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2026 World Cup Round of 32: Full list of matches, potential round of 16 games Just a few days remain in group play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.And the Round of 32 is getting filled in.As of Friday morning 14 teams have booked a spot in the knockout round, and four of the 16 matches in the Round of 32 have been set. By the end of matches today more teams will have clinched a spot in the Round of 32, and by the end of the weekend the Round of 32 will be set.And we can start thinking about potential matchups in the Round of 16.Here is what we know about the Round of 32, and what we could see in the Round of 16.2026 FIFA World Cup bracketLet’s start with the bracket for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here, courtesy of USA Today, is the knockout round bracket:Let’s work our way through the bracket as it stands, starting with the matches in the upper left.Match 74: Germany vs. ParaguayMatch 74 will see the top team in Group E take on a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F.Germany has clinched Group E, and is waiting on a winner. For a look at the third-place standings, and what teams have clinched a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team, we have you covered here.Update: Paraguay is now confirmed as Germany’s opponent.Match 77: France vs. SwedenThe next match, as we work our way down the bracket, is Match 77.Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.The top team from Group I will be either France or Norway, and that group winner will be determined when those two titans meet on Friday afternoon. For more on the third-place standings, we have you covered here.Update: France’s 4-1 win over Norway has clinched Group I, and they will slot into Match 77. Sweden is now confirmed as the opponent.Match 73: South Africa vs. CanadaThe next match, as we work down the bracket, is our first completely set match in the Round of 32.This match pits a pair of second-place teams, Canada from Group B, and South Africa from Group A.Match 75: Netherlands vs. MoroccoThe next match is set as well, and could be an instant classic.On one side? The Netherlands, winners of Group F. On the other? Morocco, who finished second in Group C.Match 83: TBD vs. CroatiaWe move next to the lower-left quadrant of the bracket, and Match 83. That will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia, which claimed second-place in Group L after beating Ghana.The next match on the list is also yet to be set.Match 84 will see the top team from Group H face the second-place team from Group J. Spain is in the driver’s seat in Group H, while Austria and Algeria are the likely options out of Group J.Update: With their 1-0 win over Uruguay Friday night, Spain clinched the top spot in Group H.Match 81: United States vs. Bosnia and HerzegovinaMatch 81, however, is set.The United States clinched a spot in the knockout round with a win over Australia in their second match of group play. As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, they became one of the first teams to advance to the Round of 32 as a third-place team late Wednesday night, and their spot against the USMNT was confirmed by FIFA on Thursday evening.Match 82: Belgium vs. TBDThe last match on the left side of the bracket has yet to be determined.The top team in Group G will face a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group—Egypt, Iran, and Belgium—can still win the group.For more on the third-place teams, you can see the standings here.Update: Belgium has won Group G, and will take on a third-place team.Match 76: Brazil vs. JapanWe now move to the right side of the bracket, working from the top to the bottom. In the upper-right quadrant we see a fascinating match in the Round of 32 between Brazil and Japan. Brazil advanced as the winners of Group C while Japan finished second in Group F.Match 78: Ivory Coast vs. NorwayThe next match in the Round of 32, Match 78, has one confirmed team. Ivory Coast advanced to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group E. They will take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be either France or Norway.Update: Norway has finished second in Group I, and will take on the Ivory Coast in this match.Match 79 will see host team Mexico take on a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. That team has not been confirmed yet, but could be Scotland or Ecuador, depending on the various permutations.Match 80: England vs. TBDMatch 80 will feature England against a third-place team from Group I or K. That team will be either Senegal or DR Congo pending Saturday’s results. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.Match 86: Argentina vs. Cabo VerdeWe now shift to the lower-right quadrant of the bracket, and Match 86. Argentina, having clinched Group J, is confirmed as one of the teams in this match. Lionel Messi and company will face the second-place team from Group H. For more on the Group H scenarios, we have you covered here.Update: The Blue Sharks are through as the second-place team in Group H. Cabo Verde’s reward? A date with the defending World Cup champions.Match 88: Australia vs. EgyptOne side of Match 88 is set, with Australia moving on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D. They will face the second-place team from Group G. All four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are potential opponents as of publication.Update: Egypt has taken second place in Group G, and will play Australia in Match 88.Match 85: Switzerland vs. TBDSwitzerland advanced to the Round of 32 as the winners of Group B, and will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J.The final match in the Round of 32, in the bottom-right of the bracket, will feature the winners of Group K against third-place Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play.Potential Round of 16 gamesLet’s work through some scenarios for the Round of 16 games, again starting in the upper-left quadrant of the bracket.Match 89 will feature the winner of Match 74 against the winner of Match 77. Germany is confirmed to play a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F in Match 74, while the two teams in Match 77 are yet to be set. Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.Match 90 will see the winners of Match 73 play the winners of Match 75. Match 73 is set, with South Africa matched up with Canada. The winner of that game will play the winner of Match 75 between Netherlands and Morocco.Moving now to the bottom-left quadrant, Match 93 will feature the winners of Match 83 against the winners of Match 84. Match 83 will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia from Group L.Match 84 will see the winners of Group H play the second-place team from Group J.Update: Spain clinched the top spot in Group H, and will now be featured in Match 84.As for the last match on the left side of the bracket in the Round of 16, Match 94 will see the winners of Match 81 play the winners of Match 82. Match 81 is set, with the United States playing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Match 82 will see the top team in Group G against a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group — Egypt, Iran, and Belgium — can still win the group.So yes, there is a world where the United States plays Iran in the Round of 16. Start your thinkpieces … now.Moving to the right side of the bracket, and working from the top down, Match 91 will see the winners from Match 76 play the winners of Match 78. Brazil plays Japan in Match 76, while Match 78 will see the Ivory Coast take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be France or Norway.The next match in the Round of 16 will see the winners of Match 79 play the winners of Match 80. In Match 79 Mexico will play a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. Match 80 will feature Group L winner England against a third-place team from Group I or K. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.Moving to the bottom-right quadrant, Match 95 will see the winners of Match 86 play the winners of Match 88. Match 86 will see Lionel Messi and company against the second-place team from Group H. Match 88 will see Australia play the second-place team from Group G where all four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are in the running.Update: Cabo Verde clinched the second spot in Group H, and will take on Argentina in Match 86.We close out the Round of 16 with Match 86, pitting the winners of Match 85 against the winners of Match 87. Switzerland will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J in Match 85. Match 87 will feature the winners of Group K against Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play. #World #Cup #Full #list #matches #potential #games

2026 World Cup Round of 32: Full list of matches, potential round of 16 games

Just a few days remain in group play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And the Round of 32 is getting filled in.

As of Friday morning 14 teams have booked a spot in the knockout round, and four of the 16 matches in the Round of 32 have been set. By the end of matches today more teams will have clinched a spot in the Round of 32, and by the end of the weekend the Round of 32 will be set.

And we can start thinking about potential matchups in the Round of 16.

Here is what we know about the Round of 32, and what we could see in the Round of 16.

2026 FIFA World Cup bracket

Let’s start with the bracket for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here, courtesy of USA Today, is the knockout round bracket:

Let’s work our way through the bracket as it stands, starting with the matches in the upper left.

Match 74: Germany vs. Paraguay

Match 74 will see the top team in Group E take on a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F.

Germany has clinched Group E, and is waiting on a winner. For a look at the third-place standings, and what teams have clinched a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team, we have you covered here.

Update: Paraguay is now confirmed as Germany’s opponent.

Match 77: France vs. Sweden

The next match, as we work our way down the bracket, is Match 77.

Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.

The top team from Group I will be either France or Norway, and that group winner will be determined when those two titans meet on Friday afternoon. For more on the third-place standings, we have you covered here.

Update: France’s 4-1 win over Norway has clinched Group I, and they will slot into Match 77. Sweden is now confirmed as the opponent.

Match 73: South Africa vs. Canada

The next match, as we work down the bracket, is our first completely set match in the Round of 32.

This match pits a pair of second-place teams, Canada from Group B, and South Africa from Group A.

Match 75: Netherlands vs. Morocco

The next match is set as well, and could be an instant classic.

On one side? The Netherlands, winners of Group F. On the other? Morocco, who finished second in Group C.

Match 83: TBD vs. Croatia

We move next to the lower-left quadrant of the bracket, and Match 83. That will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia, which claimed second-place in Group L after beating Ghana.

The next match on the list is also yet to be set.

Match 84 will see the top team from Group H face the second-place team from Group J. Spain is in the driver’s seat in Group H, while Austria and Algeria are the likely options out of Group J.

Update: With their 1-0 win over Uruguay Friday night, Spain clinched the top spot in Group H.

Match 81: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Match 81, however, is set.

The United States clinched a spot in the knockout round with a win over Australia in their second match of group play. As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, they became one of the first teams to advance to the Round of 32 as a third-place team late Wednesday night, and their spot against the USMNT was confirmed by FIFA on Thursday evening.

Match 82: Belgium vs. TBD

The last match on the left side of the bracket has yet to be determined.

The top team in Group G will face a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group—Egypt, Iran, and Belgium—can still win the group.

For more on the third-place teams, you can see the standings here.

Update: Belgium has won Group G, and will take on a third-place team.

Match 76: Brazil vs. Japan

We now move to the right side of the bracket, working from the top to the bottom. In the upper-right quadrant we see a fascinating match in the Round of 32 between Brazil and Japan. Brazil advanced as the winners of Group C while Japan finished second in Group F.

Match 78: Ivory Coast vs. Norway

The next match in the Round of 32, Match 78, has one confirmed team. Ivory Coast advanced to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group E. They will take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be either France or Norway.

Update: Norway has finished second in Group I, and will take on the Ivory Coast in this match.

Match 79 will see host team Mexico take on a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. That team has not been confirmed yet, but could be Scotland or Ecuador, depending on the various permutations.

Match 80: England vs. TBD

Match 80 will feature England against a third-place team from Group I or K. That team will be either Senegal or DR Congo pending Saturday’s results. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.

Match 86: Argentina vs. Cabo Verde

We now shift to the lower-right quadrant of the bracket, and Match 86. Argentina, having clinched Group J, is confirmed as one of the teams in this match. Lionel Messi and company will face the second-place team from Group H. For more on the Group H scenarios, we have you covered here.

Update: The Blue Sharks are through as the second-place team in Group H. Cabo Verde’s reward? A date with the defending World Cup champions.

Match 88: Australia vs. Egypt

One side of Match 88 is set, with Australia moving on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D. They will face the second-place team from Group G. All four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are potential opponents as of publication.

Update: Egypt has taken second place in Group G, and will play Australia in Match 88.

Match 85: Switzerland vs. TBD

Switzerland advanced to the Round of 32 as the winners of Group B, and will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J.

The final match in the Round of 32, in the bottom-right of the bracket, will feature the winners of Group K against third-place Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play.

Potential Round of 16 games

Let’s work through some scenarios for the Round of 16 games, again starting in the upper-left quadrant of the bracket.

Match 89 will feature the winner of Match 74 against the winner of Match 77. Germany is confirmed to play a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F in Match 74, while the two teams in Match 77 are yet to be set. Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.

Match 90 will see the winners of Match 73 play the winners of Match 75. Match 73 is set, with South Africa matched up with Canada. The winner of that game will play the winner of Match 75 between Netherlands and Morocco.

Moving now to the bottom-left quadrant, Match 93 will feature the winners of Match 83 against the winners of Match 84. Match 83 will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia from Group L.
Match 84 will see the winners of Group H play the second-place team from Group J.

Update: Spain clinched the top spot in Group H, and will now be featured in Match 84.

As for the last match on the left side of the bracket in the Round of 16, Match 94 will see the winners of Match 81 play the winners of Match 82. Match 81 is set, with the United States playing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Match 82 will see the top team in Group G against a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group — Egypt, Iran, and Belgium — can still win the group.

So yes, there is a world where the United States plays Iran in the Round of 16. Start your thinkpieces … now.

Moving to the right side of the bracket, and working from the top down, Match 91 will see the winners from Match 76 play the winners of Match 78. Brazil plays Japan in Match 76, while Match 78 will see the Ivory Coast take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be France or Norway.

The next match in the Round of 16 will see the winners of Match 79 play the winners of Match 80. In Match 79 Mexico will play a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. Match 80 will feature Group L winner England against a third-place team from Group I or K. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.

Moving to the bottom-right quadrant, Match 95 will see the winners of Match 86 play the winners of Match 88. Match 86 will see Lionel Messi and company against the second-place team from Group H. Match 88 will see Australia play the second-place team from Group G where all four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are in the running.

Update: Cabo Verde clinched the second spot in Group H, and will take on Argentina in Match 86.

We close out the Round of 16 with Match 86, pitting the winners of Match 85 against the winners of Match 87. Switzerland will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J in Match 85. Match 87 will feature the winners of Group K against Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play.

#World #Cup #Full #list #matches #potential #games

Sports news

Just a few days remain in group play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And the Round of 32 is getting filled in.

As of Friday morning 14 teams have booked a spot in the knockout round, and four of the 16 matches in the Round of 32 have been set. By the end of matches today more teams will have clinched a spot in the Round of 32, and by the end of the weekend the Round of 32 will be set.

And we can start thinking about potential matchups in the Round of 16.

Here is what we know about the Round of 32, and what we could see in the Round of 16.

2026 FIFA World Cup bracket

Let’s start with the bracket for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here, courtesy of USA Today, is the knockout round bracket:

Let’s work our way through the bracket as it stands, starting with the matches in the upper left.

Match 74: Germany vs. Paraguay

Match 74 will see the top team in Group E take on a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F.

Germany has clinched Group E, and is waiting on a winner. For a look at the third-place standings, and what teams have clinched a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team, we have you covered here.

Update: Paraguay is now confirmed as Germany’s opponent.

Match 77: France vs. Sweden

The next match, as we work our way down the bracket, is Match 77.

Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.

The top team from Group I will be either France or Norway, and that group winner will be determined when those two titans meet on Friday afternoon. For more on the third-place standings, we have you covered here.

Update: France’s 4-1 win over Norway has clinched Group I, and they will slot into Match 77. Sweden is now confirmed as the opponent.

Match 73: South Africa vs. Canada

The next match, as we work down the bracket, is our first completely set match in the Round of 32.

This match pits a pair of second-place teams, Canada from Group B, and South Africa from Group A.

Match 75: Netherlands vs. Morocco

The next match is set as well, and could be an instant classic.

On one side? The Netherlands, winners of Group F. On the other? Morocco, who finished second in Group C.

Match 83: TBD vs. Croatia

We move next to the lower-left quadrant of the bracket, and Match 83. That will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia, which claimed second-place in Group L after beating Ghana.

The next match on the list is also yet to be set.

Match 84 will see the top team from Group H face the second-place team from Group J. Spain is in the driver’s seat in Group H, while Austria and Algeria are the likely options out of Group J.

Update: With their 1-0 win over Uruguay Friday night, Spain clinched the top spot in Group H.

Match 81: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Match 81, however, is set.

The United States clinched a spot in the knockout round with a win over Australia in their second match of group play. As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, they became one of the first teams to advance to the Round of 32 as a third-place team late Wednesday night, and their spot against the USMNT was confirmed by FIFA on Thursday evening.

Match 82: Belgium vs. TBD

The last match on the left side of the bracket has yet to be determined.

The top team in Group G will face a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group—Egypt, Iran, and Belgium—can still win the group.

For more on the third-place teams, you can see the standings here.

Update: Belgium has won Group G, and will take on a third-place team.

Match 76: Brazil vs. Japan

We now move to the right side of the bracket, working from the top to the bottom. In the upper-right quadrant we see a fascinating match in the Round of 32 between Brazil and Japan. Brazil advanced as the winners of Group C while Japan finished second in Group F.

Match 78: Ivory Coast vs. Norway

The next match in the Round of 32, Match 78, has one confirmed team. Ivory Coast advanced to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group E. They will take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be either France or Norway.

Update: Norway has finished second in Group I, and will take on the Ivory Coast in this match.

Match 79 will see host team Mexico take on a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. That team has not been confirmed yet, but could be Scotland or Ecuador, depending on the various permutations.

Match 80: England vs. TBD

Match 80 will feature England against a third-place team from Group I or K. That team will be either Senegal or DR Congo pending Saturday’s results. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.

Match 86: Argentina vs. Cabo Verde

We now shift to the lower-right quadrant of the bracket, and Match 86. Argentina, having clinched Group J, is confirmed as one of the teams in this match. Lionel Messi and company will face the second-place team from Group H. For more on the Group H scenarios, we have you covered here.

Update: The Blue Sharks are through as the second-place team in Group H. Cabo Verde’s reward? A date with the defending World Cup champions.

Match 88: Australia vs. Egypt

One side of Match 88 is set, with Australia moving on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D. They will face the second-place team from Group G. All four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are potential opponents as of publication.

Update: Egypt has taken second place in Group G, and will play Australia in Match 88.

Match 85: Switzerland vs. TBD

Switzerland advanced to the Round of 32 as the winners of Group B, and will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J.

The final match in the Round of 32, in the bottom-right of the bracket, will feature the winners of Group K against third-place Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play.

Potential Round of 16 games

Let’s work through some scenarios for the Round of 16 games, again starting in the upper-left quadrant of the bracket.

Match 89 will feature the winner of Match 74 against the winner of Match 77. Germany is confirmed to play a third-place team from Group A, B, C, D, or F in Match 74, while the two teams in Match 77 are yet to be set. Match 77 will feature the top team from Group I against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G or H.

Match 90 will see the winners of Match 73 play the winners of Match 75. Match 73 is set, with South Africa matched up with Canada. The winner of that game will play the winner of Match 75 between Netherlands and Morocco.

Moving now to the bottom-left quadrant, Match 93 will feature the winners of Match 83 against the winners of Match 84. Match 83 will feature the second-place team from Group K, and Croatia from Group L.
Match 84 will see the winners of Group H play the second-place team from Group J.

Update: Spain clinched the top spot in Group H, and will now be featured in Match 84.

As for the last match on the left side of the bracket in the Round of 16, Match 94 will see the winners of Match 81 play the winners of Match 82. Match 81 is set, with the United States playing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Match 82 will see the top team in Group G against a third-place team from Group A, E, H, I, or J. As of publication, Egypt is in first place in Group G, but three teams in that group — Egypt, Iran, and Belgium — can still win the group.

So yes, there is a world where the United States plays Iran in the Round of 16. Start your thinkpieces … now.

Moving to the right side of the bracket, and working from the top down, Match 91 will see the winners from Match 76 play the winners of Match 78. Brazil plays Japan in Match 76, while Match 78 will see the Ivory Coast take on the second-place team from Group I, which will be France or Norway.

The next match in the Round of 16 will see the winners of Match 79 play the winners of Match 80. In Match 79 Mexico will play a third-place team from Group C, E, F, H, or I. Match 80 will feature Group L winner England against a third-place team from Group I or K. Here is a look at the teams vying for a spot as a third-place finisher.

Moving to the bottom-right quadrant, Match 95 will see the winners of Match 86 play the winners of Match 88. Match 86 will see Lionel Messi and company against the second-place team from Group H. Match 88 will see Australia play the second-place team from Group G where all four teams — Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand — are in the running.

Update: Cabo Verde clinched the second spot in Group H, and will take on Argentina in Match 86.

We close out the Round of 16 with Match 86, pitting the winners of Match 85 against the winners of Match 87. Switzerland will take on a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I, or J in Match 85. Match 87 will feature the winners of Group K against Ghana. Colombia and Portugal are vying for the top spot in Group K, and will meet on Saturday in the final match of Group K play.

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.


When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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