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The Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Milwaukee Brewers for Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET from American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI. The Brewers have home field after going 103-59, three games better than the Dodgers at 100-62. 

Milwaukee’s postseason has run through Andrew Vaughn, who is hitting .500, and Jackson Chourio, who leads the Brewers with six RBI. Jacob Misiorowski leads the staff with six strikeouts.

Los Angeles has Kyle Tucker hitting .333 and Max Muncy leading the team with three RBI. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has 10 strikeouts to lead the Dodgers.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 1

• When: Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players To Watch

Milwaukee’s best October bat so far plays catcher. Contreras hit .375 with a .444 on-base percentage and a .750 slugging percentage in four NLDS games against San Diego, with two home runs and two RBI. His biggest day came Oct. 6, when he went 3 for 4 with a walk and a homer in a 4-3 loss.

Los Angeles pitchers held opponents to a .145 batting average over 36 innings in the division round. A hitter who is already squaring up pitches gives the Brewers a direct route to runs in an opener where the Dodgers’ staff has been hard to hit, and Milwaukee scored 13 runs in four games.

Los Angeles hit .203 as a team in the NLDS and still scored 14 runs, and Muncy is a big reason. He went 3 for 12 with three home runs and three RBI against Atlanta, good for a 1.000 slugging percentage, and he homered in three of the four games.

Milwaukee’s staff finished the division round with a 1.80 ERA and a .181 opponent batting average, so extra-base power is the most direct way for the Dodgers to score. They hit eight home runs in four games against Atlanta, and Muncy hit three of them.

Yelich reached base in all four NLDS games, hitting .357 with a .471 on-base percentage, one RBI and two stolen bases against San Diego. He stole bases on Oct. 4 and Oct. 7.

Los Angeles pitchers allowed two stolen bases against Atlanta and never caught a runner, a gap Yelich is built to test. A walk or a single from him early puts a runner in motion against a battery that has not caught anyone yet, and that is the start Milwaukee wants in Game 1.

Los Angeles needs steady at-bats behind its power, and Freeman supplied them with a .267 average, a .353 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage over four NLDS games. He homered on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6 and reached base in three of the four games.

Milwaukee’s pitchers struck out 32 batters in 35 innings against San Diego, which puts a premium on contact and patience. Freeman went 0 for 4 in the Oct. 7 clincher, and the Dodgers will want him back on base in front of their power bats at American Family Field.

Dodgers vs. Brewers Odds

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Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith have been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London because of hamstring injuries.

Barkley hurt his right hamstring early in last week’s 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and didn’t practice all week.

Smith also didn’t practice this week and will miss his second straight game.

Saquon Barkley leaves the field after hurting his right hamstring early in the Eagles’ 24-20 loss to the Rams on Oct. 4. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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The Eagles were scheduled to land in London on Saturday morning for the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Philadelphia is also dealing with a reshuffled offensive line after this week’s retirement of Lane Johnson followed by the trade of Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for second-and fifth-round draft picks.

Johnson had been a late scratch for last week’s game against the Rams for personal reasons.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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One can’t tell the story of the NFL without Mike Ditka.

The Ditka family announced on Friday afternoon that the Hall of Fame head coach and tight end passed away at 86. With that said, just because the Chicago Bears’ legend is no longer physically present in the football world, doesn’t mean his legacy won’t be felt for eternity.

As both a player and coach, Ditka was one of a kind and impacted the sport both on and off the field.

Ditka’s Historic Tight End Play

Mike Ditka (#89) helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL Championship. (Photo by James Drake/Getty Images)

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Before becoming a legend with the Bears vest on his chest, Ditka was a menace at tight end.

Originally selected by the Houston Oilers with the No. 8 pick in the 1961 AFL Draft, Ditka, an All-American who finished sixth in the 1960 Heisman Trophy voting with the Pittsburgh Panthers, opted against playing in the upstart AFL. One month later, he was selected by the Bears with the No. 5 pick in the 1961 NFL Draft and packed his bags for the Windy City.

Sure, Ditka could drive a defender into the parking lot as a blocker, but “Iron Mike” made history as a pass-catcher.

In Ditka’s 1961 rookie campaign, he became the first tight end in NFL history to log 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, reeling in 56 receptions for 1,076 yards (19.2 yards per reception) and 12 touchdowns. Ditka would be a Pro Bowler in each of his first five seasons in the sport and an All-Pro in 1963 and 1964. Over his first four seasons (1961-64), Ditka averaged 62.0 receptions for 917.8 yards and 7.5 touchdowns per year.

Ditka was part of Chicago’s 1963 NFL Championship team, which marked the Bears’ first NFL championship since 1946.

Following six years with the Bears (1961-66), Ditka spent two years with the Philadelphia Eagles (1967-68) and finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-72. On the Dallas front, Ditka helped the Cowboys win their first-ever Super Bowl and championship altogether in 1971, reeling in a 7-yard touchdown from Roger Staubach in the fourth quarter of the team’s Super Bowl VI triumph over the Miami Dolphins.

Ditka’s 80s Bears

The Bears made the playoffs seven times under Mike Ditka, highlighted by winning Super Bowl XX. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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Ditka parlayed his four seasons with the Cowboys into nine seasons as the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for Hall of Fame head coach Tom Landry in Dallas from 1973-81.

Meanwhile, up north, after posting losing records in three of the previous four seasons, the Bears fired head coach Neill Armstrong in 1982. Seeing an opportunity to both become a head coach and bring his first NFL love back to prominence, Ditka interviewed for the Bears’ head-coaching vacancy and ultimately got the job — and would later embark on an indelible journey.

The strike-shortened 1982 season, which saw Chicago go 3-6, and a .500 campaign (8-8) in 1983 put Ditka on thin ice. But the Bears found themselves in Year 3 of the Ditka era. As part of a 10-6 season that saw Chicago win its division for the first time since its 1963 NFL Championship season, the Bears reached the NFC Championship Game. After being shut out by Bill Walsh’s San Francisco 49ers, who went on to win the Super Bowl, in the NFC title game, Ditka’s Bears would put together one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history.

In what was a 15-1 regular season — with the mere blemish being a Week 13 loss to Dan Marino and the Dolphins on Monday Night Football — Chicago recorded 70 sacks in 1985, which came after tallying 72 sacks the year prior. The Bears’ defense pitched two shutouts in the regular season and held opponents to no more than 10 points in 11 of 16 games.

Then, Chicago proceeded to shut out BOTH the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC playoffs before laying waste to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX, 46-10.

Who did that defense include? For starters, it had four Hall of Famers: defensive end Richard Dent, linebacker Mike Singletary and defensive linemen Steve McMichael and Dan Hampton. Chicago’s defense also had Pro Bowl linebackers Otis Wilson and Wilber Marshall and “The Fridge,” defensive lineman William Perry, who, of course, would occasionally get the call on the run — or in the air — on offense. All the while, the Bears had Leslie Frazier, Gary Fencik, Dave Duerson, Mike Richardson and Ken Taylor, who combined for 23 interceptions in their secondary.

The ’80s Bears, specifically the 1985 Bears, have an argument for being the best defense ever assembled.

As for the other side of the ball, Chicago leaned on one of the best running backs in NFL history in Walter Payton, with Hall of Fame left tackle Jimbo Covert and perennial Pro Bowlers Jay Hilgenberg and Mark Bortz leading the way up front. Meanwhile, Ditka had the ever-confident Jim McMahon under center.

While the Bears never returned to the Super Bowl after the 1985 season under Ditka, they won 14 games in 1986 despite the departure of defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and made the playoffs and won double-digit games in seven of Ditka’s 12 seasons at the helm (1982-92).

Ditka’s Cultural Impact

Mike Ditka won a championship with the Bears as both a player and coach. (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X40838 )

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Everybody knows or has seen somebody who wears a Harley-Davidson-looking leather jacket. But for Bears fans, that was just their beloved head coach.

Dark jacket. Dark glass. A boisterous face. Never satisfied. That was the vibe Ditka portrayed on the Bears’ sideline. And if he wasn’t in leather, he was rocking the signature Bears vest that countless fans are seen wearing at Soldier Field and across the country.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the team’s Super Bowl triumph and consistent playoff presence, Chicago’s players and coaches became prominent public figures. Yeah, Ditka wasn’t in “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” but he did inspire one of the most memorable skits in “Saturday Night Live” history, that being “Bill Swerski’s Super Fans,” which is based on multiple Chicago “super fans” revering the Bears’ head coach at the pub “Ditka’s.”

Ditka also starred in the 2005 movie “Kicking & Screaming,” with him serving as a coach for Will Ferrell’s character’s son’s soccer team.

Ditka’s NFL Standing

Mike Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)

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Ditka is tied with George Halas for first in Bears’ history with six playoff victories and is second in franchise history with 106 regular-season wins. In all, Ditka, who was also the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997-99, is 34th among head coaches in NFL history with 121 regular-season wins and is tied with Dennis Green for 32nd with 12 career playoff game appearances.

Meanwhile, as a player, Ditka is fourth in Bears’ history with 34 receiving touchdowns, fifth with 4,503 receiving yards and sixth with 316 receptions.

Some people are great players. Others are great coaches.

Mike Ditka was both.

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Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater was placed on injured reserve Friday after having right ankle surgery.

Slater had the surgery Thursday after a high ankle sprain in last weekend’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He’ll miss at least four games. The team said Slater will begin rehab immediately.

Slater missed all of last season after rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee in training camp. He signed a $114 million, four-year extension in July 2025.

Slater is the latest in a string of injuries for the Chargers, who host Denver on Sunday.

Also hurt are Joe Alt (neck), Kayode Awosika (fibula), Derwin James Jr. (hamstring), Donte Jackson (hamstring) and Ladd McConkey (foot).

The Chargers have struggled through injuries and a poor 0-4 start to the season. Now, Los Angeles will face the Denver Broncos at home for an AFC West showdown in hopes to secure its first win of the season. 

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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I’ve been covering White Sox baseball all week while preparing for my brother’s wedding on Saturday.

It’s been chaos, as you can imagine.

Therefore, this is going to be a hybrid story with “Sportsbook Whispers” and my best bets all rolled into one story. 

We’ll be back to our normal routine next week.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The weekend’s biggest college football game is No. 2 Georgia against No. 6 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. 

Circa Sports in Las Vegas opened Georgia -1.5 last Sunday, but the Bama is now a 2-point favorite.

Two of the sharpest guys I know bet the Bulldogs.

“Georgia should be favored,” former Las Vegas bookmaker Ed Salmons told me. “Alabama just put up 56 on Mississippi State, and now they’re everyone’s new favorite team. And they’re at home. This Georgia team is an experienced group. They’ve been through the wars. Alabama is a pretty young team with a freshman quarterback.

“I’m shocked they’re giving me points with Georgia.”

Underdog Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart will try to pull off the upset against Bama in Tuscaloosa (Getty Images).

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Professional bettor Slice was the highest on Alabama heading into the season. While most Vegas buddies I know ranked the Crimson Tide outside the top 10 in their power ratings, Slice slotted them eighth in late August.

“I just thought they had the right to be better based on how bad they were last year,” Slice said. “They’re Alabama. They have good coaches and players. I expected the water to meet its level. That said, Alabama should not be favored in this game. I could get to PK, but in no way do I have them favored.”

“Georgia is on a different level than them.”

My Instagram comments were buzzing this week when the “Bear Bets” squad posted a clip of me giving my updated power ratings. I have the Miami Hurricanes as the fifth-best team in the country behind Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas. That’s high praise to be a top-five team.

Canes fans still lost their minds.

I truly don’t think we’re going to learn how good Miami really is until the Hurricanes face Notre Dame on Nov. 7. 

The schedule has been a cakewalk so far, and I’m not really that impressed with a blowout of a terrible Clemson team.

“I played Clemson +17 in that game and lost,” Slice admitted. “I still think Miami is overrated. Clemson can’t throw and threw for almost 300 yards. And they’re going to be in trouble when they play a real defense. It feels like all they do with the quarterback is throw these short little passes and let [Malachi] Toney and the other receivers run all over the place.

“That’s not going to work against Notre Dame.”

Some experts note that Miami’s schedule has been a “cakewalk” so far. (Getty Images)

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How bad is Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood?

“Oh my God,” Salmons cracked. “We were watching Michigan-Minnesota last week and joking that Michigan should punt on first down and let the defense try to score. Their offense is horrendous right now. I loved Underwood sailing the ball out of bounds on the final fourth down. It was awesome.”

“The program feels soft,” Slice added. “They’re completely outmatched against these defenses. The offensive line is getting worked, and the quarterback doesn’t throw with any accuracy down the field.

“It really speaks to how much the program fell when Jim Harbaugh left.”

As for the NFL, sportsbooks are so impressed with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. 

Caleb Williams is questionable for Sunday’s game at Green Bay, so odds are good Johnson must coach up backup Tyson Bagent again.

“It’s been really impressive and telling how much Johnson and the weapons around him have elevated the Bears,” Caesars Sportsbook head of football Joey Feazel told me. “Especially considering they’ve found success with two different backup quarterbacks. It almost raises the question of how much Caleb Williams’ presence is contributing to the Bears’ power rating.”

“I think Chicago is one of the best coached teams in the entire league,” Caesars Sportsbook senior director John Murray added.  

High praise, eh?

How much is injured Caleb Williams worth to th eBears’ power rating? (Getty Images)

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As for best bets this week, we discussed most of these plays on the latest episode of “Bear Bets” and I’m adding Miami Ohio -3.5 because there are rumblings about UMass QB1 Pop Watson being out with an injury.

(2026 Record: 12-11-2, -0.1 units)

Iowa +3
Miami Ohio -3.5
Georgia +1.5
Oregon -10.5
New Orleans Saints +2.5

Good luck, all. 

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There’s nothing like an undefeated weekend to get your mojo back. Such was the case for us in Week 5.

Let’s keep up that momentum with our college football Week 6 wagers.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Last Week: 3-0
Season: 16-10

Until proven otherwise, I have to play against Nebraska here. Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers have certainly earned everyone’s trust over the last two seasons and this might be a spot where the defense just takes over. Get an early stop, score and belief in that stadium might begin to fade. This is a big step-up for Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea, and he’ll need to have a career-best game for the Huskers to pull off the upset.

Fallica’s Pick: Indiana -7.5

I think Oklahoma State might be pretty good, but laying double digits off the idle week and ahead of the trip to Houston feels like a tricky spot, especially against a UCF defense that’s done a good job this season.  Admittedly, the Knights will need to find more offense on the ground, as Duke Watson hasn’t done much outside the Bethune-Cookman and Georgia State games. If the defense can continue to put itself in position to create turnovers, this one could be quite interesting,

Fallica’s Pick: UCF +10.5

The card is slim this week, as I have found the depths of Rice at ECU. Not sure ECU should be a double-digit favorite here considering the Pirates snuck by a mediocre ODU team for its only FBS win. Rice has been a plucky dog, giving Western Michigan and UTSA games behind the rushing of Miami transfer QB Jacurri Brown, who ironically will face another Miami transfer QB, Emory Williams, here. Feels like too many points.

Fallica’s Pick: Rice +10

‘Dogs To Play On The Moneyline

Last Week: 2-2, +1.05
Season: 4-6, +0.19

UCF +325
Iowa +125
Akron +275
Rice +290
Tulsa +112
UMass +115

Bear Bytes

In the last 21 regular-season games between top-10 teams, it has essentially been, “Pick the winner, and you’ll also cover the spread.” In that span, nine underdogs have won outright, and 11 favorites have won and covered. Also in that stretch, the only favorite which didn’t cover was Texas in its 24-23 win over Ohio State.

Double-digit favorites in FBS vs. FBS games this season are 128-9.

No. 7 INDIANA @ NEBRASKA

Indiana has been a single-digit favorite 10 previous times under Curt Cignetti. IU has won all 10 games, winning eight by at least 14 points. This is the first time since 2022 a Big Ten game featuring two teams 5-0 or better did not include Ohio State.

Meanwhile, it’s more than time for Matt Rhule to end these elongated losing streaks:

• 20 straight losses vs. ranked opponents
• 0-20 vs. ranked teams as a P4 head coach
• 0-11 vs. top-10 teams (0-9 at Baylor and Nebraska)
• His last win vs. a ranked opponent came in the 2016 AAC Championship Game vs. Navy

Nebraska is also streaking in the wrong direction:

• 30 straight losses to ranked teams (last win was against Oregon in 2016)
• 14 straight losses vs. top-10 teams (3-32 dating back to the 2001 national title game loss to Miami) — its last win was in 2015 against Michigan State

No. 21 UCLA @ No. 13 OREGON

UCLA’s defense has forced 11 turnovers, which is second in the country. The Bruins’ +8 TO margin leads the country and its average starting field position difference of +14.9 is the best among P4 teams.

SOUTH CAROLINA @ No. 16 FLORIDA

South Carolina has lost nine straight and 11 of 12 vs. P4 teams. Since upsetting Tennessee and Clemson in consecutive weeks as a double-digit dog in 2022, South Carolina has lost 10 straight as a double-digit ‘dog. However, four of those games were decided by single digits.

Can Aaron Philo and the Gators get back on track after last week’s loss? (Getty Images)

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No. 19 USC @ PENN STATE

As a Power 4 head coach, Matt Campbell is 8-20 in toss-up games — games where the spread was within +3/-3. USC has won 14 straight regular-season games against unranked teams. Since losing in the 2024 CFP semifinal, Penn State is 3-8 in regular-season games vs. Power 4 opponents. Since 2023, USC is 3-13 ATS on the road (7-9 SU)

MARYLAND @ No. 5 OHIO STATE

Maryland is 2-18 in its last 20 Big Ten games and Malik Washington has had three interceptions returned for touchdowns in the last two games.

No. 20 IOWA @ WASHINGTON

Since 2022, Iowa has been involved in 20 games with a spread of +4/-4. The Hawkeyes have won 16 of them.

No. 15 TENNESSEE @ ARKANSAS

Arkansas has lost 13 straight SEC games and each of the last four have been by at least 14 points.

STANFORD @ No. 3 NOTRE DAME

Stanford is a 37.5-point underdog to Notre Dame. Saturday will be almost 19 years to the day — Oct. 6, 2007 — that Tavita Pritchard led an upset of No. 2 USC as a 40.5-point underdog.

TEXAS A&M @ No. 14 MISSOURI

Since the start of the 2024 season, only once has Missouri won consecutive SEC games in the same season. In his last three games against ranked opponents, Marcel Reed has thrown zero TDs and five INTs while being sacked 13 times. A&M has lost all three games, being outscored 72-26.

OKLAHOMA vs. No. 1 TEXAS

The Red River Rivalry hasn’t been one that has seen many upsets lately. Favorites have won seven of the last eight and 19 of 24 dating back to 2003. Texas’ last three wins in the series have come by a combined 106-9 margin, including a shutout win in 2022.

No. 2 GEORGIA @ No. 6 ALABAMA

This is the first meeting of two SEC teams 5-0 or better since 2023, when 5-0 Georgia beat 5-0 Kentucky.

FLORIDA STATE @ LOUISVILLE

Louisville is 1-5 in its last six ACC games. Four of those losses are by three points or fewer.

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This is my first post-World Cup power rankings. I love power rankings and I especially love counter rankings. 

FIFA has their own rankings (released on Oct. 7), and I’m sure they spend a lot of time and money and technology on the formula to come up with it. I can’t say I do the same, it’s more of a gut feel. But these are my power rankings, and as I have always said: If you don’t like mine, then get your own. 

10. Colombia

(Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP via Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 11

2026 World Cup Recap: A lot of expectations this summer were put on the Colombians, who were among the trendy dark-horse contenders to win it all. Luis Diaz, who has shined as an attacker for Liverpool and now Bayern Munich, balanced out a tough defense. Nevertheless, a round of 16 loss to an equally stout Switzerland side ended the dream. 

What’s Happened Since: The Colombians had a relatively uneventful window with a win (over Peru), a loss (to Paraguay), and a draw with Mexico (who is ranked No. 10 by FIFA instead) in friendly competition. But Los Cafeteros could make an argument about now being South America’s toughest side. 

Next Opponents: TBD

Alexi’s Take: “FIFA has Mexico at this spot, but I just think that’s ridiculous.”

9. Morocco

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 6

2026 World Cup Recap: History was made in 2022 as Morocco became the first African nation to reach a men’s World Cup semifinals. Leaning on talent that grew up playing in leagues across Europe, Morocco has become a machine. The Atlas Lions lost to France in the quarterfinals (having lost to them in the 2022 semis), but its young core and success at youth tournament levels will keep them around. 

What’s Happened Since: Morocco cruised to two wins in  2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying in September. The drama surrounding the team will be off the pitch as a court ruling this month will decide whether Morocco or Senegal will ultimately be named AFCON champions following the controversial final in 2025. 

Next Opponents: TBD

Alexi’s Take: “After making the 2022 World Cup semifinals, we were interested to see whether they could continue that momentum in 2026. Whether it was just a Golden Generation, or it was a moment in time and would be a Croatia-esque storyarc. I think Morocco and this generation of players have proved they are here to stay.”

8. Netherlands

(Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 9

2026 World Cup Recap: The team that has historically been among the world’s elite (three times runner-up at the men’s tournament) provided plenty of entertaining football, backed by one of the best fanbases out there. In the attack, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey shined while the ageless Virgil van Dijk remained the heart-and-soul in defense. A tough loss in the round of 32 against Morocco ended the Oranje’s tournament. 

What’s Happened Since: Xavi Hernandez, one of the greatest midfielders in Barcelona history and a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain, was surprisingly picked to be the Netherlands’ new manager. Two wins over Serbia and two draws (vs. Germany and Greece) in Nations League action got the Xavi era started on the right foot. 

Next Opponents: vs. Greece (Nov. 13); vs. Germany (Nov. 16)

Alexi’s Take: “The Dutch have still never ultimately won the World Cup, but they are still a good solid team. I can be convinced otherwise, but I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt.”

7. Belgium

(Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 8 

2026 World Cup Recap: It initially felt like its Golden Generation players of striker Romelu Lukaku, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wouldn’t be able to compete at this tournament. But the Red Devils proved people wrong, especially the U.S. men’s national team. After a 4-1 beatdown over the USMNT in the round of 16, they would lose to Spain in the quarterfinals. 

What’s Happened Since: Two losses to a more talented France team in the Nations League during this recent window should be tempered by wins over Italy and Türkiye. Those Golden Generation veterans will certainly now give way as talents like winger Jérémy Doku are emerging. 

Next Opponents: vs. Türkiye (Nov. 12); vs. Italy (Nov. 15)

Alexi’s Take: “Speaking of good solid teams, we have Belgium next. The U.S. found out in the worst possible way and at the worst possible time how good this team can be.”

6. Brazil

(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 5

2026 World Cup Recap: This team was still one of the biggest draws at the tournament, but the product on the field (led by star winger Vinícius Jr.) never lived up to those mythical yellow jerseys. It’s now 24 years since Brazil’s last World Cup title. Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe’s greatest club managers at places like Real Madrid and AC Milan, came in to lead a team chock-full of individual talent. Nonetheless, the Seleçao bowed out to Norway in the round of 16.

What’s Happened Since: Ancelotti remains, Vinicius has had some struggles with his club Real Madrid, and there are still questions about who’ll be the next generation’s stars. Three wins in friendlies (two against Australia, one against India) aren’t going to clarify issues in key areas like defense. 

Next Opponents: TBD

Alexi’s Take: “I was high on Brazil, and they did nothing to change that during the World Cup. It’s still Brazil, there is still an element of Germany where they are constantly hanging on to the fact.”

5. Argentina

(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 2

2026 World Cup Recap: It was going to be Lionel Messi’s Last Dance on the international stage, and Argentina nearly pulled it off. After winning it all in 2022, La Albiceleste reached the final in the summer but was dominated by Spain in a tough 1-0 loss. Even at age 39, Messi was the focal point and the inspirational guiding light for a talented team. He finished with 8 goals, behind only France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. 

What’s Happened Since: Messi officially bid adios to playing for Argentina in a send-off match against African team Benin. It was an emotional night on Oct. 6 in Buenos Aires as a whole nation honored one of sport’s greatest figures. The era changes, but the talent will still be there with youngsters like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernández and Nico Paz leading the team. 

Next Opponents: TBD

Alexi’s Take: “Most people have Argentina in the top 2, including FIFA, but I’m putting them here. Going to back-to-back World Cup finals and winning in 2022 is impressive, but this is an Argentina team that is now playing without their most important player. Let’s be honest, they rode Messi, and he carried them in many ways. They did it willingly and were a wonderful team to watch and obviously incredibly successful. 

Now we don’t know what this team is going to look like going forward without Messi. We have seen Argentina play without Messi, and they have plenty of talent and will continue to be a top-10 team. But it’s a changing of a specific guard here – it’s not even a change because there’s nobody who could ever replace him.”

4. Portugal

FIFA rank: 7

2026 World Cup Recap: Aside from a 5-0 win over debut team Uzbekistan in the group stage, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. never lived up to their creative potential. Portugal reached the Round of 16 where they lost to eventual champions Spain. 

What’s Happened Since: If Messi’s exit from the world stage was a storybook ending, then Cristiano Ronaldo provided one that felt more like a tabloid. Ronaldo, who had already announced that 2026 would be his last World Cup appearance, had a falling out with manager Jorge Jesus and abruptly left the team in September over disagreements about playing. Portugal still won its four Nations League games – including two victories over Erling Haaland’s Norway – and looked crisper without Ronaldo up top. 

Next Opponents: vs. Czechia (Nov. 14); vs. England (Nov. 17)

Alexi’s Take: “Having Portugal here is a bit of the opposite reasoning for having Argentina where they are at. I guess we could call it the new Portugal, more than likely now without Cristiano Ronaldo. We have seen how good they are, even recently in this window. 

I feel like a burden, whether they have admitted it or not, is going to be lifted, and they are just going to get better. Nobody’s denying all the talent they have, but this incredible weight (or albatross as some people may say) is now gone. 

I am bullish on them going forward without Cristiano Ronaldo, just maybe not so bullish when it comes to Argentina without Messi.”

3. England

2026 World Cup Recap: With “Wonderwall” providing the soundtrack, there was belief that it would finally come home. England had its best finish at the men’s World Cup since 1990 as it reached the semifinals, losing to ancient rivals Argentina and then to France in the bronze match. Harry Kane scored six times this summer, but Jude Bellingham really came into his own at this tournament, with the round-of-16 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca etching his name into Three Lions lore. 

What’s Happened Since: Under manager Thomas Tuchel, there will be expectations as always for a major trophy – whether it’s in the Nations League or potentially at the Euros in 2028 as hosts. A loss to Spain in September in a Nations League match shouldn’t sour those hopes. 

Next Opponents: vs. Croatia (Nov. 12); vs. Spain (Nov. 15)

Alexi’s Take: “It hurts me to say England, but they are just a good team. But they are not at the level of the top two teams. But England is always there, and they are as good – and maybe better – than many other teams, even ones in the past that won the World Cup.”

2. France

FIFA rank: 3 

2026 World Cup Recap: The amount of star power in this squad – including forward trio Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise – had Les Bleus fans thinking this was the team to beat at the tournament. Mbappé scored an astonishing 10 goals at the tournament (making him winner of the Golden Boot for top scorer) and setting a record for most ever in World Cup history with 22. France ran into a brick wall against Spain in the semis but finished in third after a high-scoring consolation match against England. 

What’s Happened Since: With Didier Deschamps stepping down as manager following the World Cup, it felt like an end of an era. But with legend Zinedine Zidane taking over, don’t expect France to lose a step – especially with Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise still in the mix. France won all four of its matches in this window despite Mbappé leaving the team early due to an injury. 

Next Opponents: vs. Italy (Nov. 12); vs. Türkiye (Nov. 15)

Alexi’s Take: “This team is just loaded. But the top team did make them look average in the World Cup semifinals.”

1. Spain

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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FIFA rank: 1

2026 World Cup Recap: An improbable run where they only gave up one goal in eight games to win the country’s second men’s World Cup title ever. Lamine Yamal came into the tournament injured, but La Roja hardly needed the teenage superstar. On their way to the World Cup title, midfield maestro Rodri won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player and Unai Simón won for the tournament’s best keeper. 

What’s Happened Since: Spain’s unbeaten streak has now reached 40 games after winning four more times in Nations League action during this past window, including a 3-2 thrilling victory over England at Wembley. 

Next Opponents: vs. Czechia (Nov. 12); vs. England (Nov. 15)

FIFA Rankings Are a JOKE: The REAL Top 10 Teams in the World

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The Los Angeles Dodgers will start Tarik Skubal against the Milwaukee Brewers – who will go with staff ace Jacob Misiorowski – on Sunday in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, last year’s World Series MVP, will start Game 2 on Monday at American Family Field, manager Dave Roberts said Friday.

Skubal also started Game 1 of the NL Division Series. The two-time Cy Young Award winner pitched six dominant innings, allowing one run and two hits, in a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The left-hander struck out seven and walked two.

Misiorowski had two starts during the regular season against the Dodgers and a relief appearance in last year’s NLCS. In those 17 innings, he has posted a 1.59 ERA with 27 strikeouts and three walks.

Yamamoto started Game 3 of the NLDS, and struck out 10 over seven innings. The right-hander allowed one run and four hits to go with one walk.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell struggled as the Game 2 starter against the Braves, who won 3-2 to tie the best-of-five series 1-1. The Dodgers went on to eliminate the Braves, 3-1.

Roberts said the Dodgers were in discussions about adding a pitcher for the best-of-seven NLCS, which would require them to drop a position player. Rosters are due Sunday morning.

Miguel Rojas exited Game 3 against the Braves during an at-bat with lower back pain. The utility player underwent imaging, which mostly showed prior back issues. He took ground balls and a couple rounds of batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Friday.

Rojas, 37, has said he’s leaning toward retiring at the end of the season.

“Today was encouraging,” Roberts said. “We still have a flight to get on and see how he comes in tomorrow for the workout there, so there’s nothing definitive.”

Brewers Knock Out Padres! Jeter, A-Rod & Big Papi React to Game 4 NLDS Win, NLCS Rematch vs Dodgers

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The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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The defending national champions meet 5-0 Nebraska in this week’s Big Noon Kickoff game. No. 7 Indiana and the Cornhuskers square off in Week 6 of college football on FOX.

Matt Rhule has Nebraska off to its best start since 2016, when the Cornhuskers opened 7-0. They’ve scored at least 30 points in every game this season for the first time since 2014.

The Cornhuskers are arguably one of the biggest surprises of the season, and now they have a chance to put the whole country on notice. A shot at knocking off the defending champs is the kind of opportunity a team dreams of.

Curt Cignetti and Indiana haven’t skipped a beat since last season. The Hoosiers again boast one of the nation’s top defenses and an offense that takes care of the ball. They’ve won 21 straight games and haven’t lost a regular-season road game since falling at Ohio State in November 2024.

Let’s take a look at the odds for No. 7 Indiana vs. Nebraska at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Oct. 10.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   No. 7 Indiana @ Nebraska Odds

Moneyline

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• Indiana: -305 (bet $10 to win $13.28 total)
• Nebraska: +245 (bet $10 to win $34.50 total)

Spread 

• Indiana -7.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
• Nebraska +7.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)

Over/Under

• Over 48.5: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)
• Under 48.5: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)

   No. 7 Indiana @ Nebraska Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

Only three Big Ten teams average at least 40 points per game while allowing 14 or fewer, and two of them meet in this matchup.

Nebraska faced its first real adversity of the season last week against Maryland, falling behind 23-14 — its largest deficit of the year. The Cornhuskers responded with 34 unanswered points and cruised to a 48-23 win. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns, adding 108 yards on the ground.

Like Nebraska, Indiana has rolled past nearly every opponent, but one team gave the Hoosiers an unexpected scare. Northwestern had Indiana on the ropes late in the fourth quarter and was one onside kick recovery away from a chance at an upset. Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers held on, then throttled Rutgers 47-15 on the road.

These teams share another trait: they protect the ball. Indiana has committed just one turnover all season, a fumble by running back Lee Beebe Jr., while quarterback Josh Hoover has yet to throw an interception. Nebraska has committed just two turnovers, both Colandrea interceptions.

Both teams are stingy on defense, but with offenses like these, points can come quickly and in bunches. Expect plenty of them in this week’s Big Noon Kickoff matchup.

   The Pick: Over 48.5

How to Watch No. 7 Indiana vs. Nebraska

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

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ALLIANZ FIELD (St. Paul, Minn.) — A fourth win and as many games for the U.S. men’s national team to kick off the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle.

The Stars and Stripes beat rivals Canada, 1-0, on Tuesday in the Twin Cities on a first-half goal by 19-year-old striker Justin Ellis — a win that comes on the heels of convincing victories over the last 12 days against Peru, Chile and historic nemesis Mexico.

Here are my takeaways, plus post-game reaction from the players, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino and Canada’s American boss Jesse Marsch. 

1. The Teenagers Are A Force

Teenager Justin Ellis celebrates after scoring the USMNT’s only goal in a win against Canada in Tuesday’s friendly. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

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Back on Sept. 26 in Orlando, the 19-year-old Ellis scored the USA’s first goal less than four minutes into what turned into a 4-1 rout of Peru. Julian Hall (18) and Mathis Albert (17) scored three days later in St. Louis in a 4-2 victory over Chile. Hall hit the target again in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Mexico; in the second half of the same match in Glendale, Arizona, 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan broke Albert’s four-day old record to become the youngest scorer in more than a century of U.S. men’s soccer.

That theme continued on Tuesday.

Ellis earned his second start of this four-match set, and, despite being hobbled by a challenge by acting Canadian captain Stephen Eustáquio midway through the first half, limped back onto the field and promptly got on the end of a cross by Alex Freeman, his former teammate with Orlando City SC. It was the hosts only shot during a foul-laden first 45 minutes.

Pochettino replaced Ellis with Hall for the start of the second half; Ellis left the stadium to have what a team spokesperson called a right lower leg contusion. He wasn’t the only teenager to start the game, though, as Albert, who entered as a sub in each of the Americans’ first three outings this camp, made his first appearance in the coach’s 11. And towering 6-foot-7 center back Neil Pierre, 18, came in to help preserve the clean sheet.

“They need to be ready to take the opportunity,” Pochettino said of the youngsters in general before mentioning the two strikers in paricular. “To assess and to see Julian and Justin was always the plan for us.”

2. U.S. Snaps Winless Streak Against Its Northern Neighbors

Alex Freeman passes the ball against Canada in Tuesday’s friendly, which the USA won. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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Three days after halting a two-match losing streak against El Tri, the Stars and Stripes broke another run of futility against another cross-border rival. 

“I give credit to the way the U.S. defended,” said Marsch, a former USA midfielder and assistant coach. “They bent, but they didn’t break.”

Besides a shootout win in the 2023 Gold Cup quarterfinals — a result that FIFA officially considers a tie — the U.S. had gone six tries without besting Canada and lost the last two meetings between the sides before Tuesday. 

So this triumph was a welcome one for U.S. fans and a potentially important psychological one for the American players — especially given the makeup of Pochettino’s relatively inexperienced September/October roster.

That could be important if these sides meet again next year in either the Concacaf Nations League in March or the Gold Cup next summer. Or both.

3. What’s Next For The Kids?

Goalkeeper Diego Kochen before the international friendly match between USA and Canada. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

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With the competitive games of this World Cup cycle beginning next month (more on that below), it will be fascinating to see which of the youngsters stick with the senior team and which ones return to either the U.S. under-20 or -23 national teams, the latter of which will double as the 2028 U.S. Olympic squad when the Los Angeles games kick off two summers from now. 

The assumption is that many of those on Pochettino’s roster for the 2026 World Cup who were either injured, returning from injury, settling in with new clubs or are known quantities come back into the fold. That long list includes Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah — players who have long been mainstays for the Americans, in some cases for multiple World Cups.

Still, some will probably stay with the varsity. Hall is probably the likeliest candidate, though he’s not alone. It’s not just the teenagers, either. 

Diego Kochen’s performance in goal vs. Mexico could win him another look. Same for older players like keeper Brian Schwake, who made foursaves on the way to posting a clean sheet Tuesday in his first start, and fellow 25-year-old George Campbell, who started his second match of the window and third overall.

“They seemed pretty comfortable from the beginning” of camp, veteran defender Chris Richards said of the new guard. “It’s been it’s been a lot of fun getting to know everybody — and not just on the field, but off the field.”

4. Haiti Looms In Next Month’s Nations League Quarterfinals

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino reacts during the friendly against Canada. (Photo by David Berding/USSF/Getty Images)

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The U.S. won the first three editions of the semi-annual Concacaf competition, hoisting the trophy in 2021, 2023 and 2024. It strolled past Jamaica over two legs to return to the final four just a month after Pochettino took over the program, winning a competitive game in Kingston for just the second time ever.

An upset by Panama ended the trophy streak in the semis in March of last year, and this same Canada squad added insult to injury by beating the Americans in the third place match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Pochettino & Co. would like to put that right in the same venue next March, when the Nations League finals return to Southern California. But they’ll need to get past a World Cup participant to get there, as Haiti was confirmed earlier Tuesday as the USA’s opponent in next month’s quarterfinals.

Even with Haiti’s home leg of the two-match, total-goals-wins series to be played in a neutral country because of severe security concerns in the Caribbean nations, beating Les Grenadiers isn’t a forgone conclusion. Although the U.S. hasn’t lost to the Haitians since 1973, their five most recent meetings have either ended even or with a one-goal American win. The Americans could learn where the opening match will be held as soon as Wednesday. The back end of the home-and-home is scheduled for Nov. 17 in Cincinnati. 

“It’s going to be a tough opponent,” said U.S. captain Tyler Adams, who was a member of the U.S. team that defeated the Haitians 2-1 in the group stage of last year’s Gold Cup. “That was a really, really tough game, one of those typical scrappy Concacaf games. So we need to be up for it.”

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