Which MLB Manager Will Be Fired First? Four Managers on the Hot Seat Already | Deadspin.com Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) on the field before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images No matter what outsiders think of the urgency, Major League Baseball teams usually wait longer than the third week of April before they start firing managers.Although, Phil Garner and Cal Ripken Sr. would like a word. The Detroit Tigers fired Garner (and general manager Randy Smith) after an 0-6 start in 2002. The Baltimore Orioles fired Cal Ripken’s dad after starting 0-6 in 1988. Cal Sr. got a twisted bit of satisfaction when the ’88 Orioles infamously continued losing until they were 0-21.Multiple teams with high expectations have gotten off to slow starts this season. If a front office believes the manager is in over their head, they will remove one head for another.Here are four MLB managers who could be feeling hot under the collar soon, if they’re not already.Carlos Mendoza, New York MetsMendoza’s Mets won 89 games and reached the NLCS in 2024 before the Dodgers took them out, but after adding Juan Soto in free agency they finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs in ’25. Currently, they’re 7-16 after losing their 12th straight game, blowing a three-run lead against the Twins on Tuesday night.How much of it is actually Mendoza’s fault? Criticisms of Mendoza had been vague — at least until he decided to pitch to Nico Hoerner of the Cubs on Sunday when the Mets seemed to have better options. Odds there favored the Cubs no matter what, but the manager isn’t supposed to make things worse.The Mets likely will play better, especially if the offense comes together as projected, but they’re going to expend a ton of energy just to get back to .500.Coaches Kai Correa and Andy Green wait in the wings. Correa is a top managing prospect and Green has experience with the Padres.Rob Thomson, Philadelphia Phillies Philly won the NL Pennant in 2022 after firing manager Joe Girardi in June and replacing him with Thomson. They also won at least 90 games in each of the next three seasons, including 96 a season ago when they fell to the Dodgers in the NLDS.The core of those winning teams remains, but all fans see is a group of underachievers whose seasons ended in disappointment, with Thomson unable to get Dave Dombrowski’s roster across the finish line. The Phillies are 8-15, having lost eight straight.Don Mattingly, a former MLB manager, is on Thomson’s staff.Matt Quatraro, Kansas City RoyalsQuatraro led them to the playoffs two seasons ago, so his success is recent. His perceived shortcomings are like those of Thomson — he’s not fiery enough, and sometimes the players appear unmotivated. But that’s what it looks like when you don’t score runs. They needed a walk-off wild pitch to snap an eight-game losing streak Tuesday night, which also was their first one-run victory in six attempts. Someone in the clubhouse needs to light a fire.Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) talks with catcher Patrick Bailey (center right) during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Vitello just got here from college, and sometimes it really seems like it by the way he talks and behaves. After beating the Dodgers on Tuesday night, the Giants are 10-13, which isn’t terrible. Just based on talent, it looks like they’ll be closer to the bottom of the NL West than the top, but that’s not on the manager.Most figured there would be an adjustment period for Buster Posey’s out-of-the-box hire, but if Vitello still looks overwhelmed in the coming weeks, why torture everyone?Joe Espada, Houston AstrosThey’ve been in decline every season, a little bit, ever since winning the World Series in 2022: ALCS in ’23 (Dusty Baker’s last season), Wild Card under Espada in ’24 after a slow start, second place and out of the playoffs in ’25. So far this season, they’re 9-16 amid a ton of injuries that are not Espada’s fault. But when organizations get desperate, they play the one card they have left. #MLB #Manager #Fired #Managers #Hot #Seat #Deadspin.com

Which MLB Manager Will Be Fired First? Four Managers on the Hot Seat Already | Deadspin.com
Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) on the field before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

No matter what outsiders think of the urgency, Major League Baseball teams usually wait longer than the third week of April before they start firing managers.
Although, Phil Garner and Cal Ripken Sr. would like a word. The Detroit Tigers fired Garner (and general manager Randy Smith) after an 0-6 start in 2002. The Baltimore Orioles fired Cal Ripken’s dad after starting 0-6 in 1988. Cal Sr. got a twisted bit of satisfaction when the ’88 Orioles infamously continued losing until they were 0-21.
Multiple teams with high expectations have gotten off to slow starts this season. If a front office believes the manager is in over their head, they will remove one head for another.
Here are four MLB managers who could be feeling hot under the collar soon, if they’re not already.
Carlos Mendoza, New York Mets
Mendoza’s Mets won 89 games and reached the NLCS in 2024 before the Dodgers took them out, but after adding Juan Soto in free agency they finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs in ’25. Currently, they’re 7-16 after losing their 12th straight game, blowing a three-run lead against the Twins on Tuesday night.
How much of it is actually Mendoza’s fault? Criticisms of Mendoza had been vague — at least until he decided to pitch to Nico Hoerner of the Cubs on Sunday when the Mets seemed to have better options. Odds there favored the Cubs no matter what, but the manager isn’t supposed to make things worse.
The Mets likely will play better, especially if the offense comes together as projected, but they’re going to expend a ton of energy just to get back to .500.
Coaches Kai Correa and Andy Green wait in the wings. Correa is a top managing prospect and Green has experience with the Padres.
Rob Thomson, Philadelphia Phillies

Philly won the NL Pennant in 2022 after firing manager Joe Girardi in June and replacing him with Thomson. They also won at least 90 games in each of the next three seasons, including 96 a season ago when they fell to the Dodgers in the NLDS.
The core of those winning teams remains, but all fans see is a group of underachievers whose seasons ended in disappointment, with Thomson unable to get Dave Dombrowski’s roster across the finish line. The Phillies are 8-15, having lost eight straight.
Don Mattingly, a former MLB manager, is on Thomson’s staff.
Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals
Quatraro led them to the playoffs two seasons ago, so his success is recent. His perceived shortcomings are like those of Thomson — he’s not fiery enough, and sometimes the players appear unmotivated. But that’s what it looks like when you don’t score runs. They needed a walk-off wild pitch to snap an eight-game losing streak Tuesday night, which also was their first one-run victory in six attempts. Someone in the clubhouse needs to light a fire.
Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants

Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) talks with catcher Patrick Bailey (center right) during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Vitello just got here from college, and sometimes it really seems like it by the way he talks and behaves. After beating the Dodgers on Tuesday night, the Giants are 10-13, which isn’t terrible. Just based on talent, it looks like they’ll be closer to the bottom of the NL West than the top, but that’s not on the manager.
Most figured there would be an adjustment period for Buster Posey’s out-of-the-box hire, but if Vitello still looks overwhelmed in the coming weeks, why torture everyone?
Joe Espada, Houston Astros
They’ve been in decline every season, a little bit, ever since winning the World Series in 2022: ALCS in ’23 (Dusty Baker’s last season), Wild Card under Espada in ’24 after a slow start, second place and out of the playoffs in ’25. So far this season, they’re 9-16 amid a ton of injuries that are not Espada’s fault. But when organizations get desperate, they play the one card they have left.

#MLB #Manager #Fired #Managers #Hot #Seat #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 22, 2026

Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) on the field before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

No matter what outsiders think of the urgency, Major League Baseball teams usually wait longer than the third week of April before they start firing managers.

Although, Phil Garner and Cal Ripken Sr. would like a word. The Detroit Tigers fired Garner (and general manager Randy Smith) after an 0-6 start in 2002. The Baltimore Orioles fired Cal Ripken’s dad after starting 0-6 in 1988. Cal Sr. got a twisted bit of satisfaction when the ’88 Orioles infamously continued losing until they were 0-21.

Multiple teams with high expectations have gotten off to slow starts this season. If a front office believes the manager is in over their head, they will remove one head for another.

Here are four MLB managers who could be feeling hot under the collar soon, if they’re not already.

Carlos Mendoza, New York Mets

Mendoza’s Mets won 89 games and reached the NLCS in 2024 before the Dodgers took them out, but after adding Juan Soto in free agency they finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs in ’25. Currently, they’re 7-16 after losing their 12th straight game, blowing a three-run lead against the Twins on Tuesday night.

How much of it is actually Mendoza’s fault? Criticisms of Mendoza had been vague — at least until he decided to pitch to Nico Hoerner of the Cubs on Sunday when the Mets seemed to have better options. Odds there favored the Cubs no matter what, but the manager isn’t supposed to make things worse.

The Mets likely will play better, especially if the offense comes together as projected, but they’re going to expend a ton of energy just to get back to .500.

Coaches Kai Correa and Andy Green wait in the wings. Correa is a top managing prospect and Green has experience with the Padres.

Rob Thomson, Philadelphia Phillies

Philly won the NL Pennant in 2022 after firing manager Joe Girardi in June and replacing him with Thomson. They also won at least 90 games in each of the next three seasons, including 96 a season ago when they fell to the Dodgers in the NLDS.

The core of those winning teams remains, but all fans see is a group of underachievers whose seasons ended in disappointment, with Thomson unable to get Dave Dombrowski’s roster across the finish line. The Phillies are 8-15, having lost eight straight.

Don Mattingly, a former MLB manager, is on Thomson’s staff.

Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals

Quatraro led them to the playoffs two seasons ago, so his success is recent. His perceived shortcomings are like those of Thomson — he’s not fiery enough, and sometimes the players appear unmotivated. But that’s what it looks like when you don’t score runs. They needed a walk-off wild pitch to snap an eight-game losing streak Tuesday night, which also was their first one-run victory in six attempts. Someone in the clubhouse needs to light a fire.

Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants

Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) talks with catcher Patrick Bailey (center right) during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Vitello just got here from college, and sometimes it really seems like it by the way he talks and behaves. After beating the Dodgers on Tuesday night, the Giants are 10-13, which isn’t terrible. Just based on talent, it looks like they’ll be closer to the bottom of the NL West than the top, but that’s not on the manager.

Most figured there would be an adjustment period for Buster Posey’s out-of-the-box hire, but if Vitello still looks overwhelmed in the coming weeks, why torture everyone?

Joe Espada, Houston Astros

They’ve been in decline every season, a little bit, ever since winning the World Series in 2022: ALCS in ’23 (Dusty Baker’s last season), Wild Card under Espada in ’24 after a slow start, second place and out of the playoffs in ’25. So far this season, they’re 9-16 amid a ton of injuries that are not Espada’s fault. But when organizations get desperate, they play the one card they have left.

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#MLB #Manager #Fired #Managers #Hot #Seat #Deadspin.com

Why Mike Tomlin Will Be Perfect Television Fit for NBC | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> Mike and mic loomed as a natural fit after the talkative <a href="https://deadspin.com/the-jig-is-up-for-aaron-rodgers-mike-tomlin-and-the-pittsburgh-steelers/" target="_blank">Mike Tomlin resigned</a> as Pittsburgh Steelers coach in January.As with his Steelers teams of 19 seasons, Tomlin doesn’t figure to have a losing record as a TV studio analyst, either.A report Tuesday <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7215273/2026/04/21/mike-tomlin-nbc-sunday-nfl-steelers/" target="_blank">from The Athletic</a> cemented Tomlin’s long-anticipated transition. He’ll join the NBC “Sunday Night Football” pregame show “Football Night in America” beginning this season.Surely, video editors and social media managers already have their popcorn ready.That’s “popcorn” as in the salty snack, not the alternative definition Tomlin once served up during a press conference.“You know, there’s been popcorn,” Tomlin said. “It hasn’t been any one man specifically; it’s been popcorn. But you can’t have popcorn.”Asked to expound, Tomlin explained “popcorn” as: “A splattering of incidences. One here. One there. One there.”That’s some tasty imagery, indeed.Sustained coaching success boosted Tomlin’s profile as a would-be analyst. He guided Pittsburgh to a 193-114-2 regular-season record, while his 8-12 postseason mark included a 1-1 record in the Super Bowl.His unique turns of phrase, however, set him apart. In a broadcast climate rife with programs and platforms for former players and coaches to fill, Tomlin, 54, should climb seamlessly into the mix at “FNIA,” a leading national brand.“I think Mike is great at painting pictures, and those sayings, those Tomlinisms, they can immediately have a context,” Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and Tomlin’s mentor, told NFL Films in 2021.Per The Athletic, Fox also coveted Tomlin as a replacement for Jimmy Johnson, who’s retiring from its “Fox NFL Sunday” show.At NBC, Tomlin will fill a void left by Dungy, who NBC did not retain for an 18th season. While various reports have stated that the “FNIA” lineup could undergo further shuffling, host Maria Taylor and analysts Jason Garrett and Devin McCourty are expected back.In late 2015, “FNIA” explored Tomlin’s well-documented physical resemblance to actor Omar Epps, showing photos of either man and asking Steelers fans and Tomlin’s wife, Kiya, whether it was Tomlin.Tomlin never should be confused with Epps’ Darnell Jefferson, the cocky freshman running back from 1993’s “The Program.” That character aimed to impress college coed Halle Berry with a forced, hyperintelligent vocabulary that indubitably would make Tomlin roll his eyes.“I don’t think a lot about the things that I say, to be honest with you,” Tomlin once said when asked about the origins of his oft-celebrated, “The standard is the standard.”He continued: “I’m just trying to use words to vividly capture the imagination of our guys so that they can remember the messages so they can somehow be ingrained in their mind so they can somehow make it come alive inside stadiums on the grass. By whatever means we get that done, I’m for it.”Substitute “inside stadiums on the grass” with “on sofas across the nation,” and there’s Tomlin’s value to any network suitor.NBC doesn’t want viewers to leave their couches, of course. But with Tomlin aboard, they may well leap from them – or at least sit up – while hanging on every word. </div> #Mike #Tomlin #Perfect #Television #Fit #NBC #Deadspin.com

Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.
But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.
Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.
An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.
How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?
Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.
For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.
It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.

But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.

Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.

An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.

How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?

Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.

For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.

It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.

The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.

Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.

Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.

The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.

Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.

If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">

USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up. #USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

mwasimuddin125 0

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.

The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.

Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.

Player Ratings

Paraguay

Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)

Australia

Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)

Published on Jun 26, 2026

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