‘Make Test cricket priority’: Harbhajan Singh urges BCCI to make pitches that last five days Harbhajan Singh has urged the ICC and the BCCI to ensure that Test cricket is played on pitches that last the full five days. Expressing his disappointment over the recent trend of matches ending within a couple of days, the former India off-spinner reiterated that Test cricket remains the ‘best’ format as it truly challenges players.“I would make a strong recommendation that Test cricket should be the priority, because that is where you get the best cricket and the cricketers. In Test cricket, you get to see the best competition as it lasts for five days and every day, the challenge becomes different,” Harbhajan said on Friday during an event organised by the Legends Club to celebrate Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday.“Obviously, a lot of things happen on the pitch and accordingly, the people need to change their mindset and adopt to those conditions and come out as a winner. If I was part of any committee in the ICC or the BCCI, I would tell them that to save Test cricket, we must make sure that we play on better pitches, where the game last for five days and does not get over inside three days,” he added.Having represented India in 103 Tests and claimed 417 wickets, Harbhajan believes it is up to the game’s ambassadors to preserve its longest format.Also read | The garden of rebirth: Eden Gardens 2001 through the eyes of a reporter and photographer“If you look at the Ashes or some of the top Test series, it still attracts a lot of people to come over and watch the game. And we can do the same here in India,” Harbhajan said, adding: “Why are we finishing games in inside three days? We need to make sure we produce those kinds of pitches where everybody is in the game.”Back in 2024, India lost a Test series at home against New Zealand, and last year, too, it ended up losing the Test series against South Africa on rank-turners. “I think we are losing those matches because of the pitches, not because of the skill. We need points to reach the final circle of the World Test Championship, and how do we get points? Because of that result-oriented approach, we assumed that the opposition wouldn’t know how to play spin, and in the end, dug our own hole,” Harbhajan said.“It is not fault of the state associations that they produce such pitches, but they do so because that’s how the management wants them to be. The team management wants the match to be over in three days, and that’s why the skill is left out of the game.”On Jaiswal, SooryavanshiOver the last couple of years, several young talents – including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre – have made their presence felt in the IPL and T20s. And there have been talks that they should be fast-tracked to the national team. However, Harbhajan made it clear that they need to prove their mettle to be part of the Test squad.“They will have to make a place for themselves and of course, create enough buzz that they are good enough to be in the squad for Test cricket. If there is someone who is batting the best among them all is – Yashasvi Jaiswal, and we are not even talking about him much,” Harbhajan said.Lauding the young Jaiswal, Harbhajan added: “He has got the perfect mix of what is required in T20 and in Test cricket. He has got the mindset to leave the ball for a session and in the next session, he would start scoring runs. There are a very few with that sort of mindset and he has made a place for himself.Also read | Laxman and Dravid changed the fate of Indian cricket: Sadagoppan Ramesh recalls 2001 miracle at Eden Gardens“His story is also unbelievable; he has come through a lot of struggles and Mumbai Cricket Association gave him a chance and look at where he is now. He is hitting (Mitchell) Starc for a first-ball six.”“Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi and even Ishan Kishan have the same mindset to hit the ball, but at the same time, you need to understand that when the ball moves and conditions differ, you have to have a game where you need to defend the ball,” Harbhajan said, adding: “They will eventually learn, even through failures.“If a 15-year-old boy can hit the ball, he can also block. It is about the mindset, if you give him the chance he will adapt to that. But if you send him to England for a first tour where the ball will swing, it will not be a matter of intelligence. But if we want him to play Test cricket we will have to nurture him.”‘The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window’The seasoned tweaker also expressed his disappointment on spin bowling losing its sheen. “The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window. I rarely see people spinning the ball. Spinners are supposed to spin the ball and if you are not spinning the ball, you are making things easy for the batter,” Harbhajan said.“Whether you are playing T20 or Test cricket, if you are able to spin the ball and if you can get something out of the pitch, that is where your class comes into the picture. Otherwise, anyone can roll over their arm…”But he also insisted that those mastering the craft are still faring well. “Yuzvendra Chahal is doing it, no one can get hold of him. Yesterday (Thursday) Akeal (Hosein) and Noor (Ahmad) for Chennai Super Kings (in an IPL match against Mumbai Indians). I always talk about spinners having a big heart to bowl, we cannot bowl bouncers or yorkers and the only way we can get people out is by deceiving them in the air. And if they do not bowl slow (through the air), do not spin, how will a batter get out?” Harbhajan wondered.Also read | It changed the perception of a cricket fan towards Test cricket: Venkatapathy Raju on 2001 Eden Gardens Test“Wankhede is the place to bowl spin. The ball should make a half-a-moon shape through your hand and if it is not happening, then the ball will not bounce and that is what the batter is left wanting. People who are applying themselves, they are successful even in T20Is, but those who are not are only filling up the spots in Test cricket, they are just doing the job of containing and not taking wickets,” Harbhajan, who recently had sessions with the spinners at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, pointed.Mumbai over PunjabDuring a conversation with Ajinkya Naik, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Harbhajan was asked whether he would want his son to play for Mumbai or for Punjab if he chose to pursue cricket.Harbhajan replied with a smile: “Since he’s born and raised in Mumbai, I will send him to play for Mumbai if he ever decides to take the sport. I will never push him.”Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Test #cricket #priority #Harbhajan #Singh #urges #BCCI #pitches #days

‘Make Test cricket priority’: Harbhajan Singh urges BCCI to make pitches that last five days
Harbhajan Singh has urged the ICC and the BCCI to ensure that Test cricket is played on pitches that last the full five days. Expressing his disappointment over the recent trend of matches ending within a couple of days, the former India off-spinner reiterated that Test cricket remains the ‘best’ format as it truly challenges players.
“I would make a strong recommendation that Test cricket should be the priority, because that is where you get the best cricket and the cricketers. In Test cricket, you get to see the best competition as it lasts for five days and every day, the challenge becomes different,” Harbhajan said on Friday during an event organised by the Legends Club to celebrate Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday.
“Obviously, a lot of things happen on the pitch and accordingly, the people need to change their mindset and adopt to those conditions and come out as a winner. If I was part of any committee in the ICC or the BCCI, I would tell them that to save Test cricket, we must make sure that we play on better pitches, where the game last for five days and does not get over inside three days,” he added.
Having represented India in 103 Tests and claimed 417 wickets, Harbhajan believes it is up to the game’s ambassadors to preserve its longest format.
Also read | The garden of rebirth: Eden Gardens 2001 through the eyes of a reporter and photographer
“If you look at the Ashes or some of the top Test series, it still attracts a lot of people to come over and watch the game. And we can do the same here in India,” Harbhajan said, adding: “Why are we finishing games in inside three days? We need to make sure we produce those kinds of pitches where everybody is in the game.”
Back in 2024, India lost a Test series at home against New Zealand, and last year, too, it ended up losing the Test series against South Africa on rank-turners. “I think we are losing those matches because of the pitches, not because of the skill. We need points to reach the final circle of the World Test Championship, and how do we get points? Because of that result-oriented approach, we assumed that the opposition wouldn’t know how to play spin, and in the end, dug our own hole,” Harbhajan said.
“It is not fault of the state associations that they produce such pitches, but they do so because that’s how the management wants them to be. The team management wants the match to be over in three days, and that’s why the skill is left out of the game.”
On Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi
Over the last couple of years, several young talents – including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre – have made their presence felt in the IPL and T20s. And there have been talks that they should be fast-tracked to the national team. However, Harbhajan made it clear that they need to prove their mettle to be part of the Test squad.
“They will have to make a place for themselves and of course, create enough buzz that they are good enough to be in the squad for Test cricket. If there is someone who is batting the best among them all is – Yashasvi Jaiswal, and we are not even talking about him much,” Harbhajan said.
Lauding the young Jaiswal, Harbhajan added: “He has got the perfect mix of what is required in T20 and in Test cricket. He has got the mindset to leave the ball for a session and in the next session, he would start scoring runs. There are a very few with that sort of mindset and he has made a place for himself.
Also read | Laxman and Dravid changed the fate of Indian cricket: Sadagoppan Ramesh recalls 2001 miracle at Eden Gardens
“His story is also unbelievable; he has come through a lot of struggles and Mumbai Cricket Association gave him a chance and look at where he is now. He is hitting (Mitchell) Starc for a first-ball six.”
“Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi and even Ishan Kishan have the same mindset to hit the ball, but at the same time, you need to understand that when the ball moves and conditions differ, you have to have a game where you need to defend the ball,” Harbhajan said, adding: “They will eventually learn, even through failures.
“If a 15-year-old boy can hit the ball, he can also block. It is about the mindset, if you give him the chance he will adapt to that. But if you send him to England for a first tour where the ball will swing, it will not be a matter of intelligence. But if we want him to play Test cricket we will have to nurture him.”
‘The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window’
The seasoned tweaker also expressed his disappointment on spin bowling losing its sheen. “The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window. I rarely see people spinning the ball. Spinners are supposed to spin the ball and if you are not spinning the ball, you are making things easy for the batter,” Harbhajan said.
“Whether you are playing T20 or Test cricket, if you are able to spin the ball and if you can get something out of the pitch, that is where your class comes into the picture. Otherwise, anyone can roll over their arm…”
But he also insisted that those mastering the craft are still faring well. “Yuzvendra Chahal is doing it, no one can get hold of him. Yesterday (Thursday) Akeal (Hosein) and Noor (Ahmad) for Chennai Super Kings (in an IPL match against Mumbai Indians). I always talk about spinners having a big heart to bowl, we cannot bowl bouncers or yorkers and the only way we can get people out is by deceiving them in the air. And if they do not bowl slow (through the air), do not spin, how will a batter get out?” Harbhajan wondered.
Also read | It changed the perception of a cricket fan towards Test cricket: Venkatapathy Raju on 2001 Eden Gardens Test
“Wankhede is the place to bowl spin. The ball should make a half-a-moon shape through your hand and if it is not happening, then the ball will not bounce and that is what the batter is left wanting. People who are applying themselves, they are successful even in T20Is, but those who are not are only filling up the spots in Test cricket, they are just doing the job of containing and not taking wickets,” Harbhajan, who recently had sessions with the spinners at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, pointed.
Mumbai over Punjab
During a conversation with Ajinkya Naik, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Harbhajan was asked whether he would want his son to play for Mumbai or for Punjab if he chose to pursue cricket.
Harbhajan replied with a smile: “Since he’s born and raised in Mumbai, I will send him to play for Mumbai if he ever decides to take the sport. I will never push him.”
Published on Apr 24, 2026
#Test #cricket #priority #Harbhajan #Singh #urges #BCCI #pitches #days

Sports news BCCI, Harbhajan Singh, harbhajan singh bcci, harbhajan singh test cricket, harbhajan singh tests April 24, 2026

Harbhajan Singh has urged the ICC and the BCCI to ensure that Test cricket is played on pitches that last the full five days. Expressing his disappointment over the recent trend of matches ending within a couple of days, the former India off-spinner reiterated that Test cricket remains the ‘best’ format as it truly challenges players.

“I would make a strong recommendation that Test cricket should be the priority, because that is where you get the best cricket and the cricketers. In Test cricket, you get to see the best competition as it lasts for five days and every day, the challenge becomes different,” Harbhajan said on Friday during an event organised by the Legends Club to celebrate Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday.

“Obviously, a lot of things happen on the pitch and accordingly, the people need to change their mindset and adopt to those conditions and come out as a winner. If I was part of any committee in the ICC or the BCCI, I would tell them that to save Test cricket, we must make sure that we play on better pitches, where the game last for five days and does not get over inside three days,” he added.

Having represented India in 103 Tests and claimed 417 wickets, Harbhajan believes it is up to the game’s ambassadors to preserve its longest format.

Also read | The garden of rebirth: Eden Gardens 2001 through the eyes of a reporter and photographer

“If you look at the Ashes or some of the top Test series, it still attracts a lot of people to come over and watch the game. And we can do the same here in India,” Harbhajan said, adding: “Why are we finishing games in inside three days? We need to make sure we produce those kinds of pitches where everybody is in the game.”

Back in 2024, India lost a Test series at home against New Zealand, and last year, too, it ended up losing the Test series against South Africa on rank-turners. “I think we are losing those matches because of the pitches, not because of the skill. We need points to reach the final circle of the World Test Championship, and how do we get points? Because of that result-oriented approach, we assumed that the opposition wouldn’t know how to play spin, and in the end, dug our own hole,” Harbhajan said.

“It is not fault of the state associations that they produce such pitches, but they do so because that’s how the management wants them to be. The team management wants the match to be over in three days, and that’s why the skill is left out of the game.”

On Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi

Over the last couple of years, several young talents – including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre – have made their presence felt in the IPL and T20s. And there have been talks that they should be fast-tracked to the national team. However, Harbhajan made it clear that they need to prove their mettle to be part of the Test squad.

“They will have to make a place for themselves and of course, create enough buzz that they are good enough to be in the squad for Test cricket. If there is someone who is batting the best among them all is – Yashasvi Jaiswal, and we are not even talking about him much,” Harbhajan said.

Lauding the young Jaiswal, Harbhajan added: “He has got the perfect mix of what is required in T20 and in Test cricket. He has got the mindset to leave the ball for a session and in the next session, he would start scoring runs. There are a very few with that sort of mindset and he has made a place for himself.

Also read | Laxman and Dravid changed the fate of Indian cricket: Sadagoppan Ramesh recalls 2001 miracle at Eden Gardens

“His story is also unbelievable; he has come through a lot of struggles and Mumbai Cricket Association gave him a chance and look at where he is now. He is hitting (Mitchell) Starc for a first-ball six.”

“Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi and even Ishan Kishan have the same mindset to hit the ball, but at the same time, you need to understand that when the ball moves and conditions differ, you have to have a game where you need to defend the ball,” Harbhajan said, adding: “They will eventually learn, even through failures.

“If a 15-year-old boy can hit the ball, he can also block. It is about the mindset, if you give him the chance he will adapt to that. But if you send him to England for a first tour where the ball will swing, it will not be a matter of intelligence. But if we want him to play Test cricket we will have to nurture him.”

‘The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window’

The seasoned tweaker also expressed his disappointment on spin bowling losing its sheen. “The art of spin bowling has gone out of the window. I rarely see people spinning the ball. Spinners are supposed to spin the ball and if you are not spinning the ball, you are making things easy for the batter,” Harbhajan said.

“Whether you are playing T20 or Test cricket, if you are able to spin the ball and if you can get something out of the pitch, that is where your class comes into the picture. Otherwise, anyone can roll over their arm…”

But he also insisted that those mastering the craft are still faring well. “Yuzvendra Chahal is doing it, no one can get hold of him. Yesterday (Thursday) Akeal (Hosein) and Noor (Ahmad) for Chennai Super Kings (in an IPL match against Mumbai Indians). I always talk about spinners having a big heart to bowl, we cannot bowl bouncers or yorkers and the only way we can get people out is by deceiving them in the air. And if they do not bowl slow (through the air), do not spin, how will a batter get out?” Harbhajan wondered.

Also read | It changed the perception of a cricket fan towards Test cricket: Venkatapathy Raju on 2001 Eden Gardens Test

“Wankhede is the place to bowl spin. The ball should make a half-a-moon shape through your hand and if it is not happening, then the ball will not bounce and that is what the batter is left wanting. People who are applying themselves, they are successful even in T20Is, but those who are not are only filling up the spots in Test cricket, they are just doing the job of containing and not taking wickets,” Harbhajan, who recently had sessions with the spinners at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, pointed.

Mumbai over Punjab

During a conversation with Ajinkya Naik, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Harbhajan was asked whether he would want his son to play for Mumbai or for Punjab if he chose to pursue cricket.

Harbhajan replied with a smile: “Since he’s born and raised in Mumbai, I will send him to play for Mumbai if he ever decides to take the sport. I will never push him.”

Published on Apr 24, 2026

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#Test #cricket #priority #Harbhajan #Singh #urges #BCCI #pitches #days

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Unpacking the Michael Controversy: Everything Michael Jackson’s Family Has Said About the Movie

Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again. Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver. Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday. “He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.” The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012. Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead. “Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.” McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine. McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning. “I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.” Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two. Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24. “He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.” Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits. Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts. Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday. Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games. Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies

#Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.

Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.

Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.

“He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”

The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.

Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.

“Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”

McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.

McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.

“I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”

Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.

Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.

“He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”

Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.

Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.

Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.

Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.

Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies">Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies

Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.

Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.

Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.

“He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”

The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.

Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.

“Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”

McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.

McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.

“I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”

Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.

Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.

“He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”

Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.

Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.

Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.

Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.

Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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?

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.

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:

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

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 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.

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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.

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

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.

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.

Published on Jul 02, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Flags #families #fragile #belonging

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Belgium’s run to the Round of 16

Belgium’s run to the Round of 16

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