway’s Erling Haaland has been unstoppable, scoring seven goals in four matches, including two against Brazil in the last 16.
England captain Harry Kane is only one goal behind in the Golden Boot race and continues to deliver in crucial moments.
Beyond the battle between the two strikers, England’s experience at this stage of the competition could prove decisive, while Norway are enjoying the best World Cup run in their history.
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Argentina vs Switzerland
Argentina remain favourites, but their journey has been anything but comfortable.
The defending champions needed extra time to beat Cape Verde before producing a dramatic late comeback against Egypt after trailing by two goals with just minutes remaining.
Captain Lionel Messi continues to lead the Golden Boot race despite missing two penalties during the tournament.
Switzerland, meanwhile, have quietly become one of the toughest teams to beat. They reached the quarter-finals after eliminating Colombia on penalties and have shown great defensive discipline throughout the competition.
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If young forward Johan Manzambi recovers from injury, Switzerland could pose an even greater threat as they chase another famous upset.
Four Matches, Countless Storylines
Every quarter-final offers something different. France face a confident Morocco seeking revenge, Spain’s rock-solid defence meets Belgium’s free-scoring attack, Haaland and Kane battle for goals and glory, while Argentina attempt to keep their title defence alive against a resilient Swiss side.
With places in the semi-finals at stake, fans can expect high-quality football, intense tactical battles and the possibility of even more unforgettable World Cup moments.
The 5-foot-11 guard averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 14 games for the Knights.
Before playing in the MPBL, Abadiano played five seasons with University of the Philippines, helping the school capture a couple of UAAP championships.
Led 2-0, the defending champions produced 13 minutes of magic to turn their Round of 16 game on its head and beat Egypt. Romero, Messi and Fernandez avoided what would have been a historic upset as Egypt were left powerless in the face of Argentina’s magical comeback. The Pharoahs however complained about the refereeing, saying decisions had been taken against them, with their head coach vowing not to watch a single game for the rest of the competition.
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