Once again, the USA is likely going to be on the front foot at the World Cup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not going to look to take the game to the Americans on Wednesday night. The European underdog will bring a defensive approach that the U.S. has already seen during this tournament.

Here’s what to expect from both sides ahead of their round of 32 matchup.

What To Expect From Bosnia And Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s approach will be similar to what the USA saw against Paraguay. I’m expecting more of a mid-block instead of a low one, like what Australia played. Bosnia will defend higher up the field but still won’t leave itself too exposed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina had the third-fewest entries into the opponent’s 18-yard box and the lowest of any team that advanced to the round of 32. That should give you an idea of what to expect from them in this match.

To be clear, I’m not discrediting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s abilities, especially since the squad does have a couple of players who are more than capable of making an impact in attack.

Esmir Bajraktarević and Edin Džeko celebrate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win over Qatar. (Alex Livesey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

I trained with Esmir ahead of the Olympics in 2024. He has always been a quality player and, like so many others who thrive on the dribble, he just so happens to be left-footed.

Esmir’s ball control and on-ball ability in one-on-one situations is very good. He’s able to skate past defenders and produce a pass that can change the game. What is keeping him from being a top playmaker is that his final product, the final pass or final shot, isn’t quite there yet. He’s only 21 and is still more than capable of making a big difference in a game, though. And he is already a proven winner with his club PSV Eindhoven having won two straight Dutch league titles.

The other name that most soccer fans will be familiar with is Edin Džeko. The 40-year-old striker may not start this match, but he’s a constant threat in the opposition box who’s capable of scoring a big goal when needed.

Edin Dzeko puts home the equalizer in the 28th minute to bring Bosnia to a tie with Finland, 2-2

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What To Expect From The USA

When you play against teams that sit back with a cautious, defensive approach, finding an early goal will be key. That’s something the U.S. has done very well in this tournament, having scored in the third, 11th and seventh minutes in the first three games.

Finding that first goal is so big in terms of how the game will be dictated. Taking the early lead would set up well for us in a game where we’ll have a lot of the ball.

The longer you go without a goal against teams that are more defensive, a little bit more anxiety gradually creeps in. You start to push a little more and maybe leave yourself more susceptible at the back.

Starting aggressively has been the American mentality so far in this tournament. We’ve been very good at pressing the opponent when it has the ball, especially in the first half. From there, when we win the ball higher up the field, we’re in control.

This isn’t the kind of plan we’ll have against every team. The U.S. has not played a possession-oriented team yet, but that may happen against Belgium in the round of 16 if both teams advance. In those situations, the strategy will be different.

Weston McKennie has been a consistent positive in the U.S. midfield so far at the World Cup. (Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Weston has an ability to do whatever the team needs, which makes him so valuable in the U.S. midfield.

Against Paraguay, he made some important runs forward into attacking channels, creating mismatches and overloading wings against opposing defenders before ultimately moving into the box looking for a scoring chance.

I feel like we haven’t talked too much about Weston so far in this tournament because so many guys have played well. All the goals that the U.S. has scored have maybe overshadowed his performances so far in the tournament, but he has been very important so far with his running and movement.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

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Quite predictably, Erling Haaland was Norway’s hero as his late goal secured a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to send the Scandinavians through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, setting up a showdown with Brazil. The Manchester City striker had been peripheral for long stretches but popped up to bobble home the winner with just four minutes left on the clock in Dallas, after Manchester United’s Amad Diallo had hauled Les Elephants level.

The African nation generated the better openings in the first half, albeit none were clear-cut chances, but a moment of magic saw the Norwegians snatch the lead shortly before the break. Martin Odegaard found Antonio Nusa on the left of the box, and the wide man jinked inside and bent an unstoppable strike into the far side-netting.

That seemed to spark Norway into life as they immediately spurned two golden opportunities to double their advantage. Haaland’s weak close-range volley was well blocked, and from the resulting corner the Manchester City hitman couldn’t get on the end of Alexander Sorloth’s header, which bounced just wide.

Ivory Coast substitute Amad took centre stage in the second half, blocking a goal-bound shot on the line at one end before combining wonderfully with Nicolas Pepe at the other to equalise. The Man Utd winger darted into the box, skipped around a defender and fired home from close in.

But Norway — and Haaland — would not be denied, as they found a winner with four minutes left on the clock. Patrick Berg latched onto Oscar Bobb’s fine pass and squared to the striker, and the ball seemed to bounce off him and roll into the back of the net. Amad almost sent the game to extra time at the death, but his sublime free-kick in the sixth minute of added time was palmed away by Orjan Nyland.

GOAL rates Norway’s players from Dallas:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Orjan Nyland (7/10):

Didn’t have much to do initially but saved well from Pepe shortly after the break and dominated his area. Huge save in stoppage time.

Marcus Pedersen (5/10):

Took every opportunity to bomb forward, but looked fearful of Yan Diomande going the other way.

Kristoffer Ajer (7/10):

The Brentford man relished the physical battle against Ange-Yoan Bonny and was very solid.

Torbjorn Heggem (6/10):

Made an important early intervention in his own six-yard box. Denied by a goal-line block.

David Moller Wolfe (5/10):

Got forward but given a tough time by the tricky Pepe. Lucky to escape punishment for clattering Diomande, and could have done more to stop Amad’s run.

Midfield

Sander Berge (5/10):

Saw plenty of the ball but was too risk-averse when he had it at his feet. Didn’t do enough to deny Amad.

Patrick Berg (7/10):

Covered plenty of ground an did well in his duels. Perfect third-man run and knew where Haaland was to assist the winner.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Struggled to pick the lock before notching his third assist in as many appearances for Nusa’s strike. Often too ponderous on the ball.

Attack

Alexander Sorloth (5/10):

Peripheral as a winger but did begin to create a bit of havoc when he drifted inside with his aerial ability.

Erling Haaland (7/10):

Typical Haaland performance. Saw a couple of half-chances pass him by and had drifted out of the game before bouncing the winner into the back of the net.

Erling Haaland Delivers Late Go-Ahead Goal for Norway Against Ivory Coast | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Antonio Nusa (7/10):

Had struggled to get on the ball but popped up with a moment of individual magic to give his country the lead. Some nice moments on the ball, too.

Antonio Nusa Finds Top Corner with Stunning Curler, giving Norway lead over Ivory Coast | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Subs & Manager

Andreas Schjelderup (6/10):

Wasted some decent positions.

Oscar Bobb (7/10):

Wonderful pass in the build-up to the winner.

Fredrik Aursnes (N/A):

On to fill in at right-back late on.

Stale Solbakken (7/10):

Will be thrilled that his substitutes made a telling difference, as his side make more history in North America.

Ivory Coast vs Norway Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Lionel Messi has proven he is a superhero on the pitch for decades, but the legendary Argentine has now taken things a step further by appearing alongside Tom Holland in a viral crossover.

The Inter Miami star features in a hilarious new teaser for the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Messi takes New York by storm

In a collaboration that few saw coming, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has swapped the football pitch for the streets of New York City in a brand-new promotional video for Sony Pictures. The “GOAT” is currently leading Argentina through the 2026 World Cup, but he found time to link up with Hollywood star Tom Holland in a clip that has quickly set social media alight.

The short film begins with Holland’s Peter Parker sitting quietly in a café before he is stunned by the arrival of the footballing icon. Clearly starstruck, the actor trips over his own feet as he tries to approach the World Cup winner. Messi, playing a heightened version of himself, reveals he is actually using a tracking device to hunt down the web-slinger himself, prompting Parker to suit up and take the veteran forward for a high-flying tour of the city skyline.

A blockbuster summer for Holland

The promo comes at a busy time for Holland, who is currently promoting his fourth solo outing as the Marvel hero. The British actor has been a visible presence during the 2026 World Cup, recently visiting Madrid to discuss both his film and his love for the beautiful game.

During his trip, he even identified Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as a perfect Spider-Man due to his agility and speed.

Holland’s return to the big screen marks his first major appearance since 2022’s Uncharted. Before the new Marvel film arrives, he is also set to star in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming project, The Odyssey, making it a packed summer for the actor.

Despite his heavy filming schedule, Holland has maintained his interest in football, previously mentioning his admiration for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who famously uses a spider-themed goal celebration.

Fans react to viral crossover

The marketing campaign for the new film has officially shifted into high gear, with the studio asking fans “Who’s got next?” alongside the release of the Messi footage.

Reaction to the clip has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans delighted to see Messi’s comedic timing as he screams while being swung through the air by the superhero.

While Messi’s appearance is primarily for promotional purposes, it has sparked wild theories about whether the Argentine could make a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in the actual film. The legendary No.10 appeared naturally enthusiastic in the commercial, leading many to believe he is a genuine fan of the franchise.

Release dates and director details

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to hit theatres on July 31, 2026. The film is being helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the director behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, promising a fresh direction for the franchise. The movie arrives just as the World Cup fever reaches its peak, making the Messi collaboration a masterstroke of cross-continental marketing.

In the promo, Spider-Man asks Messi, “You good with heights?” before the pair launch into the air. It is a lighthearted moment for the player, who is currently carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders as Argentina look to defend their world title. Whether Messi will be lifting another trophy or simply enjoying a box-office hit this July, his status as a global cultural icon remains undisputed.

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Javonte Williams proved that he was a No. 1 running back in 2025, but the Dallas Cowboys running back isn’t getting comfortable after his breakout season.

“It felt good, just knowing all my hard work paid off, and I got a little bit of security. But I’ve still got a lot more to prove,” Williams said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News about signing his new contract with the Cowboys this offseason.

“I at least want to go to the Pro Bowl and definitely want to get to a Super Bowl with the team. Just working hard, grinding, and trying to be a better version of myself. That’s all I’m worried about.”

Williams re-signed with the Cowboys on a three-year, $24 million deal in February, a contract which includes $16 million guaranteed.

Williams, who was selected by the Denver Broncos with the No. 35 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, had an up-and-down four-year stint in Denver (2021-24), highlighted by rushing for 903 yards in his 2021 rookie season but low-lighted by suffering a season-ending knee injury four games into the 2022 season. 

Williams signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL offseason and went on to become one of the best signings of the offseason. Across 16 games, Williams, who was the Cowboys’ lead back, rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry, which were all career highs; he also totaled two receiving scores.

Moreover, Williams’ 1,201 rushing yards were the most by a Cowboys’ player since Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,357 yards in 2019. Meanwhile, Williams’ 11 rushing touchdowns were the most by a Dallas back since Elliott tallied 12 rushing scores in 2022.

Williams added that Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, the all-time NFL leader in rushing yards (18,355) and rushing touchdowns (164), told him to “keep running the way” he was rushing and “everything will be all right.”

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If you’ve tuned in to watch Norway’s stellar 2026 World Cup at any point, you’ve probably had questions about their signature celebration, the “Viking Row.”

Whether it’s in the stadiums or in the streets of New York, this Norwegian celebration has been a fan favorite during the tournament. But what is the ‘Viking Row’ and where did it come from?

Here is everything you need to know about Norway’s viral celebration:

What Is The Viking Row?

The “Viking Row” involves a group of people — in this case, Norway’s men’s national team and their fans — sitting down and moving their bodies back and forth in a rowing motion. Fans will do it at any time of the game, with a drummer setting the rhythm. Every two beats, the crowd shouts, “ROW!” and the chant commences.

The celebration is in tribute to Norway’s history as one of the primary homelands of the Vikings between 800 and 1050 AD. The Viking Age played an integral role in the formation of modern Norway. 

Who Invented The Viking Row?

Norwegian superfan Ole Frøystad is credited with inventing and popularizing the “Viking Row.” He debuted it with the supporters’ group in a friendly against Switzerland in March 2026 and it became an instant hit. However, it wasn’t until the World Cup that the celebration exploded into a viral sensation.

It’s so big, in fact, that even Norway’s players are doing it now. Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Martin Ødegaard led the Viking Row prior to their knockout stage game against the Ivory Coast and after to celebrate their advancement to the Round of 16.

When Is Norway’s Next Match?

Norway and the Viking Row will continue their 2026 World Cup journey against Brazil in the Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Norway won its first-ever knockout stage match on Tuesday against the Ivory Coast to advance to the round of 16.

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NASCAR has a new playoff system in 2026. It’s back to the Chase.

Instead of win-and-in, it’s the top-16 drivers in the regular-season standings that will make the 10-race Chase, which will be a mini-season of its own with no eliminations. 

The 16 drivers will have their points reset for the start of the final 10-race stretch with the regular-season champion at 2,100 points, second place at 2,075, third place at 2,065, fourth place at 2,060 and so on by five-point increments with 16th reset to 2,000.

Eight races remain in the regular season: Chicagoland, Atlanta, North Wilkesboro, Indianapolis, Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire and Daytona.

So who is in and who is out? 

Here’s a look:

While Denny Hamlin has four wins on the season, he hasn’t yet clinched a spot in The Chase.

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Clinched

No driver has clinched a spot.

In Good Shape

There are eight drivers who are 120 points or more above the cutline, and they would have to lose an average of 15 points a race to fall out. There appears to be enough of a buffer that they should feel good even with a DNF or two.

— Denny Hamlin (+330 on the cutoff): The Joe Gibbs Racing driver should clinch in the next few weeks.

— Tyler Reddick (+329 on the cutoff): The 23XI driver should also clinch in the next few weeks.

— Ryan Blaney (+226): The Team Penske driver has just one win but his 13 top 10s lead the series.

— Ty Gibbs (+200): The JGR driver earned his first career Cup victory this year and has seven top fives. Four DNFs are the only thing holding him back in the standings.

— Kyle Larson (+182): The Hendrick Motorsports driver and defending series champion leads all drivers with 152 stage points this year.

Kyle Larson doesn’t have a win on the season but does lead in stage points.

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— Chase Elliott (+165): The Hendrick driver has enjoyed his best start to a season with two victories already.

— Chris Buescher (+129): The RFK Racing driver doesn’t have a race win or a stage win all year, but he has consistent finishes.

— Carson Hocevar (+120): The Spire driver has a win this year with four top fives, seven top 10s and no DNFs.

On The Bubble

One or two good or bad races could change who is in and who is out, especially if any drivers below the bubble win a race or two. With 76 points being the most available in a race, I’d say right now any driver 100 points above or below is on the bubble.

— Daniel Suárez (+95): The Spire Motorsports driver might be the biggest surprise of this group. He did go from 116 points up to 95 points ahead of the outline after Sonoma, so he drops to “bubble” status.

— Christopher Bell (+83): The JGR driver is feeling the pain of a broken left wrist. But he went from 60 points above the cutoff to 83 after Sonoma, so he’s feeling much better.

— Chase Briscoe (+79): The JGR driver had a rough start to the year and has yet to win a race or a stage. He is good under pressure, but this is harder than it should be for him.

— William Byron (+57): The Hendrick driver has had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season and still seeks his first win.

— Bubba Wallace (+55): The 23XI driver had a few bad races amid posting a pair of runner-up finishes in the last four events. A couple more of those and he should be good. But he’s still perilously close to the cut.

— Shane van Gisbergen (+36): The Trackhouse Racing driver won at Sonoma to go from five points below the cut to 36 points ahead. Now it’s time to race for points over the next eight races. That could be tough. 

SVG is fresh off a victory at Sonoma.

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— Ryan Preece (+13): The RFK driver is a fighter and likely has a chip on his shoulder after a 25-point penalty earlier this year for intentionally wrecking Ty Gibbs.

— Austin Cindric (+12): The Team Penske driver likely expected to not be on the bubble, but seeing teammate Joey Logano below the cutline is a sign that the organization has work to do.

— Erik Jones (-12): The Legacy Motor Club driver has surged as of late but a rough Sonoma dropped him back below the cutline. He has some work to do.

— Brad Keselowski (-25): The RFK driver, the 2012 Cup champion, was up 55 points on the cutline five races ago. He could rally quickly, but he’s going to have to get going.

— AJ Allmendinger (-26): The fact he lost five points to the cutoff at Sonoma isn’t a good sign — it means Shane van Gisbergen’s win shifted where the cutoff would sit. 

— Joey Logano (-31): The Team Penske driver, a three-time Cup champion, should never be counted out. 

— Michael McDowell (-32): The Spire Motorsports driver didn’t take enough advantage of the last road-course race (Sonoma). He can’t have a bad finish the rest of the way and that still might not be enough.

— Ross Chastain (-45): The Trackhouse driver had back-to-back top 10s entering Sonoma. He has shown more speed in recent weeks, but likely will need to find even more over the last eight races.

Ross Chastain has been showing improvement of late.

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— Zane Smith (-61): The Front Row driver will need to rattle off some top-five finishes to get back in the mix. 

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (-72): The Hyak Motorsports driver’s best hope might be to move up enough that, if he can win at Daytona, it could vault him into the Chase.

— Riley Herbst (-84): The 23XI driver lost 26 points to the outline at Sonoma and now has even a bigger hill to climb.

— Todd Gilliland (-87): The FRM driver has been just a little too inconsistent this year.

— John Hunter Nemechek (-91): The Legacy driver could ride the wave of improvement in the Legacy cars, but it will be a tall task.

Little Or No Chance

No one has been eliminated from contention yet, but these eight drivers appear too far back to have even a remote chance to rally.

— Austin Dillon (-121): The Richard Childress Racing driver will be a favorite at Richmond and could win one of the drafting-style races at Atlanta or Daytona. But even a win or two doesn’t appear will be enough.

— Alex Bowman (-170): The Hendrick driver missed four races because of vertigo earlier this year. He has two top-five finishes and just one additional top-10 finish.

— Noah Gragson (-180): The FRM driver has shown speed at times but the finishes aren’t there.

— Josh Berry (-184): The Wood Brothers driver already knows he won’t be back next season, and it could be a tough final half of 2026.

Josh Berry won’t return to his Wood Brothers car next season.

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— Cole Custer (-190): The Haas Factory Team driver still seeks his first top 10.

— Ty Dillon (-197): The Kaulig driver still seeks his first top 10 of the season.

— Connor Zilisch (-203): The Trackhouse rookie has had a miserable season, having failed to finish six of the 17 races.

— Cody Ware (-245): The Rick Ware Racing driver also seeks his first top 10 of the year.

O’Reilly Series: 

Five races remain in the regular season and 12 will advance. Clinched: Justin Allgaier.

Truck Series:

Five races remain in the regular season and 10 advance. Clinched: None.

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As you probably know by now, diving into regular-season win totals for college football might be one of my favorite pastimes. 

And I believe where I’ve landed recently could get us a return on our investment when it comes to one squad’s Under.

I also believe that my Oregon Ducks and last year’s championship runner-up, the Miami Hurricanes, are bound to make deep postseason runs.

Here’s my latest.

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.

Memphis Tigers regular-season win total

Will head coach Charles Huff lead Memphis to at least eight wins in 2026 (Getty Images)?

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Memphis won at least eight regular-season games in the last three seasons under former coach Ryan Silverfield. 

Silverfield left for Arkansas and nearly 50 players left the program. Memphis hired Charles Huff to lead the squad and Huff has a proven track record of rebuilding programs. He just took Southern Mississippi from a one-win team to being a bowl team before joining Memphis. 

However, I don’t think he’s going to see the same success as Tigers head coach in Year 1.

It used to be that returning production was a favorite of mine when previewing a team’s early-season success. But the portal has changed how I view it. 

If you lose snaps to the portal, then acquiring players with starting experience and snaps should count as returning production. Memphis only returns 42% of its production from 2025, which is near the bottom of the sport. The Tigers’ quarterback graduated, and they lost their most prized backup to Arkansas. They also lost their top three running backs and receivers, and most of their offensive line will be new this season. 

Huff addressed some of these areas with portal additions, but there are still so many questions. 

Who is the quarterback? Well, Dylan Stokes transferred from West Florida and appears to have the lead for the job. Memphis has a handful of productive portal additions as skill players. It appears the offensive line is going to start four transfer players. 

In other words, there are lots of unknowns on offense.

The defense hovered at just below average for most of Silverfield’s time at Memphis, so it’s possible that nearly everyone who could tackle left in the portal. The defense projects to start 11 new players. Even most of the backups are new players. There are some high-upside athletes, like J’Mond Tapp who followed Huff to Memphis. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 67 tackles last season. The rest of the defensive line needs players to emerge as playmakers. One of the linebacker spots is set with Michael Montgomery transferring from Southern Miss, as well as some of the secondary pieces. 

But just like the offense, there are so many unknowns.

The Memphis schedule does have wins built into it. The Tigers are over a touchdown favorite against UNLV in Week 1 and will be a big favorite in Week 2 against Arkansas State. They will not win at Boise State but should beat UT Martin in the final out-of-conference game. 

Ultimately, they should be 3-1 to start the season.

The Tigers have two wins on paper in conference games with Charlotte and UAB. At least I hope so. 

The rest of their schedule looks like 50-50 games. However, with so many new pieces on the roster, uncertainty at quarterback and an entirely new depth chart, I could see this season being a struggle.

Because of inexperience, Memphis could lose games that it actually should win.

PICK: Memphis Under 7.5 regular-season wins

Will Oregon and Miami make the College Football Playoff?

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning will look to build on his program’s success in 2026 (Getty Images).

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Oregon has been a Playoff team two straight seasons. 

In 2024, the Ducks went 13-0 in the regular season (including the conference title game) and followed that up with 11-1 last season, when their only loss was to eventual champion Indiana. 

Oregon also went 11-2 in 2023 but did not make a four-team playoff after losing to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Ducks don’t lose games against teams they shouldn’t lose to. In fact, most of the games against those types of teams aren’t particularly close. 

Their schedule is set up for success again and this might be the best Oregon roster in school history. 

The Ducks will be underdogs just once this season, when they travel to Ohio State. Oregon does travel to USC and hosts Michigan. Otherwise, the Ducks’ schedule is full of wins. Get one win of those three games (even though it’ll be more like two) and Oregon is into the Playoff.

Miami head Coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes could end up making another deep Playoff run next season (Getty Images).

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A few weeks back, I wrote about Miami’s chances to win the ACC. I love it. 

The Hurricanes might be more complete this season. They lost quarterback Carson Beck but Duke transfer Darian Mensah is better. They return their outstanding running back and their best receiver, who’s also one of the best in the country. 

We know that staff can replace offensive and defensive linemen that they lost. The Miami defensive line and secondary will also be outstanding. The Canes are just far better than anyone in the ACC. And after losing in the national title game, they will be thirsty to get back there again. 

Both of these teams are making the Playoff.

PICK: Oregon and Miami (-120) both to make College Football Playoff 

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Lionel Messi has already made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Kylian Mbappé is on his heels.

The France star has already broken his team’s record for the most international goals scored, and he’s right behind Messi’s ever-increasing record for the most goals scored ever at the World Cup, which now stands at 19 goals. Mbappé currently has 18 career World Cup goals.

Will Mbappé catch Messi before the World Cup is over? Follow along as we track Mbappé’s road to potentially catching up to Messi: 

Mbappé At 2026 World Cup: 6 Goals

France vs. Sweden (Round of 32, June 30): Two goals

Kylian Mbappé Scores Brace vs Sweden 🇫🇷 His Third in 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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It was the third game at this tournament with Mbappé scoring two goals in one game. He has now scored 10 goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup, the most of any player in history.

Let’s just do the numbers:

• He has now recorded seven multiple-goal games at the World Cup (six braces, one hat-trick), at least three more than any other player in the history of the competition.
• He has now scored multiple goals in seven of his 18 World Cup appearances.
• He is now the second Real Madrid player to score six goals in a single World Cup, joining Davor Šuker (1998).

And this was all before he actually was subbed off early to cap yet another amazing day.

France 3-0 Iraq (Group Stage, June 22): Two goals

France’s Kylian Mbappé Scores Two Goals vs Iraq | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Mbappé moved into a tie for the second-most goals scored by a men’s player at the FIFA World Cup after scoring two goals against Iraq on Tuesday. He scored his first goal of the day in the 14th minute, making a strong, left-footed shot from outside the box for his 15th career World Cup goal.

Then, after a two-hour-long rain delay, Mbappé scored his 16th career World Cup goal thanks to a mistake by Iraq. The French star was able to go one-on-one with Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil after he turned the ball over in his own penalty box. The goal moved Mbappé back to just two goals behind Lionel Messi for the most goals scored ever in the World Cup. 

Mbappé’s second goal of the day also helped him break a tie with former Brazil star Ronaldo for the third-most goals scored by a men’s player in the World Cup, while he tied former Germany star Miroslav Klose.

France 3-1 Senegal (Group Stage, July 16): Two goals

Kylian Mbappé Becomes France’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup™ 🇫🇷

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Mbappé became France’s all-time leading goalscorer with his second goal of the tournament and his 58th for France. Olivier Giroud, who retired from France’s national team following Euro 2024, was previously France’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring his 57th goal in March 2024 at the age of 37.

Mbappé also eclipsed France legend Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi to Gerd Müller for the third-most goals in World Cup history with 14.

Mbappé At 2022 World Cup: 8 Goals

(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

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At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Mbappé had a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals to win the Golden Boot. His tournament included a historic hat-trick in the final against Argentina, making him the first player to score three goals in a World Cup final since 1966. Nonetheless, Mbappé and France came up short against Argentina, losing on penalties. 

Mbappé At 2018 World Cup: 4 Goals

(Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

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At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Mbappé broke onto the international scene, scoring four goals as a 19-year-old and playing a key role in France’s championship run. During that campaign, he became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final when he found the net in France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in 2018.

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One of the first things that stands out about Norway star Erling Haaland is his signature ponytail, something that used to be true of legendary Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović. With Ibrahimović now playing the role of a mentor for this generation of strikers, he’s offered some sound advice to Haaland.

“Zlatan, you know what he told me? ‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,'” Haaland said during a game of table tennis on Monday’s “After Hours with James Corden.” “What can I do? I have to listen to him, no?”

Ibrahimović confirmed the story following Norway’s win over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, and he explained that it came from his personal experience with his ponytail.

“I truly believed that when I was playing,” Ibrahimović, a 13-time title-winner in Europe said. “When things were going well, I had my ponytail.

“I remember when Haaland showed up on the big stage, we had the same agent, who unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. I saw him with his long ponytail, and my agent was telling me, ‘Listen, I saw Zlatan in him,’ and I said, ‘You keep that hair because that hair is going to take you where you want to go.'”

Whether it’s the ponytail or not, Haaland is delivering on the biggest stage. The star striker helped Norway win its first-ever World Cup knockout stage match on Tuesday, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute against the Ivory Coast to send the country to the round of 16; Haaland has scored five goals in the 2026 World Cup, scoring two goals against both Iraq and Senegal in the group stage; he didn’t play in Norway’s June 26 loss to France.

Erling Haaland Delivers Late Go-Ahead Goal for Norway Against Ivory Coast | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Outside of starring for Norway, Haaland is coming off his fourth season playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, winning a championship in each of his first two seasons with the club (2022-23 and 2023-24). Over Haaland’s four-year stint with Manchester City, he has averaged 28 goals and six assists per season.

Next up for Haaland and Norway in the World Cup is a showdown against Brazil in the round of 16 on July 5.

Ivory Coast vs Norway Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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“Bear Bets” are real wagers that Chris “The Bear” Fallica is actually making.

When it comes to the World Cup, heartbreak comes with the territory.

Such was the case on Tuesday for the Ivory Coast, as Norway got a late goal and a narrow victory. 

Here’s what I’m eyeing for Match Day 21.

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World Cup Best Bets — Wednesday, July 1

England vs. DR Congo

“The Bear” likes England to get past DR Congo in clean fashion (Getty Images).

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I don’t think DR Congo is going to score, but it’s hard to lay -200 on that. England to win to nil is a little better at -150, but I’m also not sure England pours in goals here. I’ll go exact score with these two options and try and create a little plus-money alternative. But if you’re comfortable laying -150, then that’s a pretty good alternative. 

Fallica’s Picks:   England to Win 1-0 (+450), England to Win 2-0 (+400)

Belgium vs. Senegal 

Can Belgium get past a scrappy Senegal team (Getty Images)?

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I really don’t know what to do with this match. There’s a part of me that wants to play Senegal to advance, but there’s also a part of me that thinks Belgium found a little something in the second half of its match against a far inferior New Zealand. Senegal will certainly offer a much stiffer test. But at the same time, Senegal didn’t really look great until the final group-stage match, when it got the must-have 5-0 win over Iraq. Belgium also has a keeper in Thibault Courtois who can single-handedly steal a match. I’m not going to get too invested here, but will land on Belgium to win in 90. 

Fallica’s Pick:   Belgium to Win on Three-Way (+125)

United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The United States should advance, but that price is a hefty one to lay. Bosnia will offer some challenges, though, as that squad has great height, structure and will be tough on set piece opportunities. But Bosnia is also lacking pace and that’s an area the U.S. can exploit. This has potential to be a very ugly match, which would kind of favor Bosnia, but I still am not sure that side is capable of scoring. Italy probably would have said the same thing. In the end, the U.S. should get through, but I don’t think it will be comfortable. 

Fallica’s Pick:   Both Teams to Score — No (-130)

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