Celtic played against Bologna in the Europa League and managed to secure a draw despite facing challenges. Reo Hatate scored for Celtic but was also sent off with two yellow cards, leaving Celtic with 10 players. Despite Bologna's pressure, Celtic held on to earn a point, which helps them in the competition standings.
Key Facts
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill praised the team for their resilience during the match.
Celtic's Reo Hatate scored a goal but was later shown two yellow cards, resulting in his dismissal.
Bologna scored twice after the red card, leveling the match at 2-2.
Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic's goalkeeper, was criticized for his performance on the Bologna goals.
Defender Auston Trusty made significant defensive contributions with 17 clearances.
Celtic is currently 24th with eight points in the Europa League standings.
The team needs to win their next match against Utrecht to secure progression in the competition.
The match ended with Celtic's defense managing to repel multiple attacks from Bologna.
Nottingham Forest lost to Braga in a Europa League match. Forest missed a penalty, scored an own goal, and had a player sent off, making it difficult for them to progress in the competition. This defeat means they are likely to face additional play-off matches to reach the next stage.
Key Facts
Nottingham Forest played against Braga in a Europa League match and lost.
Morgan Gibbs-White missed a penalty for Forest.
Ryan Yates scored an own goal shortly after the missed penalty.
Forest's Elliot Anderson was sent off, receiving a red card.
Braga won the match without having a shot on target, which is rare in Europa League history.
Sean Dyche, the Forest manager, made seven team changes for this game.
Forest's chances of automatic qualification for the last 16 are now very slim.
Forest will likely need to play extra games in a busy season to advance in the competition.
Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, is focused on winning the Europa League after securing a place in the last 16. Emery, who has won the Europa League four times before, sees this as a chance to qualify for the Champions League, especially if the team does not finish in the top positions in the Premier League. Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Villa, helping the team with their strong performance in European matches.
Key Facts
Unai Emery is the manager of Aston Villa and has led them to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Villa secured a 1-0 victory against Fenerbahce in Turkey to achieve a top-eight finish in their league phase.
Emery has won the Europa League four times with other clubs and is aiming for success with Villa to qualify for the Champions League.
Villa has recently won 20 out of 25 matches, showing strong form in European games.
Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Aston Villa, helping with their latest victory.
Emery expressed his happiness with how the team is performing in European competitions.
The team is dealing with some injuries but aims to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.
An NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly interested in Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal as a potential new head coach. Cristobal signed a long-term contract with Miami and has not shown interest in leaving for an NFL job. The Steelers are looking for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down.
Key Facts
Mario Cristobal is the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, a college football team.
Cristobal signed a 10-year, $80 million contract with the Hurricanes in 2021.
Under Cristobal, the Miami Hurricanes recently played in the national championship.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in Cristobal for their head coach position.
The Steelers need a new head coach because Mike Tomlin stepped down.
Cristobal has never coached in the NFL before.
Cristobal is under contract with Miami through 2031, making it costly for him to leave.
The Steelers have never fired a coach in their history; coaches have always left voluntarily.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on January 22, 2026. Mendoza, who recently won the national championship and the Heisman trophy, is expected to be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This appearance highlights his growing popularity and charisma beyond football.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza plays as the quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers.
Mendoza will appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on January 22, 2026.
He led his team to a national championship victory in 2025.
Mendoza recently won the prestigious Heisman trophy.
He is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza began his college football career with the California Golden Bears.
He is known for his positive personality and engaging interview style.
The Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, are looking to improve their team after another disappointing season. They have an extra first-round draft pick this year and next, and they're considering signing free agent linebacker Devin Bush to strengthen their defense. Bush, who last played for the Cleveland Browns, is known for his strong defensive stats.
Key Facts
The Dallas Cowboys aim to improve their team after missing the playoffs.
They have an extra first-round draft pick for both this offseason and the next.
Dallas is considering signing linebacker Devin Bush, previously with the Cleveland Browns.
Devin Bush had 125 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions in the 2025 season.
The Cowboys' defense ranked poorly in certain defensive metrics last season.
Bush's addition could help improve the Cowboys' defense alongside Logan Wilson.
It is not yet confirmed if Dallas will pursue Devin Bush.
Stephen A. Smith, a sports commentator, has called for the Milwaukee Bucks to trade their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Smith argues that although Giannis is a top player, the team is not winning enough games, and both he and the team might benefit from a change.
Key Facts
Stephen A. Smith criticized the Milwaukee Bucks for not doing well in the current season.
He believes the team should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, a top player, for better future prospects.
The Bucks lost badly to the Oklahoma City Thunder, adding to their losses this season.
The team currently has a losing record, winning only 41% of their games.
Giannis is a two-time MVP and a highly valuable player, averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Smith suggests trading Giannis could bring substantial assets to the Bucks for rebuilding.
The Bucks have not officially put Giannis up for trade, nor has he asked for one.
The NBA trade deadline is still weeks away, allowing time for potential moves.
Derek Chisora will fight Deontay Wilder in London in April. Both boxers have faced challenges, with Wilder losing four of his last six matches and Chisora nearing retirement. This match marks Chisora's 50th career fight.
Key Facts
Derek Chisora, 42 years old, will face Deontay Wilder in London on April 4th.
This match will be Chisora's 50th fight; he previously planned to retire after this milestone.
Wilder and Chisora were originally scheduled to fight 13 years ago, but the fight was canceled due to Wilder's arrest.
Deontay Wilder was a former world heavyweight champion with an initial 40-win streak.
Wilder has lost four out of his last six fights, losing twice to Tyson Fury.
Chisora has lost all three fights he had against Tyson Fury in 2011, 2014, and 2022.
Wilder recently returned to the ring with a win after a year out and has been associated with a potential future fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Chisora is on a three-fight winning streak and was linked with fights against other major opponents before choosing Wilder.
The New York Mets traded prospect Jett Williams to acquire pitcher Freddy Peralta. Williams was the Mets' No. 3 prospect and will now be with the Milwaukee Brewers as their No. 3 prospect. Williams expressed gratitude to the Mets and excitement about joining the Brewers.
Key Facts
The Mets traded Jett Williams and others to get pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Williams played mostly as a shortstop last season and can play other positions.
He was the Mets' No. 3 prospect and is now the Brewers' No. 3 prospect.
Williams was picked in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
He thanked the Mets and fans in a public statement after the trade.
Williams is 5-foot-7, similar to other shorter players on the Brewers.
Last season, Williams hit 17 home runs and stole 34 bases.
Williams is expected to start the new season at Triple-A for the Brewers.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers will play each other in an NBA game on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video. Both teams will be missing several key players due to injuries, but stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James for the Lakers and James Harden for the Clippers will feature.
Key Facts
The Lakers recently won against the Nuggets, with Luka Dončić achieving a triple-double.
Key players like Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton will likely miss the game for the Lakers.
The Clippers' recent surge in rankings comes after a rough start despite a blowout loss breaking their winning streak.
Key players for the Clippers include James Harden, with Kawhi Leonard being questionable due to a knee problem.
The Clippers will also miss Bradley Beal, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Derrick Jones Jr. due to injuries.
The game will be available to live stream on Prime Video, which offers a free trial.
Regional restrictions may apply to viewers accessing the live stream.
The Boston Red Sox have made several changes to their team, including signing pitcher Ranger Suárez. They lost player Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs but are now in discussions to trade for another high-quality player, focusing on improving their infield positions.
Key Facts
The Red Sox signed pitcher Ranger Suárez, improving their starting rotation.
They traded for All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray earlier in the offseason.
Alex Bregman left the Red Sox for the Chicago Cubs through free agency.
The Red Sox aim to fill the gap left by Bregman’s departure by trading for an infield player.
The team has a surplus of outfield players, so their focus is on infield.
Players like Brendan Donovan or Nico Hoerner could be potential trade targets.
The Red Sox previously showed interest in infielder Ketel Marte before he was unavailable for trade.
The New York Mets completed a trade for pitcher Freddy Peralta and decided to keep Kodai Senga in their rotation. Despite rumors, Mets leadership confirmed that Senga is a key member of their team as they prepare for the new season.
Key Facts
The New York Mets traded for Freddy Peralta to lead their pitching rotation.
Kodai Senga was at the center of trade rumors earlier in the offseason.
Mets executive David Stearns confirmed Senga would remain a key part of the team's rotation.
Senga returned to the U.S. around the New Year and impressed the team with his condition.
Senga had a strong start in the previous season but struggled with a hamstring injury.
Senga's rookie year in 2023 included an All-Star selection with a 2.98 ERA.
Despite injuries limiting him in 2024, the team believes Senga and Peralta can be strong together if healthy.
The Philadelphia Phillies lost utility player Weston Wilson to the Baltimore Orioles on waivers. Wilson, who can play multiple positions, struggled in the major leagues last season. The Orioles may use him in a bench role if he makes the team after spring training.
Key Facts
Weston Wilson moved from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Baltimore Orioles through waivers.
Wilson is 31 years old and can play many positions on the field.
Last season, he struggled with his performance, hitting .198 in 54 games.
Despite his struggles, his ability to play different positions makes him valuable.
The Orioles might use him as a backup player on their bench.
Wilson must perform well in spring training to secure a spot with the Orioles.
Baltimore's team has a lot of young talent, making it tough for Wilson to join the main lineup.
The New York Mets made a trade for Vidal Bruján, getting him from the Minnesota Twins for cash. Bruján is a versatile player who can play various positions on the baseball field. The Mets might use him in the outfield due to their current needs.
Key Facts
The New York Mets acquired Vidal Bruján from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash.
Bruján had a busy offseason, having moved teams several times since November.
He is known for playing different positions, except for catcher.
Bruján has played 261 major league games across several teams.
During a stretch with the Atlanta Braves, he had a batting average of .268.
Bruján's ability to play multiple positions makes him a flexible option for the Mets.
The Mets currently need players in the outfield, where Bruján is expected to contribute.
The NBA will reveal the reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game on February 1, and Derrick White from the Boston Celtics has strong stats that may earn him a spot. Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle has endorsed White for his performance, mentioning his defensive contributions and ranking in blocked shots. White is among the top contenders despite not being a fan-voted starter.
Key Facts
The NBA will announce the 2026 All-Star Game reserves on February 1.
Derrick White plays guard for the Boston Celtics.
White averages 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
He received 247,925 fan votes, placing 24th in the Eastern Conference fan voting.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers' coach, endorsed White as an All-Star before a recent game.
White has the most blocked shots of any guard this season.
The All-Star Game starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jalen Brunson, among others.
White is considered an underdog for a reserve spot due to strong competition.
Chas McCormick, who played a key role in the Houston Astros' 2022 World Series win, is reportedly planning to sign with the Chicago Cubs. He will join the team on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training after spending time off the Astros' main roster due to injuries.
Key Facts
Chas McCormick helped the Houston Astros win the 2022 World Series.
He played only 66 games for the Astros in the most recent season and was sent to a minor-league team.
McCormick decided to become a free agent after being removed from the Astros' main roster.
The Chicago Cubs plan to sign him on a minor-league deal, including a spring training invite.
McCormick has battled injuries like a hamstring issue, a fractured hand, and an oblique strain.
He aims to prove his ability to play in the major leagues during the upcoming spring training.
The Cubs are looking to strengthen their roster with an additional right-handed outfielder.
The New York Yankees have claimed outfielder Marco Luciano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Luciano, a former top prospect, will try to secure a spot on the Yankees' roster during spring training. However, if he doesn't make the team, he could be placed on waivers again.
Key Facts
The Yankees claimed Marco Luciano, an outfielder, from the Orioles.
Luciano was waived by the Orioles to make room for pitcher José Suarez.
The Yankees had 39 players on their 40-man roster before adding Luciano and free agent Cody Bellinger.
Luciano was once the top prospect in the San Francisco Giants system.
In 41 major league games so far, Luciano has a .590 OPS and no home runs.
Luciano played for Triple-A Sacramento last season, where he hit 23 home runs in 125 games.
Luciano has no minor-league options left, meaning he must make the Yankees' major league roster or be exposed to waivers again.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino joked about British fans not being arrested during the 2022 World Cup. In response, the Football Supporters' Association suggested that he focus on lowering ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup instead. Ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are notably high, which has drawn criticism.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is the President of FIFA, the global football organization.
At a meeting in Switzerland, Infantino commented on the lack of arrests of British fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Football Supporters' Association criticized Infantino for making jokes instead of addressing high ticket prices.
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are more expensive than those for the 2022 tournament.
The cheapest ticket for the 2026 final costs £3,119.
FIFA introduced some $60 tickets for the 2026 World Cup amid complaints about pricing.
Infantino defended the prices, citing high demand from countries like the US, Germany, and England.
There is concern that some fans may face difficulties getting visas to enter the US for the World Cup.
Panama will play against Mexico in a men's international soccer friendly match at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez on January 22, 2026. This game is a preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Panama already qualified and Mexico hosting part of the tournament. Both teams see the match as an opportunity to test strategies and strengthen team dynamics.
Key Facts
The match between Panama and Mexico takes place on January 22, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.
The game will be held at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City.
Fans can watch the match on FOX Deportes and stream it on Fubo.
Panama qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by leading its CONCACAF group.
Mexico is one of the host countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Panama recently drew 1–1 with Bolivia under coach Thomas Christiansen.
Mexico is coached by Javier Aguirre and includes players mainly from Liga MX.
Mexico has been unbeaten in the last 16 matches against Panama, including a win in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League final.
Real Madrid plans to leave the EuroLeague to join a new NBA Europe project that could start in 2027 or 2028. This new league aims to expand the NBA's influence in Europe, and Real Madrid will be one of the 12 founding teams. Other European soccer clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich may also join.
Key Facts
Real Madrid is set to leave the EuroLeague to join NBA Europe.
The NBA Europe project is expected to start in 2027 or 2028.
Real Madrid will be one of the 12 founding teams in the new league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver created this project to grow the NBA's presence in Europe.
Barcelona, another major soccer club, may consider joining NBA Europe.
Bayern Munich is rumored to be interested in joining as one of the initial teams.
Manchester City and Manchester United are hesitant to join the project.
The project aims to attract top European clubs, increasing franchise value.
