ten sports stories for 9.9.26

1. NFL Season Kicks Off
   The 2026 NFL regular season opens tonight with a Wednesday night Kickoff Game. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LX.
   
   
2. Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open
   In a late-night thriller at Flushing Meadows, American Ben Shelton ousted Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal battle. The win sets up a high-stakes semifinal run as the home crowd eyes a potential American men's champion.
   
   
3. Elena Rybakina Claims World No. 1 and Semifinal Spot
   At the US Open, Elena Rybakina defeated Zheng Qinwen to advance to the semifinals, officially securing the WTA world No. 1 ranking in the process. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff staged an impressive comeback to advance alongside her.
   
   
4. NFL Heads Down Under
   The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have arrived in Melbourne, Australia, preparing for Friday's historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground—the first-ever NFL regular-season game hosted in Australia.
   
   
5. UEFA Champions League League Phase Begins
   European soccer's top competition launched its action-packed Matchday 1, highlighted by Arsenal securing a 1–0 away victory against Napoli and Barcelona handing Feyenoord a heavy defeat.
   
   
6. MLB Wild Card Race Intensifies
   With the major league regular season entering its final weeks, wild card races are tightening across both leagues. Recent highlights include a dramatic walk-off win by the Milwaukee Brewers behind a game-tying homer from Jackson Chourio.
   
   
7. Brock Bowers Undergoes Meniscus Surgery
   Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers underwent a knee procedure for a meniscus injury. He has been officially ruled out for at least Week 1 of the NFL season.
   
   
8. Baker Mayfield Inks 3-Year Extension
   The Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked in quarterback Baker Mayfield prior to their season opener, agreeing to terms on a 3-year, $165 million contract extension.
   
   
9. England Controls Third Test vs. Pakistan
   In international cricket, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook put England in total control on day one of the Third Test, taking advantage of a severe Pakistan batting collapse.
   
   
10. Vuelta a España Stage 17 Thriller
    In road cycling's final Grand Tour of the season, 21-year-old Matthew Brennan claimed a sprint victory on Stage 17 of La Vuelta, marking a major milestone in his young career.

"Tiger Woods strikes plea deal in DUI case " 5-year suspended driver's license

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/tYgHyHuZeqQ 

This is probably the best thing that ever happened to tiger woods ...now he can finally get his chauffeur to drive him around ...which is what he should have done a long time ago

Bizarre breakdown "Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez files guilty plea in downtown Indy stabbing"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lArWvMRgGTQ 

What a very crazy one night that changed Mark Sanchez life forever. Who knows what happened . We still don't know the full story. But apparently he has decided to accept all the blame. 

"Serena, Venus Williams lose 3rd-set tiebreak in US Open return "- ESPN

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/49830732/serena-venus-williams-lose-third-set-tiebreak-us-open-doubles-return 

"In 

a three-set thriller that delighted a packed and vocal evening crowd, the sisters fell short at the end, blowing a 5-0 lead in the final 10-point tiebreak to lose to Hao-Ching Chan of Taiwan and Maya Joint of Australia 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (10-7).

So it was indeed quite a thrilling show. Even the sisters, narrowly defeated, walked off with smiles on their faces, though they declined to speak to the media afterward..,"

Wedding dress? "Naomi Osaka Stuns in her Walk-Out Outfit! " | 2026 US Open - YouTube

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eZSXaGpkmsU 

🏈"Mighty Michigan" lucks out vs West Mich, squeaking away with a hail Mary win "Scandalous" (video)

https://youtu.be/dCKNuVjPYC8?is=8xlKsiGM0leDooJP 

The real question is how Michigan could even come close to losing this game versus West Michigan.

this is supposed to be an easy win. 

New era for Angels "Arte Moreno era officially over as Angels sell to Rams owner Stan Kroenke for $4B "

"Billionaire Stan Kroenke, owner of the Rams, Nuggets and Avalanche, swooped in Tuesday to rescue the Angels from baseball’s purgatory. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is buying the franchise for $4 billion — making it the most expensive sale in Major League Baseball history..”

https://share.newsbreak.com/jh7yuii6 

⚾ 2026 Little League World Series wrap- up (Sunday, August 30) : congrats Curaçao 🏆

The 2026 Little League World Series just wrapped up yesterday (Sunday, August 30) in Williamsport.

Championship Game

 * Champion: Curaçao (Pariba Little League, Willemstad)

 * Runner-Up: Nevada (Paseo Verde Little League, Henderson)

 * Final Score: Curaçao 11, Nevada 2

Curaçao went undefeated (6-0) throughout the tournament to take home the championship. Nevada built an early 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but Curaçao's offense broke out with 11 unanswered runs. This marks the second overall Little League World Series title for Curaçao, with their first coming in 2004.

Notably, Nevada's Carsynn Meyer made history during the game by becoming only the second girl ever—and the first American girl—to play in the LLWS Championship Game.

Third-Place Consolation Game

 * Winner: Japan (Joto Little League, Tokyo)

 * Fourth Place: Ohio (West Side Little League, Hamilton)

 * Final Score: Japan 3, Ohio 2

Japan scored three two-out runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to pull off a dramatic comeback victory for third place.

✝️Condolences ; running back micah jo barnett from william jewell college dies after touchdown

https://www.google.com/search?q=micah+jo+barnett+from+william+jewell+college&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new 

🏈 William & Mary upsets Villanova in most improbable way (YouTube

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/OF_soE4E0_g 

The WNBA allowed Layshia Clarendon to play while allegedly receiving testosterone -identifying as a man

https://www.google.com/search?q=The+league+allowed+Clarendon+to+play+while+receiving+testosterone&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new 

"DB Wright leaves Bengals preseason to pursue acting - "

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49642143/ceyair-wright-cincinnati-bengals-space-jam-2-actor-opportunity

"Wright has appeared in seven films and television shows dating to 2014 -- including, most notably to sports fans, a role as LeBron James' son in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (2021)..."

 

"Ex-Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios says he tested positive for cocaine " - ESPN

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/49657802/ex-wimbledon-finalist-kyrgios-says-tested-positive-cocaine 

"

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios revealed Wednesday he tested positive for cocaine and cited the doping case as a wake-up call after feeling "helpless and alone" as injuries derailed his career.

The 31-year-old Australian with a checkered disciplinary record was provisionally suspended after playing just 10 singles matches.."

Ouch, barefoot "Exclusive | Shoeless LI runner John Mazzei trots through six marathons"

https://nypost.com/2026/08/17/us-news/shoeless-li-runner-john-mazzei-trots-through-six-marathons/ 

 "I do get, periodically, a little shard of glass or something in my foot, and what I say is that that’s what the bib pins are for,” quipped 57-year-old shoeless sensation John Mazzei of Lindenhurst to The Post..."

👍 " I quit my 11-year job after the Seattle Times killed my Sophie Cunningham column —

https://nypost.com/2026/08/20/opinion/i-quit-the-seattle-times-over-my-spiked-trans-athlete-story/ 

👍 " I quit my 11-year job after the Seattle Times killed my Sophie Cunningham column —

 read it here" 💪Matt Calkins, former Sports Columnist for The Seattle Times.

https://nypost.com/2026/08/20/opinion/i-quit-the-seattle-times-over-my-spiked-trans-athlete-story/

👍"Former Alabama Basketball Player Wins Defamation Suit Against NY Times |" ZeroHedge

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/former-alabama-basketball-player-wins-defamation-suit-against-ny-times 

"

An Alabama jury ruled on Aug. 20 that The New York Times defamed ex-college basketball player Kai Spears when the newspaper falsely reported in 2023 that he was present during a fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa..."

new Giants pitcher has the ultimate fastball called the "Invisible Pitch" but not because it's so fast

Except the 23-year-old Tugboat has a secret weapon. It’s called the “Invisiball”—baseball jargon for a pitch that batters inexplicably can’t hit, as if it simply disappears on its way to the plate. So far, almost no one has been able to figure it out. 

Tugboat’s seemingly unimpressive heater might not light up the radar gun, but batters insist it feels much faster than it actually is. It even gives the illusion of rising. 

https://archive.ph/AWDb5#selection-915.0-919.173

Condolences ✝️ "'God's grace is sufficient': Baltimore Ravens star dies after surviving 20 years with ALS |" Live Action

https://www.liveaction.org/news/baltimore-ravens-star-dies-20-year-battle-als 

"

O.J. Brigance became a football star after transitioning from the CFL to the NFL, and became most well known for his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded the first tackle of the game in the team's Super Bowl XXXV victory over the New York Giants, racking up 25 tackles altogether..."

3 homers "Joshua Baez has the greatest debut in MLB history "- YouTube

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/bNSISi-tcR0 

Condolences 🙏✝️⚾ ❤️"Former MLB pitcher Tommy John dies at age 83"

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/baseball/former-mlb-pitcher-tommy-john-dies-age-83-rcna592800 

"

Tommy John, the longtime Major League baseball pitcher whose name is forever linked to the groundbreaking elbow surgery that saved his career and those of countless others since, has died, officials said Sunday.

He was 83..."

Former Cleveland star QB Bernie Kosar has an admirable Christian/ Catholic life story: God is using him 👍✝️🙏🏈🇺🇸

https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-opera-mini-android&hs=FOnV&sca_esv=954dfbe2094c309e&channel=new&sxsrf=APpeQntIgUA51c1CMsSism5ExFVeAGbMAQ:1786973401493&udm=2&fbs=ABfTbFWotPmnHcxkkzbgh7_8hixekvxhC0jzI_ZbMD5tTKg3QWjS7wAnGvUCSMBXn75SHJ9J7wa83zhVZf4TSHWS8JRk-O8zAxZJx9ccXeVhS7TP5iTTEVHnRJCdER4171nIMSg7sbwIxDZP8Bx0TE2uk1xzfSyORPEq72eYK3rtdWJkuDSuo5ezS4ujFRGENThQXWr9xsK7KW_tWstgNA0GHXgJrVWeHBiTiZ7TDKeZK9gOV9AHwpE&q=bernie+kosar+coma&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVjMbW4qeWAxXAxQIHHfxRIx0QtKgLegQIFBAB&biw=360&bih=511&dpr=2 

Sage Steele did a nice interview with Bernie worth hearing at 

https://castbox.fm/vb/982312735

Or search  podcasts for sage Steele show 

I ♥️ Sophie👍🏀: "Only Sophie Cunningham could go from playing a Fever game to randomly showing up at a bar and singing “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” with the fans. 🥰🇺🇸 She’s truly the freaking best. ❤️❤️" | XCancel

https://xcancel.com/ginamilan_/status/2088636239431790786 

I ♥️ Sophie🏀👍🇺🇸: "Only Sophie Cunningham could go from playing a Fever game to randomly showing up at a bar and singing “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” with the fans. 🥰🇺🇸 She’s truly the freaking best. ❤️❤️" | XCancel

"Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez became the first rookie in MLB history to hit 3 homeruns in his first game in the majors

https://www.google.com/search?q=St.+Louis+Cardinals+rookie+Joshua+B%C3%A1ez+became+the+first+rookie+in+major+league+history+to+hit+three+homeruns+in+his+first+game+in+the+major+league%21&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new 

"Don Nelson, 5-time NBA champion and pioneer of ‘Nellie Ball’ as coach, dies at 86 "- The Athletic

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6273242/2026/08/09/don-nelson-obituary-coach-hall-of-fame-celtics-nba/?unlocked_article_code=1.4FA.urmG.z31TVeoM6IgY&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta 

"Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics as a player and one of the winningest coaches in league history, died Sunday at 86, his family announced in a statement..."

"He wanted to talk to President Reagan. So he stormed Augusta National " | Golf Digest

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/he-wanted-to-talk-to-the-president-so-he-stormed-augusta-national 

Fight 💥 "Raiders hold Kirk Cousins, Crosby from practice day after scuffle - "ESPN

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49561930/raiders-hold-cousins-crosby-practice-day-scuffle 

"Cousins and Crosby got into a heated altercation Friday. The five-time Pro Bowler hit Cousins twice during the team period. When Crosby hit Cousins' arm a second time, the 15-year veteran had had enough. Cousins got into Crosby's face, grabbing the edge rusher's jersey, while both exchanged words before it was broken up..."

"What's wrong with the Dodgers? Defending MLB champs post 6 straight losses despite Tarik Skubal trade "- Yahoo Sports

https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/whats-wrong-with-the-dodgers-defending-mlb-champs-post-6-straight-losses-despite-tarik-skubal-trade-232436388.html 

"Aaron Rodgers Drops the Hammer on 'Absolute Coward' Tony Fauci: 'I Plead the Fifth' –" RedState

https://redstate.com/kyle-becker/2026/08/03/aaron-rodgers-savages-tony-fauci-in-legendary-rant-i-plead-the-fifth-n2205145 

"

I’m gonna plead the Fifth," Rodgers quipped, "like that absolute coward Tony Fauci. Absolute coward. Are you kidding me? You get a pardon, and you pleaded over 100 times at the White House? What are you scared of, Tony? I thought you were the science. ‘I am science,’ and you get up there and can’t answer a question? What are we doing?"

Unbelievable 👎"VIDEO: Sophie Cunningham Elbowed in the Face During , Refs Call Foul on Cunningham

https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/08/02/video-sophie-cunningham-elbowed-in-the-face-during-contentious-wnba-game-refs-call-foul-on-cunningham/ 

"Family: Ex-LB Billy Ray Smith Jr. died of CTE-caused dementia "- ESPN

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49487068/family-ex-lb-billy-ray-smith-jr-dies-cte-caused-dementia 

"

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died. He was 64.

 is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family," the statement said. "Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend.."

"Kirk Cousins gets nod over Fernando Mendoza to open Raiders camp -" ESPN

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49472920/cousins-gets-nod-fernando-mendoza-open-raiders-camp 

"How the 76ers wooed LeBron James against odds in massive NBA coup"

https://nypost.com/2026/07/24/sports/how-the-76ers-wooed-lebron-james-against-odds-in-massive-nba-coup/ 

😆😁😄👍"ESPN/NFL sports analyst and Charlie Kirk-hater gets fired on LIVE TV... -" Revolver News

https://revolver.news/2026/07/espn-nfl-sports-analyst-and-charlie-kirk-hater-gets-fired-on-live-tv/ 

"BREAKING: Charlie Kirk Hater Ryan Clark Gets FIRED Midway Through Show-Taping at ESPN

Notorious anti-conservative “sports” commentator Ryan Clark just got the bad news: He is no longer going to be spouting his partisan nonsense on ESPN.

His job was terminated midway through taping NFL Live..."

👍🙏✝️English and French Players Pray together after consolation game ⚽🏟️🙏

https://www.google.com/search?q=English+and+French+Players+Praying&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new#sbfbu=1&pi=English%20and%20French%20Players%20Praying 

Guess where will the next World Cup 🏟️ ⚽ be held ?

The next FIFA World Cup in 2030 will mark the tournament's centenary and will be uniquely hosted across multiple continents:

 

Primary Hosts: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will serve as the core host nations for the main tournament.

 Centenary Celebration Matches: To honor the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup (held in Uruguay in 1930), opening celebratory matches will also be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay

Yawn 🥱"All The Celebrities Spotted At 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Match''

https://share.newsbreak.com/j1zcwl59 

wonderful world cup halftime show (much better than bad bunny at superbowl)

click here to watch

how is madonna able to make herself look so young ? 

Real.or staged ?! "WATCH: Tom Brady Slaps 'Dork' Logan Paul At Fanatics Fest"

https://www.mediaite.com/media/sports/watch-tom-brady-slaps-logan-paul-in-the-face-at-fanatics-fest/

"Paul also shared the footage to his X account, writing, “This happened bc I was roasting Tom for beating him in flag football. And he tries to smack me ?? Horrible example for the kids. Aura -100 + Blocked. With a torn tricep.”

👶👍⚽"Pro-Life Ad With Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Approved for World Cup -" LifeNews.com

https://www.lifenews.com/2026/07/17/pro-life-ad-with-boxing-legend-manny-pacquiao-approved-for-world-cup/ 

#ProLife 👶👍⚽

"Faces of Choice has created a powerful new World Cup commercial featuring boxing legend Manny Pacquiao & abortion survivors from around the world — men & women who survived abortion procedures intended to end their lives before birth..."

https://www.lifenews.com/2026/07/17/pro-life-ad-with-boxing-legend-manny-pacquiao-approved-for-world-cup/

Finally MLB gets it right "If It's Goosebumps ur Looking for, MLB's America250 Tribute Should Do the Trick "

https://redstate.com/beckynoble/2026/07/15/if-its-goosebumps-youre-looking-for-mlbs-america-250-tribute-to-baseball-should-do-the-trick-n2204350 

🇺🇸⚾🇺🇸⚾🇺🇸⚾🇺🇸⚾

" for anyone who caught Major League Baseball's (MLB) tribute to Baseball for America's 250th birthday at the 2026 All-Star Game on Tuesday night, well, you just might be in a forgiving mood. .."

⚾"Dodgers news: Former Dodgers Bellinger, Vargas ring the bell at All Star Game " for 4-0 AL victory

https://www.truebluela.com/los-angeles-dodgers-news-notes/119959/dodgers-cody-bellinger-miguel-vargas-all-star-game-andy-pages-freddie-freeman 

"Scoring was scarce on Tuesday, as the four runs the AL scored came in only two innings. Former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger had the deciding hit in his first All-Star Game since 2019, driving in two against Cristopher Sánchez. As a result of him driving in half of Tuesday’s final score, Bellinger was awarded with the All-Star Game MVP honors, becoming the first Yankee to do so since his teammate Giancarlo Stanton in 2022.

Another former Dodger ...Miguel Vargas tattooed a 433 foot home run into the second deck of the left field bleachers against Justin Wrobleski, . .."

"Why so many Latin Americans are rooting against Argentina in the World Cup"

"Mexico’s losses to Argentina have left a strong mark too. No other team has eliminated Mexico as many times in a World Cup..."

https://share.newsbreak.com/j0k7v2xk 

"Lionel Messi fuels Argentina's stunning late rally past England into World Cup final"

"ATLANTA — The first half was a street brawl. The second half was ballet with chainsaws. And in the end, the outcome was never really in doubt. As long as Leo Messi draws breath, Argentina will win..."

https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/live/england-vs-argentina-world-cup-2026-score-result-schedule-live-updates-150000908.html

Messi scores vs Egypt

 

"World Cup Player Refuses To Leave U.S. After Tournament" due to death threats

"Campaz has chosen to stay in the United States, rather than fly home to Colombia with his teammates, amid the scary situation..."

https://share.newsbreak.com/izmd44u5 

🎾 Wimbledon results 2026 🏆

```

Yes, the 2026 Wimbledon Championships have concluded. The tournament ran from June 29 to July 12, 2026.

The winners of the singles titles are:

Men's Singles: 

Jannik Sinner successfully defended his title, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.

Ladies' Singles: Linda Nosková won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Karolína Muchová.

Other notable winners included:

Gentlemen's Doubles: 

Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara

Ladies' Doubles: 

Guo Hanyu & Kristina Mladenovic

Mixed Doubles: 

Marcelo Arévalo & Jeļena Ostapenko

```

🏟️⚽"The World Cup Just Delivered A Semifinal Nobody Thought Was Possible, And Two Dream Finals Are On Deck"

"...but for the first time in World Cup history, the final four teams are also the top four in FIFA's rankings. Seriously, since 1930, we've never seen anything like it. They even expanded the field to 48 teams to shake things up, but here we are, watching pure chalk! No. 1 France is set to clash with No. 3 Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, and then No. 2 Argentina faces No. 4 England in Atlanta on Wednesday. It's a bracket that promises a dream final no matter who wins."
https://share.newsbreak.com/izez60r8 

Messi looks like John Muller, son of former GRCH teacher "Argentina committed more fouls than nearly every team left in the World Cup, yet somehow picked up the fewest cards"

Messi looks like John Muller , son of former GRCH teacher   "Argentina committed more fouls than nearly every team left in the World Cup, yet somehow picked up the fewest cards"

John Muller actually attended South Christian but his dad taught at GRCH. If I recall correctly John Muller was the punter for South Christian high School football team around 1984  and went on to Calvin College. 

Well I've been watching the World cup periodically including Argentina every time I see Messi I think "what's John Muller doing out there " 😄😁😆

https://share.newsbreak.com/iz5yr79j 

Red card ♦️"Switzerland's Breel Embolo breaks down in TEARS after being sent off for diving during Argentina World Cup clash - as distraught striker becomes first player to receive a red card via new VAR rule over mistaken identity

https://opr.news/3bb67357260712en_gb?link=1&client=sports 

"

Referee Pinheiro, after reviewing the incident, returned to the pitch and confirmed Paredes had not committed a foul but that it was a clear act of simulation by Embolo.

The official then cautioned Embolo for the offence, before brandishing a red card with the forward having already been booked in the first half..."

"Every Celebrity Spotted Watching Lamine Yamal, Spain vs. Belgium—World Cup Quarterfinal "

https://www.si.com/soccer/every-celebrity-spotted-lamine-yamal-spain-vs-belgium-world-cup-quarterfinal 

Pitt showing a

 little patriotism 👍🇺🇸

"World Cup 2026: Norway v England buildup, Kane’s round of golf with Trump, Spain set up France semi-final – live

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/11/world-cup-2026-spain-v-belgium-reaction-norway-v-england-quarter-final-buildup-and-more-live

 ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

The action starts tonight with the much-awaited showdown between Harry Kane’s England and Erling Haaland’s Norway in Miami before holders Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City. Build-up to those games and reaction to last night’s victory for Spain over Belgium starts right here. It’s fair to say...

**** ⛳🏌️🏌️🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️⛳⛳⛳⛳⛳

“I played ‌all right, to be honest,” Kane told reporters in ‌Miami. “He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. So yeah, when the president invites you somewhere...

“It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him. His ‌golf is pretty good, to be honest,” Kane added. “I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age. So yeah, unique experience and I was just grateful he invited me down to play.“

⚽🏟️Today's World Cup quarterfinal is a big one:• Spain🇪🇸 vs. Belgium🇧🇪

Today's World Cup quarterfinal is a big one:

• Spain 🇪🇸 vs. Belgium 🇧🇪

The winner advances to face France in the semifinal after France defeated Morocco 2-0 yesterday. 

Here's some of the drama to watch:

Spain has been nearly unbeatable defensively. They have not conceded a single goal in the tournament, making them the toughest defense left in the World Cup. 

Belgium is coming in with confidence after a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States, proving they can score against strong opponents. 

It's a clash of styles: Spain prefers controlling possession and patiently creating chances, while Belgium is dangerous on quick counterattacks led by its experienced stars. 

Key players to watch:

Spain: Lamine Yamal — the teenage sensation whose dribbling and creativity can change a game.

Spain: Rodri — the midfield anchor who controls the tempo.

Spain: Mikel Oyarzabal — Spain's leading scorer in the tournament. 

Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne — one of the world's best playmakers, back in the lineup. 

Belgium: Romelu Lukaku — a powerful striker who has been scoring important goals. 

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois — an elite goalkeeper who may have to keep Belgium alive if Spain dominates possession. 

The biggest question is simple: Can Belgium become the first team to score on Spain in this World Cup, or will Spain's defense continue its incredible run?

I 

"Ranking All Eight Teams Left in the 2026 World Cup"

https://share.newsbreak.com/iy3jaf3f 

"Belgium Trolls Team USA, Gets Swift History Lesson in Return "– RedState

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/07/07/belgium-team-mocks-us-n2204063 

Belgium ⚽ showed their true coward colors by appealing the return of balogun rather than just man up and play their best game against USA's full team.

 Forever cowards 👎😆😁😄

argentina scores 3 in 2nd half in miracle comeback vs egypt to win 3-2

see messi's miracle shot at 

https://youtu.be/AIFAQqOf4OY?si=Oh_XBVvMQ9xpiL_v

see all three 2nd half goals here 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgjgBw6MKxo

⚽ it's over ☹️"Team USA falls to Belgium in Round of 16 as their World Cup run ends "

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/team-usas-world-cup-run-ends-belgium-wins-round-16-matchup-advance.amp 

"

Charles De Ketelaere was the man who not only scored just nine minutes into the match for Belgium, but his goal in the 39th minute made Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino kick water bottles on the sideline..."

"Cristiano Ronaldo 'at peace' upon end of complicated World Cup career

https://share.newsbreak.com/ixctpl94 

⚽🏟️Ronaldo & Portugal🇵🇹 lost to Spain 🇪🇸

⚽"England & Mexico benches erupt in furious brawl with ‘punches thrown’ after shocking Quansah lunge in World Cup clash

"Quansah was given his marching orders for the challenge, but on first sight, chaos broke out.

Both benches were visibly raging, with punches reportedly thrown.

England’s injured defender Reece James could be seen in a screaming match with Mexico legend Guillermo Ochoa .."

https://share.newsbreak.com/ix3am4j1 

Good news 👍⚽ "Folarin Balogun red card extraordinarily wiped by Fifa in huge World Cup boost for USA"

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"Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension for his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been wiped - meaning the USA forward is free to play against Belgium on Monday.."

https://share.newsbreak.com/ix1j4vxf 

"Erling Haaland makes history for Norway with brilliant double. What went wrong for Brazil? "- The Athletic

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7413301/2026/07/05/brazil-norway-world-cup-result-analysis/ 

"It takes a lot to stop Erling Haaland — and now Brazil know it only too well.

The five-time world champions will not be adding a sixth title this summer after Haaland’s late header and a blistering low shot in stoppage time earned Norway a place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a 2-1 win..."

"Cape Verde and Congo Dr Hailed As Africa's World Cup Underdog Stories "- allAfrica.com

https://allafrica.com/stories/202607010423.html?utm_campaign=daily-headlines&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=aans-view-link 

"

Cape Verde and Congo DR have been praised by Diego Forlan and Hristo Stoichkov after becoming two of the standout African stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Both nations defied expectations to reach the round of 32 in the first 48-team edition of the tournament, giving Africa two powerful examples of what the expanded format can offer..."

World Cup : USA 2, Bosnia 0 🌍🏟️⚽🇺🇸👍🥊

2 traditional soccer bigwig countries eliminated at WorldCup

"The first major upset of the round of 32 came when Germany crashed out of the World Cup, falling to Paraguay on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Boston. In another dramatic twist, the Netherlands also exited the tournament, losing to Morocco on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate in Guadalupe, Mexico..."

https://share.newsbreak.com/ivu6suev 

✝️⚽🇺🇸"Christian Faith and Patriotism at the 2026 FIFA World Cup "

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/06/christian-faith-patriotism-2026-fifa-world-cup/ 

"

Christian faith has been an equally defining storyline. After the USMNT’s 4-1 opening victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, defender Mark McKenzie led the entire squad in a post-match prayer circle on the pitch in front of more than 70,000 fans. Weston McKennie points skyward after every goal, wears cross earrings on the field, and keeps “All glory to God” at the top of his social media profile.."

⚽🇺🇸Folarin Balogun scores ! (1) World Cup 2026 live updates: U.S. leads Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in first half

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/soccer/live-blog/fifa-world-cup-2026-july-1-usa-live-updates-rcna352537 

"

In the 44th minute, the U.S. has taken the lead.

And it's Folarin Balogun who has done it, ending a mad scramble that saw the ball moved upfield via a pass from Malik Tillman that a Bosnian defender deflected right to Balogun. He did an incredible job of slowing down to collect his dribble despite feeling pressure right next to him, and he buried the shot for a 1-0 lead. This stadium is rocking right now..."

Go USA 🇺🇸 ⚽ !! vs Bosnia

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usa vs bosnia - starting lineups

https://www.google.com/search?q=usa+bosnia&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new#ebo=0 

The POWDER Magazine 2026 Photo Annual Gallery Part 1 - POWDER

https://www.powder.com/news/best-ski-photos-2026-part-one 

Condolences ❤️🙏 ✝️"Argentine Soccer Player’s Family Perishes in Venezuela Earthquakes- Wife and Children Found Dead After 74-Hour Search "

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/06/argentine-soccer-players-family-perishes-venezuela-earthquakes-wife/

"

Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo received devastating news following the twin earthquakes in Venezuela. After a 74-hour search, his wife Yanina Maranella and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were found dead .."

⚽Knockout game tomorrow! "USA vs Bosnia World Cup ticket prices drop, shop U.S. soccer tickets"

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/06/30/usa-vs-bosnia-world-cup-ticket-prices-drop-how-to-buy-last-minute/90743686007/ 

They appreciate USA 🇺🇸"World Cup tourists see what too many Americans have forgotten * "

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https://www.wnd.com/2026/06/world-cup-tourists-see-what-too-many-americans/ 

"

As he has crisscrossed the American South, Freddy has gushed at everything from Waffle House and Taco Bell to Buc-ee's, Bass Pro Shops, sprawling football stadiums and the impressive size of regular, middle-class American homes. Americans, accustomed to taking all these things for granted, have watched with glee as a slack-jawed foreign visitor experiences it all for the first time..."

⚽🏟️ "Cinderella World Cup Team Pulls Off Another Amazing Achievement –" made it to the knockout round 👍🥊

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/06/27/cinderella-world-cup-team-pulls-off-amazing-achievement-n2203770 

"

One of the great stories about the World Cup so far has been the Cinderella team from Cape Verde. 

Cape Verde is playing in their first World Cup. Their country is a small collection of islands off the west coast of Africa, near Senegal, and has a population the size of Fresno, California, but they have a great soccer team and a superb goalkeeper. That has, so far, kept them in the game. .."

⚽🏟️Upcoming world cup games: today 6/29, tomorrow 6/30, & Wednesday July 1 🇺🇸: knockout🥊stage !

attempted murder ?! "Was Caitlin Clark Assaulted in WNBA Game Because She's a Single Christian Straight White Girl? "

https://joehoft.com/was-caitlin-clark-assaulted-wnba-game-because-shes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=was-caitlin-clark-assaulted-wnba-game-because-shes 

"

Some observers said it was an assault and that Clark should sue the league for putting her in such a situation. It was gross.

The front of the neck is not built for a fist. It only takes 12 pounds to crush your wind pipe.

The neck contains the airway, larynx, trachea, voice box, and major vascular structures. Trauma there can affect breathing, swallowing, speech, oxygen flow, and in severe cases can become life-threatening..."

"US men's team falls to Turkey 3-2, but still advances to World Cup knockout round"

"Thursday's match, which took place before a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, was tied 2-2 for most of the second half before Kaan Ayhan scored a goal for Turkey in the 98th minute after a frantic scramble at the U.S. goal..."

https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/usmnt-world-cup-match-turkey-soccer/story?id=134198534

"Prosecutors to argue Lions' Arnold should be jailed until trial " - ESPN

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49178216/prosecutors-argue-lions-arnold-jailed-trial 

"

Arnold turned himself in and was taken into custody Wednesday night. Authorities accuse him of leading a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people he believed had stolen from him. It turned out, however, that the victims had nothing to do with the theft in February, investigators said..."

🏀"Dusty May is leaving Michigan to take the Dallas Mavericks job. He leaves chaos behind in Ann Arbor" | CNN

https://lite.cnn.com/2026/06/22/sport/dusty-may-mavericks-michigan 

"

On Monday, three weeks after practices began, a source close to the program told CNN Sports that May is leaving for the Dallas Mavericks – a decision that may send shock waves across college basketball but has very real ripple effects in Ann Arbor. This is not the middle of the season, by the bill’s definition, but it might be as every bit as disruptive as a December departure in football..."

Win ✝️⚾👍"Major League Baseball delivers huge statement on those LGBT emblems players are told to wear * "

https://www.wnd.com/2026/06/major-league-baseball-delivers-huge-statement-those-pro/ 

"It now turns out that MLB officials have folded, admitting those players should have been given the option to not wear the agenda-driven propaganda, and any warnings to them have been rescinded and there will be not discipline for them..."

"Australia star, coaches blast referee after 2-0 World Cup loss to USA" | Fox News

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/australia-world-cup-star-speaks-referee-big-loss-us-coaches-complain.amp 

"

The ref was having a stinker today, but I mean it is what it is," he said. "He was giving every call to the USA. I get it, but at the same time, we know there’s two teams on the field, so you have to give the calls both ways and he didn’t do that today."