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Deadspin | Orioles get first look at AL East as slumping Red Sox visit  Apr 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images   The Baltimore Orioles will face an American League East rival for the first time this season when the Boston Red Sox visit to begin a three-game series Friday night.  Baltimore is 3-6 across its past nine games, so the Orioles are looking for consistency. Manager Craig Albernaz believes his players have the right approach.  “How we take hits and keep bouncing back whether it be injuries, whether it be tough games, whether it be falling behind, our guys keep competing,” Albernaz said.  The Orioles had Thursday off following a 3-4 road trip that concluded with an 8-6 victory at Kansas City on Wednesday. Baltimore matched its season-high run total in that contest.  “I’d say that’s what our offense is capable of,” Albernaz said.  Of particular note was first baseman Pete Alonso’s third home run of the season. The shot went to right-center field, a good sign for the right-handed slugger who is still trying to get untracked in his first season with the team.  “That’s Pete, he has power to all fields, especially to right-center,” Albernaz said. “It just opens up everything for him.”  The Red Sox are coming off getting swept in three games by the visiting New York Yankees, including a 4-2 setback in the finale on Thursday. Boston gave up four runs in each game and scored a total of three runs in the series.  “We’ve just got to keep playing,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It’s still early. It’s April. We’ve just got to play.”   Boston, which has lost five of its past six games overall, owns a 4-8 road record.  The potential Baltimore starter for the series opener was right-hander Dean Kremer, but he went on the injured list Thursday due to a strained right quadriceps. The Orioles recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk, and he is slated to throw the first pitch on Friday.  Young (1-0, 0.00 ERA) fired five shutout innings on April 6 in a road victory against the Chicago White Sox before a roster shift resulted in him returning to the minor leagues. In 12 big-league outings last year and the one this year, he has yet to face the Red Sox.  Young pitched well for Norfolk, giving up two runs in 16 2/3 innings across three starts (1.08 ERA). He struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings of no-hit, one-run ball on Saturday against Durham.  The Orioles placed reliever Ryan Helsley on the bereavement/family emergency list prior to the Wednesday, so he won’t be eligible to return before Sunday.  Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman came off the injured list earlier this week and went 2-for-4 on Tuesday before sitting out on Wednesday.  Brayan Bello (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will start for Boston in the series opener. The right-hander has reached the five-inning mark in only one of four starts this season, last working Saturday, when he gave up four runs in four innings during a loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.  Bello started against Baltimore last Aug. 27, and he yielded two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings during a no-decision. For his career, he is 4-2 with a 3.26 ERA in seven outings, all starts, vs. the Orioles.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Orioles #East #slumping #Red #Sox #visit

Deadspin | Orioles get first look at AL East as slumping Red Sox visit
Deadspin | Orioles get first look at AL East as slumping Red Sox visit  Apr 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images   The Baltimore Orioles will face an American League East rival for the first time this season when the Boston Red Sox visit to begin a three-game series Friday night.  Baltimore is 3-6 across its past nine games, so the Orioles are looking for consistency. Manager Craig Albernaz believes his players have the right approach.  “How we take hits and keep bouncing back whether it be injuries, whether it be tough games, whether it be falling behind, our guys keep competing,” Albernaz said.  The Orioles had Thursday off following a 3-4 road trip that concluded with an 8-6 victory at Kansas City on Wednesday. Baltimore matched its season-high run total in that contest.  “I’d say that’s what our offense is capable of,” Albernaz said.  Of particular note was first baseman Pete Alonso’s third home run of the season. The shot went to right-center field, a good sign for the right-handed slugger who is still trying to get untracked in his first season with the team.  “That’s Pete, he has power to all fields, especially to right-center,” Albernaz said. “It just opens up everything for him.”  The Red Sox are coming off getting swept in three games by the visiting New York Yankees, including a 4-2 setback in the finale on Thursday. Boston gave up four runs in each game and scored a total of three runs in the series.  “We’ve just got to keep playing,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It’s still early. It’s April. We’ve just got to play.”   Boston, which has lost five of its past six games overall, owns a 4-8 road record.  The potential Baltimore starter for the series opener was right-hander Dean Kremer, but he went on the injured list Thursday due to a strained right quadriceps. The Orioles recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk, and he is slated to throw the first pitch on Friday.  Young (1-0, 0.00 ERA) fired five shutout innings on April 6 in a road victory against the Chicago White Sox before a roster shift resulted in him returning to the minor leagues. In 12 big-league outings last year and the one this year, he has yet to face the Red Sox.  Young pitched well for Norfolk, giving up two runs in 16 2/3 innings across three starts (1.08 ERA). He struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings of no-hit, one-run ball on Saturday against Durham.  The Orioles placed reliever Ryan Helsley on the bereavement/family emergency list prior to the Wednesday, so he won’t be eligible to return before Sunday.  Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman came off the injured list earlier this week and went 2-for-4 on Tuesday before sitting out on Wednesday.  Brayan Bello (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will start for Boston in the series opener. The right-hander has reached the five-inning mark in only one of four starts this season, last working Saturday, when he gave up four runs in four innings during a loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.  Bello started against Baltimore last Aug. 27, and he yielded two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings during a no-decision. For his career, he is 4-2 with a 3.26 ERA in seven outings, all starts, vs. the Orioles.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Orioles #East #slumping #Red #Sox #visitApr 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles will face an American League East rival for the first time this season when the Boston Red Sox visit to begin a three-game series Friday night.

Baltimore is 3-6 across its past nine games, so the Orioles are looking for consistency. Manager Craig Albernaz believes his players have the right approach.

“How we take hits and keep bouncing back whether it be injuries, whether it be tough games, whether it be falling behind, our guys keep competing,” Albernaz said.

The Orioles had Thursday off following a 3-4 road trip that concluded with an 8-6 victory at Kansas City on Wednesday. Baltimore matched its season-high run total in that contest.

“I’d say that’s what our offense is capable of,” Albernaz said.

Of particular note was first baseman Pete Alonso’s third home run of the season. The shot went to right-center field, a good sign for the right-handed slugger who is still trying to get untracked in his first season with the team.

“That’s Pete, he has power to all fields, especially to right-center,” Albernaz said. “It just opens up everything for him.”

The Red Sox are coming off getting swept in three games by the visiting New York Yankees, including a 4-2 setback in the finale on Thursday. Boston gave up four runs in each game and scored a total of three runs in the series.


“We’ve just got to keep playing,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It’s still early. It’s April. We’ve just got to play.”

Boston, which has lost five of its past six games overall, owns a 4-8 road record.

The potential Baltimore starter for the series opener was right-hander Dean Kremer, but he went on the injured list Thursday due to a strained right quadriceps. The Orioles recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk, and he is slated to throw the first pitch on Friday.

Young (1-0, 0.00 ERA) fired five shutout innings on April 6 in a road victory against the Chicago White Sox before a roster shift resulted in him returning to the minor leagues. In 12 big-league outings last year and the one this year, he has yet to face the Red Sox.

Young pitched well for Norfolk, giving up two runs in 16 2/3 innings across three starts (1.08 ERA). He struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings of no-hit, one-run ball on Saturday against Durham.

The Orioles placed reliever Ryan Helsley on the bereavement/family emergency list prior to the Wednesday, so he won’t be eligible to return before Sunday.

Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman came off the injured list earlier this week and went 2-for-4 on Tuesday before sitting out on Wednesday.

Brayan Bello (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will start for Boston in the series opener. The right-hander has reached the five-inning mark in only one of four starts this season, last working Saturday, when he gave up four runs in four innings during a loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.

Bello started against Baltimore last Aug. 27, and he yielded two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings during a no-decision. For his career, he is 4-2 with a 3.26 ERA in seven outings, all starts, vs. the Orioles.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Orioles #East #slumping #Red #Sox #visit

Apr 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles will face an American League East rival for the first time this season when the Boston Red Sox visit to begin a three-game series Friday night.

Baltimore is 3-6 across its past nine games, so the Orioles are looking for consistency. Manager Craig Albernaz believes his players have the right approach.

“How we take hits and keep bouncing back whether it be injuries, whether it be tough games, whether it be falling behind, our guys keep competing,” Albernaz said.

The Orioles had Thursday off following a 3-4 road trip that concluded with an 8-6 victory at Kansas City on Wednesday. Baltimore matched its season-high run total in that contest.

“I’d say that’s what our offense is capable of,” Albernaz said.

Of particular note was first baseman Pete Alonso’s third home run of the season. The shot went to right-center field, a good sign for the right-handed slugger who is still trying to get untracked in his first season with the team.

“That’s Pete, he has power to all fields, especially to right-center,” Albernaz said. “It just opens up everything for him.”

The Red Sox are coming off getting swept in three games by the visiting New York Yankees, including a 4-2 setback in the finale on Thursday. Boston gave up four runs in each game and scored a total of three runs in the series.

“We’ve just got to keep playing,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It’s still early. It’s April. We’ve just got to play.”

Boston, which has lost five of its past six games overall, owns a 4-8 road record.

The potential Baltimore starter for the series opener was right-hander Dean Kremer, but he went on the injured list Thursday due to a strained right quadriceps. The Orioles recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk, and he is slated to throw the first pitch on Friday.

Young (1-0, 0.00 ERA) fired five shutout innings on April 6 in a road victory against the Chicago White Sox before a roster shift resulted in him returning to the minor leagues. In 12 big-league outings last year and the one this year, he has yet to face the Red Sox.

Young pitched well for Norfolk, giving up two runs in 16 2/3 innings across three starts (1.08 ERA). He struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings of no-hit, one-run ball on Saturday against Durham.

The Orioles placed reliever Ryan Helsley on the bereavement/family emergency list prior to the Wednesday, so he won’t be eligible to return before Sunday.

Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman came off the injured list earlier this week and went 2-for-4 on Tuesday before sitting out on Wednesday.

Brayan Bello (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will start for Boston in the series opener. The right-hander has reached the five-inning mark in only one of four starts this season, last working Saturday, when he gave up four runs in four innings during a loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.

Bello started against Baltimore last Aug. 27, and he yielded two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings during a no-decision. For his career, he is 4-2 with a 3.26 ERA in seven outings, all starts, vs. the Orioles.

–Field Level Media

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Cricket Bengal invites applications for coaching roles, begins process to find Shukla’s successor <div id="content-body-70901627" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Cricket Association of Bengal has begun the process of finding a successor to Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who has been coaching the state senior team since 2022, by issuing a public advertisement for coaching and support staff roles for the first time in its history.</p><p>The advertisement, released on Friday through CAB’s official Facebook page with the message “We are hiring… join our team,” signals a shift towards a more structured and transparent system.</p><p>While the move is effectively aimed at identifying the next head coach of the senior side, the advertisement also invites applications for a broader set of roles, including the women’s and age-group teams (under-16, under-19 and under-23).</p><p>The CAB step takes a cue from the BCCI’s coaching staff appointment process, which involves issuing advertisements, reviewing applications and conducting interviews before finalising candidates.</p><p>Applicants for the senior team coaching role will have to meet specific eligibility criteria laid down by the CAB.</p><p>They must have played at least 30 first-class matches or one Test or 30 ODIs or 45 T20 Internationals, along with recognised coaching qualifications such as BCCI Level 2 or Level 3 certifications.</p><p>In case they do not meet the prescribed playing criteria, candidates must have a minimum of three to five years of coaching experience with senior or age-group teams.</p><p>The upper age limit for applicants has been set at 60 years. The deadline for submission of applications has been set for May 1 at 5 pm, after which the selection process will move to screening and interviews.</p><p>The notice, issued by CAB secretary Bablu Koley, also outlines key responsibilities, including “developing, managing and delivering high-performance Bengal teams across age groups, building competitive and consistent sides across formats, focusing on long-term player development rather than just results, preparing players for progression from state to zonal and national levels, and ensuring smooth transition across age groups”.</p><p>The same process is expected to be followed for age-group teams as well.</p><p>Wriddhiman Saha, who has been associated with the under-23 side, was earlier seen as a potential candidate for the senior role, but CAB has made it clear that no names are being considered in advance and all appointments will be made strictly through the aforementioned process.</p><p>As per CAB’s constitution, a selection committee will interview applicants and recommend names, after which the final decision will be taken.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/indian/harbhajan-singh-test-cricket-priority-bcci-make-five-day-pitches/article70901341.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">‘Make Test cricket priority’: Harbhajan Singh urges BCCI to make pitches that last five days</a></b></p><p>CAB president Sourav Ganguly is expected to have a significant say in the final appointment, with the board aiming to attract candidates from across the country and ensure a transparent, merit-based selection process.</p><p>The social media post that called for applications from coaches, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches, and performance analysts has not specified the teams.</p><p>“Join the team shaping the future of cricket with the Cricket Association of Bengal. We are looking for passionate coaches, physiotherapists, S&C coaches, and performance analysts for the senior Bengal and age-group teams,” the post stated.</p><p>Shukla, a former India all-rounder, took over from Arun Lal in 2022 after the latter guided Bengal to the Ranji Trophy final in the 2019–20 season, where it lost to Saurashtra in Rajkot.</p><p>Under Shukla, Bengal remained a consistent performer in red-ball cricket, reaching the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy semifinals, and it also finished runner-up in the 2022–23 season.</p><p>However, despite consistent performances, Bengal has struggled in crucial knockout matches and has not lifted the Ranji Trophy since the 1989–90 season.</p><p>The contracts of Shukla and his support staff — Shivshankar Pal, Arup Bhattacharya and Charanjit Singh — have now expired.</p><p>CAB sources maintained that the board is not dissatisfied with Shukla’s performance but is looking to bring in a “more structured system to improve results in crucial matches”.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #Cricket #Bengal #invites #applications #coaching #roles #begins #process #find #Shuklas #successor

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Shambhavi, Divyanshu, clinch mixed team air rifle gold with ISSF junior world record score <div id="content-body-70901705" itemprop="articleBody"><p>India’s 10m air rifle mixed team pairing of Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Divyanshu Dewangan won the competition with a junior world record score of 499.9, as India claimed a fourth gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Cairo, Egypt on Friday.</p><p>The pair had earlier topped the qualification round with a combined 632.0. Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Chieh-Ying and Chen You-An won silver with 498.3, while the French pairing of Tifenn Pomes and Gaspard Lesieur took bronze with 434.4.</p><p>In the 25m rapid-fire pistol men’s junior event, Sameer made the final with a score of 573 in qualifying, which placed him second. France’s Arnaud Gamaleri posted a table-topping 589, equalling the junior world record. Sameer eventually finished seventh, scoring seven hits in the first three five-shot series of the eight-series final. Gamaleri went on to take gold with 29 hits.</p><p>India now has 12 medals from the Cairo Junior World Cup and leads the medal tally with four gold, five silver and three bronze medals, with two days of competition remaining and six gold medals yet to be decided.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #Shambhavi #Divyanshu #clinch #mixed #team #air #rifle #gold #ISSF #junior #world #record #score

The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.

So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?

A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.

Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.

Belgium’s run to the Round of 16

Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.

Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.

After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.

In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.

Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.

Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.

First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:

Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:

The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.

After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:

Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.

The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:

That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.

The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.

And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:

Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.

The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:

Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.

The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.

While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.

While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.

He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.

The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.

While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch.

#United #States #play #World #Cup">Who does the United States play in the World Cup Round of 16?  The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.Belgium’s run to the Round of 16Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch.  #United #States #play #World #Cup

For 90 minutes in Philadelphia, Haitians were home again.

Outside Lincoln Financial Field, vendors sold griot and patties from food trucks while Creole floated through the humid afternoon air. Families arrived wrapped in blue and red flags. Children who had never lived in Haiti knew every word of ‘La Dessalinienne’, the national anthem.

The team eventually lost to Brazil, but the result almost felt beside the point.

For a country that has endured political violence, earthquakes and humanitarian crises, simply returning to the World Cup had become a celebration of survival. Many of those in the stands had travelled not from Port-au-Prince but from Brooklyn, Miami, Boston and Montreal. They carried two homes with them: one they had left behind and one they had built in the United States of America.

The expanded 48-team World Cup has not just introduced new footballing nations, but also reunited immigrant communities scattered across North America. Every match has become a family reunion of sorts, with flags stored away for years reappearing.

Dallas, home to one of the largest and most active West African populations in the United States, welcomed the Ivory Coast team with the Abidjan Farot Welcome Party on the eve of its round-of-32 clash. “My son has never been to Abidjan or anywhere in Ivory Coast. So, I brought him here so that he could feel to be part of the nation. We are incredibly proud of our team who has connected us in this World Cup,” said N’Guessan, who had travelled from Atlanta with his four-year-old son and was frantically waving a ‘Welcome to Dallas’ sign as the likes of Amad Diallo and Yan Diamonde happily posed for selfies and signed autographs.

Tanya Marie surprised her mother, Chilemb Munung, with World Cup tickets to watch the Democratic Republic of Congo play Portugal at Houston Stadium. “To go to that and represent my country to be seen. It was just… I can’t even express to myself what I was feeling there, but it was like oh my God,” Chilemb said after the match.

For 90 minutes, football dissolved the distance between where these communities came from and where they live now.

But some supporters never reached the stadiums.

Many fans were denied visas, while teams and officials from countries such as Iran and Iraq faced entry complications. Iran spent much of the tournament preparing across the border in Tijuana before hopping over on matchdays because of complications in entering and staying in the United States. Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was sent home from Miami Airport even before the World Cup began, while Iraq player Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move ahead with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, opening the door to the loss of legal protection for thousands of people. The programme, introduced by Congress in 1990, has allowed people from countries facing war, political instability or natural disasters to remain in the United States.

For many Haitian supporters, the timing could hardly have been worse.

Days after their country had stood shoulder to shoulder with Brazil, families who had lived in the United States for many years were confronted with fresh uncertainty.

“The injustice of the justice system impacts over 375,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have been living in the United States for the past 3, 5, 10, 15 years. They are the people who came here in search of safety and protection due to extreme conditions that have plagued Haiti for a very long time since after the earthquake that happened in 2010, killing over 250,000 people and leaving the country in complete chaos,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.

While the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 order blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship for children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily offered reassurance to U.S.-born children, it did nothing to ease the uncertainty facing Haitian parents confronting the possible loss of Temporary Protected Status.

This World Cup has given the diaspora a rare public stage to celebrate where it comes from. Now, many within those same communities are being forced to defend their place in the country where they have built new lives.

Published on Jul 02, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Flags #families #fragile #belonging">FIFA World Cup 2026: Flags, families and fragile belonging  For 90 minutes in Philadelphia, Haitians were home again.Outside Lincoln Financial Field, vendors sold griot and patties from food trucks while Creole floated through the humid afternoon air. Families arrived wrapped in blue and red flags. Children who had never lived in Haiti knew every word of ‘La Dessalinienne’, the national anthem.The team eventually lost to Brazil, but the result almost felt beside the point.For a country that has endured political violence, earthquakes and humanitarian crises, simply returning to the World Cup had become a celebration of survival. Many of those in the stands had travelled not from Port-au-Prince but from Brooklyn, Miami, Boston and Montreal. They carried two homes with them: one they had left behind and one they had built in the United States of America.The expanded 48-team World Cup has not just introduced new footballing nations, but also reunited immigrant communities scattered across North America. Every match has become a family reunion of sorts, with flags stored away for years reappearing.Dallas, home to one of the largest and most active West African populations in the United States, welcomed the Ivory Coast team with the Abidjan Farot Welcome Party on the eve of its round-of-32 clash. “My son has never been to Abidjan or anywhere in Ivory Coast. So, I brought him here so that he could feel to be part of the nation. We are incredibly proud of our team who has connected us in this World Cup,” said N’Guessan, who had travelled from Atlanta with his four-year-old son and was frantically waving a ‘Welcome to Dallas’ sign as the likes of Amad Diallo and Yan Diamonde happily posed for selfies and signed autographs.Tanya Marie surprised her mother, Chilemb Munung, with World Cup tickets to watch the Democratic Republic of Congo play Portugal at Houston Stadium. “To go to that and represent my country to be seen. It was just… I can’t even express to myself what I was feeling there, but it was like oh my God,” Chilemb said after the match.For 90 minutes, football dissolved the distance between where these communities came from and where they live now.But some supporters never reached the stadiums.Many fans were denied visas, while teams and officials from countries such as Iran and Iraq faced entry complications. Iran spent much of the tournament preparing across the border in Tijuana before hopping over on matchdays because of complications in entering and staying in the United States. Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was sent home from Miami Airport even before the World Cup began, while Iraq player Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move ahead with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, opening the door to the loss of legal protection for thousands of people. The programme, introduced by Congress in 1990, has allowed people from countries facing war, political instability or natural disasters to remain in the United States.For many Haitian supporters, the timing could hardly have been worse.Days after their country had stood shoulder to shoulder with Brazil, families who had lived in the United States for many years were confronted with fresh uncertainty.“The injustice of the justice system impacts over 375,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have been living in the United States for the past 3, 5, 10, 15 years. They are the people who came here in search of safety and protection due to extreme conditions that have plagued Haiti for a very long time since after the earthquake that happened in 2010, killing over 250,000 people and leaving the country in complete chaos,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.While the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 order blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship for children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily offered reassurance to U.S.-born children, it did nothing to ease the uncertainty facing Haitian parents confronting the possible loss of Temporary Protected Status.This World Cup has given the diaspora a rare public stage to celebrate where it comes from. Now, many within those same communities are being forced to defend their place in the country where they have built new lives.Published on Jul 02, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Flags #families #fragile #belonging

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