The top-seeded teams for the Dec. 5 World Cup tournament draw, including Germany but not Croatia, were set Wednesday when FIFA published new…
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Full List of Qualified Teams, Playoff Contenders and How the Final Spots Will Be Decided
The race to qualify for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly complete. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, hosted across United States, Canada and Mexico. Qualifying began in October 2023, and since then, hundreds of nations have battled for a place on football’s biggest stage. As of…
MLB announces new TV rights packages with ESPN, NBC, Netflix
ESPN and Major League Baseball appeared headed for an ugly separation after the network opted out of its rights deal in February.
Nine mo…
Saints move on from veteran receiver Brandin Cooks
The Saints have released veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the team announced Wednesday.
He will become a free agent if he goes unclai…
FIFA World Cup 2026: How the Top Seeds Are Determined
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the beginning of a new era — expanded teams, multiple hosts, and revamped seeding rules for the group stage draw. One of the biggest changes is how top seeds are selected. The top-seeded Pot 1 will consist of the three host nations plus the nine highest-ranked qualified teams. Understanding…
Can World Cup Group Opponents Play Friendlies Before the Tournament? FIFA Rules Explained
Preparing for the FIFA World Cup involves strategic planning, including scheduling the right opponents for pre-tournament friendlies. One common question is: Are national teams allowed to play friendly matches against their World Cup group opponents before the tournament? The short answer: Yes — FIFA does not prohibit it. There is no official rule preventing two…
Ryan Flournoy: From Underdog to Rising Dallas Cowboys Receiver
Ryan Flournoy was born on October 27, 1999, in Hazel Crest, Illinois. He played wide receiver at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where he showed strong athleticism but received limited recruiting attention. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing around 200 pounds, Flournoy possessed the physical tools to compete at higher levels, even if he didn’t…
Falcons’ Michael Penix to have surgery on partially torn ACL
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, the team announced Wednesday.
…
Historic Futility and Tanking Concerns: Why the NBA’s Anti-Tanking Measures Are Being Tested in 2025–26
The NBA has introduced several major reforms in recent years to reduce tanking, including revamped draft lottery odds and the creation of the play-in tournament. Yet, early in the 2025–26 season, strategic losing remains a growing concern. Four teams—the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets—have started with two wins or fewer…
2026 FIFA World Cup European Play-Off Draw: Full Guide to Date, Teams, Format, Pots, and How to Watch
The final stage of UEFA qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching, and the European play-off draw will determine which four nations will claim the last remaining spots. Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know — including the date, teams involved, format, seeding pots, and how to watch the…