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		<title>Latest Sports News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
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		<description>The latest sports videos, news, articles, and stories from FOX Sports.</description>
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			<title>Latest Sports News &amp; Videos from FOX Sports</title>
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			<link>https://www.foxsports.com</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:40:28 -0400</pubDate>
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					<![CDATA[World Cup Roundtable: Players To Watch, Co-Host Pressure, Who May Disappoint?]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/world-cup-storylines-usmnt-messi-ronaldo-modric-golden-ball</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/world-cup-storylines-usmnt-messi-ronaldo-modric-golden-ball</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The squads and the superstars are in their final preparations. Let's answer some big World Cup questions before the curtain rises.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:34:37 -0400</pubDate>
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					<![CDATA[College Basketball Rankings: St. John's Storms Into Top 10, Kentucky Enters Top 25]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/college-basketball-rankings-st-johns-storms-top-10-kentucky-enters-top-25</link>
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				<category>college-basketball</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline in the rearview mirror, FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen shares his updated men's college basketball rankings.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:31:29 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The wait is finally over. After months of transfer portal movement, recruiting battles and NBA Draft decisions, last week's withdrawal deadline brought some clarity. Fans learned which standout players would be returning to campus, who would be moving on to the pros and what rosters will actually look like entering the 2026-27 season. There are still a few dominoes left to fall, but the picture is much more clear than it was last month. With that in mind, here's a look at my updated men's college basketball Top 25 for the 2026-27 season. Previous Ranking: NR Big Blue Nation was starting to worry that Kentucky wouldn't have a top-25 roster. The late addition of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic changes that. He was the top-ranked transfer available in May, and Kentucky landed him. The retention of Malachi Moreno, who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, is also huge. He's due for a breakout year. A projected starting five of Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Momcilovic, Ousmane N'Diaye, and Moreno looks very solid and should have Kentucky firmly in the top-25 conversation. Previous Ranking: 24 Losing the program's all-time leading scorer, Bruce Thornton, to graduation certainly hurts, but the talent is there for Jake Diebler's team to make some noise in the Big Ten next season. Diebler is set to welcome a strong transfer class, highlighted by former Cal guard Justin Pippen, who will join returnee John Mobley Jr. in the starting backcourt. He'll also welcome five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the highest-rated recruit to arrive in Columbus since Jared Sullinger in 2010. Previous Ranking: 23 After taking a second look at rosters, it’s become clear that the Cornhuskers are worthy of a spot in the Top 25. Utah Valley transfer Trevan Leonhardt is a passing wizard and a strong offensive fit in a backcourt that also features Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort. Belmont transfer Sam Orme adds valuable shooting at the four spot. This team will score, but the question remains: can they defend? Previous Ranking: 22 Robert Wright III's decision to return for his junior season dramatically changes the Cougars' 2026-27 outlook, giving them one of the best floor generals in the sport. He will be joined by five-star freshman standout Bruce Branch III, who is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation. The Cougars will also welcome in Collin Chandler, who is set to return home after two years playing for Mark Pope and Kentucky. Previous Ranking: 21 Miami head coach Jai Lucas should have one of the best rosters in the ACC heading into next season, but how quickly it all comes together remains to be seen. Shelton Henderson is a rising star, with the look of a future pro. He’ll be joined by a loaded transfer class, highlighted by a pair of standout additions in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and former Georgia big man Somto Cyril. Previous Ranking: 20 Vanderbilt's offseason revolved around the decision of star point guard Tyler Tanner. The good news for Mark Byington's team is that Tanner withdrew from the NBA Draft and will return next season as a likely preseason first-team All-American. The not so good news is that starting forward AK Okereke, who was seeking an additional year of eligibility, will not return next year. Still, Byington had an exceptional year in the transfer portal, bringing in an impressive five-man class that includes T.O. Barrett (Missouri), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Ace Glass (Washington State) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn). Previous Ranking: 19 Indiana head coach Darian DeVries completely retooled his roster this offseason, assembling a six-man transfer class that ranks sixth in the nation, per 247Sports. The group is headlined by a dominant frontcourt duo in Aiden Sherrell (Indiana) and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU). They'll be joined by former Notre Dame standout Markus Burton, who could be one of the top newcomers in the Big Ten next season if he can stay healthy. Previous Ranking: 18 Houston coach Kelvin Sampson faces the challenge of replacing four starters from last year's team. The Cougars will need Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller to step into bigger roles next season, and will look to returning forward Joseph Tugler to take a jump into an alpha role. Sampson is set to bring in a trio of impact transfers: Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU), Delrecco Gillespie (Kent State) and Corey Hadnot II (Purdue Fort Wayne), along with a top-25 recruiting class highlighted by five-star big man Arafan Diane. Previous Ranking: 17Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes is known for being one of the top defensive coaches in the nation, but the 71-year-old Barnes is set to bring in the No. 3-ranked portal class in the nation this year, and it's loaded with plenty of offensive firepower. Barnes' haul includes three players – Juke Harris (Wake Forest), Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) and Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) – ranked among the top 25 transfers in this country. Previous Ranking: 16 Alabama forward Amari Allen withdrew from the NBA Draft and will provide the Crimson Tide with a steadying force on the perimeter. Beyond that, there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Alabama's roster. Big man Aiden Sherrell transferred to Indiana, while standout guard Aden Holloway, who was arrested on felony drug charges on March 16, has announced plans to return to the university and hopes to rejoin the team. Jaxon Richardson and Qayden Samuels are both highly touted recruits who will arrive next season, but their impact remains to be seen. Previous Ranking: 15 Continuity has been a central theme for the Cavaliers this offseason. Virginia returns four of its top six scorers from last year, including Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium who led the team in scoring as a freshman. His combination of versatility and experience gives the Cavaliers a reliable offensive foundation, while returning guard Chance Mallory will be asked to take on a larger role as the team's lead initiator and playmaker. Previous Ranking: 14 Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Ames through 2036, but Iowa State will enter 2026-27 with a different roster. The departures of Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic leave significant holes to fill, though the return of guards Killyan Toure and Jamarion Batemon, coupled with a five-player transfer haul, should help. Previous Ranking: NR Guard Rodney Rice is returning from injury, while Alijah Arenas enters his sophomore season with the benefit of a full offseason in the weight room. Jacob Cofie is back to anchor the frontcourt, and the additions of KJ Lewis from Georgetown, Eric Reibe from UConn, and three top-30 freshmen give the Trojans one of the nation's most fascinating rosters. How quickly coach Eric Musselman can mold that talent into a contender will be one of the sport's biggest storylines. Previous Ranking: 10 The exit of Meleek Thomas to the NBA hurt, but the return of Billy Richmond III was significant. This team should still be a lot of fun. Arkansas has Elite Eight potential thanks to its mix of veteran talent and the nation's top recruiting class, which includes four top-25 prospects, led by guard Jordan Smith Jr. Previous Ranking: 11 Texas' ceiling depends on returning center Matas Vokietaitis becoming a star, but the pieces around him are in place. The Longhorns were aggressive in the transfer portal, landing David Punch from TCU and Isaiah Johnson from Colorado. Punch should pair with Vokietaitis to give Texas a strong frontcourt, while Johnson provides a steady hand at point guard. Previous Ranking: 10 Gonzaga will get a huge boost from Braden Huff, one of the most talented players in the country, returning from an injury that kept him out of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Around Huff, coach Mark Few and the Bulldogs added Massamba Diop from Arizona State and Isiah Harwell from Houston. Both endured disappointing freshman seasons and will look to bounce back in Spokane. Previous Ranking: 9 After making the Final Four for the first time since 2001, Arizona lost four key pieces, including freshman standout Koa Peat, who opted to remain in the NBA Draft. Head coach Tommy Lloyd will rely on returning starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, who give the Wildcats a high floor, especially on defense. The backcourt of North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon and five-star freshman Caleb Holt will give the offense a new look. Previous Ranking: 11 The Red Storm come bursting their way into the top 10. I already loved their roster last month, but the surprising addition of Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou is exactly what they needed. He’s a big-bodied guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds per game last season. Previous Ranking: 7 Michigan State’s star point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. will return after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. Fears, an extension of coach Tom Izzo on the court, could be a candidate for the Bob Cousy Award. He is the Spartans’ floor general, but for them to go the distance, forwards Coen Carr and Cam Ward, along with shooting guard Kur Teng, will need to step up. Anton Bonke, a transfer from Charlotte, could help offset the departures of Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler. Previous Ranking: 7 Head coach Dan Hurley convinced freshman standout Braylon Mullins to return to UConn after a magical run to the 2026 national title game. Point guard Silas Demary Jr. and forward Jayden Ross are also back. Transfers Nikolas Khamenia and Najai Hines should help fill the void left by the departures of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban. Previous Ranking: 5 The Cardinals went out and spent a lot of money to put together a team that I think is title worthy. Let’s start with the best defensive center in the country: Flory Bidunga. He’s flanked by Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras, fresh off his clutch NCAA Tournament performances. In the backcourt, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad runs the point and Arkansas wing transfer Karter Knox rounds out a roster that has a little bit of everything. Previous Ranking: 4 Duke's roster blends star power and depth. The headliner is Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who withdrew from the NBA Draft and will help replace the loss of Isaiah Evans. Head coach Jon Scheyer also brought in a new class of five-star freshmen, as well as heralded international prospect Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje from Spain. The foundation is Duke's returning group: Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr and Patrick Ngongba II. Previous Ranking: 3 One year after relying on an elite frontcourt, the core of this Michigan team will reside in its returning backcourt of Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney. Head coach Dusty May had to replace a trio of forwards projected to be first-round NBA Draft picks, and he did so with JP Estrella from Tennessee and Moustapha Thiam from Cincinnati. It’s unfair to expect the Wolverines to match last year’s defensive dominance, but don’t underestimate May’s ability to build another elite unit. Previous Ranking: 2 Illinois head coach Brad Underwood should feel good about this group after Andrej Stojakovic withdrew from the NBA Draft and returned to the Illini. Alongside David Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic, Stojakovic gives Illinois one of the nation's top frontcourts. The addition of Stefan Vaaks from Providence should help offset the loss of Keaton Wagler. Previous Ranking: 1 The Gators vaulted to No. 1 after their entire frontcourt elected to return. Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, all key contributors on Florida's 2025 national championship team, are back after last season ended in a Round of 32 loss to Iowa. Guards Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar will also return to Gainesville.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Alex Rodriguez Bashes Competitive Imbalance: ‘The American League Stinks']]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/alex-rodriguez-state-red-sox-i-dont-think-anybodys-out-it</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/alex-rodriguez-state-red-sox-i-dont-think-anybodys-out-it</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Alex Rodriguez didn't hold back on his criticism of the Boston Red Sox and the American League.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:57:13 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Boston Red Sox aren’t just suffering through a disappointing season; their future looks equally bleak. Firing manager Alex Cora failed to spark the turnaround the front office hoped for, and the club has since stalled out at 15-17 under interim manager Chad Tracy. While Boston falters, the American League East remains in a tight race between the Tampa Bay Rays (36-23) and New York Yankees (37-25). FOX Sports analyst Alex Rodriguez looks at the division and sees a broader issue, flatly stating that the entire AL "stinks." Appearing on FOX Sports’ First Things First, Rodriguez didn't hold back with co-hosts Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes. While discussing the Red Sox, he criticized what he sees as a major competitive imbalance between the American and National Leagues. "I don’t think anybody’s out of it," Rodriguez said. "The American League stinks. They really do, actually. The National League is the opposite, right? If you look out West, I think if the playoffs started today, the Mariners (33-30) are in." By comparison, the NL West is the polar opposite of the top-heavy AL East. Instead of a two-team race, the NL West features three highly competitive clubs, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres all sitting well above .500. Rodriguez has lacked faith in the Red Sox since they fired Cora and game-planning coach Jason Varitek in early April. He claimed Cora was the best manager in baseball, adding that deep down, the franchise knows this isn't their year. "I would use a different measuring stick," Rodriguez said. "I think the minute you got rid of Alex Cora, the [Red Sox] manager, who I think is the best manager in the game and Jason Varitek, they decided that this is not going to be their year." For a team that appears to have already thrown in the towel, Rodriguez believes the rest of Boston's season is simply a countdown to October.]]>
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					<![CDATA[France Stunned By Ivory Coast, Spain Draws With Iraq In Pre-World Cup Friendlies]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/france-stunned-by-ivory-coast-in-world-cup-warmup-spain-held-by-iraq</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/france-stunned-by-ivory-coast-in-world-cup-warmup-spain-held-by-iraq</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Guéla Doué scored a goal and set up the winning strike as Ivory Coast surprised France while Iraq held Spain to a draw in pre-World Cup friendlies.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:55:36 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Guela Doué scored a goal and set up the winning strike as Ivory Coast surprised France — and Doué's brother in the French dugout — with a 2-1 victory in a World Cup tune-up match Thursday. Amad Diallo fired home Doué's low cross from the right six minutes from time at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes. Rayan Cherki had put France ahead in the final minute of the first half when he left two defenders behind and beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana with a low shot. Fofana was frequently in action, saving the chances of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and again Cherki. But Doué — whose brother Désiré Doué plays for France — received a through ball fromNicolas Pépé to equalize eight minutes into the second half. It was a cinematic homecoming for Ivory Coast's current manager and former player, Emerse Faé, who was born in Nantes. Many fans waved posters with a photo of Didier Deschamps to thank the coach for a successful reign that began in 2012 and saw France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final and will come to an end after this edition. Deschamps had all six players involved in the Champions League final — Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, Désiré Doué, Lucas Hernandez and William Saliba — on the bench. He used Hernandez, Zaïre-Emery and Barcola as substitutes in the second half. France will play one more tune-up — against Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille — before heading to the United States. France opens its campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey. Ivory Coast meets Ecuador in its opener in Philadelphia on June 14. Spain Held To A Draw By Iraq Spain — another World Cup favorite — was held 1-1 at home by Iraq in La Coruña. Playing without forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain took a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute on Ferran Torres' goal. Merchas Doski's left-footed strike from just outside the box beat goalkeeper Joan Garcia to equalize before the half-hour mark. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he expects Yamal to be fit to face Cape Verde in the team’s World Cup opener in Atlanta on June 15. De la Fuente rested David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz — who all participated in the Champions League’s final. Recently injured Mikel Merino came on as a substitute. Spain is scheduled to play one more tune-up game — against Peru in Mexico on Monday. Iraq meets Norway in its World Cup opener in Massachusetts on June 16. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Ranking The Top 20 Kits At The 2026 World Cup]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/england-argentina-france-the-top-20-kits-at-the-2026-world-cup-ranked</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/england-argentina-france-the-top-20-kits-at-the-2026-world-cup-ranked</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[There's just one week to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off on June 11.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:35:08 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[There's just one week to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off on June 11. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer. The result of the tournament being expanded to a bumper 48-team event and some sides bizarrely opting to have three separate strips means there will be more than 100 different shirts on view in North America, which is undoubtedly some sort of record. Here are the 20 best kits of the 2026 World Cup - ranked: 20. Senegal (Home) Granted, there is a lot going on here, but we'd prefer that to something boring from one of Africa's dominant forces at the World Cup. Senegal's home shirt is inspired by the hand-painted buses of its capital city, Dakar, featuring an eye-catching abstract print all over it. It's just a shame PUMA decided to dial down the colors. 19. Algeria (Away) The adidas Originals 'Trefoil' has returned to their away jerseys, giving them an unmistakably retro vibe. Algeria's offering oozes understated class, featuring shadow stripes, a darker shade of green on the sleeves and a red trim that really pops. The off-centered numbering is a very nice touch, too. 18. Cote d'Ivoire (Home) Cote d'Ivoire always catch the eye in their vibrant orange home strips, but PUMA have taken things up a notch ahead of the World Cup. Les Elephants' home shirt carries a striking animal print design on that classic orange base, with flashes of green on the side panels. It celebrates the country's unified passion for the beautiful game. 17. Germany (Away) Adidas has delivered something a bit different for Germany's away kit — the country the sportswear giant calls home. It features an unusual navy blue base with 'aqua-blue' embellishments, with the color palette blending hues from different eras of the national team from the 1950s to the 80s. The all-over chevron pattern really pops. 16. South Korea (Home) Nike's South Korea kits always seem to go hard, and 2026 is no different as Son Heung-min and Co. look to cause a stir once again in North America. The design cleverly draws inspiration both from the country's mountainous landscape and tiger print on a 'lobal red' base, playing on the idea of an ambush by the big cats, which are one of their most prominent national symbols. 15. England (Home) Is this the shirt in which England will end their agonizing 60-year wait for a major trophy on the men's side of the game? They'll certainly hope so. Nike have evoked some serious retro vibes for the Three Lions' new home shirt, which is seemingly inspired by the iconic Umbro number from 2000. The modern take features a subtle all-over Three Lions motif, with striking red numbering, trim and detail on the collar and cuffs. 14. Canada (Home) One of the host nations, Canada will look the part on home soil in their striking new Nike home kit. The American sportswear manufacturer has come up with a creative way of incorporating the country's most prominent cultural and natural symbol, the maple leaf. An oversized motif takes center stage, with the leaf delineated by darker shades of red across the body. 13. Jordan (Third) Yep, you read that correctly — some countries will actually have third kits at the World Cup. If that isn't too much of a 'game's gone' moment for you, then hopefully you will appreciate Jordan's third kit from Kelme. A clean, black base, this shirt is all about the subtle floral motif that covers most of the body. Let's just hope we get to see a glimpse of it on the pitch. 12. DR Congo (Home) Umbro are not messing about with DR Congo's home shirt as the African nation prepares to contest a World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it was known as Zaire. Mainly blue with neat trim on the sleeves and collar, it's all about the striking print across the torso, which apparently draws from the power and agility of the leopard. 11. Spain (Home) There's nothing overcomplicated about Spain's very clean adidas home kit, but that rich navy blue notably returns to the sleeve panels for the first time since the early 2000s to give it a retro feel. The European champions will be out for global domination in North America, and this is a kit worthy of their cause, with the look completed by yellow pinstripes that draw from the national flag and crest. 10. Qatar (Home) One you might not expect to sneak into our top 10, but the color combination and subtle zigzag pattern on Qatar's home shirt have grabbed our attention. The maroon colorway is complimented by simple white trim and numbering, with the central, vertical motif inspired by the nation's flag. 9. Argentina (Home) Adidas have rarely gotten an Argentina shirt wrong in their long association with the great footballing nation, and they've continued the roll of hits in 2026 with both the home and away shirts for the World Cup holders. They haven't messed with a winning formula, with the new home edition once again carrying three vertical stripes in that famous celestial blue, with the 'Three Stripes' and trim in black. Simple in its beauty. 8. Argentina (Away) Argentina will be looking to defend their crown in North America, and their away kit is a thing of beauty. The country's rich artistic heritage takes center stage for their mainly black away shirt, in a design featuring a distinct swirling blue graphic pattern across the body that takes cues from traditional motifs. Intricate floral details, climbing plants and flashes of white complete a classy look. 7. Croatia (Away) Usually all the noise is around Croatia's red and white home kit, but Nike have created a potential modern classic with their away shirt for the perennial dark horses. The shirt features the classic checkerboard print on the sides in two-tone blue, with a void in between where the crest, Nike 'Swoosh' and numbers will sit. Expect to see this one being worn off the pitch for years to come. 6. Sweden (Away) Sweden might have kept things basic with their home jersey, but their away strip is anything but. A ridiculously cool design on a classy dark blue base takes visual cues from the Scandinavian nation's music and culture of the 1960s and 70s (think ABBA). The wavy print is utterly mesmeric and will be one of the most eye-catching on display in North America. 5. France (Home) We're sure Nike's fresh look for the France national team will have divided opinion, but credit to them for trying something different — and if things go Les Bleus way this summer, it could become a cult classic. The shirt certainly ticks the retro box with its big collar and defining geometric gradient print in a big departure from what the American sportswear behemoth has produced for the French over the past 16 years. 4. Germany (Home) This one has us downing steins and donning lederhosen! German big hitters adidas love a throwback when producing a shirt for their home nation, and the new home strip for Die Nationalmannschaft is a thing of beauty. It clearly draws on their designs from the late 80s and early 90s, as the colors of the German flag stretch over each shoulder and meet in the middle. The designers will hope a side that has underwhelmed at recent tournaments can do it justice in North America. 3. Curaçao (Away) The smallest nation to have qualified for the World Cup, 150,000-strong Curaçao will be packing a big punch in their adidas away strip. Featuring the retro 'Trefoil', the pale yellow base is perfectly complimented by striking dark blue trium and the iconic 'Three Stripes' in red, green and orange to really catch the eye. 2. Japan (Home) We are pretty certain there has never been a bad design in the history of adidas' collaboration with the Japan national team, and that certainly ain't going to change this summer. Evoking the manufacturer's 'Teamgeist' templates of the mid-noughties, the home shirt is retro-tinged but very much ready for the modern day. The focal point is an abstract graphic inspired by the iconic haze on the horizon where the sea meets the sky in the Asian nation. 1. Mexico (Home) Could this be the shirt to break Mexico's curse of the 'Quinto Partido'?! The host nation has only ever gone beyond the last-16 stage on home soil (in 1970 and 1986), and they will hope they can repeat that feat wearing their sublime new adidas home strip. Featuring striking traditional motifs in dark green against a lighter base, adidas say it represents the country's energy and pride, celebrating a nation that lives and breathes the beautiful game.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How Shohei Ohtani, 'Just Scratching The Surface,' Has Adapted In Cy Young Search]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-shohei-ohtani-just-scratching-surface-has-adapted-cy-young-search</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-shohei-ohtani-just-scratching-surface-has-adapted-cy-young-search</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani won't have the innings of other contenders, but by keeping the ball on the ground, limiting slug and routinely going deep into games, he's giving himself a Cy Young chance.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:30:14 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[As Shohei Ohtani fired six scoreless innings Wednesday to drop his ERA on the year to 0.74, the third-lowest mark through the first 10 starts of a season in MLB history, he continued to feature a new element to his game. And it’s one that might be necessary as the two-way star tries to capture his first ever Cy Young Award in a year that features a slew of formidable contenders for MLB’s top pitching honor. While Ohtani’s strikeout rate is down from his career norms, his 51.7% groundball rate is the highest of his career — up more than 10% from last year and 6% from his previous career high —  and the fourth-highest among all starters who’ve thrown at least 60 innings this year. On Wednesday in Arizona, he began his start by inducing three straight groundouts in a spotless first inning and ended it with a double-play grounder from Corbin Carroll to escape a sixth-inning threat. Ohtani struck out six and got eight groundouts on the night while needing just 89 pitches through six innings. His ability to keep the ball on the ground has played an important role in his success, helping him limit slug — he has allowed a home run in just one of his 10 appearances this year — and consistently go deep into games, which he’ll need to do if he wants any chance of winning a Cy Young. The Dodgers continue riding with a six-man rotation, even with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow down, in part to manage Ohtani’s innings and workload. Unlike other Cy Young contenders, Ohtani can’t afford even the occasional clunker. He’s pitching like he knows it, going at least six innings in all but one of his 10 starts, allowing two runs or fewer in each of his 10 starts and holding opponents to an MLB-low .142 batting average. Since the earned run became an official stat, Jacob deGrom (0.56 ERA, 2021) and Juan Marichal (0.59 ERA, 1966) are the only pitchers with a lower ERA through their first 10 starts of a season than Ohtani. "I think a lot of starting pitchers, you feel your way into a game and you give up a couple early and you bear down," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "But I’ve noticed with Shohei, every run is a premium. He’s literally trying to throw a shutout every time he goes out there, where I don’t know if every starter has that mindset." Since the mound was lowered in 1969, only 28 pitchers who qualified for the ERA title have finished a season with an ERA under 2.00. That number drops to 25 pitchers if you eliminate the shortened 2020 season. The lowest ERA in that time belongs to Dwight Gooden, who had a 1.53 ERA in 1985. Ohtani’s ERA, after holding his opponent scoreless in half of his 10 starts this year, is half of Gooden’s mark (0.74). But, as of Thursday, Ohtani is just shy of qualifying for the ERA title. He’s tied for 74th in innings pitched and currently on pace to throw 159 innings. Over the last 20 years, the fewest number of innings pitched by a Cy Young starter over the course of a full season is 167 by Corbin Burnes. Ohtani will have his work cut out for him to reach that number. And in a year in which the Phillies’ Christopher Sánchez just racked up 50.2 consecutive scoreless innings and the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski is running a strikeout rate near 40%, Ohtani must maintain a sizable ERA lead and routinely rack up starts of six and seven innings if he hopes to win MLB’s top pitching honor. Keeping the ball on the ground, the way he has to this point, will help. Ohtani’s arsenal hasn’t changed dramatically to allow him to post the highest groundball rate and lowest home-run rate of his career. While he has incorporated more of his curveball and splitter this year, he still leans primarily on his four-seamer and sweeper — two of the best pitches in baseball — throwing them a combined 75.3% of the time. Rather, Dodgers assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness believes that Ohtani’s elevated ground-ball rate is mostly the result of the pitcher’s enhanced ability to read the game, understand opponents’ tendencies and mess with a hitter’s timing by varying his delivery and velocity. Sometimes, that can help him avoid barrels and get harmless contact to end an at-bat quickly. Other times — like when he slowed his mechanics down to end an 11-pitch at-bat against Francisco Lindor in April — it can help him get a strikeout when he needs one. "He’s one of the best self-coaches we have," McGuiness told me last week. "I think he’s kind of just found a consistent delivery and throw right now. He’s tapped into a crazy amount of power, and he’s just avoiding the fat part of the plate." Over his last four starts, Ohtani has surrendered just nine hits and one run — and that’s while fighting his command through a large portion of that stretch. Wednesday’s start, in which he allowed just one free pass, represented a step in the right direction. He allowed three baserunners as a pitcher and reached base five times as a hitter, getting his batting average up above .300 for the first time since Opening Day. After a slow start to the year offensively, he now has the lowest ERA in MLB as a pitcher and the third-highest OPS in the National League as a hitter. "He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth," said catcher Will Smith. This year, he might also be the best pitcher, too. "When Shohei says he’s going to go do something, we all believe it," McGuiness told me. "Like, he’s probably going to go do it. It is unbelievable. No words can really describe what he’s accomplishing right now, and honestly I think we’re just scratching the surface on the best version of him, which is even scarier to think about."]]>
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					<![CDATA[FOX Super 6 Belmont Stakes Contest: Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's Picks, Predictions]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/fox-super-6-belmont-stakes-contest-chris-the-bear-fallicas-picks-predictions</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/fox-super-6-belmont-stakes-contest-chris-the-bear-fallicas-picks-predictions</guid>
				<category>other</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Enter the free Super 6 Contest featuring the Belmont Stakes for a shot to win cash prizes! And don't worry — "The Bear" is here to help with your picks]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:07:17 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[What's better than watching the Belmont Stakes? Watching the Belmont Stakes and winning money! You can partake in the best of both worlds while watching the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6 on FOX and playing the Super 6 game. The post time is 7:04 p.m. ET. How do you play? Enter the Belmont Stakes contest by predicting the correct answers to six questions before the horses are off to the races on Saturday for your shot to win cash prizes. All you have to do is finish in the top six to win a prize. It really is that simple, and again, it's free. Read below for my thoughts on this weekend's exciting last leg of the Triple Crown. 1. Will Renegade (+190 odds) Win, Place, or Show in the 2026 Belmont Stakes? WinPlaceShowNone of the above Renegade is the rightful favorite in this race. He nearly won the Derby after drawing a terrible post (PP 1) and likely has most believing he is the best 3YO in the country. He’s got a trainer in Todd Pletcher who knows how to win this race. He’s got a jacket in Irad Ortiz Jr. who knows how to win this race. When those two have paired up for a Belmont Stakes starter — which has happened four times — that horse has never been worse than second. I’m going to say Renegade runs second here because there are two very strong contenders to win here — Chief Wallabee and Emerging Market. And two others, Commandment and Derby winner Golden Tempo, could also find their way to the Winners' Circle. Prediction: Place 2. Rank the horses by BEST FINISHING POSITION at the Belmont Stakes (best to worst): Renegade (+190)Golden Tempo (+500)Chief Wallabee (+375)Commandment (+600) I worry about Golden Tempo not having a hot pace to run into here, which is why I have the Derby winner fourth of the bunch. Commandment’s Derby has to be a total throw away based on him being roughed up at the start and being hung out wide. He’s got a couple of big-graded-stakes wins in Florida but I think as the year goes on, both Chief Wallabee and Renegade will prove to be better than Commandment. I really struggled about whether to put Chief Wallabee over Renegade. I thought the Chief would win the Derby but he just didn’t have a great trip. It always seems like it's something with him and he can’t quite get there. So I say Renegade has the best finish of the four, as we know he can overcome bad trips and Todd Pletcher always has his horses ready to fire in the Belmont. Prediction: Renegade, Chief Wallabee, Commandment, Golden Tempo 3. Which of the following will occur? Exacta — Renegade/TempoExacta — Golden Tempo/RenegadeRenegade to finish outside the top 3None of the above I don’t like any of those outcomes to show up on Saturday. I don’t see a Golden Tempo/Renegade exacta either way — with Golden Tempo winning and Renegade running second — or vice versa. At the same time, I also don’t see Renegade running outside the top three. This will score you 10 points! Prediction: None of the above 4. Predict Chief Wallabee’s FINISHING POSITION (+375 Odds): 1-3, 3-5, 5-7, 7-8+ I think Chief Wallabee runs big here and absolutely hits the board. He shouldn't have traffic trouble like he did in the Derby. He is rested and has been training well. Bill Mott knows how to win this race and at this track. I’d be shocked if the Chief didn't hit the board. Prediction: 1-3 5. Which horse will have the BEST FINISHING POSITION at the 2026 Belmont Stakes? Of the Chad Brown runners, I like Emerging Market the most. He’s actually my pick to win the race. In the Derby he was too close to a hot pace, buried down inside traffic and lost a shoe during the race. The path to Belmont success lately has been a Derby runner who skips the Preakness and comes into the Belmont fresh. Emerging Market fits that bill, as does Chief Wallabee, Renegade, Golden Tempo and Commandment. But I’m a bettor and will land on Emerging Market here. Prediction: Emerging Market 6. Will Golden Tempo (+500 odds) Win, Place, or Show in the 2026 Belmont Stakes? While Golden Tempo won the Derby, and he and trainer Cherie DeVaux will go down in history for that achievement, I still think Chief Wallabee, Emerging Market and Renegade on their days with a fair track and trip have a higher top-end potential than Golden Tempo. That, along with a slower pace to run into for Golden Tempo, means an off-the-board finish is likely. Prediction: None of the above]]>
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					<![CDATA[6 Problems New Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola Must Solve]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/6-problems-new-liverpool-manager-andoni-iraola-must-solve</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/6-problems-new-liverpool-manager-andoni-iraola-must-solve</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[These are the most most pressing items for new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:46:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Liverpool have a new manager. Just over a year after Arne Slot led the Reds to a record-equalling 20th English championship, the Dutchman has been replaced in the dugout by Andoni Iraola. The change of coach has already lifted spirits around Anfield after a disastrous Premier League title defense that featured 12 defeats, while Liverpool were also hammered at home by Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, humiliated by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and swept aside by Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight of the Champions League. Slot certainly wasn't solely responsible for the Reds' remarkable regression, and he probably would have been forgiven a trophy-less campaign had his side played with any great intensity. However, Liverpool looked mentally and physically frail for the majority of the season, so it was not in the least bit surprising that the supporters grew weary of watching their side struggle to score goals and keep clean sheets on a weekly basis. Sporting director Richard Hughes has, thus, tasked Iraola with once again fixing a broken team, having previously hired him at Bournemouth back in 2023. The Basque did a remarkable job with very little money to spend at the Vitality Stadium and, after losing nearly his entire defense last summer, somehow led the Cherries to a historic sixth-placed finish in last season's Premier League. The fact that he pulled off that remarkable feat by playing 'front-foot football' is the main reason why Hughes &amp; Co. believe Iraola is the ideal man to turn things around at Anfield. However, it's not going to be easy for Iraola. As the Spaniard sits down to start work in his new role, he has an awful lot of problems to address before the new season begins in August. Here, GOAL looks at the most pressing items in Iraola's in-tray: Get Isak Firing Usually, the last thing a manager wants is to see an important player heading off to a major international tournament. However, Slot argued shortly before he was sacked that Alexander Isak's participation in the World Cup might actually be a good thing for Liverpool. After all, it's not as if the Sweden international was at the risk of burnout. He only started 13 times during his first, injury-plagued campaign on Merseyside. So, one could easily understand why Slot thought it would be "very helpful" for Isak to play "a lot of games" at the World Cup. Of course, the obvious risk is that he breaks down again in North America, but Isak unquestionably needs minutes more than any other player in the Liverpool squad. Indeed, it would be a massive boost for Iraola if the British-record buy were to come out of the tournament unscathed and with his confidence restored after stringing together some starts and maybe even scoring a couple of goals. The early signs are encouraging, too, with Isak having come off the bench to score a stunner in Sweden's friendly against Norway on Monday. Given Iraola joined Bournemouth three years ago, he's obviously familiar with the Newcastle version of Isak - and that's the version Liverpool need next season. Another four-goal campaign is utterly unthinkable for a £125 million player, so while the new coach will want Isak back for as much of pre-season as possible to impress upon him the importance of pressing, the World Cup could prove key to helping him get the very best out of his new No.9. Iraola worked wonders with Eli Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth. Who knows what he could achieve with a fully-fit Isak at Anfield? What To Do With Wirtz It will be a whole lot easier for Iraola to get Isak firing if he can figure out how to unlock Florian Wirtz's enormous potential. For a split-second midway through the 2025-26 campaign, it actually felt like everything was going to click into place for Liverpool. Isak confidently converting a lovely little through-ball from Wirtz in the 2-1 win at Tottenham on December 20 provided the long-suffering supporters with a glimpse of a brighter future. It proved nothing more than a glimpse, though, because Isak was left with a broken leg after being wiped out by Micky van de Ven immediately after scoring and wouldn't feature again in the Premier League for a further four months. Of course, Wirtz continued to show flashes of his undoubted genius — particularly while working in tandem with Hugo Ekitike before the Frenchman's devastating, year-ending injury. However, while fate conspired against the Germany international on more than a couple of occasions, there's no denying that Wirtz went missing far too many times, and particularly in big games. The hope is, though, that the shift in style we're now set to see under Iraola will benefit the £100m signing from Bayer Leverkusen, who should take up the No.10 role in the coach's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Wirtz, though, is also under pressure to prove that he can cope with the intensity and physicality of the Premier League — and thus dismiss claims that Liverpool would be better served by deploying the hard-running Dominik Szoboszlai in front of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Getting the make-up of the midfield right really is of the utmost importance to Iraola, because the Reds were repeatedly overrun last season, with Gravenberch providing more attacking threat but less defensive cover, and Mac Allister appearing utterly exhausted. Do not be surprised, then, if Iraola asks his new employers for the specialist No.6 Liverpool have lacked for so long to lighten the load on Gravenberch, restore some badly needed balance to the side and allow Wirtz to go and do what he does best: create. Develop Salah's Successor Wirtz obviously also needs more quality options ahead of him, particularly as there's now a glaring hole on Liverpool's right wing. Despite giddy talk of a rapid return for Mohamed Salah following Slot's sacking, the Egyptian King won't be coming back to Anfield anytime soon, and the search for a worthy heir to the throne has already begun. It's obviously a thankless task, given we're talking about an inside-forward who both scored and assisted more goals than any other Liverpool player in Premier League history. Of course, the club could - and indeed should - have pre-empted this problem by bringing in Antoine Semenyo last summer. Instead, he was allowed to join rivals Manchester City for a bargain £64m during the winter transfer window - and Liverpool are now going to have to pay an awful lot more than that if they're to land their top target, Yan Diomande. Still, the work done by Iraola at Bournemouth not only with Semenyo but also Rayan suggests that no matter which winger the Reds sign to replace Salah, he's capable of taking their game to a whole other level. Help Jacquet Settle ASAP Whether Liverpool will come to regret refusing to meet Ibrahima Konate's wage demands is unclear at this stage. What we do already know, though, is that the Reds are now light on experience in the center of defense. Veteran captain Virgil van Dijk may have at least one more big season in him, but while Joe Gomez may stick around for another year despite more talk of a move away from Merseyside, the versatile England international simply can't be counted on to stay fit. Given nobody can be sure how long it will take teenager Giovanni Leoni to get back up to full speed after his ACL injury, the onus is very much on new arrival Jeremy Jacquet to hit the ground running. The problem, of course, is that the 20-year-old spent a significant spell on the sidelines himself last season. Jacquet suffered a serious shoulder injury in Rennes' Ligue 1 clash with Lens on February 7 - less than a week after his £60m summer switch to Liverpool was confirmed. However, the word is that Jacquet has made a full recovery and should be fully fit for the start of pre-season, which is just as well, really, as Iraola needs the Frenchman to quickly show why the Reds were willing to invest so much money in a defender with just 37 top-flight games under his belt. Still, on the plus side, the former Bournemouth boss didn’t take that long to get Dean Huijsen playing so well that Liverpool were interested in signing the Spaniard before he joined Real Madrid for €59.5m (£50m) last summer ... Convince Allison To Stay Liverpool knew that an increasingly injury-prone Alisson Becker was nearing the end of his Anfield career, so they put a succession plan in place in the summer of 2024 by agreeing a deal with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili that would see the Georgian move to Merseyside a year later. As a consequence, the Reds decided to allow their understandably annoyed No.2, Caoimhin Kelleher, to join Brentford for an initial £12.5m. Unfortunately for forward-thinking Liverpool, both of those deals now look dreadfully ill-advised. While Kelleher rather predictably played a pivotal role in Keith Andrews' Brentford surprisingly finishing ninth in last season's Premier League, Mamardashvili didn't look at all comfortable during the majority of his first 20 appearances for the Reds. Granted, the 25-year-old wasn't helped at all by the poor excuse for a defense placed in front of him, but there was a constant air of nervousness about him, particularly with the ball at his feet. Therefore, it's not in the least bit surprising that Liverpool are reportedly no longer willing to allow Alisson to join Juventus. The Brazilian is still said to be intent on moving to Turin, but Iraola should do whatever he can to convince Alisson to stay for one more year at Anfield. He may not be capable of playing 50 games a season anymore, but it's clear that Liverpool need more time to find a more suitable successor than Mamardashvili. Sort The Problem Position The news that Jeremie Frimpong had missed out on the Netherlands squad for this summer's World Cup was shocking in one sense. The versatile wing-back would have been considered a shoo-in this time last year. However, it's sadly easy to understand why Ronald Koeman now feels he can do without a player who had a terrible first season at Liverpool. Frimpong started just 23 games in all competitions as he struggled for both form and fitness for almost the entirety of a campaign that yielded just two assists and two goals — a shocking return for a player who proved so prolific in both areas for Bayer Leverkusen. The main issue with the 25-year-old is that nobody's sure if he's good enough defensively to play at right-back. Frimpong has got incredible pace, but his positioning and decision-making are questionable at best. Of course, Frimpong's struggles wouldn't be such a problem for Liverpool if Conor Bradley were capable of playing twice a week - but that's now looking like a pipe dream after another campaign curtailed by injury. In that context, Iraola has a major decision to make at right-back. If he doesn't feel he can trust either Frimpong or Bradley to stay fit, a summer signing is essential with Liverpool still no closer to filling the considerable void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.]]>
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					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From Ivory Coast's Upset Win Over France In Pre-World Cup Tune-Up]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/france-ivory-4-takeaways</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/france-ivory-4-takeaways</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The game puts concerns about France’s scoring efficiency while highlighting an Ivory Coast team that could now be a World Cup dark horse.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:35:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Emerse Faé deserves a lot of credit as he pulled off quite an upset in his hometown. The Ivory Coast manager, born in the French city of Nantes, led the team he once represented as a player to one of the biggest shocks in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup by beating tournament favorite France. But Thursday's result now raises concerns about France’s scoring efficiency and its killer instinct to put a winnable game away. It also now puts the spotlight on an Ivory Coast team that could now be one of the potential dark horses of the tournament. The defining story of this game was how Ivory Coast turned the tide of the game and rose in the second half, largely through the contributions of French-born players Guéla Doué (whose brother Désiré Doué plays for France) and Nicolas Pépé. Then it was Guéla who assisted Amad Diallo on the winner. Here are my takeaways: 1. France Wastefulness A Concern France controlled the game in Nantes in the early going but could not put the game away. It wasn’t until Rayan Cherki’s 45th minute goal when Les Bleus found the back of the net. French manager Didier Deschamps made the obvious decision to not start the players who recently won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, notably Ousmane Dembélé. That still left impressive quality such as Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, Désiré Doué, and Lucas Hernández on the bench. Despite that, France was able to start a first-rate attack including Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, and Michael Olise. The Ivory Coast did well enough to keep the game scoreless at 0-0 for as long as it did and in fact had a chance to strike first when Simon Adingra took advantage of a mistake from Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni to go one on one with keeper Mike Maignan, only to see the AC Milan man come up with the save. Despite the edge in the first half, France was wasteful throughout. Mbappé saw a good chance saved by Yahia Fofana in the opening minutes. Thuram and Olise would also fail to take advantage of goal-scoring chances in the first half. Mbappé was particularly guilty. The Real Madrid star trails Olivier Giroud by just one goal to become France’s all-time goalscorer, but has faced criticism of his finishing inefficiency and missed chances close to goal. This game, played in front of home fans, will only increase these concerns. Ultimately, their failure to put the game away in the first half sunk them. Where France was wasteful, Ivory Coast was clinical as the team equalized in the 53rd minute when Guéla Doué was sent in alone on Maignan with a perfect pass from Villarreal’s Pépé. Then, in the 84th minute, it was Doué setting up Diallo with a pass from the right wing which the Manchester United attacker was able to finish from the middle of the box. At the World Cup, chances will be harder to come by and unless France is able to make the most of its chances, they could find it a difficult road despite their immense talent. 2. Ivory Coast’s Discipline Pays Off In the early goings, it seemed as if this game was going to a coast for France. Deschamps’s team was in control of the pace and had the bulk of first chances. But the Ivory Coast grew into the game and now Fae has the opportunity to lead the Ivory Coast to a meaningful win that should give it momentum heading into the World Cup. Playing on the road against a World Cup favorite and trailing at the half, Ivory Coast responded by playing brilliantly. In the end, the goals it scored were through impressive individual quality with passing that cut through the French midfield and backline. In the early goings, the Ivory Coast could have become frustrated or overwhelmed, but instead they maintained their resolve, and let their individual quality play out. Right back Doué was the best player on the field in this game. The Strasbourg winger pushed forward in the attack effectively and was able to notch a goal and an assist. Defensively, he was also very impressive in his ability to help contain France’s attack down his side of the field. He also earned a bit of household bragging rights with the victory over his brother's team. 3. Cherki’s Case To Start On a team as talented as Les Bleus, the internal competition for minutes at the World Cup is fierce. Rayan Cherki is generally not considered a starter for a first-choice French team, but the Manchester City attacker made a great case on Thursday as he was the best player on the field in the first half. A long-time veteran of France’s youth teams and a member of the 2024 Olympic team that won the silver medal, the Lyon native has been making inroads with the full French team over the past year. Cherki did not make his debut for France until June 5, 2025, when he also scored his first goal. Shortly before halftime, he scored his second career international goal to give the hosts a 1-0 edge. It wasn’t just the goal, Cherki was on the ball throughout his entire 78 minutes and was consistently getting into dangerous places and finding his teammates in the attack. He ultimately was one of the few bright spots on a bad day for France. 4. Ivory Coast As A Dark Horse? That has been some talk about the Ivory Coast being a potential sleeper team who could make a run this summer. The team has a manageable group with Ecuador, Curaçao, and Germany rounding out Group E. But now, the expectations will only be heightened. A win over Curaçao should be expected and a result over Germany would take a similar level of resolve as defeating France. The game against Ecuador could be an even match. What should be encouraging for the Ivory Coast is that this result over France was not how a typical upset goes where a set piece, a penalty, or a red card evens the game. The Ivory Coast scored twice from the run of play with first-rate passing and effective finishing. What this game showed was that Ivory Coast as the talent to play with the best and the players are confident in their ability.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Bo Nix’s Recovery Timeline Looms Large as Broncos Offense Takes the Field For OTAs]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/bo-nixs-recovery-timeline-looms-large-broncos-offense-takes-field-otas</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/bo-nixs-recovery-timeline-looms-large-broncos-offense-takes-field-otas</guid>
				<category>nfl</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Denver Broncos are back on the football field for the first time since losing the AFC championship game to New England with Bo Nix watching with his surgically repaired right ankle in a cast.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:29:13 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Denver Broncos are back on the football field for the first time since losing the AFC championship game to New England with Bo Nix watching from a suite with his surgically repaired right ankle in a cast. Nix is still sidelined following a second procedure on his right ankle but he was on the field Thursday, throwing some passes but mostly watching backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger incorporate offseason acquisition Jaylen Waddle into the offense. "He's had a good week," coach Sean Payton said of Waddle, the speedy receiver the Broncos acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins this spring. "He's someone who picks things up real quick. He had a real good day yesterday and you can just feel his instincts and his quickness and his ability to not only run fast but to stop fast." Waddle is expected to work with Nix by the time the Broncos hold their minicamp in two weeks. "I mean, you don't see (Nix) in pre-practice, but he's been throwing and I do think in our third week .... you'll see more of a role," Payton said. The Broncos were the last team to actually take the field during their offseason training program, which for them has consisted of workouts indoors until Tuesday when they embarked on football drills. Before working on his chemistry with Nix, Waddle has been developing a rapport with his No. 1 wide receiver counterpart Courtland Sutton. "Yeah, it's been fun," Sutton said. "Being able to see him up close, he's a special dude. ... He has some qualities that only he can do. ... He has tremendous speed. His speed and acceleration paired together are top tier. His understanding of the offense, his understanding of football ... his run after the catch is top tier." Waddle said he envisions he and Sutton delivering a great 1-2 punch. "Courtland's an elite playmaker," Waddle said. "Anytime you have an elite playmaker on the other side, it just makes it easy, someone that the defense has to be looking for and vice versa." While he's eager to work with Nix on the field, it's apparent the two have already started developing chemistry. "Bo is definitely a competitor, he loves talking ball, he loves being around the guys," Waddle said. "I think he's a great leader. I can just see the traits from him day to day and if he sees something he's going to tell me about it and then we're going to pick each other's brains, try to get on the same page as best we can." Raise for Surtain The Broncos gave star cornerback Pat Surtain II a $5 million raise this season through a contract adjustment. Surtain also can earn another $5 million if he's an All-Pro or Pro Bowl selection. He's a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. "He’s obviously someone that we feel like is elite and at the top of his position," Payton said. "And part of that is the salary cap and how that fluctuates and moves, especially in the last three years." The Broncos are finally out from under the record $85 million dead cap hit they incurred by releasing Russell Wilson, allowing them to make moves as they did with Surtain. "It feels good," Payton said. "Look, it's important. It's hard to do that with dead money and when you do that with a record-setting amount, it's a credit to everyone, the young players, the coaches, the scouts, and so I don't know that anyone can feel or see it, but certainly it exists when it pertains to your budget." The ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft, Surtain has a dozen interceptions and 59 pass breakups in his five seasons as a pro. Surtain is entering the first season of a four-year, $96 million extension he signed in 2024, which at the time made him the league's highest-paid cornerback based on average annual salary. He has since been surpassed by Jaycee Horn, Trent McDuffie, Sauce Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., and Jalen Ramsey. Tough opening stretch The Broncos open the season with a tough six-game stretch beginning with a game at Kansas City followed by five weeks of games against 2025 playoff teams, but Payton said he doesn't believe the league was being punitive. Asked if he's upset someone in the league office, Payton, cracked, "No, that happened a long time ago." Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season due to his involvement in the New Orleans Saints’ "Bountygate" scandal. After a visit to Kansas City, the Broncos host the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams before visiting the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers. After that, they host the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. "We'll get to see where we're at early," Waddle said. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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				<title>
					<![CDATA[Bone Bruise Sidelines Yankees' Star Aaron Judge for Third Consecutive Game]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/bone-bruise-sidelines-yankees-star-aaron-judge-third-consecutive-game</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/bone-bruise-sidelines-yankees-star-aaron-judge-third-consecutive-game</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Aaron Judge was out of the lineup Thursday for a third straight game and the New York Yankees were awaiting clarity about a bone bruise in one of his right ribs that is causing right shoulder pain.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:11:31 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Aaron Judge was out of the lineup Thursday for a third straight game and the New York Yankees were awaiting clarity about a bone bruise in one of the slugger’s right ribs that is causing right shoulder pain. After avoiding a three-game sweep with a 2-1 victory over Cleveland, manager Aaron Boone said the team was awaiting the findings of Dr. Gregory Pearl, a vascular surgery specialist in Dallas. "Look it’s a lot of smart people in a specialized area and (the) guy’s several states aways," Boone said. "We just got to be patient." Judge underwent a CT scan on Thursday morning and had an MRI earlier in the week when he met with a specialist. The bruise was first revealed when Judge underwent testing on the team’s off day on Monday. "I’m obviously not a doctor, I don’t know how it all works, but there’s a lot of people involved in trying to make sure we get the right diagnosis," Boone said Thursday morning. Judge was diagnosed with a stress fracture in one of his right ribs in March 2020. The injury occurred when he dove for a ball in September 2019, but Judge did not miss any time because of the 2020 season being delayed by the pandemic. He is hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs. The three-time AL MVP has one homer in his last 18 games since May 10 and ended an 11-game homer and RBI drought with a game-ending, two-run drive on May 24 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge entered the game against Tampa Bay in a 1-for-24 slump that dropped his batting average to .246. He was hitless in 15 at-bats before singling in the first inning. Judge won the batting title last season when he hit a career-high .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs in 152 games. He missed 10 games from July 26-Aug. 4 with a flexor strain in his right elbow that he sustained on a throw to home July 22 in Toronto. He underwent a plasma-rich injection and did not require offseason surgery. When Judge was hurt last season, Giancarlo Stanton played 17 games in the outfield. Stanton has been out since April 24 with a strained right calf and started taking live at-bats on the field Wednesday, though he was ruled out for New York’s upcoming road trip. Jose Caballero started the first two games against Cleveland and has made four starts in right field since being acquired from Tampa Bay at the July 31 trade deadline. Max Schuemann made his first career start in right field Thursday and made a diving catch on Steven Kwan in the second along with a leaping catch on Brayan Rocchio in the seventh. Judge had started 52 of New York’s first 59 games in right field. Rookie Spencer Jones made four starts in right field before getting sent down May 22 and Cody Bellinger has started two games. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Trade $10, Get a $10 Bonus for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/kalshi-promo-code-foxsports-trade-10-get-10-bonus-game-2-stanley-cup-finals</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/kalshi-promo-code-foxsports-trade-10-get-10-bonus-game-2-stanley-cup-finals</guid>
				<category>betting</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Trade $10, Get a $10 Bonus for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:02:14 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/1b81c61e-vgk-scaled.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/1b81c61e-vgk-scaled.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
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				    <![CDATA[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. New users on Kalshi can use promo code FOXSPORTS to trade $10 and receive a $10 bonus ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Carolina Hurricanes look to even the series against the Vegas Golden Knights. After entering the Stanley Cup Final with just one playoff loss, Carolina suffered its second postseason defeat in Game 1 as Vegas continued its remarkable playoff surge. In Game 1, Tomas Hertl delivered the decisive moment, scoring the game-winning goal in the third period. The Hurricanes dominated much of the postseason before running into a red-hot Vegas team, and falling behind 2-0 would put them in a difficult position when the series heads to Vegas. New users can click here to unlock a $10 trade bonus with Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS and get involved before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page. How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus Kalshi Odds *Odds/Probability are subject to change* VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Vegas enters on a 7-game winning streak, sweeping Colorado in the Western Conference Final before taking Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Carolina. Marner and Eichel have fueled the offense with elite playmaking, while Dorofeyev has emerged as the team's top goalscorer during the postseason. CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Carolina won 12 of its first 13 playoff games before falling to Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes have combined a high-powered offense (3.55 goals per game) with strong defensive play, highlighted by dominant series wins over Ottawa and Philadelphia, while Stankoven's nine goals have provided a consistent finishing threat throughout the postseason.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Claim a $50 Trade Bonus Ahead of Game 2 Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/polymarket-promo-code-fox-claim-50-trade-bonus-ahead-game-2-golden-knights-vs-hurricanes</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/polymarket-promo-code-fox-claim-50-trade-bonus-ahead-game-2-golden-knights-vs-hurricanes</guid>
				<category>betting</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Claim a $50 Trade Bonus Ahead of Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Game 2.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:01:16 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/tomas-hertl-scaled.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/tomas-hertl-scaled.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
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				    <![CDATA[This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. The Polymarket promo code FOX gives users a $50 trading bonus as the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes continue their battle for the Cup. Vegas struck first in Game 1, handing Carolina just its second loss of the entire postseason and extending its own winning streak to seven straight games. Game 2 shifts the intensity even higher, with the Hurricanes trying to even the series before the series heads to Vegas, where the Golden Knights have only lost twice at home. Carolina lost Game 1 in their last series against Montreal, then won four straight. Can they bounce back tonight and even the series? For new users looking to trade in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the $50 bonus with Polymarket promo code FOX provides extra value to get started ahead of a critical Game 2 between the Hurricanes and Golden Knights. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Polymarket promo code page. How to Claim the Polymarket Promo with Code FOX Polymarket Odds *Odds/Probability are subject to change* VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Vegas enters on a 7-game winning streak, sweeping Colorado in the Western Conference Final before taking Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Carolina. Marner and Eichel have fueled the offense with elite playmaking, while Dorofeyev has emerged as the team's top goalscorer during the postseason. CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Carolina won 12 of its first 13 playoff games before falling to Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes have combined a high-powered offense (3.55 goals per game) with strong defensive play, highlighted by dominant series wins over Ottawa and Philadelphia, while Stankoven's nine goals have provided a consistent finishing threat throughout the postseason.]]>
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					<![CDATA[BetMGM Bonus Code FOXSPORTS: Claim up to $1500 in Bonus Bets for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/betmgm-bonus-code-foxsports-claim-up-1500-bonus-bets-game-2-stanley-cup-finals</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/betting/betmgm-bonus-code-foxsports-claim-up-1500-bonus-bets-game-2-stanley-cup-finals</guid>
				<category>betting</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[BetMGM Bonus Code FOXSPORTS: Claim up to $1500 in Bonus Bets for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Golden Knights-Hurricanes.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:01:11 -0400</pubDate>
								<media:content url="https://statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/car-hu-scaled.jpg" expression="full" type="image/jpg" width="1167" height="656">
										<media:thumbnail url="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/128/72/car-hu-scaled.jpg" width="128" height="72"/>
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				    <![CDATA[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. New users on BetMGM can claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final using promo code FOXSPORTS. The Golden Knights came back from an early 0-2 deficit to win Game 1, extending their strong playoff run and putting early pressure on Carolina. Vegas handed Carolina their second playoff loss this postseason. Carolina responded after losing their first game of the playoffs by winning four straight against the Canadiens. Can they pull off another stretch of wins to capture the Stanley Cup? First, they have to win Game 2 tonight with Vegas coming in with all the momentum. New users can use BetMGM bonus code FOXSPORTS to claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets ahead of Game 2 of Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights. How to Sign Up and Claim the BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 Odds VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Vegas enters on a 7-game winning streak, sweeping Colorado in the Western Conference Final before taking Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Carolina. Marner and Eichel have fueled the offense with elite playmaking, while Dorofeyev has emerged as the team's top goalscorer during the postseason. CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top Players &amp; Team Stats This Postseason Team Stats (Playoff Performance) Trend Note: Carolina won 12 of its first 13 playoff games before falling to Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes have combined a high-powered offense (3.55 goals per game) with strong defensive play, highlighted by dominant series wins over Ottawa and Philadelphia, while Stankoven's nine goals have provided a consistent finishing threat throughout the postseason.]]>
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				<title>
					<![CDATA[Japan Switches Monterrey World Cup Training Site Due To Field Conditions]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/pitch-problems-japan-switches-monterrey-training-sites-ahead-of-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/pitch-problems-japan-switches-monterrey-training-sites-ahead-of-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Japan’s national team has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:46:56 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Japan's national team has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground. The Japanese delegation said it has switched from the facility for Liga MX club UANL Tigres — site of Wednesday's practice — to El Barrial, the training ground of Rayados de Monterrey, Tigres' biggest rivals. The delegation didn't specify why it moved. Training is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The venue mishap has gone viral on Mexican social media, sparking heavy criticism of UANL Tigres. Japan opens its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, on June 14 and then faces Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20 before returning to Texas to play Sweden on June 25. The Samurai Blue’s official training camp for the World Cup will be in Nashville, Tennessee, where they will arrive on June 8. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 Belmont Stakes Odds, Predictions: Favorites, Picks]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/2026-belmont-stakes-odds-predictions-favorites-picks</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/2026-belmont-stakes-odds-predictions-favorites-picks</guid>
				<category>other</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo returns for the Belmont Stakes. Check out the latest odds for the Triple Crown finale.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:22:10 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The 158th Belmont Stakes will be run this Saturday at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a scheduled post time of 7:04 p.m. EST and live coverage on FOX. This marks the third and final year that the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga before returning to Belmont Park in 2027 following the completion of a massive $550 million reconstruction project. The Belmont is the third and final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, and this year's edition will feature Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade, who finished just a neck behind him in a thrilling race at Churchill Downs in May. Can Renegade turn the tables on Golden Tempo in their highly anticipated Kentucky Derby rematch? Let's dive into the odds as of June 4. 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. Belmont Stakes Odds Renegade: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total) Golden Tempo: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total) Chief Wallabee: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total) Commandment: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total) Emerging Market: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total) Growth Equity: +2100 (bet $10 to win $220 total) Powershift: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total) Ottinho: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total) Vitruvian Man: +2900 (bet $10 to win $300 total) The Favorite With Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, powerhouse owner Mike Repole, and elite jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. in his corner, Renegade brings arguably the strongest connections in this year's Belmont field. Renegade got off to a nightmare start in the Kentucky Derby, getting slammed into multiple horses shortly after the break and nearly hitting the inside rail. Despite the very troubled start, Renegade produced a furious late rally and came up just short of Golden Tempo at the wire. After overcoming those obstacles and still nearly winning, he enters Saturday's rematch as the deserving favorite to capture the final leg of the Triple Crown. Renegade is currently the heavy favorite at -200, though it's still early and the betting pools remain relatively small. Can Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo Repeat? Golden Tempo is currently the second choice on the oddsboard after his historic Kentucky Derby victory, in which he came flying from last place to first in a remarkable stretch run. Trainer Cherie DeVaux elected to skip the Preakness Stakes, ending any chance at a Triple Crown bid, but the decision gives Golden Tempo the advantage of entering the Belmont Stakes fresh off a full month of rest. Just as he did in the Derby, Golden Tempo will likely need a fast early pace to set up his closing kick, allowing him to make another powerful run from the back of the field. But that derby performance may be tough to replicate. The Pick Chief Wallabee is the pick for the 158th Belmont Stakes. Chief Wallabee shares the same trainer-jockey combination as last year's Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty, with Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado once again teaming up. He finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, just three lengths behind Golden Tempo. However, he appeared poised to make a major move turning for home before getting boxed in between multiple horses, forcing him to steady and causing him to lose all of his momentum. With a much smaller field in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, Chief Wallabee should get a much cleaner trip and has a legitimate chance to be the first horse across the finish line.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Neymar Not Traveling With Brazil For Friendly vs. Egypt Due To Calf Injury]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/brazil-says-neymar-sidelined-by-a-calf-injury-isnt-traveling-for-an-exhibition-game-vs-egypt</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/brazil-says-neymar-sidelined-by-a-calf-injury-isnt-traveling-for-an-exhibition-game-vs-egypt</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Neymar is not traveling to Cleveland with Brazil's World Cup team for its exhibition tuneup against Egypt.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:16:14 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Neymar is not traveling to Cleveland with Brazil’s World Cup team for its exhibition tuneup against Egypt on Saturday, according to the country’s soccer association. The Brazilian Football Confederation said Thursday the 34-year-old forward would remain in New Jersey to undergo treatment. Last week, the team doctor said that Neymar was expected to be sidelined two to three weeks because of a calf injury. Brazil’s opening game at the World Cup is June 13 against Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it was not clear if Neymar would be ready to play in it. Picking Neymar for the 26-player roster was considered a risk because of his health. He is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 but has struggled since returning from tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier. "He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup," coach Carlos Ancelotti said last month. "He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group, he can create a better environment in this group." Neymar has played eight matches for Santos FC this year and has four goals and two assists. FIFA rules allow an injured player to be replaced up to one day before a team’s first game at the tournament. If he plays, this would be Neymar's fourth World Cup. Brazil earlier this week named 32-year-old defender Marquinhos captain. "You think about all the legendary captains who have worn this armband before, so I feel very honored and very happy," Marquinhos said in Portuguese on Wednesday. "Being captain isn’t simply about wearing the armband and playing football. It’s much more than that. It starts with the person and with what you can contribute to the group, to your teammates and to the team as a whole." Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Haiti vs Peru: How to Watch, Prediction, Odds, Friendly Preview]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/haiti-vs-peru-how-watch-prediction-odds-friendly-preview</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/haiti-vs-peru-how-watch-prediction-odds-friendly-preview</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Haiti and Peru play in an international friendly. Find out how to watch, betting odds, team form, and more.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:12:30 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Haiti and Peru will take to the pitch in a tune-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haiti, fresh off a 4-0 thumping of New Zealand, will be in Group C for the upcoming tournament. It's their second World Cup appearance (1974). Their opening match will be against Scotland on June 13th. Peru failed to qualify for the World Cup after being eliminated during CONMEBOL qualifying. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kickoff, including how to watch Haiti vs Peru. How to Watch Haiti vs Peru How to Watch World Cup 2026 Stream all FIFA World Cup games on FOX One from June 11 to July 19, 2026, as 48 national teams compete across the Group Stage and Knockout rounds. FOX One gives fans access to live games, pregame coverage, highlights, expert analysis, and unforgettable moments directly to your screen. Haiti World Cup Schedule Haiti vs Peru Odds Peru is favored to win in what is expected to be a tight match. Check out the full odds below: Team Form Check out how each team has recently performed below: Haiti Peru]]>
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					<![CDATA[Liverpool Hires Former Bournemouth Manager Andoni Iraola After Arne Slot Departure]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/liverpool-hires-former-bournemouth-manager-andoni-iraola-after-arne-slot-departure</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/liverpool-hires-former-bournemouth-manager-andoni-iraola-after-arne-slot-departure</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Liverpool has hired Andoni Iraola as head coach, less than a week after firing Arne Slot.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:32:46 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Liverpool hired Andoni Iraola as manager on Thursday, turning to the former Bournemouth coach whose intense and heavy-pressing playing approach resembles the ideology that brought the team so much success under former Anfield favorite Jürgen Klopp. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who has signed a deal for an undisclosed length, left his job at Bournemouth at the end of the recently completed season after a three-year spell that boosted his reputation. The unheralded south-coast team finished sixth in the Premier League, going unbeaten in its last 18 games, and qualified for Europe for the first time in its history. Iraola replaces Arne Slot, who was fired by Liverpool last Saturday following a troubled second year in charge after emulating the likes of José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte by winning the Premier League title in his first season. That took Liverpool to a record-tying 20 English league championships. Iraola said he was joining "a special club." "You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool," he said. "But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start." Concerns about Liverpool’s style of play under Slot — the team lost 12 games in a disappointing title defense — were laid bare in a critical social-media post by departing superstar Mohamed Salah that called for the club to "go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear." Tellingly, it was liked by a number of current Liverpool players. In going for Iraola, who likes a hard-running and pressing approach previously favored by the popular Klopp in his trophy-laden spell at Liverpool from 2015-2024, the club’s leadership appears to have taken Salah’s message on board. The appointment — overseen by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who was working at Bournemouth when Iraola was hired there in 2023 — doesn’t come without risk, though. Iraola has never managed a club anywhere as big as Liverpool, with his only jobs before Bournemouth coming in brief spells in charge at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and second-tier Mirandes in Spain before a three-year stint at Rayo Vallecano. He also has never won a major trophy, or had to balance the demands of elite domestic and European competitions. However, Liverpool wanted a manager who will play a more "aggressive and urgent" style of soccer and Iraola fits the bill, even if his off-field persona — unassuming, reserved — couldn’t be more different to that of the more outgoing and in-your-face Klopp. Iraola takes over a team in transition, with the offseason departures of Salah and Andy Robertson leaving Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker as the only remaining senior members of the brilliant team that Klopp led to the Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League trophy the following year. Liverpool spent an unprecedented $570 million to strengthen the squad in the last offseason but only finished in fifth place in an underwhelming Premier League title defense to squeeze into the Champions League, a competition Iraola has never managed in. Iraola is the latest coach born in Spain’s Basque region to take over a top English club, following in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Unai Emery (Aston Villa) and most recently Xabi Alonso (Chelsea). Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Who Is ... U.S. Men's National Team Goalkeeper Matt Freese?]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-goalkeeper-matt-freese-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-goalkeeper-matt-freese-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Last June, Matt Freese had never played for the U.S. men's soccer team. Now, he's playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:05:40 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[A year before making coach Mauricio Pochettino's USA roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Matt Freese had never even played an international game. Now, he heads into the Greatest Show in Sports as the Stars and Stripes' projected No. 1 goalkeeper. Freese has taken an unusual path to get to this point. The son of a renowned neurosurgeon and a health care executive who prioritized books over sports, the now-27-year-old turned down Manchester United as a teenager to attend Harvard, from which he earned an economics degree in 2022. That alone makes Philadelphia native Freese perhaps the most interesting man on Pochettino's 26-player World Cup roster. I sat down with the New York City FC backstop to dive deeper into who he is. Your family was into academics, your late father, Dr. Andrew Freese, especially. Why were you so into sports when that's not what you got at home? It's pretty random, isn't it? I think because it provides an avenue to compete very tangibly. Usually it's binary: There's one winner and one loser. I love winning, and I really hate losing. So I think the competition aspect of it really is what drove me to love athletics. You played lots of different sports as a kid. Were you good at any others? My best sport was probably lacrosse, but I just didn't love it the way I love soccer. I read that you always wanted to be a keeper. When I lived in South Carolina, my neighbor was the goalkeeper for our area's high school team who won the state championship for them in penalty kicks. I idolized him as an 8-year-old kid. That kind of sparked my interest. But it wasn't until I was probably 11 that I got to play goalkeeper in a real game. You’d taken shots from your older brother before that, though, right? We'd been playing in the backyard all along. I had this one ridiculous save my first time playing goalkeeper, so from there the coach let me play occasionally. It wasn't until probably 16, 17 when I became a goalkeeper exclusively. That’s pretty late for a future World Cup keeper. What’s funny is, I never had any burnout because I had a consistent yearning for more soccer. My interest and love for the game didn't even fully peak until I was like, 19 or 20. Keepers are crazy, right? You seem like a pretty normal guy. [Laughs.] It’s just because you don't know me that well. I’m not normal at all. There’s a long history of American keepers playing other sports. Tony Meola was drafted by the Yankees. Brad Friedel played football. Tim Howard played basketball. Did it help you? So much. It enabled me to learn a pretty broad variety of skill sets. Goalkeeper is such an athletically multifaceted position. You need hand-eye coordination, speed, strength, decision-making, to be able to jump. You need everything. You moved around a lot as a kid. Was it hard to become a fan of particular teams? I was 10 when we settled in Philly. I moved like seven times before then, but we stayed in Philly after that, so I fell in love with all those teams: Eagles, Sixers, Flyers. That was the same time that the Philadelphia Union started. My mom was able to get tickets for us to go to the first game. That was probably part of the reason that I fell in love with that team. And then you got cut from their academy. What was that like? This was before the academy actually, when I was 11 or 12. They had this thing called the Union Juniors program. I got cut from that when I was probably 12 or 13.  I was still playing four other sports. I was pudgy back then too, which probably didn't help. But I worked my ass off and got invited back and made the academy when it launched full-time. You also went over to England and trained with Liverpool and Manchester United. Tell me about that experience. I came from such a non-soccer background that I don't think I knew how big of a deal that was in the moment. Maybe that was good, because I played very freely when I was over there. Honestly, I balled out. Manchester United wanted to sign you, but you turned it down. Why? I was an 18-year-old kid. You follow what your parents want for you, at least in that moment. A year and a half later, I became a man, and I said that now soccer comes first. You went to Harvard instead. Pretty good second option. It was a lifelong dream of my parents for me to go to college. I promised them I would do my first year and see what happens. After that first year, I said I'm not putting this on hold anymore and went pro. The goal was to make the 2020 Olympic team, right? My dream was always to represent my country, whether it's the Olympics or now, at the World Cup. At that moment, I had my eyes set on the 2020 Olympics and for me to be considered, I had to leave college. Playing for the 2-13 team that we were at Harvard wasn’t going to cut it. So I really just had to make that leap. You did graduate from Harvard, though. How did you do it? I wanted to graduate, and I had that opportunity. The only reason I wouldn't have done it is if it was going to detract from soccer, but it definitely didn’t. It was the opposite. It helped me so much on the field. My rookie year in MLS was a total mess. I was injured like four or five times. My body, my mind, my emotions were not ready for the pressure that an 11-month season puts on you. I wasn't taking classes then. But my second year I started again, and it allowed me to have an outlet to release some of the pressure. Still, juggling school and a pro soccer career must’ve been difficult. When you're 20 years old, you need something to keep you focused when you're off the field. It created a regimen, a routine, a reason for me on a Thursday night to be at home, sitting at a desk at 9 p.m. doing homework, yeah, and then going to sleep early. So it was, it was a massive part of my development. That’s fascinating. There's a ton of research that suggests that intellectual and academic brain stimulation also translates into adaptability and quick, quick cognitive processes on the field. That’s one of my biggest strengths, my adaptability to new systems and the speed at which I learn things on the field. While we're on the topic of school, you did your thesis on penalty kicks? It wasn’t a thesis, there was a project about it. I’m not answering anything about that. That story has been told, we can move on. I’ve got too many shootouts left! Your paternal grandparents were from Germany, a soccer power. But your dad wasn’t into soccer at all? Not at all. I actually never met them. They passed away when he was young. How did you become introduced to the sport? My brother loved soccer, and we watched it all the time together. Now, I realize he was my first goalkeeper trainer. I owe so much of this to him. But it was just a random love for the game that I found. It was a challenging time in my young life, moving around a lot. My parents were getting divorced. Soccer was something that just allowed me to feel at home. With NYCFC, you wear number 49 for your maternal grandfather, Jack, who was an Air Force pilot and AFL quarterback. My mom says I remind her of him: Big, broad shoulders, 6-foot-5. He was number 49 during his football career, and so that's why I love 49. I’d wear it at the World Cup, but the highest number allowed is 26. Where did your nickname, "Matty Ice," originate? I'm from the same area as Matt Ryan. One of my gym teachers knew him in high school or something and started calling me Matty Ice. It didn't fully stick then. The one that stuck was Booger, the nickname my brother gave me when I was 6 years old, and that one really stuck. NYCFC’s nickname is the Pigeons. Do you like that one? I think pigeons are cool. It's crazy to think you had never played for the national team until June 2025. How do you process that? My favorite quote is from Daryl Morey, the former 76ers president: "Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor." People see a meteoric rise during the past 12 months. I see 15 years of hard work before that, so that I can capitalize when that moment comes. What would it mean to you to be standing there on the field on June 12 for the USA’s first World Cup game? It would be such an honor, part of a dream come true. I dreamt specifically of winning World Cup games representing my country. I’m super competitive. I want to win eight games this summer. There's a lot of work left for that full dream to come true. You’ve said you love pressure. There's no more pressure than the World Cup and being a host nation, right? I was born with this desire to be in the most pressure games, the most pressure moments, the highest-stakes games, to be a difference maker. That's just been part of who I am as an athlete my whole life, is that I'm there for the big moments. What can this team accomplish this summer? We want to set a new standard for American soccer, to do for this sport in this country what the '94 group did when the World Cup was here last. That started the love for the game in America. We want to continue to raise the bar and inspire 5- to 10-year-olds who are watching this game so that in 15 years from now, they're setting another new standard.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Tyrrell Hatton, Scott Vincent Share Lead After Round 1 Of LIV Golf Andalucía]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/golf/round-1-liv-golf-andalucia-scoreboard-hatton-vincent</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/golf/round-1-liv-golf-andalucia-scoreboard-hatton-vincent</guid>
				<category>golf</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Tyrrell Hatton and Scott Vincent are tied for the lead at 4-under par after Round 1 of LIV Golf Andalucía.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:44:17 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Tyrrell Hatton entered LIV Golf Andalucía with limited prep work, understandable given that he just became a first-time father. His practice sessions earlier this week at Real Club Valderrama were, in his words, "pretty awful." And now his first putt as a dad was a 33-footer at his opening hole Thursday. He drained it. Hatton celebrated his first round as a father with a 4-under 67 to grab a share of the lead with Scott Vincent on a challenging day on Spain’s most famous course. It was an impressive performance, as Hatton’s focus has been on his wife and daughter. Until this week, he had not hit balls outside since his last start at the PGA Championship, as his practice sessions were limited to his indoor swing studio at home. "I was somewhat nervous of how bad it could be today," said the Legion XIII star, who grabbed the 18-hole lead for the first time in his LIV Golf career. "But just tried to have a single thought and not overcomplicate it out there. My warmup was better, and that gave me a little bit of confidence to just trust it out on the golf course, and I felt like I hit a lot of good shots in the end." Few LIV Golf players have hit more good shots recently than Vincent, who is making his fourth start in the HyFlyers GC lineup as a replacement for captain Phil Mickelson. Vincent, who started the season as an independent Wild Card player, has given his team its best individual results this season with three consecutive top-10 finishes, including a solo fifth last week in Korea when he played in the final group on Sunday. The Zimbabwean continued riding that momentum by firing one of just two bogey-free rounds on the day – Thomas Detry, in solo third at 3 under, had the other one – in which the par-71 Valderrama played to a stroke average of more than 1-1/2 strokes over par due in part to its famous gusty winds. "It’s the best 18 holes I’ve played this year," Vincent said. "I was able to execute a lot of the shots how I wanted to, and then when I did get in trouble, I was able to make some amazing saves. All in all, it was just a fantastic day on an amazing course that played really tough." Valderrama showed its teeth early, as 47 of the 57 players in the field suffered at least one bogey in the first 90 minutes after the shotgun start. The stroke average of 72.509 made it the sixth hardest opening round in league history. Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC, fresh off their win last week at LIV Golf Korea, shot a cumulative even par across their four individual scores to grab the team lead. That’s the highest team-best score relative to par in any round since the Crushers opened at 3 over last year at Valderrama. "A mystifying golf course, that’s for sure," said DeChambeau, one of three players on his team to shoot a 1-under 70. "There’s a lot of times where you’re just hoping. You hit great shots and they’re just going to not be rewarded at some points in time out here. It’s a great test of golf." Fireballs GC Captain Sergio Garcia, a four-time winner at Valderrama with 17 top-10s in 18 career starts, said the difficulty level was extremely high Thursday. Garcia opened with a 2-under 69 that left him in a five-way tie for fourth place. "I have played it more difficult, but I would put it in the top 20, 25% today," Garcia said. "Obviously if you play really well, you could shoot a 67 like Tyrrell and Scott did. But not only did you have to hit a lot of good shots, a lot of things had to go right – hitting it at the right time, making sure that you guessed the gust the right way." Despite the limited prep work, Hatton guessed right most of the time Thursday. His new daughter will be proud of her dad. "This golf course demands a lot," he said. "It’s kind of stood the test of time, to be honest, and it’s an iconic venue. Although I can lose even more hair around here than I would like, it’s always good to be back here." TOP OF THE LEADERBOARDS Individual Top 10 T1 (-4) –Scott Vincent, HyFlyers (67); Tyrrell Hatton, Legion XIII (67) 3 (-3) – Thomas Detry, 4Aces (68) T4 (-2) – Cameron Smith, Ripper (69); Sergio Garcia, Fireballs (69); David Puig, Fireballs (69); Minkyu Kim, Korean (69); Branden Grace, Southern Guards (69) T9 (-1) – Thomas Pieters, 4Aces (70); Charles Howell III, Crushers (70); Anirban Lahiri, Crushers (70); Matthew Wolff, RangeGoats (70); Doyeob Mun, Korean (70); Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers (70) Team Top 3 1 (E) – Crushers GC (DeChambeau 70, Howell III 70, Lahiri 70, Smyth 74) T2 (+1) – Korean Golf Club (Kim 69, Mun 70, An 72, Song 75) T2 (+1) – RangeGoats GC (Wolff 70, Campbell 71, Watson 72, Uihlein 73) T2 (+1) – Legion XIII (Hatton 67, McKibbin 73, Rahm 73, Surratt 73) ROUND 1 NOTES WIND CHANGE FOR RD. 2: Fireballs GC Captain Sergio Garcia, who knows Real Club Valderrama better than anybody else in the field, said the course will play different for Friday’s Rd. 2 thanks in a change of wind direction that will blow easterly across the Mediterranean Sea. "If it starts blowing from Levante, it's going to be a totally different golf course," Garcia said. "Like 1 is going to play down off the right instead of into off the left. 4 and 17 are going to be playing downwind, 11 is going to be playing into the wind. It's going to be totally different. "The good thing is I've played this course in any kind of condition that you can imagine. Hopefully that's a good thing." Thomas Detry, one of just two players to produce a bogey-free round along with Scott Vincent, realizes he’ll need to adjust his game plan with the different wind. "It's going to be another windy day, but apparently the wind is going to be completely different," Detry said. "It will be an interesting day. But I've been to this place many times, so I feel pretty comfortable with even a wind switch. I don't think is going to bother me too much." VINCENT SURPRISED: Scott Vincent shot a bogey-free 67 to claim a share of the first-round lead. Despite his recent hot form, Vincent said he didn’t expect such a low score given how he practiced Wednesday. "I had a rough day on the course yesterday. It beat me up properly," Vincent said. "But that's just Valderrama. That's kind of what it does. You don't have to be that far off for it to feel like a million miles away. Today was just one of those days where it was really dialed. I don't know why. Yesterday was all over the place." Vincent did reveal that he benefitted from a conversation with HyFlyers GC teammate Brendan Steele. Earlier this season, Vincent would not have had that discussion since he was playing as an independent Wild Card player, but this is his fourth start representing the HyFlyers as a replacement for Phil Mickelson. "I had a really good chat with Steeley on our team driving home, and that really helped," Vincent said. "He just reminded me of this week is a grind. It's just a grind. That's the way this course plays. You're going to hit it out of position and be in some really horrible places, but you've just got to keep ticking it over and grinding. Don't let it get to you because it's going to continue to try and do that." DETRY’S BOUNCE-BACK: Newcomer Thomas Detry has been one of LIV Golf’s most consistent players in his first season, with five top 10s in his first eight starts. However, he entered Andalucia off his worst result, a tie for 41st in Korea. He bounced back Thursday with a bogey-free 3-under 68 that left him in solo third. "Today was a much better today compared to the mindset and how it was last week," said the 4Aces GC star. "I thought the last three days I managed to rest, and I managed to calm my mind a little bit because I was sort of all over the place last week. I did a great job at that. "I was frustrated on the greens. I think the frustration came mostly on the greens. I really struggled last week. I didn't do much this week on the range or on the golf course. I just played nine holes during the pro-am; that's all I did. But I did some good putting. I changed a few things, and it really paid off. I felt like I was able to build some momentum, make a couple good putts at the right time, and that makes a whole difference." Detry is one of a handful of players still with a legitimate chance to earn the LIV Golf exemption for the Open Championship. The highest-ranked player after this week in the season-long points race who is not otherwise exempt will claim a spot in the year’s final major at Royal Birkdale. HATTON AS A FATHER: As anyone who follows golf knows, Tyrrell Hatton wears his emotions on his sleeve, a trait that makes endears him to his growing legion of fans. Asked if fatherhood will now make him a bit more mellow, Hatton offered an honest response. "I don't think so," he said. "Once we come up short on 3, I was already moaning about that. And then I three-putted, so it just gave me something else to moan about. I am very good at moaning, and I will continue that, I think." PUIG STARTS STRONG: Spanish native David Puig joined his Fireballs GC Captain Sergio Garcia with a 2-under 69. The 24-year-old has learned quite a bit from Garcia about how to play Valderrama. "Definitely. Something that I really worked on the last few months was kind of lowering my trajectory a little bit, and it's essential at this place when it's blowing like this," Puig said. "I think I've done a good job today. I think I became more consistent with my trajectory and the shots that I want to hit." QUICK HITS STATS LEADERS Round 1 Driving Distance: Caleb Surratt, 341.8-yard avg. Longest Drive: Joaquin Niemann, 380.2 yards (11th hole). Official measured drives taken only on holes 11 and 17. Driving Accuracy: Ben Campbell, Sam Horsfield, 78.57% (11 of 14) Greens in Regulation: Scott Vincent, Cameron Smith, Minkyu Kim, 72.22% (13 of 18) Scrambling: Thomas Detry (8 of 8), Scott Vincent (5 of 5), 100% Fewest Putts: Louis Oosthuizen, Miguel Tabuena, 22 Bogey-free rounds: Scott Vincent (67), Thomas Detry (68) This piece is courtesy of Mike McAllister in partnership with LIV Golf.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer Shuts Down Drama Over George Pickens’ OTAs Absence]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/cowboys-brian-schottenheimer-shuts-down-drama-over-george-pickens-otas-absence</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/cowboys-brian-schottenheimer-shuts-down-drama-over-george-pickens-otas-absence</guid>
				<category>nfl</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[George Pickens isn’t with the Dallas Cowboys during the opening week of voluntary offseason practices, while coach Brian Schottenheimer says the receiver is “taking care of his business" and their communication has been good.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:10:48 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[George Pickens isn't with the Dallas Cowboys during the opening week of voluntary offseason practices, while coach Brian Schottenheimer says the receiver is "taking care of his business" and their communication has been good. Pickens signed his $27.3 million franchise tag a little more than a month ago but has stayed away from the team. The Pro Bowler isn't required to show up until mandatory minicamp June 16-18. "Communicated with (Pickens) yesterday," Schottenheimer said Thursday. "He's got a football camp this weekend that he's doing. So communication is good, and as you guys know it's voluntary and he's taking care of his business." Pickens waited two months before signing the one-year contract that's worth three times what the 25-year-old earned on his four-year rookie contract. Pickens told the Cowboys before the draft in April that he intended to sign the franchise tag, prompting speculation that Dallas might try to trade him. The Cowboys made it clear they had no such plans. He signed the tag about a week later. Acquired last year in a trade with Pittsburgh, Pickens thrived alongside CeeDee Lamb, finishing with career highs in catches (93), yards receiving (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) for one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. Lamb is going into the second year of a $136 million, four-year contract that ranks him fourth among NFL receivers with an average annual value of $34 million. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said the club has long-term plans for Pickens, who has spent time in the offseason with quarterback Dak Prescott. "I'm not sure exactly what they do," Schottenheimer said. "You guys know Dak does a great job working with all the guys, whether they’re here, whether it’s this time of year, whether it is in the summer, they always go someplace. They’ll go someplace this summer and train and throw, and it’s a chance for them to develop their timing." Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 Belmont Stakes: Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's Picks, Predictions, Best Bets]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/2026-belmont-stakes-chris-fallicas-picks-predictions-best-bets</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/2026-belmont-stakes-chris-fallicas-picks-predictions-best-bets</guid>
				<category>other</category>
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				    <![CDATA["The Bear" is back with his Belmont Stakes betting card, as well as a few thoughts ahead of Saturday's race. See where he's putting his money]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:22:33 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA["Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making. The Belmont Stakes is finally upon us. The 158th Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga Race Course due to ongoing renovations at the iconic Belmont Park. The post time is set for 7:04 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 6, and the race will be broadcast on FOX. I fully believe we are in for another memorable weekend. And when it comes to betting on the race, I have you covered. So let's jump into my betting card and thoughts on this Saturday's big race. 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. 1. Vitruvian Man: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Trainer: Doug O’NeillJockey: Antonio Fresu This is the longest shot on the board for a reason. They were nowhere to be found vs. So Happy and Potente in the Santa Anita Derby and will be nowhere to be found here. But a good time will be had by the connections for sure. 2. Powershift: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)Trainer: Todd PletcherJockey: Luis Saez He ran a huge second to Emerging Market in his debut and then predictably regressed in his second start, which came in the Tampa Bay Derby. A romp to break maiden at even-money Derby weekend has resulted in Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher entering him here. While I don’t think he can win, he absolutely affects the flow of the race. He’ll be one of just a couple horses — Growth Equity most likely the other — on the lead. The faster the pace, the more it helps Repole’s other entrant, ML favorite Renegade. Expect him to hang around for 3/4 or a mile and then get reeled in by the big boys. 3. Chief Wallabee: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)Trainer: Bill MottJockey: Junior Alvarado I thought this was the best 3YO in the country entering the Derby and a poor trip in the Derby, despite adding blinkers, resulted in a fourth-place finish. I still think this could be a potential monster in the second half of the year, but at some point, he’s gotta win. He finished behind Constitution in both starts in Florida. Despite a huge post advantage in the Derby, he finished behind Renegade there. Is there a chance Junior Alvarado has him a bit closer to the lead if the pace turns out soft? He should have a much easier and cleaner trip of it here with only nine horses in the field. But I do worry about whether things don’t go perfectly. Is he the type of horse where, each time out, something will go slightly wrong, and it results in another underneath finish? This race will tell a lot about what kind of horse the Chief is now and can become in the future. 4. Renegade: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)Trainer: Todd PletcherJockey: Irad Ortiz Jr He ran the best race in the Derby but just got beat by Golden Tempo. I didn’t think he had a chance from the rail, but Irad Ortiz Jr. did an incredible job to work out a trip and get him outside and nearly be the ultimate beneficiary of the pace collapse. He’s the rightful favorite here, but like Golden Tempo, will the likely slower fractions hinder him? I do think he has a quicker turn of foot than Golden Tempo, as we saw in the Arkansas Derby and the Remsen. So he might be a bit more likely to win without the pace meltdown. The jockey and trainer both know how to win this race. He’s got the recent preferred path of Belmont success — run in the Derby, skip the Preakness and then return five weeks later in the Belmont. There are people out there who think the horse can’t lose Saturday. I won’t go that far, but I do think he is very likely to run in the exacta and will construct some tickets around that thinking. 5. Ottinho: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Trainer: Chad BrownJockey: Dylan Davis Someone had to be second to Further Ado in the Blue Grass. And "Tag, you’re it, Ottinho." He hasn’t run a race anywhere close enough to competing for a win here, and Chad Brown knows he has to step up in a big way, but can he grind his way around the track for a third- or fourth-place finish — which is a handsome payday? Unlikely, but possibly. 6. Growth Equity: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)Trainer: Chad BrownJockey: Manny Franco His figures have gone the right way every start, but he still looks to class out a tad below the Renegade, Golden Tempo, Chief Wallabee, Emerging Market, Commandment group. I’m not sure handling Rudy Rodriguez Withers winner Talk to me Jimmy with ease in a five-horse Peter Pan means he’s a true contender here. I think he’s a bit of a de facto rabbit for the other Klaravich horse, Emerging Market. I expect him to be on the lead, pressing the pace set by Powershift to his inside and making sure Emerging Market isn’t too close to a hot pace, as he was in the Derby. He won’t win, but will have a big say in who does. 7. Commandment: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)Trainer: Brad CoxJockey: John Velazquez He never really had a fair go of it in the Derby, as he was roughed up at the start and then hung wide. I don’t know why I have a negative view of his chances, though. John Velazquez is his fourth different jockey in four races. Did that Florida triple of wins in the Mucho Macho Man, Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby take too much out of him? Will his running style and flow of the race allow him to get there with his late running and grinding style? Both of his grade-stakes wins were by a nose and a neck. If you still believe, you’re going to get a price that you could only dream of after he ripped off five straight wins entering the Derby. 8. Emerging Market: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)Trainer: Chad BrownJockey: Flavien Prat This is the one that has my attention. Prior to the Derby, I felt either he or Chief Wallabee would win the Belmont, and after they ran fourth and 10th in the Derby and skipped the Preakness to point for this, I feel even better about my thought process. I did expect Emerging Market to run better than he did in the Derby, but I also didn’t account for him being far too close to a fast pace, stuck inside and then losing a shoe during the course of the race. But it’s the Derby and that stuff happens. I expect a much better trip here, and we should get a price relatively close to the 6-1 ML. Would be fitting for Saratoga native Chad Brown to get a Belmont win in the final edition of the race here at the Spa. One of the ones and my top pick from just off the pace. 9. Golden Tempo: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)Trainer: Cherie DeVauxJockey: Jose Ortiz This is a fantastic story, as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Derby and now looks to become the second female trainer in four years to win the Belmont Stakes. He’s improved figure wise in all five of his starts, but I still think he is at the mercy of the pace in front of him. He caught fast fractions in the Derby and he, Ocelli and Renegade benefited from that, occupying the top three spots in the trifecta. He likely will not get the same setup Saturday that he did on Derby day. And while there’s no reason to expect he will not run his race, I do think a win is a little out of reach. I’ll be using the stretch-runner underneath. Suggested Ways To Bet The Belmont (adjust your dollar amounts accordingly to your budget) $10 Exacta Key Box 8/4-3 $40 $5 Exacta Key Box 8/7-9 $20 $10 Win-Place 8 $10 $2 Trifecta 8/3-4/2-3-4-7-9 $16 $2 Trifecta 3-4/8/2-3-4-7-9 $16 $1 Trifecta 8/2-3-4-7-9/3-4 $8 Historical Notes If a horse other than Golden Tempo wins the Belmont Stakes, it will mean 23 different horses will have won the last 24 Triple Crown races. Sovereignty last year would be the only horse in that span to win multiple Triple Crown races in that span (2019-present). Only one of the last 11 Triple Crown races has been won by the favorite (Journalism 2025 Preakness). Seven of the last 11 were won by the fourth choice or longer. If Golden Tempo does not finish in the money, it will mark the first time since 2010 the favorite finished out of the money in all three Triple Crown races. In 2010, Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky finished sixth, Preakness favorite Super Saver finished eighth and Belmont favorite Ice Box finished ninth. The 2026 Derby favorite Further Ado finished 11th and Preakness favorite Taj Mahal finished 10th. The last Belmont favorite to finish out of the money was Exaggerator, who finished 11th in 2016. Four of the last six Belmont runners-up were trained by Todd Pletcher (2024 Mainframe, 2023 Forte, 2022 Nest, 2020 Dr. Post). In that span, Pletcher also won the 2022 Belmont with Mo Donegal. Renegade and Powershift continue the trend of Todd Pletcher’s Belmont Stakes starters having just one word in their name. Each of his last eight Belmont runners had just one word: 2026 Renegade, 2026 Powershift, 2025 Uncaged, 2025 Crudo, 2024 Mindframe, 2024 Antiquarian, 2024 Protective, and 2023 Forte. None of Brad Cox’s last 16 Triple Crown starters have finished better than third (2024 Preakness Catching Freedom and 2023 Derby Angel of Empire). The last time Cox had a horse crack the exacta in a Triple Crown race was 2021 when Essential Quality won the Belmont. The four Todd Pletcher-trained and Irad Ortiz Jr.-ridden Belmont runners have run either first (2022 Mo Donegal) or second (2024 Mindframe, 2023 Forte, 2020 Dr. Post). Irad has the mount on Renegade Saturday.]]>
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