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Praggnanandhaa may have slowed down a bit but mentally he’s peaking for Candidates: Anand

Praggnanandhaa may have slowed down a bit but mentally he’s peaking for Candidates: Anand

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Legendary chess player Viswanathan Anand said young Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa “may have slowed down a bit” in the lead-up to the FIDE Candidates Tournament, but will be mentally tuned for the challenge.

Eight leading players in the Open section will vie for the title when the Candidates begins in Cyprus on March 28, with the winner earning the right to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh for the world title later this year.

Anand, who is also the vice-president of FIDE, said Praggnanandhaa, the only Indian in the Open section, will face stiff competition from players such as Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, adding that predicting the eventual winner would be difficult.

Asked about his personal favourite, Anand said several players intrigued him.

“He’s experienced, but at the same time, he looks very motivated. He has slowed down a little bit in the last few months, but maybe mentally he is already peaking and getting ready for the Candidates,” Anand said on FIDE’s YouTube channel.

He added that players such as Caruana, Nakamura and Anish Giri had a strong chance of winning the event and earning the right to challenge Gukesh.

“I think Fabi (Caruana), Hikaru (Nakamura), Anish (Giri)… this has got to be their time, so they will have that feeling going into it that this is a chance to grab. But I can’t for the life of me get around to predicting someone,” said Anand, a five-time world champion.

ALSO READ: 16-year-old Mayank Chakraborty ends North-East’s long wait for a Grandmaster

Cyprus as the venue has drawn attention due to its proximity to the Gulf conflict. Three Indians are set to compete in the women’s section of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament to challenge reigning champion Ju Wenjun.

Indian stalwart Koneru Humpy is reportedly considering withdrawing from the event due to security concerns.

Anand said FIDE always tries to secure the best possible venues for its marquee tournaments and added that Cyprus would provide an excellent setting for the event.

“FIDE tries to first find a good high-quality venue and I think we’ve succeeded in that. Cyprus will be a very good venue and the location will be amazing,” Anand said.

Published on Mar 16, 2026

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Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his side’s 4-1 World Cup round-of-16 win over the United States on Monday, according to The Athletic.

The 24-year-old was forced off in the 21st minute and was later seen on crutches with a brace around his right knee. Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his teammate after scoring Belgium’s fourth goal in second-half stoppage time, celebrating by holding up Onana’s No. 24 shirt.

The injury rules Onana out of Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday and is also a major setback for Aston Villa.

Villa manager Unai Emery had planned to build his midfield around Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans. The club had not been looking to strengthen in that area but is now expected to reassess its plans.

Onana joined Villa from Everton in 2024 and has made 72 appearances for the club. He featured 38 times in all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.

Published on Jul 07, 2026

#Amadou #Onana #set #lengthy #layoff #ACL #injury #World #Cup">Amadou Onana set for lengthy layoff after ACL injury at World Cup Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his side’s 4-1 World Cup round-of-16 win over the United States on Monday, according to The Athletic.The 24-year-old was forced off in the 21st minute and was later seen on crutches with a brace around his right knee. Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his teammate after scoring Belgium’s fourth goal in second-half stoppage time, celebrating by holding up Onana’s No. 24 shirt.The injury rules Onana out of Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday and is also a major setback for Aston Villa.Villa manager Unai Emery had planned to build his midfield around Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans. The club had not been looking to strengthen in that area but is now expected to reassess its plans.Onana joined Villa from Everton in 2024 and has made 72 appearances for the club. He featured 38 times in all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.Published on Jul 07, 2026 #Amadou #Onana #set #lengthy #layoff #ACL #injury #World #Cup

Deadspin | Reports: Former Lions CB Terrion Arnold clears waivers Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday. Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla. Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him. “Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week. Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold. The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents. Arnold reported the theft of more than 0,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reports #Lions #Terrion #Arnold #clears #waiversDetroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday.

Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla.

Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him.


“Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week.

Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold.

The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents.

Arnold reported the theft of more than $250,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reports #Lions #Terrion #Arnold #clears #waivers">Deadspin | Reports: Former Lions CB Terrion Arnold clears waivers Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday. Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla. Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him. “Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week. Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold. The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents. Arnold reported the theft of more than 0,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reports #Lions #Terrion #Arnold #clears #waivers

The Round of 16 is well underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Quarterfinals are taking shape.

Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.

Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.

Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:

Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.

The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.

Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.

Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!

Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.

The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.

Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.

Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia

The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.

Potential Semifinals matchups

Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.

Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD

On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.

Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD

Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.

#World #Cup #Quarterfinals #matches #potential #Semifinal #fixtures">World Cup 2026: Quarterfinals matches, potential Semifinal fixtures The Round of 16 is well underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Quarterfinals are taking shape.Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.World Cup 2026 QuarterfinalsHere are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/ColombiaThe fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.Potential Semifinals matchupsNow let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBDOn the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBDThen on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot. #World #Cup #Quarterfinals #matches #potential #Semifinal #fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Quarterfinals are taking shape.

Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.

Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.

Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:

Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.

The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.

Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.

Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!

Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.

The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.

Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.

Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia

The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.

Potential Semifinals matchups

Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.

Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD

On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.

Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD

Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.

#World #Cup #Quarterfinals #matches #potential #Semifinal #fixtures">World Cup 2026: Quarterfinals matches, potential Semifinal fixtures

The Round of 16 is well underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Quarterfinals are taking shape.

Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.

Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.

Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:

Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.

The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.

Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.

Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!

Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.

The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.

Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.

Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia

The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.

Potential Semifinals matchups

Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.

Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD

On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.

Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD

Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.

#World #Cup #Quarterfinals #matches #potential #Semifinal #fixtures

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