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Pochettino says US mindset must change, appearing to cite Pulisic absence from 2025 Gold Cup

Pochettino says US mindset must change, appearing to cite Pulisic absence from 2025 Gold Cup

Summary

U.S. men’s national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino said he wants to change the team’s attitude and habits as he begins his second term. He criticized the idea that players should skip some tournaments to rest for the World Cup, referring to star player Christian Pulisic’s choice to sit out the 2025 Gold Cup to focus on the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino plans to build a more professional and competitive team with a new approach.

Key Facts

  • Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team for his second term.
  • Christian Pulisic, the top U.S. player, chose not to play in the 2025 Gold Cup to rest and prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Pulisic missed one World Cup group game due to a calf injury and left the round of 16 match because of broken leg bones.
  • Pochettino wants players to change their mindset and not skip important tournaments to rest.
  • The new team roster will be announced on September 17 and includes games against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
  • Some players dropped from the World Cup squad may return, and new young players could make their debuts.
  • Pochettino emphasizes building a professional team that competes with dedication and follows new rules and principles.
  • The U.S. under-23 team, preparing for the 2028 Olympics, will be coached separately by Steve Cherundolo.
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High school QBs face new reality as transfers dominate starting jobs at the top of college football

High school QBs face new reality as transfers dominate starting jobs at the top of college football

Summary

Many top college football teams now choose starting quarterbacks who transferred from other colleges instead of high school recruits. About 65% of starting quarterbacks in major college football transferred at some point, which changes how high school players approach scholarships and playing opportunities.

Key Facts

  • Around 65% of starting quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) are transfers.
  • The NCAA removed the rule requiring players to sit out a year after transferring starting in 2021-22.
  • This change allows experienced quarterbacks to move schools and start immediately.
  • High school quarterbacks face more competition for starting roles because of these transfers.
  • Ryan Hopkins, a high school recruit from California, chose Wisconsin, a team relying on transfers for its starting QB.
  • Coaches now often prefer experienced transfer quarterbacks over developing freshmen.
  • Players are advised to accept smaller roles initially and prove their skills to get better chances later.
  • This trend affects how coaches recruit and how players plan their college careers.
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Zheng Qinwen erases another 5-0 deficit and beats Iga Swiatek to reach the US Open quarterfinals

Zheng Qinwen erases another 5-0 deficit and beats Iga Swiatek to reach the US Open quarterfinals

Summary

Zheng Qinwen, a Chinese tennis player and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat Iga Swiatek and reach the US Open quarterfinals. Zheng is the first qualifier to reach this stage since Emma Raducanu won the tournament in 2021.

Key Facts

  • Zheng Qinwen defeated Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 in the US Open fourth round.
  • Zheng came back from a 5-0 game deficit in the first set to win the match.
  • This is the second time in a row Zheng erased a 5-0 deficit in her matches.
  • Zheng had to go through qualifying rounds after elbow surgery to enter the main tournament.
  • Iga Swiatek is the 2022 US Open champion and was the No. 8 seed in this tournament.
  • Zheng will face Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.
  • Zheng was a US Open quarterfinalist in both 2023 and 2024.
  • Swiatek received medical treatment for her left thigh during the match, but said the injury did not affect her play much.
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Zheng stuns Swiatek after winning another set from 5-0 down

Zheng stuns Swiatek after winning another set from 5-0 down

Summary

Zheng Qinwen beat former champion Iga Swiatek to reach the US Open quarter-finals, coming back from being 5-0 down in a set for the second match in a row. She will now play against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina.

Key Facts

  • Zheng Qinwen matched her best US Open performance by reaching the quarter-finals.
  • She came back from a 5-0 deficit twice in two matches, once against Madison Keys and now against Swiatek.
  • Zheng was once world number four but fell outside the top 100 after elbow surgery in July 2025.
  • Zheng won the first set 7-5 and the second set 6-3 against Swiatek.
  • This is her seventh straight win in New York, including three rounds of qualifying.
  • Zheng said playing more matches helps her find rhythm and she feels energized.
  • She is likely to move back into the top 50 world rankings after this win.
  • Mirra Andreeva also reached the quarter-finals after coming back from a set down against Anastasia Potapova.
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Mauricio Pochettino wants the US to become ‘one of the most powerful countries in soccer’

Mauricio Pochettino wants the US to become ‘one of the most powerful countries in soccer’

Summary

Mauricio Pochettino will continue as head coach of the US men’s national soccer team, aiming to improve the team’s results and influence soccer development in the country. He will also have a bigger role in youth training, coaching education, and working with professional leagues as US Soccer restructures.

Key Facts

  • Pochettino joined US Soccer in 2024, originally as a short-term coach for the World Cup.
  • He signed a contract extension in August to remain through the next World Cup cycle.
  • Pochettino will help shape youth soccer development and coach education in the US.
  • He will advise on professional league cooperation and participate in US Soccer’s restructuring.
  • The US will play four friendly games soon against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
  • The US team aims to qualify for the 2030 World Cup and participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Pochettino supports player Folarin Balogun, who lost a transfer move to Everton due to disputed fitness concerns.
  • Pochettino hopes to help the US become a top soccer country and create a lasting legacy in the sport.
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Allow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes

Allow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes

Summary

Courtney Lawes, an England rugby player, says that players based overseas should be allowed to play for England. He recently signed with the Sale club after two years in France and hopes to return to the England team. England currently restricts selection mostly to players playing in domestic clubs.

Key Facts

  • Courtney Lawes has played 105 times for England and signed a one-year deal with Sale in the English Premiership.
  • Some top English players, including Jack Willis, currently play for French clubs and are not selected for England.
  • England prefers to select players based in domestic clubs to keep top talent and control selection.
  • Other countries like New Zealand, France, and Ireland only pick home-based players, while South Africa and Australia use many foreign-based players.
  • England head coach Steve Borthwick wants to see Lawes and Joe Marchant perform in the Premiership before selecting them again.
  • Lawes retired after the 2023 Rugby World Cup but returned to club rugby and is open to playing internationally again.
  • Lawes believes England has good talent despite some recent inconsistent performances in international competitions.
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Edu leaves Nottingham Forest after turbulent spell

Edu leaves Nottingham Forest after turbulent spell

Summary

Edu, the global head of football at Nottingham Forest, has left the club after just over a year. His contract ended following reported tensions with management, and his duties will now be handled by the club’s chief football officer, George Syrianos.

Key Facts

  • Edu joined Nottingham Forest in July 2025 as the global head of football.
  • He had previously worked for Arsenal for six years and was their first sporting director.
  • Edu did not attend any Forest games since February before his exit.
  • His role included overseeing Greek club Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, both owned by Evangelos Marinakis.
  • Eduardo reportedly had a falling-out with former Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked last September.
  • Following Edu’s departure, no direct replacement is expected; George Syrianos will take over his responsibilities.
  • Theodore Giannikos was recently appointed chief executive at Forest, replacing Lina Souloukou.
  • Edu played as a midfielder and won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal during his playing career.
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Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa as Week 1 starter, Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive vs. Steelers

Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa as Week 1 starter, Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive vs. Steelers

Summary

The Atlanta Falcons announced that Tua Tagovailoa will be their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a knee injury, will be inactive, and Cooper Rush will serve as backup.

Key Facts

  • Tua Tagovailoa was named the Falcons' Week 1 starting quarterback.
  • Michael Penix Jr., who tore his ACL last season, will not play in Week 1.
  • Cooper Rush will be the backup quarterback.
  • Tagovailoa and Penix competed for the starting job during training camp.
  • Penix returned to full team drills on August 22 but did not play in preseason games.
  • Tagovailoa played in two preseason games, performing well against his former team, the Miami Dolphins.
  • Tagovailoa signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in March after six years with the Dolphins.
  • Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski praised the quarterbacks for their hard work and teamwork during the offseason.
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Get ready for an unbalanced American League postseason bracket that will probably cause an uproar

Get ready for an unbalanced American League postseason bracket that will probably cause an uproar

Summary

The American League baseball postseason bracket is expected to be uneven, with teams having very different records facing off in early rounds due to the current playoff seeding rules. Division winners get higher seeds regardless of overall records, which may result in the best teams competing on the same side of the bracket early on.

Key Facts

  • If playoffs started now, Tampa Bay would be the top seed with an 85-58 record.
  • Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros are division champions with worse records than Yankees and Red Sox, but they get higher seeds.
  • Houston (73-71) and Cleveland (73-71) would face each other in the first round.
  • The winner of Houston vs. Cleveland would play the White Sox next.
  • Tampa Bay could face a team with the second or third-best record early, reducing the advantage for top seeds.
  • Some suggest re-seeding after the Wild Card round based on records to make it fairer.
  • Chicago Cubs recently had a strong offensive game with nine home runs, and they currently lead MLB in home runs for the season.
  • Baltimore Orioles recently lost a close game despite being heavily favored, continuing a losing streak impacting their playoff chances.
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Can Kane buck history and win Ballon d'Or?

Can Kane buck history and win Ballon d'Or?

Summary

Harry Kane is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year after a strong season for his club and England. Historically, players who perform well in big tournaments like the World Cup have a better chance of winning the award.

Key Facts

  • The Ballon d'Or started in 1956 and was first given to England’s Sir Stanley Matthews.
  • At first, only European players could win; the award opened to all players worldwide in 1995.
  • Many winners earned the award after success in the World Cup, such as Ronaldo and Fabio Cannavaro.
  • Players who helped their teams reach late stages of major tournaments often win the award.
  • Some exceptions exist, like Kevin Keegan winning in 1978 without England playing in the World Cup.
  • The award is voted on by a jury of journalists, one from each country in the top 100 football nations.
  • Success in other major competitions like the Champions League or European Championship also helps win the Ballon d'Or.
  • South American players who won the World Cup between 1958 and 1994 likely would have been winners if eligible earlier.
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Who will be new Liverpool sporting director - and what issues do they face?

Who will be new Liverpool sporting director - and what issues do they face?

Summary

Liverpool is looking for a new sporting director after Richard Hughes left to work in Saudi Arabia. The club faces challenges like deciding whether to keep key players Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom have contracts ending soon. Candidates for the role include internal staff and experienced football directors from other clubs.

Key Facts

  • Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director since summer 2024, left to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
  • Liverpool has had to find a sporting director five times since 2022.
  • Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool's owner Fenway Sports Group, is managing the search for a new director.
  • Possible candidates are David Woodfine (Hughes’ assistant), Julian Ward (former sporting director now FSG technical director), and Pedro Marques (FSG director of football development).
  • Luis Campos of Paris St-Germain is a strong external candidate but unlikely to leave PSG soon.
  • Key players Alisson (goalkeeper) and Virgil van Dijk (defender) have contracts ending next season, making their futures uncertain.
  • Liverpool has lost important players like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson recently and needs experienced leaders.
  • Liverpool did not strengthen their midfield over summer but plans to develop young talent like Trey Nyoni.
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Emotional Oasis documentary glosses over the hard stuff

Emotional Oasis documentary glosses over the hard stuff

Summary

The documentary *Don't Look Back In Anger* shows the reunion tour of the band Oasis in 2025 after a 15-year break caused by a big fight between the Gallagher brothers in 2009. It highlights their reconciliation and the band's preparation for the tour but does not explain the details of their past conflicts.

Key Facts

  • Oasis broke up in 2009 after a huge fight backstage during a concert in Paris.
  • The band did not speak for 15 years before reuniting for the 2025 comeback tour.
  • The documentary was shown at the Venice Film Festival and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace.
  • The film shows rehearsals and the reunion concert at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
  • Liam Gallagher gave up cigarettes and alcohol during the tour to perform well.
  • The brothers’ past conflicts and the reasons behind their break are not detailed in the film.
  • Their reunion was emotional and joyful for both the band and their fans.
  • The documentary was scripted by Steven Knight, known for creating *Peaky Blinders*.
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US Open tennis 2026: Swiatek v Zheng, Osaka v Rybakina and more on day nine – live

US Open tennis 2026: Swiatek v Zheng, Osaka v Rybakina and more on day nine – live

Summary

The US Open 2026 tennis tournament is in day nine with several exciting matches scheduled. Top players like Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, and Elena Rybakina will face tough opponents as they compete to advance in the tournament.

Key Facts

  • Mirra Andreeva, a recent grand slam winner, plays against Anastasia Potapova.
  • Iga Swiatek, who won the US Open in 2022 and hasn’t lost a set in 2026, faces Qinwen Zheng.
  • Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, plays Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open winner and potential world number one.
  • Alexander Blockx, a 21-year-old Belgian player, faces Francisco Cerundolo in one of the biggest matches of his career.
  • Arthur Gea, also 21, takes on Botic van de Zandschulp, known for his powerful serve.
  • Karen Khachanov, a strong but less agile player, competes against Learner Tien, who is fast and skilled with touch shots.
  • The article previews these matches without predicting winners, encouraging fans to enjoy the competition.
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Pakistan investigate 'discipline and conduct' on England tour

Pakistan investigate 'discipline and conduct' on England tour

Summary

Pakistan's cricket team is facing an internal investigation about discipline and conduct during their tour of England, where they have already lost two Tests. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started this inquiry amid a chaotic tour that included sending home seven players and replacing the head coach.

Key Facts

  • Pakistan is losing 2-0 in a three-match Test cricket series against England.
  • Seven Pakistan players were sent home, and seven new players were called up during the tour.
  • Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by Mike Hesson from New Zealand.
  • Pakistan players threatened to cancel the tour after an interview with former Prime Minister and captain Imran Khan was broadcast.
  • The PCB has launched a disciplinary inquiry into reports about player behavior and team conduct.
  • The inquiry is following PCB’s standard rules and all involved will be heard.
  • There have been rumors and unconfirmed reports which the PCB has called unreliable.
  • Australian coach Ashley Noffke joined Pakistan’s backroom staff to replace fast-bowling coach Umar Gul.
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This could be year I win Ballon d'Or, says Mbappe

This could be year I win Ballon d'Or, says Mbappe

Summary

Kylian Mbappe, playing for Real Madrid, said this could be a good year for him to win the Ballon d'Or, an award given to the best football player in the world. He has scored many goals in recent seasons and holds records for France and PSG, but has not yet won this award or the Champions League with Real Madrid.

Key Facts

  • Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 games last season but won no trophies with Real Madrid.
  • He is the top scorer for both PSG (256 goals) and France (66 goals).
  • Mbappe holds the record for most goals in World Cups, with 22 goals in total.
  • He thinks this year might be his chance to win the Ballon d'Or for the first time.
  • Journalists vote to decide the Ballon d'Or winner, and Mbappe was ranked third in 2023.
  • Other top contenders for the Ballon d'Or include Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri.
  • Mbappe has won eight consecutive league top scorer awards and two World Cup Golden Boots.
  • PSG has won the Champions League twice since Mbappe left the club, but he has not yet won it with Real Madrid.
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New video shows Williams handball - but won't end VAR row

New video shows Williams handball - but won't end VAR row

Summary

New video footage shows the ball touching Nottingham Forest player Neco Williams' arm before a disallowed goal in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. The video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the goal out for accidental handball, a decision confirmed by the new footage but still debated by fans and commentators.

Key Facts

  • Neco Williams scored a goal that was disallowed for handball during the match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
  • VAR official Peter Bankes ruled the goal out after reviewing available video angles.
  • New camera footage, not seen during the game, shows the ball touching Williams' left arm and right forearm before the goal.
  • This footage was not available to the VAR during the match because it is from a camera not used in live broadcast.
  • Williams and Forest manager Oliver Glasner disagreed with the decision, saying there was no clear proof of handball.
  • The refereeing body, Pro Ref (formerly PGMO), supports the decision to rule out the goal.
  • VAR decisions are based on evidence of a handball, which is considered a factual judgement, not just a subjective call.
  • The incident highlights ongoing challenges with VAR technology and decision-making in football.
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'We're not robots' - why US Open men's contenders have tumbled

'We're not robots' - why US Open men's contenders have tumbled

Summary

Many top men's tennis players were eliminated early at the US Open this year, showing how tough the competition is. Factors like pressure, injuries, fatigue, and strong performances by younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner affected the results.

Key Facts

  • Six of the top 10 men's seeds lost before the fourth round at the US Open.
  • Taylor Fritz lost after leading by two sets, highlighting the difficulty of winning.
  • Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won 10 of the last 11 Grand Slam titles between them.
  • Alexander Zverev won his first major at the 2024 French Open but still struggles with nerves.
  • Injuries and fatigue contributed to early losses by top players like Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
  • Some players mentioned feeling physically and mentally drained due to the long season and heat in New York.
  • The men's tournament has been unpredictable, while the women's draw has been more stable, with many top seeds reaching later rounds.
  • Former players and experts say the current dominance by Alcaraz and Sinner creates extra pressure on other players.
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Pietersen joins England's white-ball coaching team

Pietersen joins England's white-ball coaching team

Summary

England has appointed former cricket player Kevin Pietersen as a coach for its white-ball teams ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Pietersen will work with the team during upcoming matches and tours, including the World Cup held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Pietersen, 46, will join England’s white-ball coaching team as a specialist mentor.
  • He will start coaching in T20 and one-day matches against Sri Lanka.
  • Pietersen will also be involved in tours to Australia and South Africa, and home series against Pakistan and New Zealand.
  • Pietersen played for England until 2014 and was a top-performing batter in one-day and T20 cricket.
  • He was named player of the tournament when England won the T20 World Cup in 2010.
  • Pietersen had past conflicts with some players and coaches but returned after a period of reintegration.
  • After retiring, Pietersen worked as a cricket commentator and mentor for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
  • England’s white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum expressed support for Pietersen’s appointment.
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Kelce's last dance? Five things to look out for in new NFL season

Kelce's last dance? Five things to look out for in new NFL season

Summary

The new NFL season begins with several key storylines, including the Los Angeles Rams aiming to win the Super Bowl at their home stadium again, the Kansas City Chiefs working to recover from last year's ups and downs, and star quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson striving for their first Super Bowl wins. The Rams strengthened their team by adding top defensive players, while the Chiefs look to bounce back with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce continuing to play.

Key Facts

  • The Rams won the Super Bowl in their home stadium in 2022 and aim to repeat this success.
  • Los Angeles Rams made major off-season trades, including signing Myles Garrett, who led the league in sacks last season.
  • Quarterback Matt Stafford, last season’s MVP, is with the Rams, along with defensive stars Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, who recently came out of retirement.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 11 years after an injury to Patrick Mahomes.
  • Chiefs’ key players Patrick Mahomes (quarterback) and Travis Kelce (tight end) will return this season; Kelce plans to play at least one more year.
  • Kenneth Walker, a new running back for the Chiefs, was the most valuable player (MVP) in the recent Super Bowl.
  • Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) are two star quarterbacks still chasing their first Super Bowl win.
  • The new NFL season marks important moments in the careers of players like Myles Garrett, Travis Kelce, and Aaron Donald.
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CBS’s Champions League studio panel are back and ready to irritate each other

CBS’s Champions League studio panel are back and ready to irritate each other

Summary

CBS Sports has a popular Champions League studio show that airs mostly on Paramount+. The show features hosts Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards, who are known for their friendly teasing and genuine discussions about soccer.

Key Facts

  • The Champions League studio show is mostly broadcast on Paramount+, CBS’s streaming service.
  • Hosts include Kate Scott (the main presenter), Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards.
  • The hosts have good chemistry and often tease each other on air, adding to the show’s appeal.
  • CBS got the rights to broadcast the Champions League in 2021, after ESPN, Fox Sports, and Turner Sports had it at different times.
  • The show is filmed in the UK but aimed at an American audience, allowing hosts to be more relaxed.
  • Thierry Henry focuses on explaining the game clearly and sincerely for viewers.
  • Before CBS’s involvement, Champions League coverage in the U.S. was less emphasized and often seen as filler content.
  • The show’s authentic and candid style has helped it stand out to American soccer fans.
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