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NCAA baseball tournament: 4 things we learned on Day One The first day of baseball at the 2026 NCAA tournament has yet to officially conclude, as three games were pushed to Saturday due to rain.Still, there was enough baseball played to draw some early conclusions.Here are four things we learned from the first day of action at the 2026 NCAA baseball tournament.Georgia Tech’s offense is as advertisedGeorgia Tech entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 overall seed, with one of the most prolific offenses in both the nation, and program history.That offense played to form on Friday.After falling down 2-0 early to UIC, the Yellow Jackets exploded for 17 unanswered runs, en route to a 22-5 win in their first game. Five Georgia Tech batters left the yard, including Parker Brosius, Carson Kerce, Vahn Lackey, Jarren Advincula, and Alex Hernandes, who homered three times in the win. All told, Georgia Tech tallied 22 runs on 22 hits, and every player in the starting lineup had at least one hit save one.The one player without a hit in their starting lineup? That would be Drew Burress, who recently became the program’s all-time single-season home run leader. He’ll get his hits soon enough.Up next for the Yellow Jackets? The winner of Saturday morning’s game between The Citadel and Oklahoma, which was pushed to Saturday morning because of weather. But this looks like a team that could make a very, very deep run thanks to this offense.The Yellow Jackets are not aloneGeorgia Tech’s offense might get the most attention today, but they were not the only lineup to put on a show Friday.Texas, the No. 6 overall seed, poured it on against Holy Cross, racking up 21 hits in their 19-1 victory. Aiden Robbins, Anthony Pack Jr., and Jayden Duplantier all homered in the win.Alabama, the No. 7 overall seed, exploded for 21 runs in its 21-3 victory over in-state opponent Alabama State. The Crimson Tide roped 15 hits, including home runs from Bryce Fowler, Justin Lebron — a potential top-ten pick in the July MLB Draft — Brady Neal, and Luke Vaughn. Fowler also tripled in the Crimson Tide victory. And while this was a 3-2 game after three innings, Alabama broke it open with a six-spot in the fourth inning, followed by three more runs in the fifth and another six spot in the sixth.And how about Oregon? Many believed that the Selection Committee did not do the No. 11-overall seed any favors, putting them in a region with Oregon State and Washington State, as well as Yale, which meant they would likely face 2025 All-American Jake Ohman on Friday. But that is exactly who the Ducks faced, and Oregon chased him with five runs in the first four innings, and put a big crooked number up on the board in the eighth when they pushed eight runs across the plate. The final score in Eugene? Oregon 14, Yale 2. Designated Hitter Naulivou Lauaki homered in the win.Note: At the time of publication, Georgia is winning 18-1 against Long Island, so we can slot the Bulldogs into this category as well. While that game has yet to go final, Georgia has already hit nine home runs in this game, including two from Brennan Hudson and two more from Ryan Wynn. In the regionals format, the 64 teams in the field are divided into 16 double-elimination tournaments, with each of those four teams seeded No. 1 through No. 4 in the regional. That set up 16 No. 1 vs. No. 4 games for Friday, with each of those games featured one of the top 16 teams in the nation as ranked by the Selection Committee.While we are still waiting on the results of one of those games — the Georgia vs. Long Island contest, which was pushed to Saturday due to weather — four of those No. 4 seeds delivered upsets on Friday.St. John’s knocked off Florida State by a final score of 6-5, while Little Rock knocked off Southern Miss by a final score of 7-4. But those upsets pale in comparison to the other two. First was Milwaukee over Auburn, as the Panthers from the Horizon League took an early 10-0 lead over the Tigers (the No. 4 overall seed) and held on for a 13-8 victory. That win saw Auburn join a rather small list, as the Tigers became just the seventh top four national seed in NCAA tournament history to lose a regional opener, along with Alabama (No. 3, 2002), Georgia Tech (No. 3, 2003), Florida State (No. 4, 2008), Baylor (No. 4, 2012), Florida (No. 2, 2014), and North Carolina (No. 2, 2017).Hours later, UCLA joined that list. The Bruins, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the nation, lost to Saint Mary’s by a final score of 3-2. That dropped UCLA (who went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the nation according to D1Baseball this season) into today’s elimination game and made the Bruins the first No. 1 overall seed to lose their regional opener.Jacksonville State made its caseWhen the Field of 64 was announced on Selection Monday, many were surprised to see the Jaguars on the No. 3 line. Jacksonville State finished the year with a 46-13 record out of Conference USA, which was good for the 25th-best RPI in the nation. Perhaps it was the schedule, ranked 108th in the nation, that saw the Committee drop them down to a No. 3 line instead of slotting them in as a No. 2.So that meant a meeting with the No. 2 team in the Hattiesburg regional on Friday, in Virginia.Jacksonville State pushed a pair of runs across the dish in the second, two more in the third, and then a five-run fifth inning powered the Jaguars to a 15-7 win. Caleb Johnson went 3-for-6 in the win with a home run and three RBI, while Brady Thomas went 3-for-5 with a double and three more RBI.And with Southern Miss losing to Little Rock, that means that Jacksonville State has a Saturday date with the No. 4 seed in the regional, with a spot in the super regionals potentially in their future. #NCAA #baseball #tournament #learned #Day

NCAA baseball tournament: 4 things we learned on Day One

The first day of baseball at the 2026 NCAA tournament has yet to officially conclude, as three games were pushed to Saturday due to rain.

Still, there was enough baseball played to draw some early conclusions.

Here are four things we learned from the first day of action at the 2026 NCAA baseball tournament.

Georgia Tech’s offense is as advertised

Georgia Tech entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 overall seed, with one of the most prolific offenses in both the nation, and program history.

That offense played to form on Friday.

After falling down 2-0 early to UIC, the Yellow Jackets exploded for 17 unanswered runs, en route to a 22-5 win in their first game. Five Georgia Tech batters left the yard, including Parker Brosius, Carson Kerce, Vahn Lackey, Jarren Advincula, and Alex Hernandes, who homered three times in the win. All told, Georgia Tech tallied 22 runs on 22 hits, and every player in the starting lineup had at least one hit save one.

The one player without a hit in their starting lineup? That would be Drew Burress, who recently became the program’s all-time single-season home run leader. He’ll get his hits soon enough.

Up next for the Yellow Jackets? The winner of Saturday morning’s game between The Citadel and Oklahoma, which was pushed to Saturday morning because of weather. But this looks like a team that could make a very, very deep run thanks to this offense.

The Yellow Jackets are not alone

Georgia Tech’s offense might get the most attention today, but they were not the only lineup to put on a show Friday.

Texas, the No. 6 overall seed, poured it on against Holy Cross, racking up 21 hits in their 19-1 victory. Aiden Robbins, Anthony Pack Jr., and Jayden Duplantier all homered in the win.

Alabama, the No. 7 overall seed, exploded for 21 runs in its 21-3 victory over in-state opponent Alabama State. The Crimson Tide roped 15 hits, including home runs from Bryce Fowler, Justin Lebron — a potential top-ten pick in the July MLB Draft — Brady Neal, and Luke Vaughn. Fowler also tripled in the Crimson Tide victory. And while this was a 3-2 game after three innings, Alabama broke it open with a six-spot in the fourth inning, followed by three more runs in the fifth and another six spot in the sixth.

And how about Oregon? Many believed that the Selection Committee did not do the No. 11-overall seed any favors, putting them in a region with Oregon State and Washington State, as well as Yale, which meant they would likely face 2025 All-American Jake Ohman on Friday. But that is exactly who the Ducks faced, and Oregon chased him with five runs in the first four innings, and put a big crooked number up on the board in the eighth when they pushed eight runs across the plate. The final score in Eugene? Oregon 14, Yale 2. Designated Hitter Naulivou Lauaki homered in the win.

Note: At the time of publication, Georgia is winning 18-1 against Long Island, so we can slot the Bulldogs into this category as well. While that game has yet to go final, Georgia has already hit nine home runs in this game, including two from Brennan Hudson and two more from Ryan Wynn.

In the regionals format, the 64 teams in the field are divided into 16 double-elimination tournaments, with each of those four teams seeded No. 1 through No. 4 in the regional. That set up 16 No. 1 vs. No. 4 games for Friday, with each of those games featured one of the top 16 teams in the nation as ranked by the Selection Committee.

While we are still waiting on the results of one of those games — the Georgia vs. Long Island contest, which was pushed to Saturday due to weather — four of those No. 4 seeds delivered upsets on Friday.

St. John’s knocked off Florida State by a final score of 6-5, while Little Rock knocked off Southern Miss by a final score of 7-4. But those upsets pale in comparison to the other two. First was Milwaukee over Auburn, as the Panthers from the Horizon League took an early 10-0 lead over the Tigers (the No. 4 overall seed) and held on for a 13-8 victory. That win saw Auburn join a rather small list, as the Tigers became just the seventh top four national seed in NCAA tournament history to lose a regional opener, along with Alabama (No. 3, 2002), Georgia Tech (No. 3, 2003), Florida State (No. 4, 2008), Baylor (No. 4, 2012), Florida (No. 2, 2014), and North Carolina (No. 2, 2017).

Hours later, UCLA joined that list. The Bruins, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the nation, lost to Saint Mary’s by a final score of 3-2. That dropped UCLA (who went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the nation according to D1Baseball this season) into today’s elimination game and made the Bruins the first No. 1 overall seed to lose their regional opener.

Jacksonville State made its case

When the Field of 64 was announced on Selection Monday, many were surprised to see the Jaguars on the No. 3 line. Jacksonville State finished the year with a 46-13 record out of Conference USA, which was good for the 25th-best RPI in the nation. Perhaps it was the schedule, ranked 108th in the nation, that saw the Committee drop them down to a No. 3 line instead of slotting them in as a No. 2.

So that meant a meeting with the No. 2 team in the Hattiesburg regional on Friday, in Virginia.

Jacksonville State pushed a pair of runs across the dish in the second, two more in the third, and then a five-run fifth inning powered the Jaguars to a 15-7 win. Caleb Johnson went 3-for-6 in the win with a home run and three RBI, while Brady Thomas went 3-for-5 with a double and three more RBI.

And with Southern Miss losing to Little Rock, that means that Jacksonville State has a Saturday date with the No. 4 seed in the regional, with a spot in the super regionals potentially in their future.

#NCAA #baseball #tournament #learned #Day

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The first day of baseball at the 2026 NCAA tournament has yet to officially conclude, as three games were pushed to Saturday due to rain.

Still, there was enough baseball played to draw some early conclusions.

Here are four things we learned from the first day of action at the 2026 NCAA baseball tournament.

Georgia Tech’s offense is as advertised

Georgia Tech entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 overall seed, with one of the most prolific offenses in both the nation, and program history.

That offense played to form on Friday.

After falling down 2-0 early to UIC, the Yellow Jackets exploded for 17 unanswered runs, en route to a 22-5 win in their first game. Five Georgia Tech batters left the yard, including Parker Brosius, Carson Kerce, Vahn Lackey, Jarren Advincula, and Alex Hernandes, who homered three times in the win. All told, Georgia Tech tallied 22 runs on 22 hits, and every player in the starting lineup had at least one hit save one.

The one player without a hit in their starting lineup? That would be Drew Burress, who recently became the program’s all-time single-season home run leader. He’ll get his hits soon enough.

Up next for the Yellow Jackets? The winner of Saturday morning’s game between The Citadel and Oklahoma, which was pushed to Saturday morning because of weather. But this looks like a team that could make a very, very deep run thanks to this offense.

The Yellow Jackets are not alone

Georgia Tech’s offense might get the most attention today, but they were not the only lineup to put on a show Friday.

Texas, the No. 6 overall seed, poured it on against Holy Cross, racking up 21 hits in their 19-1 victory. Aiden Robbins, Anthony Pack Jr., and Jayden Duplantier all homered in the win.

Alabama, the No. 7 overall seed, exploded for 21 runs in its 21-3 victory over in-state opponent Alabama State. The Crimson Tide roped 15 hits, including home runs from Bryce Fowler, Justin Lebron — a potential top-ten pick in the July MLB Draft — Brady Neal, and Luke Vaughn. Fowler also tripled in the Crimson Tide victory. And while this was a 3-2 game after three innings, Alabama broke it open with a six-spot in the fourth inning, followed by three more runs in the fifth and another six spot in the sixth.

And how about Oregon? Many believed that the Selection Committee did not do the No. 11-overall seed any favors, putting them in a region with Oregon State and Washington State, as well as Yale, which meant they would likely face 2025 All-American Jake Ohman on Friday. But that is exactly who the Ducks faced, and Oregon chased him with five runs in the first four innings, and put a big crooked number up on the board in the eighth when they pushed eight runs across the plate. The final score in Eugene? Oregon 14, Yale 2. Designated Hitter Naulivou Lauaki homered in the win.

Note: At the time of publication, Georgia is winning 18-1 against Long Island, so we can slot the Bulldogs into this category as well. While that game has yet to go final, Georgia has already hit nine home runs in this game, including two from Brennan Hudson and two more from Ryan Wynn.

In the regionals format, the 64 teams in the field are divided into 16 double-elimination tournaments, with each of those four teams seeded No. 1 through No. 4 in the regional. That set up 16 No. 1 vs. No. 4 games for Friday, with each of those games featured one of the top 16 teams in the nation as ranked by the Selection Committee.

While we are still waiting on the results of one of those games — the Georgia vs. Long Island contest, which was pushed to Saturday due to weather — four of those No. 4 seeds delivered upsets on Friday.

St. John’s knocked off Florida State by a final score of 6-5, while Little Rock knocked off Southern Miss by a final score of 7-4. But those upsets pale in comparison to the other two. First was Milwaukee over Auburn, as the Panthers from the Horizon League took an early 10-0 lead over the Tigers (the No. 4 overall seed) and held on for a 13-8 victory. That win saw Auburn join a rather small list, as the Tigers became just the seventh top four national seed in NCAA tournament history to lose a regional opener, along with Alabama (No. 3, 2002), Georgia Tech (No. 3, 2003), Florida State (No. 4, 2008), Baylor (No. 4, 2012), Florida (No. 2, 2014), and North Carolina (No. 2, 2017).

Hours later, UCLA joined that list. The Bruins, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the nation, lost to Saint Mary’s by a final score of 3-2. That dropped UCLA (who went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the nation according to D1Baseball this season) into today’s elimination game and made the Bruins the first No. 1 overall seed to lose their regional opener.

Jacksonville State made its case

When the Field of 64 was announced on Selection Monday, many were surprised to see the Jaguars on the No. 3 line. Jacksonville State finished the year with a 46-13 record out of Conference USA, which was good for the 25th-best RPI in the nation. Perhaps it was the schedule, ranked 108th in the nation, that saw the Committee drop them down to a No. 3 line instead of slotting them in as a No. 2.

So that meant a meeting with the No. 2 team in the Hattiesburg regional on Friday, in Virginia.

Jacksonville State pushed a pair of runs across the dish in the second, two more in the third, and then a five-run fifth inning powered the Jaguars to a 15-7 win. Caleb Johnson went 3-for-6 in the win with a home run and three RBI, while Brady Thomas went 3-for-5 with a double and three more RBI.

And with Southern Miss losing to Little Rock, that means that Jacksonville State has a Saturday date with the No. 4 seed in the regional, with a spot in the super regionals potentially in their future.

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#NCAA #baseball #tournament #learned #Day

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The United States will continue ‌to assess the Iran squad’s travel arrangements at the World Cup, but for ​now the original plan remains in place despite the team saying it would ⁠lodge a complaint with FIFA, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, told Reuters on Saturday.

Iran is unhappy at restrictions that mean it can only travel to venues within ‌24 hours of its fixtures and must depart back to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, directly after each game, with coach Amir Ghalenoei suggesting his side was “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup”.

Giuliani, however, says the situation ‌is ⁠fluid, and they will discuss what measures will be in place for Iran’s third ⁠game against Egypt in Seattle on Friday after a meeting with Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

READ: Tunisia vs Japan encounter in Monterrey to be 1000th FIFA World Cup match

“The situation is dynamic,” Giuliani said in an exclusive interview in Houston. “We have a plan right now. Tomorrow afternoon (after the match against Belgium) ​they will take the 27-minute flight ‌back to Tijuana.

“We will see how it goes for match two, and then there will be discussions the day after in terms of what it looks like for match three in Seattle.”

Giuliani defended the measures in place and said the pre-tournament change in training bases for ‌the side from Tucson to Tijuana had shortened Iran’s travel time.

“The shift from Tucson ​to Tijuana, I think, was good for everybody involved; certainly, it reduces their travel time to Los Angeles too,” he said. “Their flight is an hour shorter ⁠than it would be from Tucson. And we’re happy with the way that things went for match one in Los Angeles.

“I would just point to the fact that all players have received visas. ‌All the coaches have received visas. There are some team officials that have not received visas, and that’s because we’ve seen some derogatory information on them, and this is the balance that we talk about.”

Protecting interests of U.S.

Giuliani said the goal has always been to protect the interests of the United States and the international visitors at the World Cup.

“We want to make sure we have this incredible soccer tournament, where people are welcome and enjoy the World Cup, while ‌also making sure that we are not just protecting American citizens, but we’re also protecting all those international visitors ​that are coming here,” he said.

ALSO READ: Hydration breaks at FIFA World Cup 2026 add nothing but take away a lot, says Bielsa

He revealed that no threats to the tournament had been identified but that officials remain vigilant.

“What I can tell you is ⁠our intelligence community has tripled down on this since the beginning of this year,” he said. “We’re in ⁠discussions every hour on it. But there have been no credible threats at this moment.”

Giuliani has been pleased with the opening 10 days of the World Cup.

“Things are ‌going as planned,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to see the great play on the pitch; that seems to be the majority of the conversation, which has been fantastic.

“I think this ​is an amazing celebration of America over our 250th birthday, with the World Cup being the incredible highlight.”

Published on Jun 21, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #U.S #review #Iran #travel #arrangements #Belgium #game">FIFA World Cup 2026: U.S. to review Iran travel arrangements after Belgium game The United States will continue ‌to assess the Iran squad’s travel arrangements at the World Cup, but for ​now the original plan remains in place despite the team saying it would ⁠lodge a complaint with FIFA, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, told Reuters on Saturday.Iran is unhappy at restrictions that mean it can only travel to venues within ‌24 hours of its fixtures and must depart back to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, directly after each game, with coach Amir Ghalenoei suggesting his side was “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup”.Giuliani, however, says the situation ‌is ⁠fluid, and they will discuss what measures will be in place for Iran’s third ⁠game against Egypt in Seattle on Friday after a meeting with Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.READ: Tunisia vs Japan encounter in Monterrey to be 1000th FIFA World Cup match“The situation is dynamic,” Giuliani said in an exclusive interview in Houston. “We have a plan right now. Tomorrow afternoon (after the match against Belgium) ​they will take the 27-minute flight ‌back to Tijuana.“We will see how it goes for match two, and then there will be discussions the day after in terms of what it looks like for match three in Seattle.”Giuliani defended the measures in place and said the pre-tournament change in training bases for ‌the side from Tucson to Tijuana had shortened Iran’s travel time.“The shift from Tucson ​to Tijuana, I think, was good for everybody involved; certainly, it reduces their travel time to Los Angeles too,” he said. “Their flight is an hour shorter ⁠than it would be from Tucson. And we’re happy with the way that things went for match one in Los Angeles.“I would just point to the fact that all players have received visas. ‌All the coaches have received visas. There are some team officials that have not received visas, and that’s because we’ve seen some derogatory information on them, and this is the balance that we talk about.”Protecting interests of U.S.Giuliani said the goal has always been to protect the interests of the United States and the international visitors at the World Cup.“We want to make sure we have this incredible soccer tournament, where people are welcome and enjoy the World Cup, while ‌also making sure that we are not just protecting American citizens, but we’re also protecting all those international visitors ​that are coming here,” he said.ALSO READ: Hydration breaks at FIFA World Cup 2026 add nothing but take away a lot, says BielsaHe revealed that no threats to the tournament had been identified but that officials remain vigilant.“What I can tell you is ⁠our intelligence community has tripled down on this since the beginning of this year,” he said. “We’re in ⁠discussions every hour on it. But there have been no credible threats at this moment.”Giuliani has been pleased with the opening 10 days of the World Cup.“Things are ‌going as planned,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to see the great play on the pitch; that seems to be the majority of the conversation, which has been fantastic.“I think this ​is an amazing celebration of America over our 250th birthday, with the World Cup being the incredible highlight.”Published on Jun 21, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #U.S #review #Iran #travel #arrangements #Belgium #game

Tunisia vs Japan encounter in Monterrey to be 1000th FIFA World Cup match

“The situation is dynamic,” Giuliani said in an exclusive interview in Houston. “We have a plan right now. Tomorrow afternoon (after the match against Belgium) ​they will take the 27-minute flight ‌back to Tijuana.

“We will see how it goes for match two, and then there will be discussions the day after in terms of what it looks like for match three in Seattle.”

Giuliani defended the measures in place and said the pre-tournament change in training bases for ‌the side from Tucson to Tijuana had shortened Iran’s travel time.

“The shift from Tucson ​to Tijuana, I think, was good for everybody involved; certainly, it reduces their travel time to Los Angeles too,” he said. “Their flight is an hour shorter ⁠than it would be from Tucson. And we’re happy with the way that things went for match one in Los Angeles.

“I would just point to the fact that all players have received visas. ‌All the coaches have received visas. There are some team officials that have not received visas, and that’s because we’ve seen some derogatory information on them, and this is the balance that we talk about.”

Protecting interests of U.S.

Giuliani said the goal has always been to protect the interests of the United States and the international visitors at the World Cup.

“We want to make sure we have this incredible soccer tournament, where people are welcome and enjoy the World Cup, while ‌also making sure that we are not just protecting American citizens, but we’re also protecting all those international visitors ​that are coming here,” he said.

ALSO READ: Hydration breaks at FIFA World Cup 2026 add nothing but take away a lot, says Bielsa

He revealed that no threats to the tournament had been identified but that officials remain vigilant.

“What I can tell you is ⁠our intelligence community has tripled down on this since the beginning of this year,” he said. “We’re in ⁠discussions every hour on it. But there have been no credible threats at this moment.”

Giuliani has been pleased with the opening 10 days of the World Cup.

“Things are ‌going as planned,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to see the great play on the pitch; that seems to be the majority of the conversation, which has been fantastic.

“I think this ​is an amazing celebration of America over our 250th birthday, with the World Cup being the incredible highlight.”

Published on Jun 21, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #U.S #review #Iran #travel #arrangements #Belgium #game">FIFA World Cup 2026: U.S. to review Iran travel arrangements after Belgium game

The United States will continue ‌to assess the Iran squad’s travel arrangements at the World Cup, but for ​now the original plan remains in place despite the team saying it would ⁠lodge a complaint with FIFA, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, told Reuters on Saturday.

Iran is unhappy at restrictions that mean it can only travel to venues within ‌24 hours of its fixtures and must depart back to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, directly after each game, with coach Amir Ghalenoei suggesting his side was “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup”.

Giuliani, however, says the situation ‌is ⁠fluid, and they will discuss what measures will be in place for Iran’s third ⁠game against Egypt in Seattle on Friday after a meeting with Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

READ: Tunisia vs Japan encounter in Monterrey to be 1000th FIFA World Cup match

“The situation is dynamic,” Giuliani said in an exclusive interview in Houston. “We have a plan right now. Tomorrow afternoon (after the match against Belgium) ​they will take the 27-minute flight ‌back to Tijuana.

“We will see how it goes for match two, and then there will be discussions the day after in terms of what it looks like for match three in Seattle.”

Giuliani defended the measures in place and said the pre-tournament change in training bases for ‌the side from Tucson to Tijuana had shortened Iran’s travel time.

“The shift from Tucson ​to Tijuana, I think, was good for everybody involved; certainly, it reduces their travel time to Los Angeles too,” he said. “Their flight is an hour shorter ⁠than it would be from Tucson. And we’re happy with the way that things went for match one in Los Angeles.

“I would just point to the fact that all players have received visas. ‌All the coaches have received visas. There are some team officials that have not received visas, and that’s because we’ve seen some derogatory information on them, and this is the balance that we talk about.”

Protecting interests of U.S.

Giuliani said the goal has always been to protect the interests of the United States and the international visitors at the World Cup.

“We want to make sure we have this incredible soccer tournament, where people are welcome and enjoy the World Cup, while ‌also making sure that we are not just protecting American citizens, but we’re also protecting all those international visitors ​that are coming here,” he said.

ALSO READ: Hydration breaks at FIFA World Cup 2026 add nothing but take away a lot, says Bielsa

He revealed that no threats to the tournament had been identified but that officials remain vigilant.

“What I can tell you is ⁠our intelligence community has tripled down on this since the beginning of this year,” he said. “We’re in ⁠discussions every hour on it. But there have been no credible threats at this moment.”

Giuliani has been pleased with the opening 10 days of the World Cup.

“Things are ‌going as planned,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to see the great play on the pitch; that seems to be the majority of the conversation, which has been fantastic.

“I think this ​is an amazing celebration of America over our 250th birthday, with the World Cup being the incredible highlight.”

Published on Jun 21, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #U.S #review #Iran #travel #arrangements #Belgium #game

The year will be 2076.

The United States of America will be turning 300 years old.

And Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first time we heard about Antetokounmpo being unhappy with the Bucks was back in 2025. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Greek Freak and his representation began conversations with the Bucks to evaluate his fit and future of the organization, which was struggling to support their superstar.

Fast forward to the end of June in 2026 and there’s still no resolution and the situation has gotten increasingly worse.

On Saturday morning, ESPN Milwaukee reported that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to leave Milwaukee – he just wants to leave the Bucks.

This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.

Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.

Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.

During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.

It’s actually pretty easy.

Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.

On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.

Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.

These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.

Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.

The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on.

#Giannis #Bucks #Awkward #Trade #Situation #Deadspin.com">Giannis and the Bucks Need to End This Awkward Trade Situation Now | Deadspin.com The year will be 2076.The United States of America will be turning 300 years old.And Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.The first time we heard about Antetokounmpo being unhappy with the Bucks was back in 2025. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Greek Freak and his representation began conversations with the Bucks to evaluate his fit and future of the organization, which was struggling to support their superstar.Fast forward to the end of June in 2026 and there’s still no resolution and the situation has gotten increasingly worse.On Saturday morning, ESPN Milwaukee reported that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to leave Milwaukee – he just wants to leave the Bucks.This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.It’s actually pretty easy.Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on. #Giannis #Bucks #Awkward #Trade #Situation #Deadspin.com

he just wants to leave the Bucks.

This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.

Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.

Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.

During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.

It’s actually pretty easy.

Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.

On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.

Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.

These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.

Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.

The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on.

#Giannis #Bucks #Awkward #Trade #Situation #Deadspin.com">Giannis and the Bucks Need to End This Awkward Trade Situation Now | Deadspin.com

The year will be 2076.

The United States of America will be turning 300 years old.

And Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first time we heard about Antetokounmpo being unhappy with the Bucks was back in 2025. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Greek Freak and his representation began conversations with the Bucks to evaluate his fit and future of the organization, which was struggling to support their superstar.

Fast forward to the end of June in 2026 and there’s still no resolution and the situation has gotten increasingly worse.

On Saturday morning, ESPN Milwaukee reported that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to leave Milwaukee – he just wants to leave the Bucks.

This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.

Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.

Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.

During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.

It’s actually pretty easy.

Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.

On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.

Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.

These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.

Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.

The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on.

#Giannis #Bucks #Awkward #Trade #Situation #Deadspin.com

The first set of games in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were a fascinating contrast, setting up an intriguing run to the knockout round in this group.

In one match, heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands finished level in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing the skill and ability to make a deep run in the tournament.

But in the other match, Sweden throttled Tunisia 5-1, and it is Graham Potter’s side that has a chance to not only clinch a spot in the Round of 32, but perhaps even win the group, in the matches schedule for Saturday, June 20.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group F entering the second set of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Update (Saturday afternoon): With a 5-1 win over Sweden, the Netherlands moved into first place in Group F.

What are the Group F standings?

Entering Saturday’s two Group F matches, here are the current standings.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Netherlands11073+44
Sweden0116603
Japan0102201
Tunisia00115-41

Japan is ahead of the Netherlands due to the “total content score,” as the Netherlands earned three yellow cards in the match between the teams, while Japan kept things clean. As we will see in a moment, this is one of the tiebreakers used at the World Cup.

What are the next Group F matches?

Four matches remain in Group F, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m.

Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m.
Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group F?

Here are the scenarios for Group F entering the matches on Saturday, June 20.

We start with Sweden who, as noted above, can book a spot in the Round of 32 this weekend.

At the outset, with a win over the Netherlands, Sweden is guaranteed to advance to the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group F. That would move them to six points, and at worst they would finish second in the group.

But with a win against the Netherlands, and a Japan loss or tie against Tunisia, Sweden will clinch the top spot in Group F, and a date with the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. A win against the Netherlands would move Sweden to six points, and a Japan loss or tie would either keep them on one point or move them to two points. Even with a win against Sweden in the final match of group play, Japan could not overtake Sweden on points in this scenario.

On the other side of things, Tunisia faces elimination on Saturday. With a loss to Japan, and a Netherlands win against Sweden, Tunisia is eliminated from knockout round contention.

Japan and the Netherlands

Both Japan and the Netherlands cannot be eliminated in the second set of matches, nor can they clinch a spot in the knockout round. We will updated this piece with their scenarios ahead of the third set of matches in Group F.

What about tiebreakers in Group F?

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group F, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Ahead of the second set of matches, the only tiebreaker in play is the team conduct score, which tilts in Japan’s favor at the moment to slot them into second place in the group ahead of the Netherlands. We will revisit this section ahead of the third set of matches if necessary.

#World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #Group">World Cup 2026: What are the knockout round scenarios for Group F? The first set of games in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were a fascinating contrast, setting up an intriguing run to the knockout round in this group.In one match, heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands finished level in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing the skill and ability to make a deep run in the tournament.But in the other match, Sweden throttled Tunisia 5-1, and it is Graham Potter’s side that has a chance to not only clinch a spot in the Round of 32, but perhaps even win the group, in the matches schedule for Saturday, June 20.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group F entering the second set of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Update (Saturday afternoon): With a 5-1 win over Sweden, the Netherlands moved into first place in Group F.What are the Group F standings?Entering Saturday’s two Group F matches, here are the current standings.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsNetherlands11073+44Sweden0116603Japan0102201Tunisia00115-41Japan is ahead of the Netherlands due to the “total content score,” as the Netherlands earned three yellow cards in the match between the teams, while Japan kept things clean. As we will see in a moment, this is one of the tiebreakers used at the World Cup.What are the next Group F matches?Four matches remain in Group F, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m.Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m.Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m.What are the current scenarios for Group F?Here are the scenarios for Group F entering the matches on Saturday, June 20.We start with Sweden who, as noted above, can book a spot in the Round of 32 this weekend.At the outset, with a win over the Netherlands, Sweden is guaranteed to advance to the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group F. That would move them to six points, and at worst they would finish second in the group.But with a win against the Netherlands, and a Japan loss or tie against Tunisia, Sweden will clinch the top spot in Group F, and a date with the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. A win against the Netherlands would move Sweden to six points, and a Japan loss or tie would either keep them on one point or move them to two points. Even with a win against Sweden in the final match of group play, Japan could not overtake Sweden on points in this scenario.On the other side of things, Tunisia faces elimination on Saturday. With a loss to Japan, and a Netherlands win against Sweden, Tunisia is eliminated from knockout round contention.Japan and the NetherlandsBoth Japan and the Netherlands cannot be eliminated in the second set of matches, nor can they clinch a spot in the knockout round. We will updated this piece with their scenarios ahead of the third set of matches in Group F.What about tiebreakers in Group F?Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group F, starting on Saturday, June 20.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.Ahead of the second set of matches, the only tiebreaker in play is the team conduct score, which tilts in Japan’s favor at the moment to slot them into second place in the group ahead of the Netherlands. We will revisit this section ahead of the third set of matches if necessary. #World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #Group

2026 FIFA World Cup were a fascinating contrast, setting up an intriguing run to the knockout round in this group.

In one match, heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands finished level in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing the skill and ability to make a deep run in the tournament.

But in the other match, Sweden throttled Tunisia 5-1, and it is Graham Potter’s side that has a chance to not only clinch a spot in the Round of 32, but perhaps even win the group, in the matches schedule for Saturday, June 20.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group F entering the second set of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Update (Saturday afternoon): With a 5-1 win over Sweden, the Netherlands moved into first place in Group F.

What are the Group F standings?

Entering Saturday’s two Group F matches, here are the current standings.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Netherlands11073+44
Sweden0116603
Japan0102201
Tunisia00115-41

Japan is ahead of the Netherlands due to the “total content score,” as the Netherlands earned three yellow cards in the match between the teams, while Japan kept things clean. As we will see in a moment, this is one of the tiebreakers used at the World Cup.

What are the next Group F matches?

Four matches remain in Group F, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m.

Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m.
Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group F?

Here are the scenarios for Group F entering the matches on Saturday, June 20.

We start with Sweden who, as noted above, can book a spot in the Round of 32 this weekend.

At the outset, with a win over the Netherlands, Sweden is guaranteed to advance to the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group F. That would move them to six points, and at worst they would finish second in the group.

But with a win against the Netherlands, and a Japan loss or tie against Tunisia, Sweden will clinch the top spot in Group F, and a date with the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. A win against the Netherlands would move Sweden to six points, and a Japan loss or tie would either keep them on one point or move them to two points. Even with a win against Sweden in the final match of group play, Japan could not overtake Sweden on points in this scenario.

On the other side of things, Tunisia faces elimination on Saturday. With a loss to Japan, and a Netherlands win against Sweden, Tunisia is eliminated from knockout round contention.

Japan and the Netherlands

Both Japan and the Netherlands cannot be eliminated in the second set of matches, nor can they clinch a spot in the knockout round. We will updated this piece with their scenarios ahead of the third set of matches in Group F.

What about tiebreakers in Group F?

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group F, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Ahead of the second set of matches, the only tiebreaker in play is the team conduct score, which tilts in Japan’s favor at the moment to slot them into second place in the group ahead of the Netherlands. We will revisit this section ahead of the third set of matches if necessary.

#World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #Group">World Cup 2026: What are the knockout round scenarios for Group F?

The first set of games in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were a fascinating contrast, setting up an intriguing run to the knockout round in this group.

In one match, heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands finished level in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing the skill and ability to make a deep run in the tournament.

But in the other match, Sweden throttled Tunisia 5-1, and it is Graham Potter’s side that has a chance to not only clinch a spot in the Round of 32, but perhaps even win the group, in the matches schedule for Saturday, June 20.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group F entering the second set of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Update (Saturday afternoon): With a 5-1 win over Sweden, the Netherlands moved into first place in Group F.

What are the Group F standings?

Entering Saturday’s two Group F matches, here are the current standings.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Netherlands11073+44
Sweden0116603
Japan0102201
Tunisia00115-41

Japan is ahead of the Netherlands due to the “total content score,” as the Netherlands earned three yellow cards in the match between the teams, while Japan kept things clean. As we will see in a moment, this is one of the tiebreakers used at the World Cup.

What are the next Group F matches?

Four matches remain in Group F, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m.

Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m.
Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group F?

Here are the scenarios for Group F entering the matches on Saturday, June 20.

We start with Sweden who, as noted above, can book a spot in the Round of 32 this weekend.

At the outset, with a win over the Netherlands, Sweden is guaranteed to advance to the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group F. That would move them to six points, and at worst they would finish second in the group.

But with a win against the Netherlands, and a Japan loss or tie against Tunisia, Sweden will clinch the top spot in Group F, and a date with the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. A win against the Netherlands would move Sweden to six points, and a Japan loss or tie would either keep them on one point or move them to two points. Even with a win against Sweden in the final match of group play, Japan could not overtake Sweden on points in this scenario.

On the other side of things, Tunisia faces elimination on Saturday. With a loss to Japan, and a Netherlands win against Sweden, Tunisia is eliminated from knockout round contention.

Japan and the Netherlands

Both Japan and the Netherlands cannot be eliminated in the second set of matches, nor can they clinch a spot in the knockout round. We will updated this piece with their scenarios ahead of the third set of matches in Group F.

What about tiebreakers in Group F?

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group F, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Ahead of the second set of matches, the only tiebreaker in play is the team conduct score, which tilts in Japan’s favor at the moment to slot them into second place in the group ahead of the Netherlands. We will revisit this section ahead of the third set of matches if necessary.

#World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #Group

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