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Deadspin | 5-star Finnish forward pushes Arkansas class to No. 1 Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN. Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade. “Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me. “When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.” Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure. “Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.” Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment. “The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.” Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #class

Deadspin | 5-star Finnish forward pushes Arkansas class to No. 1
Deadspin | 5-star Finnish forward pushes Arkansas class to No. 1 Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN. Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade. “Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me. “When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.” Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure. “Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.” Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment. “The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.” Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #classJan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN.

Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade.

“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me.

“When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.”


Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure.

“Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.”

Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment.

“The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.”

Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #5star #Finnish #pushes #Arkansas #class

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Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Five-star Finnish 7-footer Miika Muurinen committed to Arkansas and elevated John Calipari’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 in the country, according to ESPN.

Muurinen, 19, who played at multiple U.S. high schools, took an official visit to Arkansas in 2024 before signing to play professionally in Serbia at Partizan Belgrade.

“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN on Monday. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me.

“When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.”

Muurinen gives the Razorbacks four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class along with guard Jordan Smith Jr., forward JaShawn Andrews and wing Abdou Toure.

“Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them,” said Muurinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports. “He wants to be held to a high standard, held accountable, taught pro habits, and, most of all, win a championship.”

Muurinen, who has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, said his relationship with Calipari clinched his commitment.

“The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen told ESPN. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.”

Muurinen played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan., in 2023-24 and at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., in 2024-25.

–Field Level Media

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Croatia midfielder Modric to undergo surgery on cheek fracture <div id="content-body-70913393" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Croatia midfielder Luka Modric will undergo surgery ​for a fractured left cheekbone, ‌his Serie A club AC ​Milan said on Monday, ⁠weeks before the 40-year-old is due to participate in his fifth ‌World Cup.</p><p>Modric suffered the injury in a clash ‌of heads with Juventus ‌midfielder ⁠Manuel Locatelli in Sunday’s ⁠0-0 draw at the San Siro. He left the field with 10 ​minutes left.</p><p>Although ‌clearly in pain, Modric remained on the bench until the end of the game ‌without receiving medical treatment, ​but following an examination he will require an operation ⁠later on Monday.</p><p>Milan is third in the standings, 12 ‌points behind leader Inter Milan with four games remaining, and Modric is doubtful to take any part in its season run-in. A protective ‌mask may be needed should he ​recover in time for the World Cup.</p><p>The World ⁠Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., ⁠Canada and Mexico, starts on June 11, and Croatia ‌will face England, Ghana and Panama in Group ​L.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 27, 2026</p></div> #Croatia #midfielder #Modric #undergo #surgery #cheek #fracture

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Deadspin | Rockies stifle Mets to clinch series in doubleheader opener Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader. Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins. Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado. Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16. Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out. But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer. Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos. Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save. McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies. Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #openerApr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.

Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins.

Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado.

Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16.

Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out.


But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer.

Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos.

Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save.

McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies.

Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #opener">Deadspin | Rockies stifle Mets to clinch series in doubleheader opener Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader. Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins. Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado. Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16. Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out. But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer. Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos. Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save. McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies. Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #opener

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026 FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.OLYMPIC TRUCEThe idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup

Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup
Deadspin | Astros awaken to salvage finale, end Yankees’ 8-game win streak Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a double during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Spencer Arrighetti worked seven strong innings, Christian Walker produced a three-hit game with a home run and the Houston Astros salvaged the finale of their three-game series against the visiting New York Yankees with a 7-4 victory on Sunday. Arrighetti (3-0) remained unbeaten in three starts after opening the season with Triple-A Sugar Land. He allowed three hits, walked one and posted eight strikeouts on 96 pitches, 64 for strikes. Walker finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs while Isaac Paredes went 2-for-4 with a homer, three runs and three RBIs. Yordan Alvarez also produced a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs. Paul Goldschmidt doubled twice and scored for the Yankees, who rallied for three runs with two outs in the ninth but had their eight-game winning streak snapped. Arrighetti retired the Yankees in order in the top of the first, fourth and fifth innings. He worked around a one-out single from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the second and stranded two runners after issuing a hit-by-pitch and a two-out walk in the third. Arrighetti retired nine consecutive batters before Aaron Judge clubbed a two-out homer in the sixth. Judge hit his 10th home run on his 34th birthday. The Astros quickly pounced on Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (1-2), with Walker firing the first salvo on a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the first that plated Paredes. Walker, who homered in his final plate appearance in the ninth inning on Saturday, delivered the Astros a 2-0 lead with his seventh homer this season. Two innings later, Paredes smacked his third home run off the left field foul pole, plating Alvarez and doubling the Houston lead to 4-0. Alvarez rallied from an 0-2 hole against Gil that extended the inning before Paredes capped the two-out rally by driving a 1-0 sinker 364 feet. Alvarez chased Gil with a double to right that pushed Carlos Correa, who walked leading off the fifth, to third base. Paredes greeted Yankees reliever Paul Blackburn with an RBI single that scored Correa, and Walker followed with a two-run double to left-center for a 7-0 lead. Gil allowed six runs on five hits and three walks in four-plus innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #awaken #salvage #finale #Yankees #8game #win #streakApr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a double during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Spencer Arrighetti worked seven strong innings, Christian Walker produced a three-hit game with a home run and the Houston Astros salvaged the finale of their three-game series against the visiting New York Yankees with a 7-4 victory on Sunday.

Arrighetti (3-0) remained unbeaten in three starts after opening the season with Triple-A Sugar Land. He allowed three hits, walked one and posted eight strikeouts on 96 pitches, 64 for strikes.

Walker finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs while Isaac Paredes went 2-for-4 with a homer, three runs and three RBIs. Yordan Alvarez also produced a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs.

Paul Goldschmidt doubled twice and scored for the Yankees, who rallied for three runs with two outs in the ninth but had their eight-game winning streak snapped.


Arrighetti retired the Yankees in order in the top of the first, fourth and fifth innings. He worked around a one-out single from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the second and stranded two runners after issuing a hit-by-pitch and a two-out walk in the third. Arrighetti retired nine consecutive batters before Aaron Judge clubbed a two-out homer in the sixth. Judge hit his 10th home run on his 34th birthday.

The Astros quickly pounced on Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (1-2), with Walker firing the first salvo on a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the first that plated Paredes. Walker, who homered in his final plate appearance in the ninth inning on Saturday, delivered the Astros a 2-0 lead with his seventh homer this season.

Two innings later, Paredes smacked his third home run off the left field foul pole, plating Alvarez and doubling the Houston lead to 4-0. Alvarez rallied from an 0-2 hole against Gil that extended the inning before Paredes capped the two-out rally by driving a 1-0 sinker 364 feet.

Alvarez chased Gil with a double to right that pushed Carlos Correa, who walked leading off the fifth, to third base. Paredes greeted Yankees reliever Paul Blackburn with an RBI single that scored Correa, and Walker followed with a two-run double to left-center for a 7-0 lead.

Gil allowed six runs on five hits and three walks in four-plus innings.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #awaken #salvage #finale #Yankees #8game #win #streak">Deadspin | Astros awaken to salvage finale, end Yankees’ 8-game win streak Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a double during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Spencer Arrighetti worked seven strong innings, Christian Walker produced a three-hit game with a home run and the Houston Astros salvaged the finale of their three-game series against the visiting New York Yankees with a 7-4 victory on Sunday. Arrighetti (3-0) remained unbeaten in three starts after opening the season with Triple-A Sugar Land. He allowed three hits, walked one and posted eight strikeouts on 96 pitches, 64 for strikes. Walker finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs while Isaac Paredes went 2-for-4 with a homer, three runs and three RBIs. Yordan Alvarez also produced a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs. Paul Goldschmidt doubled twice and scored for the Yankees, who rallied for three runs with two outs in the ninth but had their eight-game winning streak snapped. Arrighetti retired the Yankees in order in the top of the first, fourth and fifth innings. He worked around a one-out single from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the second and stranded two runners after issuing a hit-by-pitch and a two-out walk in the third. Arrighetti retired nine consecutive batters before Aaron Judge clubbed a two-out homer in the sixth. Judge hit his 10th home run on his 34th birthday. The Astros quickly pounced on Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (1-2), with Walker firing the first salvo on a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the first that plated Paredes. Walker, who homered in his final plate appearance in the ninth inning on Saturday, delivered the Astros a 2-0 lead with his seventh homer this season. Two innings later, Paredes smacked his third home run off the left field foul pole, plating Alvarez and doubling the Houston lead to 4-0. Alvarez rallied from an 0-2 hole against Gil that extended the inning before Paredes capped the two-out rally by driving a 1-0 sinker 364 feet. Alvarez chased Gil with a double to right that pushed Carlos Correa, who walked leading off the fifth, to third base. Paredes greeted Yankees reliever Paul Blackburn with an RBI single that scored Correa, and Walker followed with a two-run double to left-center for a 7-0 lead. Gil allowed six runs on five hits and three walks in four-plus innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #awaken #salvage #finale #Yankees #8game #win #streak

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