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Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031  Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.   Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.  Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.  Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking  The university did not release terms of the extension.  “Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”   The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.  The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.  He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.  In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extension

Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031
Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031  Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.   Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.  Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.  Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking  The university did not release terms of the extension.  “Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”   The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.  The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.  He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.  In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extensionTony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.

Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking

The university did not release terms of the extension.


“Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”

The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.

He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.

In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extension

Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.

Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking

The university did not release terms of the extension.

“Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”

The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.

He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.

In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).

–Field Level Media

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Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh <div id="content-body-70872252" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Making history is probably easy for R. Vaishali and her brother Praggnanandhaa.</p><p>The siblings have achieved a few firsts as a duo and individually — the first to become Grandmasters and qualifying for the Candidates tournament.</p><p>The 24-year-old Vaishali, long in the shadow of her prodigiously talented brother, chose to make some history of her own after winning the women’s Candidates tournament on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian to do so.</p><p>She had endured a lean run in 2025 before finding form to claim the Grand Swiss title and book a spot in the Candidates. Following an epochal triumph in Cyprus, she will take on reigning champion Ju Wenjun of China for the Women’s World Chess Championship title later this year.</p><p>Vaishali’s long-time coach , R.B. Ramesh, is over the moon and told <i>Sportstar</i>, “Qualifying for the World Championship match is an amazing thing and I hope she’ll be able to win the title.”</p><p>Speaking about the Chennai GM’s loss of confidence last year, he said, “Yeah, she had some confidence issues earlier, especially after the Chennai GM tournament (last year), but she has been working hard on her game and is feeling much more confident now.”</p><p>The manner in which Vaishali played during the triumph in the Cypriot city of Paphos should stand her in good stead going forward. Often flying under the radar given her sibling’s achievements, Ramesh said, “Pragg and Vaishali have made peace with each other being very strong on their own terms. I don’t think Pragg’s performances have any negative impact on Vaishali anymore.”</p><p>He said Vaishali is very strong in attack and calculation skills and added, “Wish she can improve her time management a bit.”</p><p>Ramesh believes his ward has benefitted a lot from the support she gets from her family and feels she has a good chance at the World title.</p><p>More history beckons when Vaishali faces the Chinese with the prospect of becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win the World title.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Vaishalihas #worked #hard #confident #coach #Ramesh

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The first round of the NBA was completed last night, and the top of the draft went as expected. We’ve known for about a month how the first four picks would land, with the consensus that these players could all be future All-Stars and immediately help whichever team they landed on.

To most, the draft truly started at pick five, so I’m here to grade my three winners of the draft outside of the teams who picked in the top four.

Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg

Most people believe this iteration of the Warriors might be past their prime; however, if they can stay healthy, they might have found a big man who can help immediately.

I don’t love drafting a 23-year-old in the lottery, but Yaxel Lendeborg is so toolsy that I love the pick. He was one of the best two-way players in the country while helping to lead Michigan to a national title this past year.

He’s a guy who can do a little bit of everything. He defends well, and can float off-ball as a help defender, space the floor where he shot 37.2% this year from three, and even has potential to be a solid playmaker in an offense that has Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Sometimes in a draft, you don’t overthink it, and take the best player available, and I believe that’s what the Warriors did with pick 11 in the draft.

Phoenix Suns: Koa Peat

The third pick in this draft, Cameron Boozer, is an old-school, high-IQ, undersized forward with a massive wingspan that is explosive on the block. He felt like one of the safest picks in the draft, especially with his above-average jump shot. Koa Peat feels like a watered-down Boozer to me.

The Suns desperately need to add some physicality to this team, and while they still didn’t add a ready-to-play center, Peat will bring immediate physicality to the Suns. He hustles, rebounds really well for his position, can guard multiple positions, and can drive and finish at an elite level.

He has a ton of tools despite not having an NBA-level jumper. You can never expect a player to develop a jump shot while in the league, but mechanically, I don’t think it would be impossible for Peat to do so. He has an incredibly high ceiling for the last pick in the draft, and a steal for a team that came into the night without a pick.

Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson Jr.

While I don’t love the Hornets’ first pick in Hannes Steinbach, I think their second pick of the night might have been the biggest steal of the evening.

The Hornets developed an identity as a great shooting team last year with Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel. Now they’ve added what might be the best shooter in the class in Christian Anderson, making them one of the most dangerous teams to guard on the perimeter.

Charlotte was one of the most fun watches last season, and that got even better with this pick. Anderson has his weaknesses as a scorer, since he struggles to get to the hoop, and he will also be an undersized defender, but the team around him hides those weaknesses very well. He can mostly be a spot-up shooter with the Hornets, and will get a ton of open looks with the guys surrounding him. I expect him to have a long NBA career because shooting will always play in the modern NBA.

#Teams #Crushed #NBA #Draft #Deadspin.com">Three Teams That Crushed the NBA Draft First Round | Deadspin.com   The first round of the NBA was completed last night, and the top of the draft went as expected. We’ve known for about a month how the first four picks would land, with the consensus that these players could all be future All-Stars and immediately help whichever team they landed on.To most, the draft truly started at pick five, so I’m here to grade my three winners of the draft outside of the teams who picked in the top four.Golden State Warriors: Yaxel LendeborgMost people believe this iteration of the Warriors might be past their prime; however, if they can stay healthy, they might have found a big man who can help immediately.I don’t love drafting a 23-year-old in the lottery, but Yaxel Lendeborg is so toolsy that I love the pick. He was one of the best two-way players in the country while helping to lead Michigan to a national title this past year.He’s a guy who can do a little bit of everything. He defends well, and can float off-ball as a help defender, space the floor where he shot 37.2% this year from three, and even has potential to be a solid playmaker in an offense that has Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.Sometimes in a draft, you don’t overthink it, and take the best player available, and I believe that’s what the Warriors did with pick 11 in the draft.Phoenix Suns: Koa PeatThe third pick in this draft, Cameron Boozer, is an old-school, high-IQ, undersized forward with a massive wingspan that is explosive on the block. He felt like one of the safest picks in the draft, especially with his above-average jump shot. Koa Peat feels like a watered-down Boozer to me.The Suns desperately need to add some physicality to this team, and while they still didn’t add a ready-to-play center, Peat will bring immediate physicality to the Suns. He hustles, rebounds really well for his position, can guard multiple positions, and can drive and finish at an elite level.He has a ton of tools despite not having an NBA-level jumper. You can never expect a player to develop a jump shot while in the league, but mechanically, I don’t think it would be impossible for Peat to do so. He has an incredibly high ceiling for the last pick in the draft, and a steal for a team that came into the night without a pick.Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson Jr.While I don’t love the Hornets’ first pick in Hannes Steinbach, I think their second pick of the night might have been the biggest steal of the evening.The Hornets developed an identity as a great shooting team last year with Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel. Now they’ve added what might be the best shooter in the class in Christian Anderson, making them one of the most dangerous teams to guard on the perimeter.Charlotte was one of the most fun watches last season, and that got even better with this pick. Anderson has his weaknesses as a scorer, since he struggles to get to the hoop, and he will also be an undersized defender, but the team around him hides those weaknesses very well. He can mostly be a spot-up shooter with the Hornets, and will get a ton of open looks with the guys surrounding him. I expect him to have a long NBA career because shooting will always play in the modern NBA.   #Teams #Crushed #NBA #Draft #Deadspin.com

drafting a 23-year-old in the lottery, but Yaxel Lendeborg is so toolsy that I love the pick. He was one of the best two-way players in the country while helping to lead Michigan to a national title this past year.

He’s a guy who can do a little bit of everything. He defends well, and can float off-ball as a help defender, space the floor where he shot 37.2% this year from three, and even has potential to be a solid playmaker in an offense that has Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Sometimes in a draft, you don’t overthink it, and take the best player available, and I believe that’s what the Warriors did with pick 11 in the draft.

Phoenix Suns: Koa Peat

The third pick in this draft, Cameron Boozer, is an old-school, high-IQ, undersized forward with a massive wingspan that is explosive on the block. He felt like one of the safest picks in the draft, especially with his above-average jump shot. Koa Peat feels like a watered-down Boozer to me.

The Suns desperately need to add some physicality to this team, and while they still didn’t add a ready-to-play center, Peat will bring immediate physicality to the Suns. He hustles, rebounds really well for his position, can guard multiple positions, and can drive and finish at an elite level.

He has a ton of tools despite not having an NBA-level jumper. You can never expect a player to develop a jump shot while in the league, but mechanically, I don’t think it would be impossible for Peat to do so. He has an incredibly high ceiling for the last pick in the draft, and a steal for a team that came into the night without a pick.

Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson Jr.

While I don’t love the Hornets’ first pick in Hannes Steinbach, I think their second pick of the night might have been the biggest steal of the evening.

The Hornets developed an identity as a great shooting team last year with Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel. Now they’ve added what might be the best shooter in the class in Christian Anderson, making them one of the most dangerous teams to guard on the perimeter.

Charlotte was one of the most fun watches last season, and that got even better with this pick. Anderson has his weaknesses as a scorer, since he struggles to get to the hoop, and he will also be an undersized defender, but the team around him hides those weaknesses very well. He can mostly be a spot-up shooter with the Hornets, and will get a ton of open looks with the guys surrounding him. I expect him to have a long NBA career because shooting will always play in the modern NBA.

#Teams #Crushed #NBA #Draft #Deadspin.com">Three Teams That Crushed the NBA Draft First Round | Deadspin.com

The first round of the NBA was completed last night, and the top of the draft went as expected. We’ve known for about a month how the first four picks would land, with the consensus that these players could all be future All-Stars and immediately help whichever team they landed on.

To most, the draft truly started at pick five, so I’m here to grade my three winners of the draft outside of the teams who picked in the top four.

Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg

Most people believe this iteration of the Warriors might be past their prime; however, if they can stay healthy, they might have found a big man who can help immediately.

I don’t love drafting a 23-year-old in the lottery, but Yaxel Lendeborg is so toolsy that I love the pick. He was one of the best two-way players in the country while helping to lead Michigan to a national title this past year.

He’s a guy who can do a little bit of everything. He defends well, and can float off-ball as a help defender, space the floor where he shot 37.2% this year from three, and even has potential to be a solid playmaker in an offense that has Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Sometimes in a draft, you don’t overthink it, and take the best player available, and I believe that’s what the Warriors did with pick 11 in the draft.

Phoenix Suns: Koa Peat

The third pick in this draft, Cameron Boozer, is an old-school, high-IQ, undersized forward with a massive wingspan that is explosive on the block. He felt like one of the safest picks in the draft, especially with his above-average jump shot. Koa Peat feels like a watered-down Boozer to me.

The Suns desperately need to add some physicality to this team, and while they still didn’t add a ready-to-play center, Peat will bring immediate physicality to the Suns. He hustles, rebounds really well for his position, can guard multiple positions, and can drive and finish at an elite level.

He has a ton of tools despite not having an NBA-level jumper. You can never expect a player to develop a jump shot while in the league, but mechanically, I don’t think it would be impossible for Peat to do so. He has an incredibly high ceiling for the last pick in the draft, and a steal for a team that came into the night without a pick.

Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson Jr.

While I don’t love the Hornets’ first pick in Hannes Steinbach, I think their second pick of the night might have been the biggest steal of the evening.

The Hornets developed an identity as a great shooting team last year with Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel. Now they’ve added what might be the best shooter in the class in Christian Anderson, making them one of the most dangerous teams to guard on the perimeter.

Charlotte was one of the most fun watches last season, and that got even better with this pick. Anderson has his weaknesses as a scorer, since he struggles to get to the hoop, and he will also be an undersized defender, but the team around him hides those weaknesses very well. He can mostly be a spot-up shooter with the Hornets, and will get a ton of open looks with the guys surrounding him. I expect him to have a long NBA career because shooting will always play in the modern NBA.

#Teams #Crushed #NBA #Draft #Deadspin.com

By winning Group D, the United States has already booked a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

So who will they play in the knockout round?

That … is a complicated question. A complicated question that involves brackets, Annex C of the FIFA Rules and Regulations, a matrix, and 495 potential combinations of the eight third-place teams advancing out of group play and into the knockout round.

So, let’s try to answer that question the best we can, starting with the World Cup bracket itself.

Wednesday could be pivotal for the United States at the 2026 World Cup. While the USMNT is not playing today, Wednesday is the final day of matches in Group B. Read on to see why that could determine who the United States plays in the Round of 32.

Update: And with Bosnia and Herzegovina clinching third in Group B, while it is not set in stone, they are the most likely opponent for the United States in the Round of 32. Read on for why.

The 2026 World Cup bracket

Let’s start here, with this World Cup bracket courtesy of USA Today.

If you look down to the bottom-left quadrant of this bracket, you will see where the United States will be slotted in when the Round of 32 is finalized. As the winners of Group D, they will slide into that “1D” spot, and play a third place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J.

With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-place teams. More on that in a moment.

Who are the potential opponents for the US?

So, who might the United States see in the Round of 32?

Here are the teams in each potential group. For more on each group, you can visit the link, which takes you to the full standings and knockout-round scenarios for each of those groups.

  • Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland
  • Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador
  • Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia (Note, Tunisia has already been eliminated from knockout round contention)
  • Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq
  • Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan

As of publication, these are the third-place teams in each of those groups: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Sweden, Senegal, and Jordan. However, only Ecuador and Sweden. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, and Jordan are not among the eight best third-place teams, so if the Round of 32 began today, the options for the United States would be down to Ecuador or Sweden. More on that in a second.

You can read more about the ranking of the third-place teams here, where we are updating the third-place standings after each match.

Prior to the World Cup, FIFA published Annex C to the FIFA Rules and Regulations, which outlines the 495 possible combinations for the third-place teams. That matrix, and those 495 possible combinations, dictate the matches involving the third-place teams.

At the time of publication, with Groups B, I, J, and L sitting at the bottom of the third-place standings, that combination is found in Annex C as combination 283. In that scenario, the United States would play … the third-place team from Group E.

Which right now is Ecuador.

Another good method of visualizing these combinations comes courtesy of Wikipedia.

So for the moment, the United States is set to take on Ecuador. But as the third-place standings shift, the combination will change, the matrix will be adjusted, and we will offer the updates accordingly.

In looking at the 495 possible combinations, it should be noted that 329 of those result in the United States playing Group B, 39 combinations result in the United States playing Group E, 11 combinations result in the United States playing Group F, 52 combinations result in the United States playing Group I, and 64 result in the United States playing Group J.

So it is no wonder that many believe that ultimately, the United States will play the third-place team from Group B, which could come down to the winner of Wednesday’s match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.

Another way to look at the scenarios? According to the experts at Expecting Goals, there is a 60% chance that the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, and a 17% chance the United States plays Qatar:

Senegal and Ecuador round out the options, with Senegal at 6% and Ecuador at 4%.

We will know for sure in a few days.

Update: Following Monday night’s late match between Jordan and Algeria, Algeria has moved into third place in Group J, changing the matrix. As a result, as of Tuesday, June 23, the opponent for the United States in the Round of 32 would be … Algeria.

Again, this likely changes over the next few days. Stay tuned.

#play #knockout #World #Cup">Who will the US play in the knockout round of the World Cup?  By winning Group D, the United States has already booked a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.So who will they play in the knockout round?That … is a complicated question. A complicated question that involves brackets, Annex C of the FIFA Rules and Regulations, a matrix, and 495 potential combinations of the eight third-place teams advancing out of group play and into the knockout round.So, let’s try to answer that question the best we can, starting with the World Cup bracket itself.Wednesday could be pivotal for the United States at the 2026 World Cup. While the USMNT is not playing today, Wednesday is the final day of matches in Group B. Read on to see why that could determine who the United States plays in the Round of 32.Update: And with Bosnia and Herzegovina clinching third in Group B, while it is not set in stone, they are the most likely opponent for the United States in the Round of 32. Read on for why.The 2026 World Cup bracketLet’s start here, with this World Cup bracket courtesy of USA Today.If you look down to the bottom-left quadrant of this bracket, you will see where the United States will be slotted in when the Round of 32 is finalized. As the winners of Group D, they will slide into that “1D” spot, and play a third place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J.With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-place teams. More on that in a moment.Who are the potential opponents for the US?So, who might the United States see in the Round of 32?Here are the teams in each potential group. For more on each group, you can visit the link, which takes you to the full standings and knockout-round scenarios for each of those groups.Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and SwitzerlandGroup E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and EcuadorGroup F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia (Note, Tunisia has already been eliminated from knockout round contention)Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, and IraqGroup J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and JordanAs of publication, these are the third-place teams in each of those groups: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Sweden, Senegal, and Jordan. However, only Ecuador and Sweden. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, and Jordan are not among the eight best third-place teams, so if the Round of 32 began today, the options for the United States would be down to Ecuador or Sweden. More on that in a second.You can read more about the ranking of the third-place teams here, where we are updating the third-place standings after each match.Prior to the World Cup, FIFA published Annex C to the FIFA Rules and Regulations, which outlines the 495 possible combinations for the third-place teams. That matrix, and those 495 possible combinations, dictate the matches involving the third-place teams.At the time of publication, with Groups B, I, J, and L sitting at the bottom of the third-place standings, that combination is found in Annex C as combination 283. In that scenario, the United States would play … the third-place team from Group E.Which right now is Ecuador.Another good method of visualizing these combinations comes courtesy of Wikipedia. So for the moment, the United States is set to take on Ecuador. But as the third-place standings shift, the combination will change, the matrix will be adjusted, and we will offer the updates accordingly.In looking at the 495 possible combinations, it should be noted that 329 of those result in the United States playing Group B, 39 combinations result in the United States playing Group E, 11 combinations result in the United States playing Group F, 52 combinations result in the United States playing Group I, and 64 result in the United States playing Group J.So it is no wonder that many believe that ultimately, the United States will play the third-place team from Group B, which could come down to the winner of Wednesday’s match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.Another way to look at the scenarios? According to the experts at Expecting Goals, there is a 60% chance that the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, and a 17% chance the United States plays Qatar:Senegal and Ecuador round out the options, with Senegal at 6% and Ecuador at 4%.We will know for sure in a few days.Update: Following Monday night’s late match between Jordan and Algeria, Algeria has moved into third place in Group J, changing the matrix. As a result, as of Tuesday, June 23, the opponent for the United States in the Round of 32 would be … Algeria.Again, this likely changes over the next few days. Stay tuned.  #play #knockout #World #Cup

If you look down to the bottom-left quadrant of this bracket, you will see where the United States will be slotted in when the Round of 32 is finalized. As the winners of Group D, they will slide into that “1D” spot, and play a third place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J.

With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-place teams. More on that in a moment.

Who are the potential opponents for the US?

So, who might the United States see in the Round of 32?

Here are the teams in each potential group. For more on each group, you can visit the link, which takes you to the full standings and knockout-round scenarios for each of those groups.

  • Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland
  • Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador
  • Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia (Note, Tunisia has already been eliminated from knockout round contention)
  • Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq
  • Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan

As of publication, these are the third-place teams in each of those groups: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Sweden, Senegal, and Jordan. However, only Ecuador and Sweden. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, and Jordan are not among the eight best third-place teams, so if the Round of 32 began today, the options for the United States would be down to Ecuador or Sweden. More on that in a second.

You can read more about the ranking of the third-place teams here, where we are updating the third-place standings after each match.

Prior to the World Cup, FIFA published Annex C to the FIFA Rules and Regulations, which outlines the 495 possible combinations for the third-place teams. That matrix, and those 495 possible combinations, dictate the matches involving the third-place teams.

At the time of publication, with Groups B, I, J, and L sitting at the bottom of the third-place standings, that combination is found in Annex C as combination 283. In that scenario, the United States would play … the third-place team from Group E.

Which right now is Ecuador.

Another good method of visualizing these combinations comes courtesy of Wikipedia.

So for the moment, the United States is set to take on Ecuador. But as the third-place standings shift, the combination will change, the matrix will be adjusted, and we will offer the updates accordingly.

In looking at the 495 possible combinations, it should be noted that 329 of those result in the United States playing Group B, 39 combinations result in the United States playing Group E, 11 combinations result in the United States playing Group F, 52 combinations result in the United States playing Group I, and 64 result in the United States playing Group J.

So it is no wonder that many believe that ultimately, the United States will play the third-place team from Group B, which could come down to the winner of Wednesday’s match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.

Another way to look at the scenarios? According to the experts at Expecting Goals, there is a 60% chance that the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, and a 17% chance the United States plays Qatar:

Senegal and Ecuador round out the options, with Senegal at 6% and Ecuador at 4%.

We will know for sure in a few days.

Update: Following Monday night’s late match between Jordan and Algeria, Algeria has moved into third place in Group J, changing the matrix. As a result, as of Tuesday, June 23, the opponent for the United States in the Round of 32 would be … Algeria.

Again, this likely changes over the next few days. Stay tuned.

#play #knockout #World #Cup">Who will the US play in the knockout round of the World Cup?

By winning Group D, the United States has already booked a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

So who will they play in the knockout round?

That … is a complicated question. A complicated question that involves brackets, Annex C of the FIFA Rules and Regulations, a matrix, and 495 potential combinations of the eight third-place teams advancing out of group play and into the knockout round.

So, let’s try to answer that question the best we can, starting with the World Cup bracket itself.

Wednesday could be pivotal for the United States at the 2026 World Cup. While the USMNT is not playing today, Wednesday is the final day of matches in Group B. Read on to see why that could determine who the United States plays in the Round of 32.

Update: And with Bosnia and Herzegovina clinching third in Group B, while it is not set in stone, they are the most likely opponent for the United States in the Round of 32. Read on for why.

The 2026 World Cup bracket

Let’s start here, with this World Cup bracket courtesy of USA Today.

If you look down to the bottom-left quadrant of this bracket, you will see where the United States will be slotted in when the Round of 32 is finalized. As the winners of Group D, they will slide into that “1D” spot, and play a third place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J.

With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-place teams. More on that in a moment.

Who are the potential opponents for the US?

So, who might the United States see in the Round of 32?

Here are the teams in each potential group. For more on each group, you can visit the link, which takes you to the full standings and knockout-round scenarios for each of those groups.

  • Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland
  • Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador
  • Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia (Note, Tunisia has already been eliminated from knockout round contention)
  • Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq
  • Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan

As of publication, these are the third-place teams in each of those groups: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Sweden, Senegal, and Jordan. However, only Ecuador and Sweden. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, and Jordan are not among the eight best third-place teams, so if the Round of 32 began today, the options for the United States would be down to Ecuador or Sweden. More on that in a second.

You can read more about the ranking of the third-place teams here, where we are updating the third-place standings after each match.

Prior to the World Cup, FIFA published Annex C to the FIFA Rules and Regulations, which outlines the 495 possible combinations for the third-place teams. That matrix, and those 495 possible combinations, dictate the matches involving the third-place teams.

At the time of publication, with Groups B, I, J, and L sitting at the bottom of the third-place standings, that combination is found in Annex C as combination 283. In that scenario, the United States would play … the third-place team from Group E.

Which right now is Ecuador.

Another good method of visualizing these combinations comes courtesy of Wikipedia.

So for the moment, the United States is set to take on Ecuador. But as the third-place standings shift, the combination will change, the matrix will be adjusted, and we will offer the updates accordingly.

In looking at the 495 possible combinations, it should be noted that 329 of those result in the United States playing Group B, 39 combinations result in the United States playing Group E, 11 combinations result in the United States playing Group F, 52 combinations result in the United States playing Group I, and 64 result in the United States playing Group J.

So it is no wonder that many believe that ultimately, the United States will play the third-place team from Group B, which could come down to the winner of Wednesday’s match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.

Another way to look at the scenarios? According to the experts at Expecting Goals, there is a 60% chance that the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, and a 17% chance the United States plays Qatar:

Senegal and Ecuador round out the options, with Senegal at 6% and Ecuador at 4%.

We will know for sure in a few days.

Update: Following Monday night’s late match between Jordan and Algeria, Algeria has moved into third place in Group J, changing the matrix. As a result, as of Tuesday, June 23, the opponent for the United States in the Round of 32 would be … Algeria.

Again, this likely changes over the next few days. Stay tuned.

#play #knockout #World #Cup

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