Deadspin | FIFA likely to increase funding, fees for teams Jun 21, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; The FIFA Club World Cup logo is seen before the game between CF Monterrey and CA River Plate during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images In response to requests by European teams to increase prize money and to assist with costs associated with their participation this summer in the World Cup, the world governing body and World Cup organizer is set to fulfill those wishes — for all 48 participating countries. FIFA has had discussions with national associations to boost funding, and the proposals are expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting April 28 in Vancouver. The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19, is expected to bring in revenue in excess of $11 billion. UEFA, European football’s governing body, contacted FIFA after hearing from several of its member associations regarding the costs of participating in the World Cup, including travel, operations and taxes, particularly in the United States. Canada and Mexico are the other host countries this summer. FIFA in December announced a record World Cup prize fund of $727 million, with the winner taking home $50 million and each team receiving at least $10.5 million. Since that December announcement, FIFA and national associations have engaged in talks and aim to resolve the issue before April 30, when the FIFA Congress meets. Last month, The Athletic reported that FIFA had trimmed more than $100 million from its World Cup operating departments, causing concern for host cities and their plans, which had already been scaled down due to budgeting issues. Among U.S. host cities, only Houston and Philadelphia are going ahead with their original plans for the 39-day-long festival. “Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on 28 April 2026, FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic. “This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of development funding available to all 211 member associations.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #FIFA #increase #funding #fees #teams

Deadspin | FIFA likely to increase funding, fees for teams
Jun 21, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; The FIFA Club World Cup logo is seen before the game between CF Monterrey and CA River Plate during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

In response to requests by European teams to increase prize money and to assist with costs associated with their participation this summer in the World Cup, the world governing body and World Cup organizer is set to fulfill those wishes — for all 48 participating countries.

FIFA has had discussions with national associations to boost funding, and the proposals are expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting April 28 in Vancouver.

The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19, is expected to bring in revenue in excess of $11 billion.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, contacted FIFA after hearing from several of its member associations regarding the costs of participating in the World Cup, including travel, operations and taxes, particularly in the United States. Canada and Mexico are the other host countries this summer.

FIFA in December announced a record World Cup prize fund of $727 million, with the winner taking home $50 million and each team receiving at least $10.5 million. Since that December announcement, FIFA and national associations have engaged in talks and aim to resolve the issue before April 30, when the FIFA Congress meets.

Last month, The Athletic reported that FIFA had trimmed more than $100 million from its World Cup operating departments, causing concern for host cities and their plans, which had already been scaled down due to budgeting issues.

Among U.S. host cities, only Houston and Philadelphia are going ahead with their original plans for the 39-day-long festival.

“Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on 28 April 2026, FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.

“This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of development funding available to all 211 member associations.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #FIFA #increase #funding #fees #teams

Sports news April 27, 2026

Jun 21, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; The FIFA Club World Cup logo is seen before the game between CF Monterrey and CA River Plate during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

In response to requests by European teams to increase prize money and to assist with costs associated with their participation this summer in the World Cup, the world governing body and World Cup organizer is set to fulfill those wishes — for all 48 participating countries.

FIFA has had discussions with national associations to boost funding, and the proposals are expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting April 28 in Vancouver.

The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19, is expected to bring in revenue in excess of $11 billion.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, contacted FIFA after hearing from several of its member associations regarding the costs of participating in the World Cup, including travel, operations and taxes, particularly in the United States. Canada and Mexico are the other host countries this summer.

FIFA in December announced a record World Cup prize fund of $727 million, with the winner taking home $50 million and each team receiving at least $10.5 million. Since that December announcement, FIFA and national associations have engaged in talks and aim to resolve the issue before April 30, when the FIFA Congress meets.

Last month, The Athletic reported that FIFA had trimmed more than $100 million from its World Cup operating departments, causing concern for host cities and their plans, which had already been scaled down due to budgeting issues.

Among U.S. host cities, only Houston and Philadelphia are going ahead with their original plans for the 39-day-long festival.

“Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on 28 April 2026, FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.

“This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of development funding available to all 211 member associations.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #FIFA #increase #funding #fees #teams

Deadspin | Jose Tena’s HR in 10th helps Nationals edge White Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28819045.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28819045.jpg" alt="MLB: Washington Nationals at Chicago White Sox" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jose Tena hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the 10th inning after CJ Abrams provided a go-ahead sacrifice fly as the visiting Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Both pitching staffs allowed just four hits. Paxton Schultz worked around Tristan Peters’ RBI single in the bottom of the 10th for his first save.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin delivered his second consecutive quality start, scattering two hits in seven shutout innings. Griffin walked two and struck out a career-high eight.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Chicago righty Sean Burke shined, as well, limiting the Nationals to three hits in 7 1/3 innings with zero walks and four strikeouts.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>After both clubs scored at least three runs in the first two games of the series, offense was a dicey proposition as Griffin and Burke matched zeroes for much of the afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The White Sox nearly gave Burke an early lead after opener Bryan Hudson pitched a scoreless bottom of the first. Chase Meidroth opened the game with a single, advanced to second on a balk and took third on a wild pitch. But Griffin struck out the side to keep Meidroth from scoring.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Tanner Murray contributed a one-out single in the second and Drew Romo walked two batters later before the rally faded. Griffin hit Colson Montgomery with a pitch in the fourth inning before recovering to retire 11 of the next 12.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Burke yielded a two-out double to Jacob Young in the second and a two-out single to James Wood in the third but kept the Nationals off the scoreboard. Romo, Chicago’s catcher, caught Wood stealing to end the threat in the second.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Burke mowed through the next 15 Washington batters after that, with a four-pitch seventh inning highlighting his dominance. Nasim Nunez broke the streak with a leadoff single in the ninth, stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. Reliever Sean Newcomb got two popouts to end the inning.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Chicago was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth. Everson Pereira singled with one out for the team’s first hit since the second and went to second on an errant pickoff attempt but was stranded.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Murray left the game with an apparent left-shoulder injury while making a diving catch on Abrams’ sacrifice fly to left field.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Richard Lovelady (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Seranthony Dominguez (1-3) took the loss.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Jose #Tenas #10th #helps #Nationals #edge #White #Sox

The Only Two Songs Ringo Starr Wrote for The Beatles

#Madrid #Open #Rybakina #hits #linecalling #system">

Madrid Open 2026: Rybakina hits out at line‑calling system Elena Rybakina said she has lost faith in the electronic line-calling system after the Australian Open ‌champion was left fuming over a disputed call during her ⁠three-set victory over Zheng Qinwen at the Madrid Open on Sunday.The flashpoint came ‌when China’s Zheng was awarded an ace for 40-0 while ‌serving at 4-3 in the ‌second ⁠set, despite the mark appearing ⁠well out.“Well with this thing, I won’t trust it at all,” Rybakina told reporters after her 4-6, 6-4, ‌6-3 victory sealed a spot in the last 16.“Because there was no mark even close to what ‌the TV showed.”ALSO READ | Sinner sails into Round of 16; Gauff advances after overcoming stomach bug, vomitingThe two-time Grand Slam winner compared the incident to Alexander Zverev’s clash with ⁠officials at the men’s tournament in Madrid last year, when the German ‌was penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct after taking a photo of a contested mark.“It was, I think, similar to what Zverev had last year because it was in front of ‌her nose. You can’t not see it. It was pretty frustrating,” Rybakina said. “It’s kind of a stolen ⁠point. I understand it was her serve ⁠and she was serving really well, but it’s really frustrating.”Rybakina ‌next faces Anastasia Potapova for a spot in the quarterfinals.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Rybakina #hits #linecalling #system

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Elena Rybakina said she has lost faith in the electronic line-calling system after the Australian Open ‌champion was left fuming over a disputed call during her ⁠three-set victory over Zheng Qinwen at the Madrid Open on Sunday.
The flashpoint came ‌when China’s Zheng was awarded an ace for 40-0 while ‌serving at 4-3 in the ‌second ⁠set, despite the mark appearing ⁠well out.
“Well with this thing, I won’t trust it at all,” Rybakina told reporters after her 4-6, 6-4, ‌6-3 victory sealed a spot in the last 16.
“Because there was no mark even close to what ‌the TV showed.”
ALSO READ | Sinner sails into Round of 16; Gauff advances after overcoming stomach bug, vomiting
The two-time Grand Slam winner compared the incident to Alexander Zverev’s clash with ⁠officials at the men’s tournament in Madrid last year, when the German ‌was penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct after taking a photo of a contested mark.
“It was, I think, similar to what Zverev had last year because it was in front of ‌her nose. You can’t not see it. It was pretty frustrating,” Rybakina said. “It’s kind of a stolen ⁠point. I understand it was her serve ⁠and she was serving really well, but it’s really frustrating.”
Rybakina ‌next faces Anastasia Potapova for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Rybakina #hits #linecalling #system">Madrid Open 2026: Rybakina hits out at line‑calling system

Elena Rybakina said she has lost faith in the electronic line-calling system after the Australian Open ‌champion was left fuming over a disputed call during her ⁠three-set victory over Zheng Qinwen at the Madrid Open on Sunday.

The flashpoint came ‌when China’s Zheng was awarded an ace for 40-0 while ‌serving at 4-3 in the ‌second ⁠set, despite the mark appearing ⁠well out.

“Well with this thing, I won’t trust it at all,” Rybakina told reporters after her 4-6, 6-4, ‌6-3 victory sealed a spot in the last 16.

“Because there was no mark even close to what ‌the TV showed.”

ALSO READ | Sinner sails into Round of 16; Gauff advances after overcoming stomach bug, vomiting

The two-time Grand Slam winner compared the incident to Alexander Zverev’s clash with ⁠officials at the men’s tournament in Madrid last year, when the German ‌was penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct after taking a photo of a contested mark.

“It was, I think, similar to what Zverev had last year because it was in front of ‌her nose. You can’t not see it. It was pretty frustrating,” Rybakina said. “It’s kind of a stolen ⁠point. I understand it was her serve ⁠and she was serving really well, but it’s really frustrating.”

Rybakina ‌next faces Anastasia Potapova for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Rybakina #hits #linecalling #system

Deadspin | Rob Refsnyder’s blast lifts Mariners to sweep of Cards Apr 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder (30) hits a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder homered with one out in the ninth inning to break a tie as the Seattle Mariners defeated the host St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. Cal Raleigh also homered for the Mariners, who swept the three-game interleague series. JJ Wetherholt and Nathan Church went deep for the Cardinals, who have lost four in a row. Refsnyder deposited a 3-2 sweeper from Cardinals reliever JoJo Romero (0-1) into the Mariners’ bullpen in left field. Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo (1-1) earned the victory and Jose A. Ferrer worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save of the season. Wetherholt homered leading off the bottom of the third, driving a 1-1 fastball from Mariners starter Emerson Hancock over the fence in right-center field for the game’s first run. It was the fifth homer of the season for the rookie. Raleigh answered with one out in the top of the fourth off St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy, crushing a 1-1 changeup off the back wall of the Cardinals’ bullpen in right field. It was the sixth homer of the season and the fourth in the past six games for Raleigh, who led the majors with 60 last season — an MLB record for a catcher and a switch hitter. The Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth when Church hit a 1-1 changeup from Hancock out to right. It was the third homer in the past two games and the fifth of the season for Church. The Mariners manufactured a run off St. Louis reliever Matt Svanson in the seventh to tie it at 2. With two outs, Connor Joe lined a double down the left field line and scored on Cole Young’s single to right-center. Hancock and McGreevy both made quality starts but neither factored into the decision. Hancock allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings, with two walks and four strikeouts. McGreevy also went six innings, and gave up one run on five hits, with no walks and a season-high six strikeouts. Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor didn’t play because of quad tightness. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyders #blast #lifts #Mariners #sweep #Cards

#Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyders #blast #lifts #Mariners #sweep #Cards">

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Apr 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder (30) hits a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder homered with one out in the ninth inning to break a tie as the Seattle Mariners defeated the host St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Cal Raleigh also homered for the Mariners, who swept the three-game interleague series.

JJ Wetherholt and Nathan Church went deep for the Cardinals, who have lost four in a row.

Refsnyder deposited a 3-2 sweeper from Cardinals reliever JoJo Romero (0-1) into the Mariners’ bullpen in left field.

Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo (1-1) earned the victory and Jose A. Ferrer worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save of the season.

Wetherholt homered leading off the bottom of the third, driving a 1-1 fastball from Mariners starter Emerson Hancock over the fence in right-center field for the game’s first run. It was the fifth homer of the season for the rookie.

Raleigh answered with one out in the top of the fourth off St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy, crushing a 1-1 changeup off the back wall of the Cardinals’ bullpen in right field.

It was the sixth homer of the season and the fourth in the past six games for Raleigh, who led the majors with 60 last season — an MLB record for a catcher and a switch hitter.

The Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth when Church hit a 1-1 changeup from Hancock out to right. It was the third homer in the past two games and the fifth of the season for Church.

The Mariners manufactured a run off St. Louis reliever Matt Svanson in the seventh to tie it at 2. With two outs, Connor Joe lined a double down the left field line and scored on Cole Young’s single to right-center.

Hancock and McGreevy both made quality starts but neither factored into the decision.

Hancock allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings, with two walks and four strikeouts.

McGreevy also went six innings, and gave up one run on five hits, with no walks and a season-high six strikeouts.

Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor didn’t play because of quad tightness.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyders #blast #lifts #Mariners #sweep #Cards">Deadspin | Rob Refsnyder’s blast lifts Mariners to sweep of Cards

Apr 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder (30) hits a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder homered with one out in the ninth inning to break a tie as the Seattle Mariners defeated the host St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Cal Raleigh also homered for the Mariners, who swept the three-game interleague series.

JJ Wetherholt and Nathan Church went deep for the Cardinals, who have lost four in a row.

Refsnyder deposited a 3-2 sweeper from Cardinals reliever JoJo Romero (0-1) into the Mariners’ bullpen in left field.

Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo (1-1) earned the victory and Jose A. Ferrer worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save of the season.

Wetherholt homered leading off the bottom of the third, driving a 1-1 fastball from Mariners starter Emerson Hancock over the fence in right-center field for the game’s first run. It was the fifth homer of the season for the rookie.

Raleigh answered with one out in the top of the fourth off St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy, crushing a 1-1 changeup off the back wall of the Cardinals’ bullpen in right field.

It was the sixth homer of the season and the fourth in the past six games for Raleigh, who led the majors with 60 last season — an MLB record for a catcher and a switch hitter.

The Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth when Church hit a 1-1 changeup from Hancock out to right. It was the third homer in the past two games and the fifth of the season for Church.

The Mariners manufactured a run off St. Louis reliever Matt Svanson in the seventh to tie it at 2. With two outs, Connor Joe lined a double down the left field line and scored on Cole Young’s single to right-center.

Hancock and McGreevy both made quality starts but neither factored into the decision.

Hancock allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings, with two walks and four strikeouts.

McGreevy also went six innings, and gave up one run on five hits, with no walks and a season-high six strikeouts.

Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor didn’t play because of quad tightness.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rob #Refsnyders #blast #lifts #Mariners #sweep #Cards

Borussia Dortmund sealed Champions League qualification on Sunday with an easy 4-0 win over a distracted Freiburg side in the Bundesliga.

Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini effectively decided the result in the first half hour, before substitute Fabio Silva completed the scoring late.

Dortmund ‘keeper Gregor Kobel denied Cyriaque Irié a consolation goal.

With three rounds remaining, Dortmund is assured of finishing among the top four to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.

Freiburg coach Julian Schuster had made a host of changes to the team that suffered a bitter defeat against Stuttgart in the German Cup semifinals on Thursday.

Freiburg next faces Sporting Braga away for the first leg of their Europa League semifinal match.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac gave Samuele Inacio his first start and the 18-year-old Italian forward made the most of it, earning ovations when he went off in the 74th minute.

United States Under-17 forward Mathis Albert went on for the final minutes to make his Dortmund debut. The 16-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina, joined Dortmund’s academy in 2025 from LA Galaxy’s academy. and was part of the U.S. team at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.

Another youngster, the 18-year-old midfielder Rouven Tarnutzer, had already gone on late for his Freiburg debut.

Stuttgart stutters

Stuttgart’s hopes of Champions League qualification were tempered in a 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen.

Ermedin Demirovic canceled Jens Stage’s early goal for the visitors and just kept Stuttgart in fourth place on goal difference from Hoffenheim before they face each other for a high-stakes clash next weekend.

Stuttgart and Hoffenheim were on 57 points, two ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, which still harbors its own hopes of Champions League qualification.

Bremen’s point from the draw in Stuttgart moved it six points above St. Pauli in the relegation zone.

Bayern Munich already sealed the title last weekend and will face Stuttgart in the German Cup final on May 23.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Dortmund #secures #Champions #League #qualification #victory #Freiburg">

Dortmund secures Champions League qualification with a 4-0 victory over Freiburg Borussia Dortmund sealed Champions League qualification on Sunday with an easy 4-0 win over a distracted Freiburg side in the Bundesliga.Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini effectively decided the result in the first half hour, before substitute Fabio Silva completed the scoring late.Dortmund ‘keeper Gregor Kobel denied Cyriaque Irié a consolation goal.With three rounds remaining, Dortmund is assured of finishing among the top four to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.Freiburg coach Julian Schuster had made a host of changes to the team that suffered a bitter defeat against Stuttgart in the German Cup semifinals on Thursday.Freiburg next faces Sporting Braga away for the first leg of their Europa League semifinal match.Dortmund coach Niko Kovac gave Samuele Inacio his first start and the 18-year-old Italian forward made the most of it, earning ovations when he went off in the 74th minute.United States Under-17 forward Mathis Albert went on for the final minutes to make his Dortmund debut. The 16-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina, joined Dortmund’s academy in 2025 from LA Galaxy’s academy. and was part of the U.S. team at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.Another youngster, the 18-year-old midfielder Rouven Tarnutzer, had already gone on late for his Freiburg debut.Stuttgart stuttersStuttgart’s hopes of Champions League qualification were tempered in a 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen.Ermedin Demirovic canceled Jens Stage’s early goal for the visitors and just kept Stuttgart in fourth place on goal difference from Hoffenheim before they face each other for a high-stakes clash next weekend.Stuttgart and Hoffenheim were on 57 points, two ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, which still harbors its own hopes of Champions League qualification.Bremen’s point from the draw in Stuttgart moved it six points above St. Pauli in the relegation zone.Bayern Munich already sealed the title last weekend and will face Stuttgart in the German Cup final on May 23.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #Dortmund #secures #Champions #League #qualification #victory #Freiburg

mwasimuddin125 0

Borussia Dortmund sealed Champions League qualification on Sunday with an easy 4-0 win over a distracted Freiburg side in the Bundesliga.
Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini effectively decided the result in the first half hour, before substitute Fabio Silva completed the scoring late.
Dortmund ‘keeper Gregor Kobel denied Cyriaque Irié a consolation goal.
With three rounds remaining, Dortmund is assured of finishing among the top four to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.
Freiburg coach Julian Schuster had made a host of changes to the team that suffered a bitter defeat against Stuttgart in the German Cup semifinals on Thursday.
Freiburg next faces Sporting Braga away for the first leg of their Europa League semifinal match.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac gave Samuele Inacio his first start and the 18-year-old Italian forward made the most of it, earning ovations when he went off in the 74th minute.
United States Under-17 forward Mathis Albert went on for the final minutes to make his Dortmund debut. The 16-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina, joined Dortmund’s academy in 2025 from LA Galaxy’s academy. and was part of the U.S. team at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.
Another youngster, the 18-year-old midfielder Rouven Tarnutzer, had already gone on late for his Freiburg debut.
Stuttgart stutters
Stuttgart’s hopes of Champions League qualification were tempered in a 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen.
Ermedin Demirovic canceled Jens Stage’s early goal for the visitors and just kept Stuttgart in fourth place on goal difference from Hoffenheim before they face each other for a high-stakes clash next weekend.
Stuttgart and Hoffenheim were on 57 points, two ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, which still harbors its own hopes of Champions League qualification.
Bremen’s point from the draw in Stuttgart moved it six points above St. Pauli in the relegation zone.
Bayern Munich already sealed the title last weekend and will face Stuttgart in the German Cup final on May 23.
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Dortmund #secures #Champions #League #qualification #victory #Freiburg">Dortmund secures Champions League qualification with a 4-0 victory over Freiburg