The knockout bracket in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is starting to take shape.
It begins with the round of 32, which runs from June 28 to July 3.
list of 4 itemsend of list
What is the format and crit… [+8671 chars]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage format, criteria and rules for qualification. Find out who’s in and who’s out.

Al Jazeera English

Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32? - Al Jazeera

What gives AJ Dybantsa the edge over Darryn Peterson? Did Caleb Wilson belong in the top tier of prospects? Was Mikel Brown Jr. deserving of being drafted ahead of rival point guards? Who were the bi… [+27617 chars]

Here's what coaches who have schemed against the top incoming rookies think about their future upside.

ESPN

College basketball coaches on the top 2026 NBA draft picks - ESPN

11:18 pm: Within their full report on the Ball trade rumors, Stein and Fischer (Substack link) cite league sources who say the Bucks have also registered interest in the Hornets star. Fischer clarifi… [+2670 chars]

The Timberwolves and Raptors are being reported as the most aggressive suitors, with the Bucks also expressing interest.

hoopsrumors.com

Hornets Discussing LaMelo Ball With Wolves, Raptors, Others - HoopsRumors.com

The Mets are trading LHP David Peterson, the team's longest-tenured player, to the Chicago Cubs for minor league infielder Cole Mathis.

SNY.tv

Mets trading David Peterson to Cubs - SNY

NEW YORK -- When it comes to Wednesdays doubleheader between the Cubs and Mets, call it The Dansby Swanson Show.
His bat did a lot of talking in those two games at Citi Field. In the second game, wh… [+3540 chars]

NEW YORK -- When it comes to Wednesday’s doubleheader between the Cubs and Mets, call it “The Dansby Swanson Show.”
His bat did a lot of talking in those two games at Citi Field. In the second game, which Chicago won, 10-5, Swanson drove in four runs. In the …

MLB.com

15 RBIs in one series?! Dansby's dominance sets franchise history - MLB.com

GUADALUPE, Mexico (AP) South Africa advanced to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday night.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minut… [+3211 chars]

South Africa advanced to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday night. Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute and South Africa finished in second place in Group A behind Mexico, which won all …

Associated Press

South Africa reaches World Cup knockout round for 1st time with 1-0 win over South Korea - AP News

Steph Curry was quick on the trigger.
Shortly after Yaxel Lendeborg made headlines on draft night for admitting he used to hate his new Warriors teammate, Curry took to Instagram to respond -- and d… [+1515 chars]

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry made sure to tell Yaxel Lendeborg that he would work hard to become his new favorite player on Instagram

Nbcsportsbayarea.com

Warriors star Steph Curry hilariously responds to Yaxel Lendeborg's hate for him - NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing multiple felony charges after he was arrested Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in early February.
Tampa poli… [+3085 chars]

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing multiple felony charges after he was arrested Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in early February.

Lions' Terrion Arnold arrested; faces kidnapping, robbery charges - ESPN

The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee has proposed a new college football transfer portal window among other changes to the calendar. It would change the notification-of-transfer period to a 10… [+2398 chars]

The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee has proposed a new college football transfer portal window, it announced.

On3.com

NCAA FBS Oversight Committee proposes new college football transfer portal window - On3

Mexico were already assured of a spot in the World Cup knockout stages, but they ended their Group A campaign with yet another victory.
Mexico made it three wins from three in their World Cup group … [+6065 chars]

Mexico were already assured of a spot in the World Cup knockout stages, but they ended their Group A campaign with yet another victory.

Theanalyst.com

Czechia 0-3 Mexico Stats: Co-Hosts Stay Perfect as Ochoa Makes Milestone World Cup Appearance - Opta Analyst

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) Portland business leaders gathered at the Moda Center on Wednesday for the Portland Metro Chamber's annual meeting, where city and state leaders made the case for a proposed $60… [+3132 chars]

The new owner of the Trail Blazers, Tom Dundon, spoke with the Portland Metro Chamber Wednesday about the future of the Moda Center and a plan for funding a ren

KATU

Blazers owner talks Moda Center renovation funding at Portland Metro Chamber meeting - KATU

Alex was a highly coveted player, and we are pleased that he chose to come to Washington, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said. Alex is a top-six offensive forward who brings size, versatility… [+4495 chars]

Buffalo receives Kampf, 3rd-round draft pick for forward, who had 33 goals this season

NHL News

Tuch traded to Capitals by Sabres, signs 8-year, $84 million contract - NHL.com

Hawks.com

Atlanta Hawks Acquire the Draft Rights to Henri Veesaar - NBA.com

cleveland.com

Why Cavs chose Meleek Thomas at No. 34 after trading out of first round - Cleveland.com

The Milwaukee Bucks did not have a selection when the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft began, but that changed when they acquired the No. 60 overall pick from the Orlando Magic for cash considerati… [+1195 chars]

The Milwaukee Bucks ended the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting Malique Lewis with the No. 60 overall pick.

Brewhoop.com

2026 NBA Draft: Bucks trade for No. 60 pick, select Malique Lewis - Brew Hoop

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark was back on the court Wednesday night in Indianapolis, and as weve seen in the past, referees were not on her side despite a clear foul that could be categorized… [+2682 chars]

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was shoved by Alyssa Thomas with no foul called, as the WNBA reviews her technical from a game involving DeWanna Bonner.

Fox News

Caitlin Clark shoved in neck during Fever game as another apparent foul on star goes uncalled - Fox News

It was the running joke around the Advocate Center after the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Grahams SLAP (size, length, athleticism… [+4121 chars]

While the second round didn't exactly answer the outside-shooting questions the Bulls have, new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham made it clear he was aware of the holes on the roster.

Suntimes.com

Bulls SLAP at second round of NBA Draft, making a pair of trades - Chicago Sun-Times

Big man Isaiah Stewart is reportedly on the move to Memphis.
As the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft rolled on, the Grizzlies and Pistons kept in touch after completing a trade the night before.
… [+1011 chars]

The Grizzlies stay active on the second night of the 2026 NBA Draft, adding big man Isaiah Stewart from Detroit.

Heat.com

Reports: Grizzlies trade for Isaiah Stewart, sending picks back to Pistons - NBA.com

11:10 pm: The trade is official, according to a press release from the Pacers.
8:01 pm: The Pacers are moving into the second round, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, who reports (via Twi… [+2819 chars]

The Pacers moved into the second round to select Indiana native and former Purdue star Braden Smith.

Pacers Acquire No. 38 Pick Braden Smith From Bulls - HoopsRumors.com

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is still adjusting to his new catcher.
Ohtani had been partnered up with Will Smith through his first 10 starts of the season, but since the All-Star c… [+3626 chars]

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani and catcher Dalton Rushing aren't on the same page on Wednesday night, leading Dave Roberts to step in.