Patriots quarterback Drake Maye stood behind his coach and said he doesn't think Mike Vrabel's off-field issues will be a distraction this season.
The North American World Cup has been deemed a success despite initial concerns, with full stadiums, top-tier environments, and thrilling games. France stands out as the best team, while the U.S. exceeds expectations. The Golden Boot race is intense, and the 48-team format, despite criticisms, has delivered memorable moments and first-time knockout stage appearances for several countries.
Mauricio Pochettino, hired as U.S. Soccer head coach in 2024, has transformed the team's culture and performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite initial challenges and losses, by introducing a competitive mindset and new players.
Aqueduct, NYC's final horse racing track, will host its last live races this weekend after over 130 years. The "Big A" will continue simulcasting until September 7th, but its closure marks a shift in gambling and a consolidation of the sport around fewer, more prominent venues.
African nations like Cape Verde, Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana are making significant impacts in the 2026 World Cup, challenging established soccer giants. Morocco, in particular, is a strong contender, with teams benefiting from diaspora players and FIFA's expansion of the tournament.
World Cup fans who bought resale tickets through platforms like StubHub are reporting being denied entry or receiving incorrect seats, despite spending thousands. StubHub attributes issues to FIFA's app, while FIFA only guarantees tickets from its official platform, leaving fans like John McNicholas, Brad Michel, and Brett Romas with dashed hopes.
This article clarifies common World Cup rules for first-time soccer watchers, explaining offside, stoppage time (including new hydration breaks), penalty kicks vs. free kicks, and the updated tiebreaker system, along with reasons for taped-over sponsor logos.
