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France v Iraq delayed due to lightning as Fifa action World Cup 2026 weather protocol

France’s group-stage clash with Iraq was delayed mid-match due to lightning in the area as Fifa’s World Cup 2026 weather protocol was actioned.

After heavy rain brought about the wettest half of football seen at this World Cup so far, the storm in the Philadelphia area escalated at half-time to lightning, meaning players and fans were forced inside.

Fifa is adhering to rules set by local authorities during the tournament, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) saying that if any lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium the game has to be stopped.

This sparks a countdown of 15 minutes, which resets every time another lightning strike happens. Once that 15-minute timer has elapsed, the players return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up.

Fans were forced into the concourses after a storm arrived in Philadelphia (Reuters)

The restart at Lincoln Financial Field is already believed to have been pushed back beyond the minimum wait of 30 minutes due to more lightning strikes, highlighting the real risk of matches at the World Cup facing long weather delays if thunderstorms hit in close proximity to the stadiums in use.

The tournament – co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – is being held in the peak of storm season in parts of the countries, with strict rules in place for lightning in the US particularly.

The weather, including the threat of lightning, already played a role in preparation for the tournament, with England’s friendly with Costa Rica delayed by an hour after heavy rain and the prospect of lightning in the Orlando area.

While a scorching New York City, with temperatures in the mid-30s during the opening days of the tournament, experienced heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning less than 24 hours before Brazil face Morocco in New Jersey.

That was a scenario seen several times during last year’s Club World Cup in the US, with six matches halted due to electrical storms.

That included an encounter between Chelsea and Benfica which kicked off at 4.38pm local time and eventually finished four hours and 38 minutes after it had begun.

A warning for lightning strikes appears on the big screen as heavy rain falls prior to the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium (The FA via Getty Images)

Stadiums in the Gulf Coast area and south east of the United States are likeliest to come under threat from thunderstorms, with Fifa addressing each match on a case-by-case basis if play is halted.

Issues could potentially arise if storms hit during the final round of group-stage games. The kick-off times of the two games in each group are synchronised to avoid affording an advantage to any nation by knowing what they need to do, although that may be unavoidable under such circumstances as a weather delay.

Were conditions sufficiently dangerous to force an abandonment, World Cup regulations state that the game would be played on a future date, restarting in the same minute as it was paused, with the remaining minutes played.

The Boston Celtics are one of the clear finalists for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade. But what happens if their ambitions fall short? What happens if they can't deal away a seemingly disgruntled Jaylen Brown to Milwaukee in return for a top-15 player ever?

Well, they should have plenty of options. Fortunately, there's usually a healthy market for All-NBA wings like Brown who play solid defense. In fact, you probably can't get enough of that player archetype in the modern league!

If the Celtics don't trade Brown for Antetokounmpo, here are a few possible fallback options for trade partners they could consider.

Portland Trail Blazers

After a sneaky resurgent season, the ascending Trail Blazers could be looking to put themselves back on the map. And what better way to build excitement for franchise legend Damian Lillard's return to Portland's lineup than by trading for an All-NBA-caliber, two-way wing like Brown? Imagine a Portland depth chart featuring Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Brown? (This assumes that Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija would go to Boston.) Look at all that creation and defense. I'd have to think Portland would be a much more serious Western Conference contender with Brown in the fold.

Houston Rockets

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

I'm unsure what to make of the Rockets. On the one hand, they're coming off a 52-win season. If Fred VanVleet never gets injured, the initial return on the Kevin Durant trade looks a lot better, and they probably do a lot better than a disappointing first-round exit, too. On the other hand, the team chemistry in Houston seems rancid and might need a full reset. Yes, even with VanVleet coming back. Could the Rockets be suitors for Brown? It depends on what they're willing to give up. Assuming Amen Thompson is untouchable, the Celtics would have to like some combination of Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard included in the trade package.

And I kinda think ... they would. That's a good cadre of role players for a title contender!

Denver Nuggets

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Nuggets are another team that's impossible to figure out right now.

Denver could run it back, trusting that it won't get bitten by the injury bug nearly as much for another season, make some minor tweaks around the margins, or blow it all up, with Nikola Jokić being the only unmovable chess piece. Truly, anything is possible. Dealing for Brown would qualify as "blow it all up," considering that it would probably involve Jokić's top running mate of the past decade, Jamal Murray. At the same time, it's a trade that could make a lot of sense for both teams. Brown is a more explosive creator than Murray, who is also much less of a defensive liability on a Denver team that needs to protect Jokić as much as possible. Murray, meanwhile, might be the NBA's best shooter from distance, joining a Boston squad that loves to gun 3-pointers more than anyone. The money is also similar.

Don't be that surprised if a Murray for Brown swap happens.

Atlanta Hawks

Count me as a believer in the Hawks' project. All-NBA forward Jalen Johnson and teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker are two of the most underrated players in the game. Plus, they just added veteran forward Aaron Wiggins. Could Atlanta go all-in on this version of itself and make a move for Brown? It would probably take dealing away perennial All-Defensive team member Dyson Daniels as the centerpiece in a trade, but I feel confident the Hawks would be comfortable with that price if they were getting a phenomenal player like Brown in return.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 4 Jaylen Brown trade options for Celtics if they don't deal him for Giannis

Boston Red Sox logo

The Boston Red Sox certainly could end up losing a star or two this summer.

When the Aug. 3 trade deadline gets here, all eyes will be on Boston. This is because of the fact that the club is struggling and have All-Stars that contenders will want, including Sonny Gray.

When it comes to Gray, he has a no-trade clause, so there's no guarantee that he will be moved.

While this is the case, he did make it clear to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe that he's open to having a conversation about a trade, if Boston wants to sell.

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"If someone came to me from the Red Sox and made a decision that that’s the direction that this team was going to go, I would be open for a conversation,” Gray said to Healey. “Whatever happens from then, only time will tell. But I would be open for a conversation.

"Holding veto power is 'an earned thing' and means a lot, Gray said. He negotiated it into the three-year, $75 million deal he signed with the Cardinals heading into 2024."

If Boston does want to sell, it's positive that Gray is open to a conversation. But this is yet another sign of potential moves to come for the organization. It certainly wasn't supposed to be this way for the Red Sox this season.

More MLB: Yankees Urged To Go Big With CJ Abrams Blockbuster Deal

During his exit meeting with Steve Staios, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk requested a trade out of Ottawa. On Sunday, Staios accommodated.

In one of the biggest trades in franchise history, the Senators have sent their captain to the Florida Panthers for three first-round picks and a second-rounder. Now what?

This episode of the Sens Nation Podcast is all about the Brady Tkachuk deal.

In this episode of Sens Nation, the official Senators podcast of The Hockey News, Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break down the blockbuster deal, why it happened, and what comes next for the Senators.

Among the topics:

Did the Senators get enough for Brady Tkachuk?

Why did Steve Staios make this move now?

Is another major trade coming before Friday's NHL Draft?

Will Ottawa actually use all three first-round picks?

Who becomes the next captain of the Senators?

How will Tim Stützle and the rest of the core respond?

What does this mean for the future of the franchise?

The trade has divided the fan base unlike anything we've seen in years. Some are devastated. Others believe it's a good thing.

We discuss all of it.

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Subscribe to SensNation on your preferred platform.

MIAMI, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Scotland fans during a Major League Baseball match between Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers at LoanDepot Park, on June 22, 2026, in Miami, United States. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images) | SNS Group via Getty Images

The Texas Rangers scored four runs while the Miami Marlins scored three runs.

The Rangers started a ten-game, three-series road trip in the middle of a stretch of 15 games in 15 days that will take them through June and beyond during their final road trip of the season’s first half. They did not, however, have a starting pitcher.

Instead Texas opted for an opener with Tyler Alexander pitching the perpetually terrifying first inning. The lefty reliever Alexander tossed a scoreless first frame to pave the way for bulk pitcher Kumar Rocker. This was the second time that the Rangers have elected to have Rocker come in after an inning for one of his outings.

If you recall, the last time they went down this avenue with Rocker, he responded with arguably his best appearances in the big leagues. Just over a month ago back on May 19, Rocker entered following an Alexander scoreless inning in Colorado and proceeded to shut the Rockies out over 7.2 innings.

Then the Rangers went back to using Rocker as a traditional starter for the next month where he has gone winless while sporting a 6.92 ERA during the month of June. Tonight, Rocker was equipped with the elusive F U slider that made him look like a potential MORP during his ascension in the minor leagues in 2024.

Though he didn’t have the same length or leash as his tandem effort in Colorado, Rocker went five innings and allowed two runs on five hits with zero walks and nine strikeouts on just 76 pitches. Six of those strikeouts came via a swing and a miss on a slider.

Rocker left in a 2-2 game as the Rangers opened the scoring with a fourth inning via a two-run home run off the bat of Ezequiel Duran, but Miami got a run apiece in the fifth and sixth to even the score and prevent Rocker from being the pitcher of record.

Neither team scored after that until the Rangers were able to shake off a failed bases loaded opportunity the inning prior to plate a couple in the top of the eighth.

With the Ja(k)cobs Junis and Latz ready to be deployed with a two-run lead, it seemed like Texas was set up to cruise to a win but Junis let a couple reach so Skip Schumaker went to Latz for another four-out save but not before the Marlins scored a run in the bottom of the eighth to pull to within a run.

Latz made it through the ninth unscathed (though he needed 31 pitches tonight) as the Rangers started their road trip with a win to move to within two games of .500 again.

Player of the Game: Duran’s homer was obviously key in a one-run win but he also threw out a runner at the plate on a fantastic relay throw. However, it’s hard to argue with Rocker’s bulk work even if he was only used for five innings.

Rocker has now allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks with 16 strikeouts in 12.2 innings when used after an opener. Seems like something the Rangers should considering doing more often.

Up Next: The Rangers and Marlins will reconvene for the second game of this series tomorrow evening with a pitcher to be named (perhaps Jose Corniell?) for Texas opposite RHP Sandy Alcantara for Miami.

Tuesday’s first pitch from loanDepot park is once again scheduled for 5:40 pm CDT and will be telecast via the Rangers Sports Network.

Lamar Jackson remains one of fantasy football’s most valuable quarterbacks entering the 2026 season, and another ranking has him firmly positioned near the top of the league.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback landed second in a 2026 fantasy football quarterback ranking, trailing only Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. Jackson finished ahead of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was ranked third, along with Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Jaxson Dart, Bo Nix, Matthew Stafford, and Brock Purdy.

That placement reflects Jackson’s rare combination of rushing explosiveness, passing growth, and weekly upside. Few quarterbacks can change a fantasy matchup as quickly as Jackson, whose ability to create outside structure remains one of the most dangerous traits in football. Even when Baltimore’s passing volume does not match some of the league’s more pass-heavy offenses, Jackson’s efficiency and rushing production keep him in the elite fantasy tier.

The top-10 projected fantasy QBs for this season 👀 @MikeClayNFL pic.twitter.com/hnk1XTSSWC

— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) June 23, 2026

Allen’s spot at No. 1 is understandable because of his combination of passing volume, durability, and rushing touchdown production. Still, Jackson has as strong a case as any quarterback to challenge for the top fantasy spot. His rushing ability gives him a floor that most pocket passers cannot match. In contrast, his improved command as a passer gives Baltimore’s offense a chance to become even more explosive under first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

That transition will be one of the biggest factors in Jackson’s 2026 fantasy outlook. The Ravens are building around a strong offensive foundation that includes Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman, while also adding young wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt to the mix. If Doyle’s system creates more defined explosive opportunities without taking away Jackson’s freedom as a playmaker, Baltimore’s quarterback could again produce at a league-winning fantasy level.

Jackson’s ranking ahead of Hurts also highlights the thin margins at the top of the position. Hurts remains one of fantasy football’s safest options because of his rushing touchdown value and Philadelphia’s offensive structure, but Jackson offers a different type of ceiling. His rushing yardage can swing matchups, and his arm talent gives him the ability to attack defenses vertically when Baltimore’s protection and spacing are right.

The quarterbacks behind Jackson all bring compelling cases. Maye and Daniels offer major upside, Burrow remains one of the NFL’s premier passers, and younger options such as Dart and Nix have rising fantasy appeal. Stafford and Purdy round out the top 10 as productive starters in strong offensive environments. Jackson still stands above that group because his fantasy profile is built on traits few players in NFL history have possessed.

For fantasy managers, Jackson’s appeal remains straightforward. He can produce without needing 40 pass attempts, he can deliver explosive plays with his legs, and he plays in an offense that should remain one of the AFC’s most dangerous units. If Baltimore’s passing game takes another step under Doyle, Jackson will not just belong at No. 2.

He could make a serious push to finish as fantasy football’s QB1.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson enters 2026 as a top-tier fantasy football QB

📈 Haaland adds to his insane international record with latest strike

Norwegian great Erling Haaland just cannot stop scoring, with the Man City star putting his country on course for a third appearance in the knockout stages of a World Cup.

It was a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Haaland despite Norway owning a one-goal lead at the break, with the 25-year-old failing to find the back of the net when he couldn't get the better of Édouard Mendy.

But like he has so many times before for club and country, Haaland sprung to life after the interval, completing a brace with goals in the 48th and 58th minutes on either side of a failed lifeline strike by Ismaïla Sarr.

Haaland, who now has smashed a ludicrous 59 goals in 52 caps for Norway, continues to add his name alongside some of the best the game has ever witnessed, while also becoming the all-time leading goalscorer at a men's World Cup for his country, passing Kjetil Rekdal, who scored one goal each at USA '94 and France '98.

The Leeds-born man has now become just the sixth player in World Cup history to net multiple goals in his first two appearances, joining Argentina's Guillermo Stabile, Hungary's Sándor Kocsis, France's Just Fontaine, Poland's Grzegorz Lato, and current England star Harry Kane.

Haaland has also scored at least two goals in each of his last six competitive matches for Norway (per StatMuse), while netting in each of his last 12 competitive appearances for Norway, while scoring at least one goal in 18 of his last 21 competitive national team games (per Opta).

And if that wasn't enough, he can also lay claim to the best goal/match ratio by any player with 50+ international goals in the last 100 years (also per StatMuse).

With a pending clash against Kylian Mbappé and France still to come to see who ends with control of Group I, and both players now sitting on four goals and one shy of tournament-leader Lionel Messi, this is the Golden Boot race we had all hoped for.

Atletico Madrid star open to move away amid heavy Barcelona interest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the Summer transfer window will see tons of players have their names included in some rather big-money moves across the globe, one player has risen to the top of the rumor mill for some time now: Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid player lit up the Metropolitano this season, getting involved in the creation of 29 goals, 20 of which came from his own foot. While this is a seven-goal involvement reduction from his debut with the Madrid-based club, he'd play a huge role in Atletico's trip to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

These efforts haven't gone unnoticed by some of the top names across the continent, as Real Madrid was linked with a €150 million bid for the Argentine after Florentino Perez secured victory in Bernabeu's recent election for the club presidency. But this bid would be instantly rejected by Los Blancos' cross-town rivals, which would also impact the interest by Barcelona, who were interested in Alvarez, as they would now have to fork up some serious money in order for a move to be made.

The Catalan club was looking towards the Metropolitano star as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left the Camp Nou after the expiration of his contract with the La Liga champions. Alvarez's 20 goals are more than what the Polish forward put up in Catalonia this season, but aren't anywhere near what he was known to put up in recent years. He'd still more than fit into the system present at Barcelona.

Yet the Alvarez transfer saga is set to open a new chapter after the World Cup winner made a shocking admission on Monday.

Alvarez's blunt admission

Alvarez dropped a quote, following his national team's victory over Austria in the second match day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that would send the football world in motion.

🚨💣 BREAKING! Julián Álvarez: “The best thing for me is a TRANSFER and I want to FULFILL MY DREAM”. 🔥

As always reported, Julián has agreed to join Barça and wants the move. It depends on clubs now…

…after €100m bid rejected few weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/gELXmZhcqr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2026

I try to be an honest person," Alvarez stated to reporters on Monday afternoon. "I spoke with Atletico de Madrid, and I think a transfer is the best option. I want to fulfill my dream.”

Given that the Argentine has only recently made this shocking admission, the Catalan-based club has yet to make any move, but it appears that they could have to pay up to €500 million, which is the release clause that is located in Alvarez's contract with Atletico. If the Catalan club isn't to pay that fee, any bid they could submit will have to be quite substantial given the time that Alvarez has left on his existing deal, which isn't set to run out until June 2030.

MORE TRANSFER NEWS

Several crew members from McDonald’s locations across metro Atlanta have been chosen as FIFA Flag Bearers.

One of them, 17-year-old Peter Mitchell, told Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen that, as a fry cook at McDonald’s, he knows how to handle pressure.

“I imagine it’s going to be hard. My heart is racing so much to think about trying to keep my cool out there,” Peter Mitchell said.

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He’s headed to a FIFA World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium where he’ll be on the field, known in soccer as the pitch, during some of the upcoming matches.

“I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like for a 16-year-old, 17-year-old at a World Cup match: a lifetime memory,” local McDonald’s owner and operator D.J. Mitchell said.

On Monday, the McDonald’s on Northside Drive threw a party for the local flag bearers, invited all the kids from the neighborhood, and presented a World Cup sized donation to the local nonprofit Soccer in the Streets, which has spent the last 37 years making the game more accessible to metro area children.

With 11 years experience, Peter Mitchell is quite the soccer player himself, but never an experience like the one he’s about to have.

“It’s unreal, just wonderful to be able to go out there on the field and be a flag bearer,” Peter Mitchell said.

The next World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium is set for Wednesday.

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New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is dealing with an unexpected off-field NFL situation involving quarterback Geno Smith and allegations related to his personal life.

According to multiple reports, a woman identified only as “Kristen” has accused Smith of assault. In an 85-second video clip that has circulated on social media, she makes several allegations against the Jets quarterback, including claims that he assaulted her.

She also accuses Smith of neglecting their special-needs child, breaking her computer, and chasing her during the incident. Police officers appear in the video and responded to the scene, but reports indicate that no arrests were made and no one was taken into custody.

MORE: Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce expected to receive hefty suspension

It remains unclear whether authorities have closed the case or if the matter is still under investigation. Reports from various outlets have provided conflicting information, making the status of the case difficult to determine.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith looks to throw against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesUncharacteristic accusations

The allegations come as a surprise given Smith’s relatively clean off-field record throughout his NFL career. The most notable controversy involving Smith previously occurred during his time with the Jets when he was involved in a locker-room altercation with former teammate IK Enemkpali.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over a $600 debt after Smith missed Enemkpali’s youth football camp. Enemkpali punched Smith during the confrontation, leaving the quarterback with a broken jaw that sidelined him at the start of the 2015 season.

MORE: Shedeur Sanders landing spots after latest Browns trade rumor

Smith joined the Jets this offseason after spending last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he played for New York from 2013 to 2016. His early years in the league were marked by inconsistency and several benchings.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After stints with multiple teams, Smith revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He served as Seattle’s full-time starter from 2022 through 2024 before the Seahawks traded him to the Raiders.

It is also unclear whether the NFL has begun its own investigation into the allegations or plans to do so.

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