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Deadspin | Dodgers, Cubs close series with potential pitching duel Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon. The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night. Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning. “I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.” Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single. Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third. “Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.” Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts. In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs. “At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.” Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA. “I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.” He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact. “It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duel

Deadspin | Dodgers, Cubs close series with potential pitching duel
Deadspin | Dodgers, Cubs close series with potential pitching duel Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon. The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night. Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning. “I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.” Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single. Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third. “Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.” Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts. In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs. “At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.” Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA. “I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.” He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact. “It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duelApr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night.

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning.

“I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.”

Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single.

Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third.

“Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.”


Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts.

In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs.

“At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.”

Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA.

“I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.”

He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact.

“It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duel

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Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night.

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning.

“I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.”

Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single.

Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third.

“Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.”

Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts.

In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs.

“At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.”

Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA.

“I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.”

He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact.

“It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.”

–Field Level Media

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Mirabai Chanu likely to miss Asian Weightlifting Championships <div id="content-body-70909454" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Olympics and World championships medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is set to miss the Asian Championships, to be held at Gandhinagar from May 12 to 17, due to a shoulder issue, according to reliable sources.</p><p>Mirabai had picked up the shoulder issue during the National Championships at Modinagar earlier this year. Even though she is on the path of recovery, there is strong apprehension that pushing her to cut weight for three competitions in five months to compete in 48kg may take a toll on the elite athlete.</p><p>Skipping the home Asian Championships will save Mirabai, who will turn 32 on August 8, some hardships in a packed calendar, studded with other important events such as the Commonwealth Games (where she will seek to win her third consecutive gold) and the Asian Games (where she is yet to open her account).</p><p>After the Asian Games, the ace lifter may aim at switching to 53kg for the World Championships, which is the first qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics, in October.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 26, 2026</p></div> #Mirabai #Chanu #Asian #Weightlifting #Championships

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Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”Published on Jun 28, 2026 #Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup

Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup
Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season. Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez. Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save. The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season. Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs. Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk. Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5. Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32. Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shotJun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.

Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season.

Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez.

Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save.

The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season.


Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs.

Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk.

Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5.

Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32.

Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot">Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season. Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez. Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save. The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season. Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs. Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk. Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5. Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32. Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot

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">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 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">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.

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