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Morocco spent a half being outplayed by a team that arrived with nothing to lose, then snapped back to reality. A rotated and rusty Atlas Lions side trailed Haiti twice in Atlanta before quality — and a lively bench — turned it into a 4-2 win.

Here are my takeaways from Morocco’s comeback over Haiti:

1. Group C, Sorted: Morocco March On, Haiti Head Home

(Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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With Brazil seeing off Scotland 3-0 across the bracket, Group C finished as the seedings predicted — just not in the order Morocco wanted. Both Brazil and Morocco closed on seven points, but Brazil’s plus-six goal difference dwarfed Morocco’s plus-three, so the Atlas Lions take second and the slightly bumpier road. As runners-up, they’re set to meet the Group F winner in the Round of 32 — likely the Netherlands or Japan. Regardless of the outcome, the 2022 semifinalists have advanced.

For Haiti, the math was settled before kickoff. The defeat locks them into last place with zero points, eliminating them and sending them home. The favorites advance. The underdogs bow out.

2. Ismael Saibari Saved His Best For Every Occasion

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Some players save their best for the big stage. Ismael Saibari decided every stage was the big one. The PSV Eindhoven striker scored in all three group games — a delicate lob against Brazil, the fastest goal in Morocco’s World Cup history against Scotland, and a cool Achraf Hakimi-assisted finish here — to finish as Morocco’s group-stage top scorer with three.

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari scores equalizer vs Haiti | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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He’s the breakout name, but hardly the only one who shone. Captain Achraf Hakimi was everywhere again, scoring one goal and assisting another from right back. Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz and Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss provided the craft in the final third. And the bench bailed them out: substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine combined for the two goals that finally put Haiti away. Morocco isn’t a one-man team. They’re a deep one, which is far more frightening.

3. The Tactics: Hakimi’s Show, And A Bench That Bites

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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On paper, it was a 4-2-3-1. In practice, it was the Achraf Hakimi show with a double pivot behind it. Morocco controlled 70% of the ball, funneled their best attacks through Hakimi’s overlapping runs on the right, and trusted Sofyan Amrabat and Neil El Aynaoui to shield the back four. When it clicks — as it did against Brazil and Scotland — Mohamed Ouahbi’s side looks like a team that can hurt anyone. They possess significant technical ability across every line in the formation.

The caveat: they conceded twice to an already-eliminated Haiti, the kind of switch-off better opponents punish. So what’s the ceiling? These are the 2022 semifinalists, now with arguably more attacking talent and a bench that wins games. Another deep run is firmly on the table — the quarterfinals feel a fair ask — provided the concentration that drifted in Atlanta shows up for the knockouts.

4. Haiti Leave With A Goal For The Ages

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

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Haiti reached their first World Cup in 52 years and left without a point: three games, three defeats, bottom of Group C. But don’t confuse the standings for the story. Sébastien Migné’s side led mighty Morocco twice, and the moment that outlives this tournament belonged to Wilson Isidor. With Haiti ahead and swinging, the Sunderland forward collected the ball on the right, shifted onto his stronger foot, and detonated a rocket into the top-left corner — an early goal-of-the-tournament nominee from a team that wasn’t supposed to score at all.

Haiti’s Wilson Isidor scores powerful screamer top corner vs. Morocco | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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The bodies and the quality ran out after the break, as everyone suspected they might. But Haiti found the net for the first time at a World Cup since 1974 and genuinely frightened a semifinalist. Some nights, that’s the victory. For Isidor, that’s a memory that’ll last a lifetime.

Morocco vs Haiti Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Under a grey South Florida sky at Miami Stadium where David Beckham was questionably drinking red wine (in this humidity?) from a suite, Brazil put on a show that dampened Scotland’s party while clinching a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds. 

Brazilian flags and the canary yellow-clad fans continuously erupted in cheer as Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued took full control of the evening and won Group C. As for the usually raucous Tartan Army, they saw Scotland sadly struggle to get anything going and cause mistake over mistake.

One thing is for sure. Ancelotti is slowly but surely returning the Joga Bonito (play beautifully) personality to Brazil. And that’s a scary thing for anyone else standing in its way. 

Here are my takeaways:

1. Vinícius Júnior Is Dancing To World Cup Glory

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The night belonged to the five-time World Cup champion and most importantly, Vinícius Júnior, who is having a tournament to remember. 

The Real Madrid star scored twice and gave the Scottish backline grief throughout the night, whilst Matheus Cunha sneakily scored his third goal of the competition to surprisingly also be in the mix for the Golden Boot race.

Thanks to his two goals, Vini Jr. has now scored in all three matches of the group stage – making him the first Brazilian to accomplish that feat since Rivaldo and Ronaldo in 2002, which is when the Seleção last won the World Cup. 

In fact, every time this has happened, Brazil has won the World Cup as Romario did in 1994 and Jairzinho in 1970 – where the legendary winger scored in every game. Could Vini Jr. emulate that at this World Cup? 

It’s obviously a big ask, but right now he has four goals — only one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race for the tournament’s top goalscorer. But what’s more important, the Brazil star is leading by example. And that’s exactly what this team needs.

2. Neymar Jr.’s Cameo Continues Summer Of Stars

(Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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It was also a night where Brazil welcomed back Neymar Jr., as the 34-year-old entered the pitch with less than 15 minutes to go. In a tournament where veteran icons like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić are having their moments in the spotlight, it was nice for Brazilians to welcome their own legendary star once again.  

After nearly three years, October 2023 to be exact, Neymar Jr. returned to action with Brazil. It has been an arduous time filled with injury-ridden problems that included his ACL and meniscus tear. But once he entered the pitch in the 76th minute to replace Matheus Cunha, the crowd on their feet chanted his name with excitement. 

This is exactly why Ancelotti brought him back to the squad. To not just perform but to ignite a fire within Brazil. If he can be an impactful player, even in 15–20 minutes of action, then Brazil will feel deeper, stronger and more confident. 

3. Scotland Gave Brazil Too Much Respect

(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

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Scotland now has a waiting game to see if it has made it as a top-eight third-placed team. Having the opening game victory over Haiti helps but the setback against Morocco, and conceding three goals on Tuesday to Brazil, most definitely does not.

Don’t get me wrong. Brazil totally deserved its win and there was probably nothing Scotland could have done tonight to change the narrative. But I thought the Scots were too nervous instead of pressing Brazil and making it uncomfortable.

In simple terms, Scotland just sat for too long and waited for Brazil to charge as opposed to stopping the momentum in the first place. In this game, whatever happened, Scotland needed to gamble, and I don’t think the team gambled enough.

Steve Clarke’s side has three points but also a -3 goal differential, so it has to see whether Scotland will sneak into the round of 32 or if the memorable stateside trip of the Tartan Army finishes earlier than hoped.

4. Bruno Guimarães With A Terrific Performance 

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

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With the style being provided by the likes of Vinícius Júnior, there needs to be some kudos given to Brazil’s engine in the middle. The Newcastle United man was excellent, as he provided a perfect assist for Vini’s second. Throughout the game, he hovered all over the midfield to begin the team’s sequences and was critical in all the created chances.

In the second half, he gave another assist to Matheus Cunha, thanks to a great run inside the box. It was a lovely flick. It was an imposing display.

In all, it was a complete performance for Brazil, who now wait for its Round of 32 opponent, which is the runner-up from Group F — either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden. That’s not an easy situation, especially with the first two mentioned.

Scotland vs Brazil Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk said he would sign immediately with the Washington Commanders if the San Francisco 49ers grant his wish and release him.

Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped showing up late last season as he rehabilitates a knee injury that has sidelined him since October 2024. Aiyuk wants to be released, but the Niners have shown no urgency to make a move even though general manager John Lynch has said he doesn’t expect Aiyuk to play for the team again.

“Tell them boys cut me today and I’ll sign with the Commanders tomorrow,” Aiyuk said on social media Wednesday.

The Commanders haven’t commented on Aiyuk’s status while he remains under contract to San Francisco and haven’t indicated that they would sign him if he becomes available.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with San Francisco just before the start of the 2024 season following a lengthy contract “hold in” that kept him out of practice that summer.

Aiyuk played seven games and caught 25 passes that season before going down with a season-ending knee injury and the acrimony between the sides only increased. The 49ers voided $27 million guaranteed in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026 last summer because he failed to participate in meetings and other team activities.

Aiyuk then left the team late in the season and has not talked to coach Kyle Shanahan or Lynch since then, communicating only through social media messages, calling the team “stupid” for paying him so much money.

Aiyuk could put pressure on the 49ers to make a decision if he shows up when the 49ers report to training camp on July 25. Until he reports, the 49ers can keep him on the reserve list without him counting to the salary cap or the roster limits.

Aiyuk has three years remaining on the four-year, $120 million extension he signed last year, including a nearly $25 million option bonus due before the start of this season. But he now has no guaranteed money remaining and won’t be owed anything unless he reports to the team.

The 28-year-old Aiyuk has 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs since being drafted in the first round in 2020.

Aiyuk recently had an arrest warrant issued by Santa Clara County on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding in response to a video Aiyuk posted to social media last December that appeared to show him speeding on the road in front of Levi’s Stadium.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The United States is through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 following its 2-0 win over Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday. 

With that, coupled with Türkiye’s loss to Paraguay, the USA clinched the top spot in Group D.

The United States winning Group D marks just the third time in history that the Americans have finished atop their group at a men’s World Cup. The U.S. previously accomplished the feat in 1930, finishing ahead of Paraguay and Belgium, and again in 2010, when it barely edged England for first place because of goals scored.

With the win, the U.S. will face the third-place team from either Group B, E, F, I or J in its Round of 32 matchup. That game will be played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1. 

If the USA continues to advance, it will play the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium, the quarterfinals at Los Angeles Stadium, the semifinals at Dallas Stadium and a potential final at New York New Jersey stadium. 

The 2010 USA team was the last one to win its World Cup group (Getty Images). –>

Before the tournament began, the U.S. was +5500 to win the World Cup. Now, after its dream start, its odds have surged to +3000. 

So when will the USA lose? Or, especially after its group stage dominance so far, will it even lose at all? 

Let’s take a look at the updated odds for the United States’ stage of elimination at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 24.

Team USA — Stage of elimination odds

Last 32: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Quarterfinals: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total)
Last 16: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Semifinals: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Runner-up: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Outright winner: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)

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After USA’s opening wins against Paraguay and Australia, the oddsboard still projects the Americans to fall in the first knockout-stage game.  

The second-highest chance on the oddsboard is to be eliminated in the quarterfinals, meaning the U.S. would win two knockout stage games, before falling in the quarterfinals.

How would that result stack up against previous results? Well, at the 2022 World Cup, Team USA made it to the Round of 16, which was viewed as a stellar accomplishment. 

The U.S. men’s national team currently has 30-1 odds to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy this summer (Getty Images). –>

In 2018, the USA did not qualify for the World Cup, and in 2014 and 2010, the Americans also made it to the Round of 16. Their best result this century occurred in 2002, when the Americans made it all the way to the quarterfinals before being eliminated. 

In 1998, the USA lost in the group stage, in 1994, it fell in the Round of 16, and in 1990, it also fell in the group stage.

The Stars and Stripes will face Türkiye in its third and final group stage match on Thursday. 

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We’re getting closer to the 2026 World Cup knockout round, when the 48-team field will shed the bottom 16 teams. Groups D, E and F will conclude on Thursday, and some teams will move on while others will head home.

In Group E, Ecuador will look to avoid a stunningly early exit but must defeat Germany to stay in the game. Meanwhile, Curaçao will need an even bigger miracle when it faces a highly motivated Ivory Coast team, which can book a spot in the knockouts with a win.

In Group F, the Netherlands can wrap up first place with a win over a Tunisian team that is eliminated and in contention to finish as the worst team at the World Cup. Sweden and Japan are likely playing for second place, but Japan has an edge heading into the day, looking like a real threat to make a knockout run.

Finally, in Group D, the United States team has already won the group and will wrap up this stage of the tournament with a game against an already-eliminated Türkiye team. The game between Paraguay and Australia promises to have far more drama, as the winner finishes second and the loser could be out. A draw, however, likely results in Australia finishing second but Paraguay advancing as a top-eight second-place team.

Here’s what to know about Thursday’s action.

When: Thursday, June 25, 4 p.m. ET

Where: New York/New Jersey

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Germany and Ecuador meet up on Thursday at New York New Jersey Stadium in a Group E game where both teams face very different realities.

Entering the tournament, Ecuador was seen as a team capable of making a deep run in the knockout stages. In World Cup qualifying in CONMEBOL’s single table format, Ecuador finished second, only behind Argentina. Its defense was historically good as it conceded just five goals, including just one in its final 11 games.

After two games without a win, Ecuador is looking at a scenario where it needs to defeat a powerful German team just to advance.

Germany’s Deniz Undav Subs In And Scores Two CLUTCH Goals to Complete Comeback vs Ivory Coast 🇩🇪

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Ecuador’s offense has gone completely silent, which has made life very hard on its normally reliable defense. In the opening game against the Ivory Coast, Ecuador missed several good chances only to concede a goal late in stoppage time to lose 1-0. Then on Saturday, in one of the tournament’s most surprising results, Ecuador failed to find the back of the net against tiny Curaçao in a 0-0 draw. Moisés Caicedo is Ecuador’s best player and the leader of the midfield, but the team’s front line has been the culprit.

Sebastián Beccacece’s squad is now facing massive pressure to avoid what would be an embarrassing early exit. The only way to do that is a win over a Germany team that has won 11 consecutive matches.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side has already clinched 1st place in Group E and Nagelsmann can comfortably rotate his deep and talented roster (much like his wardrobe) to rest key players before the round of 32. Deniz Undav, who scored two goals in the 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, and Kai Havertz lead the German attack, although it remains to be seen if either will start.

Player To Watch

The Venezia attacker is one of several players who Ecuadorian fans are hoping will rise to the occasion to spark life into the team’s listless offense. Yeboah was one of the leaders of Venezia in Italy last season as the team secured promotion to Serie A.

This will be an emotional game for Yeboah, who was born in Germany to a Ghanian father and an Ecuadorian mother, and competed for Germany’s youth national teams from the U-16 level to the U-20 level. He only earned his first Ecuadorian cap in 2024 and has since become a regular. Yeboah, 25, will now try to keep Ecuador’s hopes alive against the country he is from and used to represent.

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When: Thursday, June 25, 4 p.m. ET

Where: Philadelphia

TV: FS1

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Despite being the smallest country in both size and area to ever qualify for the World Cup, tiny Curaçao enters its final Group E game on Thursday with a chance to advance to the round of 32. Of course, it will be extremely difficult as it will require a win over a very good Ivory Coast team, but this tournament has been full of surprises and has shown that anything can happen.

Dick Advocaat’s squad suffered a heavy 7-1 loss at the hands of Germany in its opening game but then pulled off a stunner by fighting out a point in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. But to pull off an unthinkable upset win, it will require a lot more offense than it has shown. That begins with Leandro and the central midfield duo of Bacuna and Livano Comenencia, who play behind forward Jürgen Locadia (a member of Miami FC in the second-tier USL Championship).

HISTORY for Curaçao 🇨🇼 Eloy Room Makes 15 Saves Helping Curaçao Earn First FIFA World Cup™ Point

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Ivory Coast has shown that it can compete with the world’s best and is a team that no one wants to face in the knockout stage. Just prior to the tournament, Les Éléphants defeated France in France. Now at the World Cup, it defeated Ecuador while losing to Germany only on a second-half stoppage-time goal.

The team’s attack is led by Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, and Simon Adingra. Behind them is a strong midfield which includes Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare.

Ivory Coast should win this game easily to finish second in Group E, but Curaçao continues to be a great story, and the team’s players believe in themselves and each other.

Player To Watch

The Miami FC goalkeeper put on one of the great performances in the early stages of the World Cup against Ecuador when he made a record-tying 15 saves to keep the clean sheet. Room helped make history for the nation of Curaçao in leading the team to its first World Cup point. Any hope Curaçao has of pulling off another shocking result starts with Room continuing to be great.

When: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. ET

Where: Kansas City

TV: FS1

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

The Netherlands will be looking to secure the top spot in Group F when it takes on Tunisia on Thursday at Kansas City Stadium. The Netherlands enters the game with four points and are flying high after a terrific 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday. On the other hand, Tunisia is in complete disarray and has already been eliminated.

The Netherlands enters this game even on points and even on goal differential with Japan at the top of the group. Given that Japan and the Netherlands drew in their matchup, first place could come down to goal differential if both teams win their finals.

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) –>

Fortunately for the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman’s team has a better chance of running up the score in its finale. The Dutch bring a lot of firepower, having scored seven goals across their two group matches.

Liverpool left winger Cody Gakpo and Sunderland attacker Brian Brobbey each scored two goals against Sweden, while West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville has scored in each of the first two games at this World Cup.

But this World Cup has been a disaster for Tunisia, which became the first team in tournament history to fire its coach after its first match. While many expected the Carthage Eagles’ defense to be its biggest strength after not conceding a goal in its qualifying campaign, it has been the worst of the tournament after conceding nine goals in its first two games. In doing so, Tunisia became the fourth country ever to lose consecutive World Cup games by four goals or more.

This game could be ugly as the Dutch simply have too many in-form offensive weapons and have every reason to run up the score, while Tunisia likely just wants to go home.

Player To Watch

The Inter Milan right-back has been one of the stars of Group F as he has been excellent at attacking down the flanks. The Rotterdam native had two assists against Sweden, who simply struggled over the course of the game to defend him. Tunisia has been woeful defending wide players in its first two games and that sets the table for Dumfries to have a field day in this game.

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When: When: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. ET

Where: Dallas

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

A lot is at stake for Japan and Sweden when the two teams meet on Thursday at Dallas Stadium in Group F. Japan enters the game on four points while Sweden has three points. The winner of this game is assured of a place in the knockout stages, and possible even the group title depending on how the Netherlands (also at four points) do against Tunisia.

Sweden is among the most difficult teams at this tournament to predict. The team failed in World Cup qualifying but were given an alternate path due to its Nations League success. Sweden then responded well initially under head coach Graham Potter, who guided the team into the World Cup via the playoffs. The tune-up friendlies were unconvincing, but the win over Tunisia was a big first step in the tournament opener. The loss to the Netherlands was then a step back.

 (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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The results for Sweden have been all over the place over the past two years and that makes it impossible to know what to expect in this game. The plan for Potter’s team, of course, is to get its star attackers in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres involved as much as possible. Those two are difficult for any team in this tournament to stop.

Japan enters this game as the deserved favorite and can win the group if it defeats Sweden and the Dutch stumble. Even if both teams win, Japan can win Group F if its margin of victory is greater than the margin for the Netherlands.

Hajime Moriyasu’s squad is riding high after an excellent performance in its 4-0 win over Tunisia. The Samurai Blue have dealt with multiple injuries both before and during this tournament but have only continued to play solid soccer. Japan’s attacking depth has looked devastatingly fluid. Even with Takefusa Kubo nursing a slight knee injury, playmakers Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan have stepped up to raise their game. Center forward Ayase Ueda scored twice and added an assist against Tunisia as he looks like a player Japan can depend on to score important goals.

Japan is unbeaten in nine games and has scored six goals from its first two games. The Samurai Blue’s ambition of making a deep run at this World Cup look very realistic. Sweden will need to have a lot go right to pull off an upset win.

Player To Watch

The Japanese center forward has had an exceptional year. In the 2025-26 season, Ueda won the Eredivisie Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals for Feyenoord. Over the past 12 months, he has scored four goals for Japan — which came in games against Brazil and Paraguay, and two goals on Saturday in a 4-0 win over Tunisia at the World Cup. Ueda spearheads a very strong Japanese attack that will have plenty of opportunities against a Swedish team that has not kept a clean sheet in 13 games and recently allowed five goals against the Netherlands.

When: When: Thursday, June 25, 10 p.m. ET

Where: Los Angeles

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Co-host United States will take on Türkiye on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium in the Group D finale for both teams. USA has already clinched the group title after winning its first two games by multigoal margins and outscoring opponents 6-1. Meanwhile, Türkiye has lost its first two games and is eliminated. It will end its disappointing World Cup campaign after this game.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is likely to heavily rotate his squad to prepare for its round of 32 game on July 1. Key players Chris Richards, Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams and Antonee “Jedi” Robinson all have yellow cards and are unlikely to play to not risk a suspension for the knockouts.

Who’s the Better Athlete: USA’s Alex Freeman or Antonio Freeman? After Hours with James Corden

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There are also questions surrounding Christian Pulisic’s recovery from a calf injury which he picked up in the first half of the 4-1 win over Paraguay and forced him to miss the 2-0 win over Australia. Pulisic has resumed training this week, but Pochettino has no pressure to play the AC Milan winger in this game.

The result is that many players who have begun the first two games on the bench might start this game. Players such as Tim Weah, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Brenden Aaronson, Sebastian Berhalter, and Ricardo Pepi are examples of players who seem likely to start.

Folarin Balogun Talks to Zlatan, Alexi Lalas & Thierry Henry About His First FIFA World Cup™

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The answer is not nearly as clear for Türkiye, which has faced a wave of criticism from the Turkish media for its inability to score a single goal in its first two games despite having 62 shot attempts. Vincenzo Montella’s squad dominated possession and scoring chances but lost to Australia 2-0 in the opener (with 72% possession and 30 shots) and then to Paraguay 1-0 (with 78% possession and 32 shots), which was made worse by Paraguay’s first half red card.

It remains to be seen how Montella will treat this game. He could still start the team’s best players, such as Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, or may instead opt to use players who have not played much in this tournament and are likely not as rattled as the main starters.

Türkiye’s players have spoken to the media and expressed disappointment about their performances, with Güler even saying that the team should feel “ashamed.” But Türkiye could win this game because the U.S. team is not deep in the areas where it will likely rest starters, specifically central defense and defensive midfield. It just remains to be seen if Türkiye will enter this game with the mindset of looking to prove something or simply looking forward to going on an unexpectedly early vacation.

Player to Watch

The U.S. national team winger/fullback is likely not happy with his lack of playing time thus far at the tournament. Pochettino has instead elected to go with Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman on the right side, and it is hard to argue with those decisions. Weah is likely to start this game given Pochettino’s need to rotate squads – and this is Weah’s chance to make a concrete case to his coach that he should be on the field in the knockout stages.

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When: When: Thursday, June 25, 10 p.m. ET

Where: San Francisco Bay Area

TV: FS1

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One 

Second place in Group D and a guaranteed place in the round of 32 is on the line when Paraguay and Australia clash on Thursday at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Both teams have lost to the United States and defeated Türkiye to arrive with three points. But Australia carries an edge in the goal differential tiebreaker and will claim second if the teams play to a draw.

Based on the performances of the teams in their first two games, this game has no clear favorites and is difficult to predict.

For Paraguay, Gustavo Alfaro’s squad kept its tournament alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Türkiye despite playing the entire second half down a man following Miguel Almiron’s red card. Paraguay took the lead 65 seconds into the game after a splendid strike from Atlanta United’s Matías Galarza. From there, however, Paraguay defended admirably the rest of the way.

(Photo by Dale MacMillan/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Paraguay will now look for another win to finish second in the group, but the team’s biggest priority is likely not to lose. While not optimal, a draw would still likely be enough for Paraguay to qualify for the knockouts as one of the eight best third place teams. Paraguay will look to attack, but also in a disciplined way that does not risk a loss.

For Australia, a win would be great for momentum heading into the knockouts, but in terms of standings, there is no difference between a draw and a win as both result in Australia finishing second.

Head coach Tony Popovic will also need to be careful in this game. He can go for the win but only with a risk-adverse approach.

If there is a winner in this game, it’s likely to come from a player making a big individual play. Both teams are capable, and Australia’s two goals against Türkiye from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe reflect that.

But this game has a high potential of a draw, given that while both teams want to win, neither can afford to lose.

Player To Watch

The Vancouver Whitecaps central midfielder was one of Paraguay’s most important players in the 1-0 victory over Türkiye. With Paraguay forced to play the entire second half down a man, Cubas shifted to a defensive role where he had seven clearances and three interceptions as Paraguay held off Türkiye’s attacks. 

Against Australia, Paraguay will likely have more of the ball than it did against Türkiye, but the main priority for the team is to defend well and be smart. Cubas is key to that. A win would be preferable, but a draw should still be enough to book a ticket to the round of 32.

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The United States takes on Türkiye, but the USA has already won its group, which changes the outlook of this match. 

Of course, momentum matters, but the real goal is simple: get through this match unscathed, rotate in fresh legs and give the full-time starters a break before the Round of 32.

It’s also important to note that Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards are all sitting on a yellow card, so it would make sense for them to be excused from this matchup to avoid picking up a second yellow and missing the Round of 32 match. 

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Everything has been going great for the United States. 

The Americans looked dominant in their opener against Paraguay and matched that intensity in their second match against Australia. The way this team has played has American fans believing the USMNT is here to stay and a real contender. 

On the other hand, there are Türkiye fans who are disappointed. Their country leads the World Cup in shots taken through two matches, yet has still not scored a goal. 

It has been one of the more disappointing starts to the tournament for a young team that many viewed as a dark horse contender. But this is also the spot where I expect Türkiye to show up. The United States has nothing to play for and Türkiye has everything to play for, mainly its pride. 

This is a proud nation, and I have a hard time believing it is going to pack it in against a United States reserve squad.

It’s asking a lot to expect a rotated USMNT side to be fully motivated against a team playing for the pride of a country. So despite how un-American this might feel, I have to take Türkiye.

Whether you like it or not, there has to be some objectivity in this match. 

Türkiye is the only team with something to play for, and it is probably the only team that gives maximum effort from the opening whistle to full-time.

Hill’s Pick:   Türkiye +0.5 (-115)

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U.S. World Cup Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — As a strictly practical matter, it’s no secret that the Stars and Stripes don’t need to win — or even tie — Thursday’s first round finale against already eliminated Türkiye.

It’s a right Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has earned. By winning their first two games at a World Cup for the first time in 96 years, the Americans not only advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament with a game to spare, but also clinched Group D.

You wouldn’t know it when talking to the U.S. players here this week.

While Pochettino confirmed on the eve of the contest that he’ll make several lineup changes from those victories over Australia — at least the four starters who picked up yellow cards; another against the Turks for any of them would trigger a suspension for the round of 32, which isn’t worth the risk — the replacements will approach the match as if it means everything.

For many of them, it will.

“Everybody’s going to be called on at a different point, in a different capacity,” center back Mark McKenzie — one of eight members of the USA’s 26-man World Cup roster who have yet to see a single minute at the tournament — told me and other reporters here before the USA’s final pre-Türkiye training session. “Being ready I think is the biggest thing for each and every guy.”

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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“I’ve been training hard, waiting for the opportunity, but I’m sure it’ll come,” said Alex Zendejas — who also has yet to play — before quickly qualifying his reward. “That’s obviously a coach’s decision.”

So is whether to play top attacker Christian Pulisic, who sat out last week against the Aussies because of a calf injury but said on Wednesday that he’ll be able to start if Pochettino selects him, if not play the entire game.

The smart money is on the former Paris Saint-Germain boss taking a conservative approach. As much as he wants to finish the first round with three wins, the game that matters most comes on July 1 in Santa Clara, Calif., and will more than likely be against a Bosnia and Herzegovina side that eliminated four-time World Cup champion Italy in March in Europe’s qualifying playoffs. Lose that contest, and all the good vibes the Americans have created so far instantly turn toxic.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Still, heading into that do-or-die tilt without disrupting the momentum would be ideal.

“Two wins is what’s keeping the energy high right now, and three would be even [better],” left back Max Arfsten, who seems set to fill in for Antonee “Jedi” Robinson (Jedi was cautioned against the Socceroos), said on Tuesday. “Regardless of if we’ve advanced or not, training is still very competitive, it’s very intense, and I think that’s the culture that the coach created: No matter what, everyone’s still trying to prove something.”

At his pre-game press conference, Pochettino laid down exactly what.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Whoever he picks must go take the field at Los Angeles Stadium with the mindset that “it’s the final of the World Cup,” the 54-year-old Argentine said.

Why wouldn’t they? After all, it could be the culmination of a childhood dream for some of them, and possibly the only World Cup game they ever play in their entire careers.

Seeing their teammates accomplish that could have a feel-good knock-on effect on the rest of the roster. Those who haven’t yet played have been training just as hard, have been away from their young children just as long as those who’ve been in the spotlight so far.

“I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance,” said star defender Chris Richards, another of the Americans carrying a yellow.

“I think everyone on this team is ready to step up,” Pulisic added. “We’re going to support and push everyone the same way, whoever gets the opportunity [on Thursday] to play, whatever the decisions may be. Everyone’s going to be ready, and it just shows how much depth and what a strong team we have.”

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Not that getting on the field in what some have referred to as a “dead rubber” match is some sort of consolation prize. After all, this is still the biggest stage in global sports.

“It’s a World Cup,” said Richards. “If you’re not excited for this, I don’t know when you will be excited.” 

So yes, the result against Türkiye truly matters — even if it doesn’t.

“We need to win,” Pochettino said flatly in his native Spanish. “I have no doubt that the team that plays in the match is going to perform.”

More From Doug McIntyre

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The offseason and spring training are behind us, but there’s plenty of MLB news left to cover.

Here are the noteworthy transactions, injuries and more from the 2026 season.

June 24

Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery after a recent setback in his injury recovery.

After an assessment by orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister, the Twins announced Wednesday that Abel will undergo the minor procedure more than two months after he first landed on the injured list. The timetable for Abel’s return won’t be determined until after the surgery.

The Twins had Abel lined up to rejoin the rotation Sunday, after he made two smooth rehab starts for Triple-A St. Paul. But he reported soreness after his bullpen session Friday and was shut down from throwing.

Abel was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies with minor league catcher Eduardo Tait the day before the trade deadline last season for closer Jhoan Duran.

The 24-year-old had a 3.98 ERA in four appearances this year, throwing 14 consecutive scoreless innings before he was sidelined by elbow inflammation following his start on April 14.

Minnesota’s starting pitching has been depleted by injuries. Right-hander Pablo López, an All-Star in 2023, is out for the season following elbow surgery. Right-hander Bailey Ober has been sidelined for the last three weeks with elbow inflammation and won’t return until after the All-Star break.

Left-hander Kendry Rojas, who started on Tuesday, was sent to Triple-A before the game Wednesday in the latest round of pitching roster moves made by the Twins.

Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe plans to serve his one-game suspension Wednesday night, nearly a month after Major League Baseball handed down the penalty.

The suspension takes effect for Milwaukee’s game against the Cincinnati Reds as the Brewers attempt to complete a three-game sweep.

Uribe was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount on May 29, three days after he celebrated an inning-ending strikeout by making three WWE-style crotch chops while facing St. Louis’ dugout during a 6-0 victory over the Cardinals.

When the suspension was announced, Uribe said he planned to appeal it. He instead opted to serve the penalty Wednesday as part of a settlement agreement.

Uribe has pitched four of the past five days, so he was unlikely to be available to pitch Wednesday anyway.

Uribe is 4-2 and 3.38 ERA and five saves in 31 appearances this season. He has struck out 31 in 29 1/3 innings.

The New York Yankees put infielder Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list due to a throat infection and recalled utility player Oswaldo Cabrera from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

New York made the moves on Wednesday before wrapping up a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.

McMahon is hitting .210 with eight homers — including five that have pulled the Yankees into a tie or given them the lead — and 23 RBIs in 69 games. Cabrera hit .234 with 20 home runs and 95 RBIs for the Yankees from 2022-25.

Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera were placed on the injured list Wednesday, delivering two more blows for the pitching-depleted Chicago Cubs.

Cabrera was expected to get imaging Wednesday after straining his left hamstring/adductor stretching for a throw at first base Tuesday during a 9-6 win over the New York Mets.

Brown has a neck strain. He is 4-2 with one save and a 1.85 ERA for the Cubs, including being 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in eight starts since joining the banged-up rotation on May 8.

The Cubs have six starters sidelined, though opening day starter Matthew Boyd (left meniscus) is scheduled to come off the injured list and start in Brown’s spot Thursday.

“We’re getting a guy that pitched opening day back for us, so that’s a big deal,” Counsell said. “Those are important players to get healthy and get in your rotation.”

Jameson Taillon (strained left hamstring) is on the 15-day injured list. Counsell said the 34-year-old is progressing well and could throw off a mound soon.

Cade Horton is out for the year after having Tommy John surgery, while Justin Steele is on the 60-day injured list recovering from his 2025 Tommy John surgery and a left flexor strain. General manager Jed Hoyer said this week Steele likely won’t return to the rotation this year.

Francisco Lindor is ready to rejoin the New York Mets — just as Juan Soto deals with a back injury that may sideline him beyond Wednesday.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said he couldn’t rule out a trip to the injured list for Soto, who exited a 9-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs after the fourth inning Tuesday night because of a tight back.

Soto, who was pictured on SNY wearing a wrap around his back in the dugout Tuesday, underwent imaging before Wednesday’s doubleheader. Mendoza said he hoped Soto could be available at some point Wednesday but acknowledged a level of concern for the superstar outfielder, who is in the second season of a 15-year, $765 million deal.

“We’ve got to wait,” Mendoza said. “Obviously not ideal when a player like him comes out of a game. Those guys are tough, and they know how important they are, and they take pride in being in the lineup every day and posting.

“I just didn’t like how he looked yesterday. We’ve got to wait.”

Soto’s injury may delay his reunion with Lindor, who is expected to be activated prior to Wednesday’s nightcap. The 32-year-old shortstop has been sidelined since suffering a strained left calf while running the bases against the Minnesota Twins on April 22 — the same day Soto returned from an 18-day stint on the shelf due to a strained right calf.

Lindor played in his third rehab game Tuesday, when he was 2 for 5 while scoring twice for Triple-A Syracuse. He made the four-hour trip back to New York following the game, which factored into the Mets’ decision to hold off on activating him.

“Everything checked out well after the game last night, but he got in late, so we told him to kind of recover this morning,” Mendoza said. “We anticipate him being in the lineup.”

Mendoza said the Mets will proceed cautiously with Lindor following the longest injured stint of his 12-year career. Lindor, who missed just 15 games the previous four years, will likely sit out Thursday’s game and will also see more time than usual at designated hitter.

Lindor and Soto have played just nine games together this season for the last-place Mets, who haven’t recovered from the 12-game losing streak they endured during Soto’s absence. New York, which hasn’t finished in last place since 2003, is seven games out of the final National League playoff spot.

“I’m just worried about Soto,” Mendoza said. “I’m not thinking about Lindor back, Soto out. It is what it is, right? Hopefully, we can get those two in the lineup for a long time here for the rest of the season, and we can make a run at it.”

Mendoza also announced beleaguered starter Kodai Senga has been shifted to the bullpen. Senga gave up seven runs over 3 2/3 innings Tuesday as his ERA rose to 10.08. He hasn’t earned a win since June 12, 2025, when he suffered a hamstring injury covering first base against the Washington Nationals.

Senga, a noted creature of habit, has made just one relief appearance for the Mets. He threw the final 1 2/3 innings of Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“We’re going to adjust his routine; he’s going to have to adjust his routine,” Mendoza said.

Mets slugger Juan Soto was removed from Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs because of back tightness.

Soto appeared to grimace when he flied out in the first inning. He flied out again in the third and was replaced in left field in the top of the fifth with New York trailing 7-2. Jared Young moved from first base to left field, and Mark Vientos entered at first in Soto’s third spot in the batting order.

In the bottom of the sixth, the last-place Mets announced Soto left with tightness on the left side of his back.

“Back locked up there. So, he’s day-to-day. We’ll see where we’re at. He got treatment during the game, but he got to a point there, you could tell something was off,’ manager Carlos Mendoza said after his team’s 9-6 defeat.

‘He was making some faces there and obviously I checked with him and he got to a point where it was like, it was bothering him to throw and then to just get his A swing on it. So at that point, I thought it was just best to get him out of the game and have the trainers look at him.”

Soto, a four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger award winner, began the night batting .301 with 17 homers, 38 RBIs and a .974 OPS. He spent time on the injured list in April with a calf strain.

Mets’ star shortstop Francisco Lindor (left calf strain) had two hits and scored twice in a rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse. A decision is expected Wednesday on whether to reinstate him from the injured list or wait a little longer. Lindor has not suited up for the Mets since April 22; New York is 25-28 in his absence, and in last place in the NL East.

In the same game with Syracuse, outfielder Tyrone Taylor (right hip flexor strain) went 3 for 5 with a homer, a double and three runs against Lehigh Valley. Switch-hitting infielder Ronny Mauricio (broken left thumb) had two hits and three RBIs.

New York expects right-hander Christian Scott (right hip impingement) to come off the injured list this weekend and start Saturday or Sunday against Philadelphia. New York has leaned on the likes of David Peterson (6.09 ERA in 68 innings) and Kodai Senga (10.08 ERA in seven starts) in the absence of Scott, who managed a 3.10 ERA in nine starts before landing on the IL.

June 23

Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera was carted off the field Tuesday night after injuring his left leg stretching for a throw at first base against the New York Mets.

With two runners aboard in the fifth inning, Cabrera hustled over to cover the bag when Jared Young hit a two-out grounder wide of first. Second baseman Nico Hoerner made a sliding stop on the outfield grass and threw to Cabrera, who went into a split as he caught the toss for the final out of the inning.

The 28-year-old right-hander grabbed the inside of his left thigh, then got to his feet and tried to walk toward the dugout. But he went back down in obvious pain and needed assistance just to stand before a cart arrived and he was driven off the field through an opening in the outfield wall at Citi Field.

A few innings later came an announcement in the press box saying Cabrera exited his start with a left hamstring/adductor strain.

The Seattle Mariners activated left fielder Randy Arozarena from the injured list on Tuesday night before the opener of a three-game series with Pittsburgh.

Arozarena was sidelined since June 13 because of a strained left hamstring. He’s hitting .291/.377/.448 with seven home runs and 19 stolen bases in 71 games.

Infielder/outfielder Connor Joe was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Joe hit .179/.289/.308 with one homer in 21 games.

Major league home runs leader Kyle Schwarber was scratched with lower back tightness before the Philadelphia Phillies’ game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.

The announcement that the team’s designated hitter would be out came about five minutes before the game began. Edmundo Sosa replaced him in the Phillies’ lineup.

Schwarber leads the majors this season with 29 home runs and is coming off a weekend in which he hit three against the Mets on Saturday and another one on Sunday.

Schwarber went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in a 4-1 loss to the Nationals on Monday night.

Elly De La Cruz was back in the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup for Tuesday night’s game against Milwaukee after spending just over three weeks on the injured list.

The Reds announced they activated the two-time All-Star shortstop, who strained his right hamstring on May 31, and optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville.

De La Cruz completed a three-game rehab assignment at Louisville over the weekend. He homered and played five innings at shortstop on Friday, was 0 for 3 as the designated hitter Saturday and 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and an error on Sunday.

De La Cruz was batting .280 with an .855 OPS and 12 home runs in 58 games before he went on the IL for the first time in his major league career.

June 22

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins in the second inning with low back spasms.

Tucker walked with one out in the second and ran lightly to second base on Tommy Edman’s single to right field. Then, Tucker was replaced by pinch-runner Alex Call. Tucker stayed in the dugout, standing up next to dugout fence before heading into the clubhouse after the inning was over.

After signing a four-year, $240 million contract with Los Angeles in January, Tucker has played in 75 of the Dodgers’ 79 games this season. But he’s hit just .234 with six home runs and four RBIs. The .234 average is his lowest since hitting .141 in 28 games as a rookie in Houston in 2018. He’s hit at least 22 homers in each of the past five seasons.

The Dodgers also pulled catcher Dalton Rushing in the bottom of the third to rule out a concussion. Los Angeles was already without catcher Will Smith, who is on the 10-day IL with neck inflammation.

Francisco Lindor will play at least one more minor-league rehab game before the New York Mets decide to activate their shortstop from the injured list following a two-month absence because of a strained left calf.

Lindor will play his third rehab game on June 22 when he plays for Triple-A Syracuse. He split last weekend playing for Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse and was 1 for 8 while playing shortstop.

“We’ll re-assess after the game and see what’s next for him,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets were scheduled to open a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

Lindor was scheduled to take at-bats in a simulated game on the field Monday, but the session was canceled because of heavy rain. Instead, he participated in indoor baseball activities.

“We’ll see whether he needs a day off, if he’s ready to come [back],” Mendoza said. “He’s just got to get through tomorrow and we’ll have those discussions.”

Lindor strained his calf scoring on a double by Francisco Alvarez against the Minnesota Twins on April 22. His injury was more severe than the strained right calf that sidelined Juan Soto for 15 games in April when the Mets lost 12 in a row.

Before getting hurt, Lindor batted .226 with two homers and five RBIs. He had elbow surgery following last season and missed most of spring training after surgery on his left hamate bone.

The Mets began Monday 26-27 without Lindor, who is on the injured list for the third time in his 12-year big-league career. Without Lindor, Bo Bichette has received the bulk of the starts at shortstop after being signed to a $126 million, three-year contract to play third base.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to be reinstated from the injured list on June 23 after missing 19 games with a strained right hamstring, manager Terry Francona said on June 22.

De La Cruz — who has been sidelined since June 1 — took batting practice prior to the Reds’ Monday night series opener against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

He made three rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville, going 2 for 8 with a home run and two RBIs. After homering in his first rehab start on Friday, De La Cruz texted Francona, “Be there tomorrow,” but the Reds didn’t want to rush things.

De La Cruz left the May 31 game against the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness after he had a base hit in the fifth inning.

He had a streak of appearing in 276 consecutive games snapped, the sixth-longest streak for a Reds player in the expansion era (1961-present). His streak began on July 30, 2024.

Before going on the injured list, De La Cruz was batting .280 with 12 home runs.

The Chicago White Sox activated Kyle Teel from the 60-day injured list on Monday and optioned fellow catcher Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte.

Teel is expected to make his season debut in the opener of a three-game series against AL Central-leading Cleveland.

The 24-year-old Teel strained his right hamstring while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Then he hurt his right knee while playing for Charlotte on a rehab assignment.

Teel, a first-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft, was acquired by Chicago in the Garrett Crochet trade in December 2024. He hit .273 with eight homers and 35 RBIs in 78 games last year in his first action with the White Sox.

Teel spent four games with the Knights on his second rehab stint, going 8 for 16 with a homer and four RBIs.

The White Sox are back at home after going 1-5 on a six-game trip. They were one game back of the Guardians going into the series.

Quero has struggled at the plate in his second major league season, batting just .187 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 55 games. He was acquired in a July 2023 trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

June 21

The Texas Rangers placed right-handed starting pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list Sunday with an ankle issue the right-hander has been battling most of the season, and star shortstop Corey Seager still isn’t ready to return from a concussion.

The Rangers recalled right-hander Jose Corniell from Triple-A Round Rock but didn’t say how they would fill Leiter’s spot in the rotation Tuesday at the Miami Marlins. Six of Corniell’s seven minor-league appearances were starts.

President of baseball operations Chris Young said Leiter was trying to pitch through what is being called right ankle posterior impingement, but his mechanics were affected by compensating for the injury.

Leiter lost all three of his June starts and had a 9.88 ERA, capped by allowing seven hits and six runs in four innings in a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He is 3-7 with a 5.29 ERA in 15 starts this season.

“Jack has not made it an issue. That speaks to his level of competitiveness,” Young said. “He’s not made excuses, but the reality is he’s having to change his delivery to compensate for it. We cannot put him in harm’s way. He’s too important to our future.”

Young said the 26-year-old Leiter was already dealing with the balky ankle when he aggravated the injury by slipping on an on-deck circle in his fifth start of the season April 22 at home against the New York Yankees. Young said imaging showed the injury was getting worse.

“We’ve been trying to monitor it as best we could,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “But the reality is he just wasn’t able to do what he was capable of doing throughout the starts. I think it started showing up more and more. It wasn’t fair to him that we kept sending him out there.”

Seager was eligible to return from the seven-day concussion list Friday, but Young said he was still in the protocol. He was participating in meetings and running on the field before the game.

Schumaker said the two-time World Series MVP would be on the upcoming 10-game road trip with stops in Miami, Toronto and Cleveland, but couldn’t say when Seager would play.

“It’s still day to day,” Schumaker said. “I’m trying to make sure that he feels good after this kind of stimulation and inside the weight room, hitting and then running.”

Seager was in the worst slump of his career when he took a few days off in mid-May and ended up with a sore back that extended his absence to 19 games. The five-time All-Star is hitting .186 with nine homers and 24 RBIs.

June 20

Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start against San Diego on Saturday because of left knee soreness.

Lefty MacKenzie Gore was moved up a day to replace Eovaldi, and the Rangers didn’t immediately announce a starter for Sunday’s series finale against the Padres.

It’s the second time in a little more than a month that Eovaldi has been scratched from a start. The 36-year-old was dealing with tightness in his left side when he skipped a May 11 start against Arizona.

Eovaldi ended up missing one turn in the rotation before pitching seven scoreless innings and tying his season high with eight strikeouts in an 8-0 victory against Houston.

The two-time All-Star is 6-7 with a 4.23 ERA in 14 starts.

Eovaldi didn’t pitch after Aug. 22 last year because of a right rotator cuff strain, and it was revealed after the season that he needed sports hernia surgery. He was 11-3 with a career-best 1.73 ERA in 22 starts but fell short of the number of innings required to qualify for the ERA title.

Shohei Ohtani wasn’t in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Friday night because he is “away from the team on paternity.” The team announced in a post on X that the two-way superstar is expected to return this weekend, meaning he wasn’t placed on MLB’s paternity list.

Manager Dave Roberts said after a 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles that he hopes Ohtani returns Saturday but he had not talked to him. Roberts said he found out “very recently” that Ohtani was going to be a father again.

“Keeping his privacy,” Roberts said, smiling.

The team’s lineup for Friday’s series opener came out less than an hour before gametime, with Ryan Ward listed as the designated hitter batting seventh. Asked three hours before the game about the delayed lineup, Roberts said he was working out “some things with some position players” and made no mention of Ohtani.

Roberts was asked about Ohtani’s sore left knee and said he had not spoken to him Friday.

“Just assuming that after the off day he’s in a good spot,” the manager said.

Roberts often mentions if a player is expecting a baby, and the team typically announces when they have been placed on paternity leave.

Ohtani, who turns 32 on July 5, and his 29-year-old wife, Mamiko Tanaka, became first-time parents in April 2025 with the birth of their daughter. He first announced on social media in December 2024 that the couple was expecting. The famously private Ohtani has never publicly revealed her name and has carefully avoided showing her face in the rare family photos he posts to his social media.

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. said Friday that he doesn’t plan to start wearing a protective cup, one day after getting hit in the groin by a foul ball.

“If you don’t trust your hands, I would recommend wearing a cup,” Chisholm said ahead of the Yankees game against Cincinnati. “I feel like it’s more defensively that you would wear a cup than hitting. At the same time, I just never thought about wearing a cup.”

In the fourth inning of Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the White Sox, Chisholm fouled a 2-2 curveball from Sean Burke off his groin. He was down for several minutes as trainer Tim Lentych attended to him and then limped off the field to get treated with ice packs.

“The trainers and he followed up this morning but, I felt good about it last night,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “I got with him last night and he seemed like he was going to be fine. They wanted to do some things this morning just to be sure, but I sent the lineup out last night because I felt confident about it and if we had to adjust we would.”

Chisholm described the pain as “a million,” and said he never wore a cup in the minor leagues, where it is mandatory.

“I’ve never worn a cup,” Chisholm said. “I’m not going change. Just an unlucky instance right there.’

Justin Verlander’s return to the Detroit Tigers has been delayed again. Manager A.J. Hinch announced Friday that the 43-year-old right-hander pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session and will be sidelined indefinitely.

“This is not a matter of days,” Hinch said. “It is a matter of weeks.”

Verlander was scheduled to return from a hip injury on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox in what would have been his first start with the Tigers at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017. He was traded to Houston the next day.

Verlander has only pitched once this season, allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings during a 9-6 road loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30.

He went 183-115 in 14 seasons with the Tigers before the trade. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 2011. He helped Detroit reach the World Series in 2006 and 2012.

The Tigers also placed outfielder Wenceel Perez on the injured list with facial fractures. He was struck by an exercise band that came unhooked during a postgame workout in Houston.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a grade-1 MCL sprain.

He left Thursday’s game at the end of the fourth inning after earlier fielding a ground ball.

Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Friday the Royals were “fortunate” that it was just a mild sprain.

“It just could have been a lot worse,” Quatraro said.

The plan was to give Witt Friday off. The teams are scheduled for a rare Saturday off day because a World Cup match between Ecuador and Curacao will be played at neighboring Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead) on Saturday night.

Quatraro was hopeful that Witt could return for Sunday’s game.

“We’ll re-evaluate the timeline come Sunday,” he said, ‘So we’ll see. It’s not a surgical thing. I know they can put a brace on it. It’s going to be (getting) the swelling out of there and understand how he feels. Those conversations are going to have to be honest between all of us.”

June 19

Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor has been out with an injured calf since late-April, but he is set to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Friday, per MLB.

Lindor has appeared in just 24 games in 2026, and is batting all of .226/.314/.355, which has caused free-agent signing Bo Bichette to shift back to his previous position of shortstop for most of the season. Bichette at short has meant a considerable amount of Brett Baty at third base, and he’s hitting just .226/.303/.318 this season – Lindor, who hit .267/.346/.466 in 2025 and has had four-straight top-10 finishes for National League MVP, should provide a considerable upgrade even if his bat does not fully return to its previous form.

The Mets sit five games back of the final wild-card spot in the NL entering Friday. Catcher Francisco Alvarez has already recently returned to the lineup, and New York went a lengthy stretch without star slugger Juan Soto in the lineup, as well. Getting Lindor back soon – and he is projected to return before June ends, possibly even by next week after a couple of rehab games, per manager Carlos Mendoza – would give the Mets the lineup they had envisioned entering the season for the first time in months.

June 18

The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton on Thursday night.

Atlanta made room for Bart on the 40-man roster by designating catcher Sandy León for assignment. The Pirates assigned Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Bart was batting .259 with two homers, six RBIs and a .670 OPS in 21 games with Pittsburgh. He grew up in the Atlanta suburbs and played college ball in the city at Georgia Tech before being selected second overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2018 amateur draft.

The NL East-leading Braves (46-27) already have two fine catchers in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin and 2023 All-Star Sean Murphy, but Murphy is on the 60-day injured list with a broken finger.

Stratton appeared in one game with the Braves this year and pitched a scoreless inning. He played for the Pirates from 2023-25 before getting traded to Atlanta last July.

León was batting .091 with zero RBIs in 21 games this season.

Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. left the Royals’ game with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night with right knee discomfort after making a sliding play in the field.

With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, Witt went to his knees to prevent Jordan Walker’s RBI single from getting to the outfield. Witt was checked out by Royals staffers before remaining in the game for the rest of that half inning.

But he was scheduled to lead off the bottom of the fourth, and the Royals instead had Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for him. The Royals announced later that Witt’s departure was due to knee discomfort.

Before his departure, Witt had gone 2 for 2 with a solo homer in the first inning and an RBI single in the second. Witt also scored his second run of the night in the second inning.

The two-time All-Star is batting .294 with a .368 on-base percentage, 10 homers, 32 RBIs and an MLB-leading 28 steals in 76 games this season.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is back on the injured list.

The team announced before Thursday night’s game against the Athletics that the 11-time All-Star was placed on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain. The Angels recalled infielder Christian Moore from Triple-A Salt Lake among a flurry of moves.

Injuries have hindered Trout for much of this decade. Since winning his third AL MVP award in 2019, Trout has played more than 82 games in a season just twice – 119 in 2022 and 130 in 2025.

The 34-year-old Trout had played in 74 of 75 games this year in a resurgent season. He’s batting .234 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBIs and seven steals.

He entered Thursday with an AL-leading 54 runs, a total that was tied for second in the majors behind Washington’s James Wood. Trout’s 66 walks also ranked second in the big leagues, behind the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz.

Trout had the second-highest vote count of any AL outfielder in the All-Star Game balloting totals that were released this week. He grew up near Philadelphia, where this year’s All-Star Game will take place next month.

The injury to Trout created an opportunity for Moore, who was hitting .333 with a .468 on-base percentage, nine homers, 45 RBIs and 10 steals in 51 games at Salt Lake while playing second base, third base and the outfield.

Moore hit .198 with a .284 on-base percentage, seven homers, 16 RBIs and three steals in 53 games with the Angels last season.

In other moves, the Angels recalled right-hander Ryan Johnson from Double-A Rocket City, released left-hander Drew Pomeranz and optioned right-hander Brett Kerry and catcher Logan Porter to Salt Lake.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Adolis García is out for the rest of the season with a lat injury. The Phillies announced Thursday that García will undergo latissimus dorsi repair surgery on Wednesday. The Phillies estimated his recovery would take six to eight months, enabling him to be ready for the start of the 2027 season.

García signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies in December after playing six seasons with the Texas Rangers. The two-time All-Star began his career with St. Louis in 2018.

The 33-year-old García was batting .195 with a .270 on-base percentage, seven homers, 21 RBIs and three steals in 67 games. He left a June 10 game in Toronto with what the Phillies described as a pulled muscle in his right shoulder after making consecutive throws to home plate on sacrifice flies.

In other moves Thursday, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson and selected the contract of right-hander Bryse Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. They optioned left-handed pitcher Tanner Banks to Lehigh Valley.

Johnson had an 0-1 record and six saves with a 1.33 ERA in 24 relief appearances with Lehigh Valley. In two prior stints with Philadelphia this season, Johnson has posted a 7.36 ERA while appearing in three games.

Wilson was 3-5 and posted a 6.29 ERA with Lehigh Valley in 12 appearances, including 11 starts. Wilson last pitched in the majors with the Chicago White Sox last year, and he owns a 20-23 record and 4.82 ERA in 163 career MLB appearances. Banks was 0-4 with a 5.86 ERA in 26 games with Philadelphia.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester will undergo season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 months.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder that occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and first rib are compressed. That can lead to neck and shoulder pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and arm weakness. Priester’s thoracic outlet decompression surgery will be performed on Monday in Dallas by surgeon Dr. Gregory Pearl and will involve the removal of the first upper rib on the right side. 

“After doing all the things that we had gone through to try and fix this problem without surgery, we’ve just kind of gotten to a point where these things aren’t working, so we’re going to get surgery and make sure we clean this up and so that for the rest of my career this isn’t an issue,” Priester said before the Brewers game against Cleveland on Thursday.

Priester was a key cog in the team’s rotation a season ago when he went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 29 appearances, including 24 starts, for a team that made it to the National League Championship Series before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The condition caused considerable control issues during the rehab stints, Priester said. In five rehab games at Triple-A Nashville, two in Arizona and one at High-A Wisconsin, Priester had a 15.75 ERA and 2.88 WHIP in 16 innings, with 24 walks, 18 strikeouts, four hit batters and six wild pitches.

“When the brain and arm are communicating the right way because of the nerves that are pinching in there, it makes it nearly impossible to actually create a result that’s repeatable,” he said. “It was great that we had gotten the pain to go away with the nerve blocks, but essentially, we couldn’t alleviate all the symptoms.”

Priester said the full recovery time for the surgery is expected to be eight to 10 months, but the 25-year-old is confident he can beat the timeline. “I’m still a pretty young guy that may be able to make that a little bit quicker, be diligent with the work and be ready to compete for a spot in spring training next year,” Priester said.

June 17

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter has become the latest Guardians position player to go on the injured list.

The team announced the move before their Wednesday night game with the Milwaukee Brewers. DeLauter had hurt his ribs Saturday while colliding with the outfield wall. Outfielder Kahlil Watson was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to fill DeLauter’s spot on the roster.

DeLauter’s injury came during a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in which seven-time All-Star third baseman José Ramírez and outfielder Angel Martinez also were hurt.

Ramírez underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the hook of the broken hamate bone in his left hand, an injury that occurred when he hit a foul pop to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler. The normal recovery time after surgery is five-to-seven weeks.

Martínez also got hurt while fouling off a pitch. He went on the injured list Tuesday with a nondisplaced fracture in his left foot, and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Tuesday the 24-year-old could miss four-to-six weeks.

DeLauter is batting .263 with a .337 on-base percentage, seven homers and 34 RBIs in 66 games. Four of his homers came in Cleveland’s first three games of the season.

Ramírez is batting .239 with a .339 on-base percentage, 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 72 games. Martínez has a team-high 11 homers to go along with a .239 batting average, .276 on-base percentage and 33 RBIs in 66 games.

Watson, 23, was batting .255 with a .370 on-base percentage, 12 homers, 35 RBIs and 15 steals in 56 games at Columbus. Watson entered the pro ranks as a Miami Marlins first-round pick in 2021, but he has no major-league experience.

Max Scherzer is back on the injured list.

The Toronto Blue Jays placed the three-time Cy Young winner on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with back spasms. The move came hours before Scherzer was scheduled to start against the Boston Red Sox.

Toronto will use reliever Braydon Fisher as an opener against Boston instead.

Scherzer, who turns 42 next month, spent more than six weeks on the injured list this season with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. He returned last week and became the 11th pitcher in major-league history to reach 3,500 career strikeouts when he fanned Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber.

The moment proved to be the highlight as Scherzer was pulled after giving up five runs in 3 1/3 innings in what became a 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Scherzer, who signed a $3-million, one-year deal to return to Toronto in the offseason, is 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA in six starts with the Blue Jays in 2026.

The Tigers announced that Gleyber Torres is headed back to the 10-day IL, once again for his oblique. Torres had just returned at the start of June after spending all but two games of May on the IL for a strain to the same oblique, his left.

The second baseman is thriving when he is on the field, batting .280/.395/.395 with 10 extra-base hits in 43 games. While the power isn’t much, the .395 on-base percentage would rank fourth in the American League if Torres qualified, behind only the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz, the Astros’ Yordan Alvarez amd the Orioles’ Taylor Ward.

Torres was also finally hitting for power upon returning from the initial oblique injury: he hit .341/.413/.585 with six of those extra-base hits in those 11 games; not coincidentally, Detroit was 7-4 in those games despite being well under .500, at 30-43, for the season.

The Tigers activated starting pitcher Casey Mize from the IL to take Torres’ space on the roster. Mize has made nine starts in 2026 and owns a 2.27 ERA, with over four times as many strikeouts as walks in 47 ⅔ innings. He will slot back into a rotation that also recently welcome back defending AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal.

June 16

Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez had surgery Tuesday to remove the hook of the broken hamate bone in his left hand. The team said in a statement that the procedure was performed in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, by Dr. Thomas Graham.

“We knew he was going to need surgery, so earlier today he was able to get it done,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said before Tuesday’s game.

Ramírez suffered the injury during the fifth inning of Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers, when he fouled out on a pop up to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler. It is only the second time in Ramírez’s 14 big league seasons that he has been placed on the injured list. The seven-time All-Star also broke the hamate bone in his right hand in 2019 and missed only a month. The normal recovery time post-surgery is five to seven weeks.

“That’s part of life. Those are things that are going to happen, so I’m not upset. It’s just part of the game and just got to keep going,” Ramírez said about the injury on Sunday.

The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played in a franchise-record 1,681 games. He is also the only player in Cleveland’s 125-year history to have at least 300 stolen bases and 250 home runs.

Cleveland also placed outfielder Angel Martinez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a nondisplaced fracture in his left foot. Martínez’s injury also occurred during Saturday’s game after fouling off a pitch.

Martínez, who leads the Guardians with 11 homers, could be out four to six weeks, Vogt said. “He walked in Monday probably knowing that we’d probably get some testing done on Monday if he wasn’t feeling better and he wasn’t,” Vogt said. “MRI and CT scan both revealed a fracture in the foot, so it will be four to six weeks for Angel.”

Star catcher Cal Raleigh, runner-up in AL MVP voting last season after hitting 60 home runs, was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. He was in the lineup and behind the plate as the Mariners returned home for their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

Raleigh had been out since May 14 with a right oblique strain, the first IL stint of his career. Seattle went 15-13 without him and was still leading the AL West, but the team finished 4-6 recently on a 10-game trip through Detroit, Baltimore and Washington.

“I’m just really just excited to get back,” said Raleigh who hit .412 (7 for 17) with five home runs and 12 RBIs in a five-game rehab assignment with Class A Everett and Triple-A Tacoma. “I missed it a lot, and it was a fun week getting back out there. I’m really excited just to get back to it, be with the guys, and get back in the thick of it.”

Raleigh’s numbers prior to the injury were nowhere near what he became accustomed to during his historic 2025 campaign, when he established single-season records for homers by a catcher, a switch-hitter and a Mariners player. He entered Tuesday’s game with a .161 batting average, seven homers and 18 RBIs.

Raleigh wasn’t the only reinforcement to arrive for Seattle on Tuesday. Veteran shortstop J.P. Crawford, who had been on the injured list since June 5 after being hit in the hand by a pitch at Detroit, returned to action and promptly was inserted as the team’s starting third baseman for the first time this season as the club continues to see what rookie shortstop Colt Emerson can do.

Seattle did have a setback, however, as outfielder Randy Arozarena was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. The move was retroactive to Saturday. Arozarena hasn’t played since last Friday, and an MRI on Tuesday showed mild inflammation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.        

Source

One of the biggest folk heroes of this World Cup, Merlin the duck arrived outside Mexico City’s stadium on Wednesday to great fanfare — but was ultimately told he could not remain for Mexico’s match against the Czech Republic.

After winning hearts across social media, supporters had launched an effort urging organizers to allow the beloved bird to attend the match alongside his family. In less than two weeks, Merlin went from waddling through the streets of Mexico City during Mexico’s opening victory to visiting the presidential palace. But on Wednesday, his proverbial flight was cut short.

Merlin was granted access to the Azteca Stadium grounds to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America’s largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merlin traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla Gómez and her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the tournament’s most unexpected star. However, he could not remain for the match, as FIFA regulations prohibit animals from entering venues in order to safeguard their well-being.

A FIFA tournament spokesperson confirmed Merlin was permitted to enter the perimeter but not the stadium, and did not offer further comment.

“These last few days have been crazy, we’ll never stop being grateful for what we’ve experienced,” Gómez told The Associated Press. “Everyone is truly amazed by Merlin.”

Since his first appearance, Merlin has grown into a social media phenomenon and an international celebrity. Wearing a green Mexico jersey and proudly accompanying his family as they sell drinks throughout the city, the 2-year-old duck has become a familiar sight in the capital. Along the way, he has participated in interviews, visited television studios, mingled with supporters at the fan fest in Mexico City’s Zócalo, and even paid a visit to Netflix.

“He’s become our unofficial mascot for Mexico and the World Cup,” said Daniel Krauze, a fan outside the stadium who sported a duck hat. “I feel proud to wear Merlin the duck.”

Merlin has also found himself at the center of a trademark dispute, when at least two applications before Gómez’s sought the rights to his name for exclusive commercial use. The registration was ultimately granted to Gómez.

Now, following hundreds of requests from fans, the family will finally be able to watch Mexico’s national team live. Gómez described the occasion as a “very powerful emotion.”

And although the duck darling will not be cheering from the stands, she is convinced that Mexico’s most famous feathered supporter will still be bringing luck to El Tri: “Merlin is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Source

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.

Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the fastest-growing legal sportsbooks in the U.S. New customers in eligible states can claim a 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash welcome bonus worth up to $1,000 over their first 10 days. Use FOX2026 promo code when you sign up through this link.

The World Cup spotlight belongs to a jam-packed six-match slate. Qualification hopes, elimination battles, and first-place races are all in play. Canada and Switzerland meet with the Group B lead at stake, while Brazil and Scotland look to keep building momentum.

New customers in most eligible states can claim the lead Fanatics welcome offer:

• 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash, worth up to $1,000 over 10 days. Use Promo Code FOX2026
• A secondary offer is available in most states: Bet $20, Get $350 paid as $50 per day for 7 days. Most states receive this in Bonus Bets, while CO, IN, MO, NC, and TN receive it in FanCash.
• State-specific welcome offers apply in NY, IL, and OH.

Here is how to claim the Fanatics welcome bonus, how it works, and how Fanatics stacks up against other top sportsbook apps.

Fanatics Sportsbook Welcome Bonus: 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash

Primary Welcome Offer	10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash (up to $1,000 over 10 days) with promo code FOX2026
Secondary Offer (most states)	Bet $20, Get $350 in Bonus Bets, paid as $50 per day over 7 days
Secondary Offer (CO, IN, MO, NC, TN)	Bet $20, Get $350 in FanCash, paid as $50 per day over 7 days
New York Welcome Bonus	10 x 100% Profit Boost Tokens OR 10 x $25 No Sweat Bet Tokens
Illinois Welcome Bonus	10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash OR 3 x 500% Profit Boost Tokens
Promo Code	FOX2026
Best Feature	Sports merchandise loyalty rewards
Minimum Deposit	$10
Qualifying Wager (Primary)	$1+ daily at odds of -500 or longer, for 10 consecutive days
Qualifying Wager (Secondary)	$20+ at odds of -500 or longer, must opt in each day for 7 days
FanCash Expiration	7 days after issuance
Bonus Bet Expiration (Secondary)	24 hours after each daily issuance
Eligible States	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

The primary Fanatics welcome offer pays out daily across your first 10 days on the app. Use promo code FOX2026 and place at least a $1 wager at -500 odds or longer each day, and Fanatics matches that wager in FanCash up to $100. Hit all 10 days and you walk away with the full $1,000 in FanCash.

FanCash can be redeemed for bonus bets inside the sportsbook or for sports merchandise on Fanatics.com. The offer applies automatically at registration with the FOX2026 promo code. Sign up here to claim the 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code Terms and Conditions

Key terms for the Fanatics Sportsbook welcome bonus include:

• New users must create an account and make a minimum deposit of $10.
• Use promo code FOX2026 to applied to promo.
• Primary Offer (10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash): Place a qualifying cash wager of $1 or more at odds of -500 or longer each day for 10 consecutive days. Each daily wager is matched in FanCash up to $100, for a total of up to $1,000.
• Miss a day on the primary offer and you forfeit that day’s bonus eligibility.
• Secondary Offer (most states): Bet $20, Get $350 in Bonus Bets, paid as $50 per day for 7 days. Must toggle on the promotion in the bet slip and wager $20+ cash on any market at min. odds of -500 within 7 days of account opening. Must opt in each day to claim. Bonus Bets expire 24 hours after issuance.
• Secondary Offer (CO, IN, MO, NC, TN): Same mechanics as above, paid in FanCash instead of Bonus Bets. FanCash expires 24 hours after issuance.
• FanCash issued through the primary offer is non-withdrawable, but winnings from bets placed with FanCash are withdrawable as cash.
• In New York, the welcome promotion is 10 x 100% Profit Boost Tokens or 10 x $25 No Sweat Bet Tokens instead of the standard bet match structure.
• In Illinois, the secondary offer is 3 x 500% Profit Boost Tokens.
• In Ohio, the welcome offer is Bet $100, Get $400 in Bonus Bets, sequenced.
• Bonus bets, cashed-out wagers, and voided bets do not qualify for promotional rewards.
• Offers are available only in legal sports betting states and require users to be 21 years or older.

How to Sign Up and Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook Welcome Bonus

1. Visit Fanatics Sportsbook by clicking here or by tapping any “Claim Bonus” button on this page.

2. Create a new account by entering your personal details, including name, email, date of birth, and address. Use promo code FOX2026.

3. Make your first deposit using an accepted payment method such as debit card, online banking, or PayPal.

4. Place a qualifying cash wager of at least $1 at odds of -500 or longer on Day 1 of your account.

5. Receive 100% of your stake back in FanCash, up to $100, regardless of bet outcome.

6. Repeat the qualifying wager each day for 10 consecutive days to unlock the full $1,000 in FanCash.

7. Use your FanCash within 7 days of receipt. Winnings from FanCash bets are withdrawable as cash.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promotions for Existing Customers

Fanatics Sportsbook doesn’t just focus on new users, it runs a steady stream of promotions for existing customers throughout the year. For a broader look at recurring sportsbook offers, check our guide to the best sportsbook promos. From recurring bonus bet offers and odds boosts to sport-specific specials and referral rewards, there are plenty of ways for active Fanatics users to get extra value.

Fanatics Promo	Description
Odds Boosts	Daily or weekly boosts across popular markets, especially NFL and NBA during peak seasons.
Parlay Insurance / Bonus Bets	Parlay insurance offers on select days (terms vary by event/state).
FanCash Rewards	Every bet earns FanCash, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or merchandise at Fanatics.com.
Event-Specific Promos	Game Day Offers, early payout specials, and milestone promos.

Fanatics Welcome Bonus vs Other Sportsbooks

Sportsbook	Offer Type	Welcome Bonus
Fanatics	Bet Match	10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash (up to $1,000) using promo code FOX2026
BetMGM	First-Bet Safety Net	$50 Reward Bonus plus Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses (Code FOXSPORTS)
FanDuel	Bet and Get	Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days
bet365	Bet and Get	Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose (Code FOX365)
Caesars	Profit Boosts	Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers (Code FOXDYW)
DraftKings	Bet and Get	Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Hard Rock Bet	Win-Only	Receive $150 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Wins
theScore Bet	Bet Reset	Get a Bet Reset Up to $1,000

How Does the Fanatics Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonus Compare to the Competition?

Fanatics pays out up to $1,000 in FanCash, matched against your daily wagering across your first 10 days. The 10-day activation window gives bettors more time to claim full value than a single-shot Bet and Get offer.

Most U.S. sportsbooks fall into a few welcome-offer categories. DraftKings and bet365 both run instant Bet and Get promotions that deliver bonus bets shortly after a small qualifying wager.

BetMGM uses a first-bet safety net, returning bonus bets if your opening wager loses. Caesars hands out profit boost tokens to use across your next several wagers. FanDuel runs a bet for seven consecutive days, and you get the guaranteed bonus bets outcome.

Each structure trades off something. Instant Bet and Get pays the fastest but caps your upside. Safety nets protect a larger first wager but require a loss to trigger. Profit boosts stretch value across multiple bets but reward consistent volume. Win-only offers pay the biggest bonus relative to qualifying stake but only if you cash your opener.

Fanatics’ 10-day bet match sits between Bet and Get and profit boosts. You accumulate up to $100 in FanCash per day for 10 straight days, and you can spend it on bonus bets or on real merchandise at Fanatics.com. No other operator’s rewards work outside the betting app.

Where is Fanatics Sportsbook Legal?

Fanatics Sportsbook Review 2026

Fanatics Sportsbook is a newer entrant in the U.S. betting market. The company leverages its massive sports merchandise brand to build a sportsbook experience around fan engagement and rewards.

Fanatics Sportsbook User Experience and Interface

Fanatics Sportsbook offers a clean, modern interface that will feel familiar to anyone who has used a major betting app. Navigation is simple and well organized, making it easy to move between sports, leagues, and betting markets without unnecessary clutter.

Placing wagers is straightforward, and the bet slip allows users to quickly add selections, adjust stakes, and cash out when available. While the platform is easy to use, it still lacks some of the deeper statistics, alternate markets, and advanced tools found on more established sportsbooks like DraftKings or bet365.

One standout feature is the integration of FanCash rewards directly within the app. Users can view their FanCash balance alongside their betting wallet while placing wagers, reinforcing the connection between betting activity and the broader Fanatics rewards ecosystem.

Fanatics Sportsbook App Store User Reviews

Fanatics’ mobile app ranks among the best betting apps for clean design and ease of use. Here is how it stacks up on the major app stores.

Platform	App Store Rating
iOS	4.8 / 5
Android	4.7 / 5

Fanatics Sportsbook receives strong ratings across both major mobile platforms. The app currently holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on iOS and a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Android.

Many positive reviews highlight the app’s clean design and smooth interface, with bettors noting that navigation between sports, markets, and bets is simple and intuitive. Users also frequently mention that the app feels polished and easy to use compared to some competing sportsbooks.

Some negative reviews focus on confusion around claiming the welcome bonus or activating promotions. Given Fanatics’ more complex promotional structures, this frustration is somewhat understandable for new users trying to navigate the available offers.

Fanatics Sportsbook App Market Depth and Betting Options

Fanatics offers solid market depth across every major sport. Standard spreads, totals, and moneylines are available for all games, complemented by deep player props, parlays, and same game parlays.

Sports You Can Bet On With Fanatics Sportsbook:

Key Events You Can Bet On With Fanatics Sportsbook: Super Bowl Odds, World Series Odds, NBA Finals Odds, Stanley Cup Odds, College Football Championship Odds.

Fanatics also appears in our roundup of the best NBA betting sites for its FanCash rewards on basketball player props.

Fanatics covers all major leagues, but its prop menus, alternate lines, and deep markets still trail DraftKings and bet365 in sheer volume.

Fanatics Sportsbook Betting Features and Innovation

Cash Out: Fanatics offers cash-out on most major markets, including spreads, moneylines, totals, and some props. That gives bettors the flexibility to secure profits early when a bet is going their way or limit losses if the game turns.

Odds and Profit Boosts: Fanatics runs recurring odds boosts and profit boosts, usually tied to marquee games and big events. You will see them less often than the daily boosts pushed by DraftKings or FanDuel, but they still add timely value when they appear.

Live Streaming: Live streaming is currently limited or absent in Fanatics Sportsbook. You still get live scoreboards, in-game stats, and animations to follow the action, but you will not find full video coverage like you would on bet365 or FanDuel.

FanCash Rewards Integration: Fanatics’ signature innovation is FanCash. Bettors earn up to 5% back on every wager, 1% on straight bets, 3% on parlays, and 5% on same game parlays. You can redeem FanCash for bonus bets in the sportsbook or for merchandise at Fanatics.com, a cross-platform rewards integration no other sportsbook matches.

Fanatics Sportsbook Live Betting

Live betting on Fanatics covers major U.S. sports and international events, with markets including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and Same Game Parlays. The interface features a live scoreboard, dynamic odds updates, and a visible FanCash tracker.

While its in-play experience is solid, it is slightly less responsive than apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365. One advantage is that bettors still earn FanCash rewards on live wagers, adding extra value during in-game betting.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promotions

The main Fanatics Sportsbook promotion is its 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash welcome offer, worth up to $1,000 across the first 10 days of betting. Use promo code FOX2026 when you sign up, and the 10-day activation window gives new users an extended runway to claim full value.

Fanatics leans heavily on its FanCash rewards system rather than running a large number of flashy one-off promotions. Bettors earn FanCash on wagers, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or sports merchandise through the Fanatics platform.

The promotional strategy favors long-term loyalty over aggressive short-term bonuses.

Fanatics Sportsbook Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

Payment Method	Deposit Time	Withdrawal Time
Debit card	Instant	1–2 days
Online bank transfer	Instant	Up to 48 hours, often instant
PayPal	Instant	Up to 48 hours, often instant
Venmo	Instant	Up to 48 hours, often instant
Apple Pay (debit card only)	Instant	Up to 48 hours, often instant
Wire transfer	Up to 24 hours. Must be completed within regular business hours.	N/A
Paper check	N/A	7–10 business days

Trust and Safety

Fanatics operates under the oversight of state-level gaming commissions, ensuring it meets all regulatory standards where it’s licensed. Deposits and withdrawals are handled through trusted payment providers like PayPal, Venmo, and major banks, with encryption in place to protect sensitive personal and financial data. All odds and betting markets are managed in accordance with strict regulatory guidelines, guaranteeing fair play and a secure betting environment for users.

Fanatics Loyalty Program: Fanatics One and FanCash Rewards

The Fanatics One loyalty program, powered by FanCash, is one of the sportsbook’s most unique differentiators. Unlike traditional sportsbooks that limit rewards to betting credits, Fanatics connects its sportsbook, casino, merchandise store, and live events into one ecosystem.

Bettors earn FanCash on every wager, with the reward rate depending on the type of bet:

• Straight bets earn 1% FanCash
• Parlays earn 3%
• Same Game Parlays earn up to 5% back

These rewards accumulate automatically and can be used either to place additional wagers or to purchase official sports merchandise from Fanatics.com. This cross-platform rewards system helps Fanatics stand out from competitors like FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365.

In addition to FanCash, users earn Tier Points that determine their status within the Fanatics One loyalty program. Tier Points are awarded across the Fanatics ecosystem, including:

• 1 Tier Point for every $5 spent on Fanatics merchandise purchases
• 2 Tier Points for every $1 of FanCash earned from sportsbook betting
• 5 Tier Points for every $1 of FanCash earned from casino wagering

As bettors accumulate Tier Points and move up loyalty tiers, they unlock additional perks. These can include FanCash bonuses on Fanatics purchases, free shipping and returns, exclusive product drops, and discounted ticket fees within the Fanatics app.

Higher tiers introduce more premium benefits, such as priority customer service, invitations to Fanatics Friends and Family events, and access to Fanatics Fest for Gold-level members and above. At the top tiers, including Platinum and Black, members may receive custom memorabilia opportunities, insider event access, discounted hotel stays, and invitations to signature Fanatics events.

Fanatics Sportsbook Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Innovative FanCash rewards program that lets you redeem sportsbook rewards on sports merchandise.
• Earn FanCash on every bet.
• Clean, modern mobile app design with smooth navigation.
• Competitive odds on many markets.

Cons:

• No desktop sportsbook (mobile app only).
• No live streaming on games or events.
• Smaller live betting menu than DraftKings or bet365.

Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a source of stress. If wagering is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, free and confidential support is available.

• National Problem Gambling Helpline (linked to ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline/): Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• National Council on Problem Gambling (linked): ncpgambling.org
• 1-800-GAMBLER Support Portal (linked): 1800gambler.net
• Gamblers Anonymous (linked): gamblersanonymous.org

Fanatics Sportsbook offers deposit limits, time-out tools, and self-exclusion options inside the app. Use them if you need to.

Fanatics Sportsbook FAQ

Do I need a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code?

Yes. Fanatics Sportsbook does have a promo code for new users ‘FOX2026’. The welcome offer applies when you use this promo code and register for a new account through this link and place a qualifying first wager.

What is the Fanatics Sportsbook welcome bonus?

Fanatics Sportsbook offers new users a 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash welcome bonus, worth up to $1,000 across the first 10 days of betting. Use promo code FOX2026. FanCash earned through the offer can be redeemed for bonus bets in the sportsbook or for official sports merchandise on Fanatics.com.

Is Fanatics Sportsbook legal in my state?

Fanatics Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY.

Does Fanatics Sportsbook have a desktop site?

No. Fanatics Sportsbook does not support real-money betting on desktop browsers. While you can visit the website for information or to download the app, all wagering must be done through the Fanatics Sportsbook mobile app on iOS or Android.

What is the Fanatics Sportsbook minimum deposit?

The minimum deposit is typically $10, though this may vary slightly depending on the payment method and state regulations. All supported deposit methods, such as PayPal, Venmo, online banking, and debit/credit cards, are processed instantly.

Is there a Fanatics Sportsbook referral bonus?

Yes. Fanatics Sportsbook’s current referral bonus gives both you and your referral $30 in FanCash after they make and settle a bet of at least $10. Your friend can also get a $100 No Sweat Bet for 10 straight days after they create a new account.

How does Fanatics FanCash work?

FanCash is Fanatics Sportsbook’s loyalty currency. You earn FanCash on every wager you place, with the rate depending on bet type (straight, parlay, or same game parlay). FanCash can be redeemed for bonus bets inside the sportsbook, or for official sports merchandise on Fanatics.com.

Can I redeem FanCash for cash?

No. FanCash itself is not withdrawable. However, any winnings generated from a bet placed with FanCash are paid out as withdrawable cash.

Does Fanatics Sportsbook have live betting?

Yes. Fanatics offers live in-game betting across all major U.S. sports and major international events. Live markets include moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, and same game parlays, with FanCash earned on live wagers.

What is the difference between FanCash and bonus bets?

FanCash is redeemable for either bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise. Bonus bets are wagering credits that can only be used to place bets inside the sportsbook. FanCash gives you more flexibility, since you can choose to spend it on betting or on retail.

Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly.

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