ANAHEIM, Calif. With Aaron Judge on the injured list and Shohei Ohtani thriving in the other league, the door is open for a new contender to win the American League MVP award for the first time since the shortened 2020 season. Is this finally Yordan Alvarezs year to take home the honor? "Its something I think every player wants, but right now Im not thinking about that," Alvarez told me through his interpreter earlier this week in Anaheim. "Im not that type of player, to have that kind of pressure that I have to win that award." Its not that the Houston Astros slugger cant handle it, to be clear. This is the same player who catalyzed Houstons 2022 championship run with a walk-off home run off Seattle Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray in Game 1 of the American League Division Series and cemented it with a go-ahead blast off Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jose Alvarado in Game 6 of the World Series. Alvarez has consistently produced in pressure-packed moments on baseballs biggest stage, slashing .314/.417/.628 with 11 home runs over his last four postseasons. It just isnt his modus operandi to try to garner individual attention, even amid what might end up the best offensive season of his eight-year career, especially while trying to lift a fourth-place Astros team thats searching for its way. But as much as Alvarez deflects when asked about it, those around him know what winning MVP would mean to him. "I think it would be a huge deal for us as an organization and as his manager, and I think his teammates [would] be ecstatic about it, but Yordan will never talk about that," Astros manager Joe Espada told me. "Hell never admit that he would love to do that. I know deep inside he would love to do that, and we all know hes that good, but hes a humble man." According to Alvarezs teammate Christian Walker, that humble nature shouldnt be misconstrued as a lack of competitiveness or drive. Theres a serenity to Alvarez when he steps to the plate, but its like a lion stalking his prey before pouncing. "Hes quiet, hes calculated, but do not confuse that with lack of caring," Walker told me. "This guy wants to win, and he wants to dominate this league, and I think hes in a position to do both of those things." Alvarez describes himself as "very competitive" and even "kind of stubborn." He said those attributes have helped him thrive at the plate and keep a positive mentality, no matter how hes feeling physically or how much time he might have missed due to injury. From 2020 through 2025, Alvarez played in only 590 of the Astros 870 games as knee, hand, oblique and ankle injuries sidelined him at different points. But he has still hit at least 20% better than league average every season of his career, and since entering the league in 2019, his 165 wRC+ 65% better than league average is the second-highest mark in MLB behind only Judge (183). "Im hard on myself," Alvarez said. "I have high standards. Even if I dont meet those high standards, I feel like the numbers are still going to be good." In August 2020, Alvarez underwent surgery on both of his knees. A year later, he recorded the highest batting average in ALCS history (.522) and outhit the entire Boston Red Sox lineup over the final two games of the series to send Houston to the World Series. The Astros lost in six games that year but won in six the next, thanks largely to Alvarezs 2022 postseason heroics against the Phillies. That season, Alvarez had an OPS over 1.000 and finished third in MVP voting behind Judge and Ohtani. It was the closest he has come to winning the award, due to both the brilliance of Ohtani and Judge over the ensuing years and the injuries that have prevented the Astros slugger from challenging for the honor. Four years later, though, a path has opened up for Alvarez, who is once again bouncing back from an injury-shortened season. He leads all of MLB in OPS, slugging and total bases. Over the past 58 years, only one player Miguel Cabrera in 2012 has won a triple crown. Alvarez, who ranks first in the AL in home runs, second in batting average and tied for third in RBIs, could challenge for it, though he thinks its too early to have that discussion. His ability to read pitchers and not fall victim to their plan of attack, he believes, is paramount to his success. "Every year, the league is harder on what they try to do with you," Alvarez said through his interpreter. "Knowing how to adjust is part of it. Ive been able to, thankfully, do it." Unfortunately for Alvarez and his MVP case, his team is 31-39. But in the dismal American League, the Astros are still only four games out of a wild-card spot. Plus, Alvarezs biggest competition right now for MLBs top individual honor is playing for an even worse Kansas City Royals club (28-41). Bobby Witt Jr. leads the AL in WAR, teaming his .799 OPS with 24 steals and exceptional defense at shortstop. Alvarez cant help his cause similarly with his legs or his defense, but his offense is so exceptional that it might not matter. He leads Witt, and nearly every AL player, in every major hitting category. There are no obvious blemishes in Alvarezs offensive package. Hes hitting .328 against fastballs and .326 against off-speed pitches, and hes slugging .658 against breaking balls. He has an OPS over 1.000 against both righties (1.068) and lefties (1.057). He ranks in the top 10 among all qualified hitters in barrel rate and hard-hit rate, and he doesnt sell out to access his power. Alvarez has the highest walk rate of his career (15.3%) this year, nearly as many walks (46) as strikeouts (53), and one of the 40 lowest whiff rates among all qualified hitters. "I think the reason hes in a category of his own is the consistency to hit everything hard," said Walker, who has hit behind Alvarez all month. "You look at the big production guys, they tend to be 30 or 40 homer [hitters] but bring a lot of strikeouts with that. Their averages tend to be a little bit lower. This guy, when hes not hitting homers, hes hitting 112-mph doubles in the gap. Its so impressive, the consistency. For me, thats what stands out the most, is his ability to compete." Hes also one of the most clutch hitters in the sport. Alvarez has demonstrated that skill in postseasons past, and hes doing so this year with an OPS over 1.100 with runners in scoring position. Its in those moments, Walker told me, when he sees Alvarezs quiet competitiveness manifest. "Its hard to quantify, because he doesn't have big reactions after at-bats," Walker said. "Its not a show of emotion, but you can feel it. You can feel it when he comes through in a big moment. He hits a three-run homer to give us the lead and hits home and comes back in the dugout, and you can just see it in his face." This year, Alvarez is accessing more of his pull-side power, allowing him to turn his barreled baseballs into home runs,but hes still spraying singles all over the field. When fellow Astros left-handed hitter Joey Loperfido was in the minor leagues, and even before he got drafted by Houston, he liked to watch Alvarezs swing because he admired how the slugger used the opposite field. "Just how powerful he is to left-center, how hes able to stay on some pitches, especially left-on-left, and go the other way one of the best to ever do it," Loperfido told me. This season is arguably Alvarezs best, but the 28-year-old is not yet satisfied. "I think I can be better," he said. In what way? "Everything."

Use the latest BetMGM promo code CBSSPORTS to get $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses for USA vs. Paraguay, 2026 World Cup betting on Friday

A desperate Scotland supporter is on a race against time to reach Boston after his US visa was approved on the eve of Scotland's World Cup opening match.Kenny Smith, from Inverness, was one of the many fans who saw their their Esta travel permits withdrawn without explanation last week.But after his travel was approved at the US embassy in London on Friday morning, airport delays caused him to narrowly miss his connecting flight in Dublin. He will spend the night there and hopes to arrive in Boston at 14:45 EST on Saturday, just hours before kick-off at 21:00 (02:00 BST). "Now it is mission critical," he said.Smith, who is lead singer with folk rock band Torridon, described the turn of events as "unbelievable"."It took ages to get the bags off. I missed my check-in by 15 minutes," he said."I am booked on tomorrow and due to arrive in Boston around 14:45."Smith, who joined the US embassy queue at 07:30, told BBC Scotland News there were several Scotland fans lined up.At the desk the official behind the glass who approved his visa said: "I am so sorry you had to go through this."Smith said: "I could have cried - and I did later. I said 'I could cuddle you just now'."He said a fist bump would do so we fist bumped on the screen and off I went."I have never had a feeling like it in my life. I am going to Boston."Smith said the "rollercoaster" experience since his visa was revoked last week had given him chest pains.The security firm boss said he was failed by the system but finally got a result thanks to the people, including politicians and fellow fans, who rallied to his cause. Smith said: "I can't keep track of the messages. It has been absolutely incredible."He hopes other Scotland fans in the same situation manage to get the green light to travel to the US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico. Smith has been following Scotland home and away since he was 16.He was too young to attend the 1998 World Cup in France and vowed he would be at the next one.But he never imagined it would be almost three decades later.Scotland will face Haiti on the opening match in the Boston Stadium in Foxborough before taking on Morocco at the venue at 23:00 BST next Friday.The final group match in Miami - which kicks off at 23:00 on 24 June - will pit the national side against five-time winners Brazil.Earlier this week a Scotland football fan told BBC Scotland News how he found out an hour before flying that his travel permit had been revoked.Michael Wright ended up having to send his brother through the security gates at Manchester Airport on his own when his visa status switched to "travel not authorised".Other members of the Tartan Army previously told how they could lose out on thousands of pounds in travel costs due to the ESTA changes.What is an Esta?In order to travel to America, applicants must complete a form, pay a fee, and receive approval before travel.An approved Esta is usually valid for two years and allows multiple short visits.UK citizens with certain criminal convictions or immigration issues are usually not eligible.In December, the White House said it wanted to make social media checks part of the process of applying for the permissions.Anyone who does not qualify for an Esta has to apply for a US visa instead, but this can be a lengthy progress.Tartan Army feels the heat in Boston as World Cup kicks offScotland fan has US visa revoked an hour before flying to World CupScotland fans 'heartbroken' as travel permits to World Cup withdrawn last minute

A federal judge on Friday ruled to allow the White House to stage a UFC event Sunday in an elaborate ring already built on the South Lawn.

The 19-year-old, who spent last season loan at Hamburg and has interest from Barcelona, Inter and Bayern Munich, is keen to team up with Fabian Hurzeler.

A federal judge refused on Friday to stop the White House from staging a UFC show this weekend in an elaborate ring already built on the South Lawn to celebrate the nations 250th anniversary on President Donald Trumps 80th birthday.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta's ruling allows organizers to use the White House lawn as the venue for Sundays planned UFC mixed martial arts event. Mehta concluded that the plaintiffs likely dont have legal standing to challenge the event and have failed to prove that they would suffer irreparable harm by the event going forward as planned. The judge also cited the plaintiffs unreasonable delay in suing to challenge an event thats been in the works for months.In the context of an emergency application and coupled with the fact that the UFC fight date was long ago known it is fair to say Plaintiffs unreasonably delayed bringing suit, undercutting their claims of irreparable harm, Mehta wrote.Attorneys from the nonprofit Public Integrity Project sued to challenge Trumps UFC Freedom 250 event on behalf of an activist and a Vietnam War veteran. The two plaintiffs also asked the court to block organizers from building anything for the event on White House grounds, including a 92-foot-tall, 600-ton steel structure called The Claw.The plaintiffs alleged aesthetic harms, the judge noted, are temporary since The Claw will be disassembled starting Monday morning and staging equipment at the Lincoln Memorial must be removed before then. The Presidents musings about permanency of the Claw does not move the dial in the face of a White House officials clear representation, the judge wrote.The White House called the lawsuit is a baseless attempt to prevent Trump from hosting an event thats no different from many others routinely hosted at public forums in the nations capital.Trump's administration cant issue permits for sporting events on the South Lawn or at the Lincoln Memorial, where UFC fighters planned to hold a press conference in front of fans on Friday, according to plaintiffs attorneys. They noted that the event is a privately organized, for-profit business venture, with VIP packages costing millions of dollars. The Presidents administration is granting the UFC an extraordinary business opportunity it may not lawfully grant, and in exchange the UFC is throwing an event at which its leadership, fighters, advertisers, and various celebrities will all pay tribute to the President on his birthday, plaintiffs attorneys wrote.The National Park Service and the Interior Department are named as defendants in the lawsuit. In 2019, during his first term in office, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a UFC show. Trump, a Republican, is a friend of UFC president and CEO Dana White.Mehta was nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Mehta has presided over other Trump-related cases, including civil litigation accusing Trump of inciting a mob of his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, after he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, a Democrat.

The opening lyrics couldn't be plainer: I am from Bosnia; take me to America. But by rewriting its classic USA, the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv has transformed a song about disillusionment with the American Dream into a viral anthem powering Bosnia-Herzegovina's own World Cup dreams.On the eve of Friday's match between Bosnia and Canada, members of the genre-bending rock group met The Associated Press in the Sarajevo neighborhood where they filmed the new music video for the accordion-heavy earworm, now titled I Am From Bosnia, Take Me to America. In less than three weeks, the video celebrating soccer's working-class roots has notched nearly 2 million views on YouTube on top of the 26 million views the original USA, released in 2011, has amassed over the years. Its an interesting story how this song got its second and third and fourth incarnation in these 15 years, muses Vedran Mujagi, bassist for the band that has woven political and social causes into its identity. It evolved from this satirical take on immigration and (the) American Dream and it was translated into (an) American football dream for the entire nation.Bosnia-Herzegovina is making only its second appearance at a World Cup, a goal that once seemed improbable as more traditional soccer powers stood in the way of qualification. At the end of April, though, Bosnia's late goal against Wales propelled the team to a victorious penalty shootout, a feat it would replicate days later against Italy. The band members were surprised when fans unfurled a banner emblazoned with their lyrics, singing them as a rallying cry.First, it was working as a joke, but what I like the most is the supporters kind of loaded completely new meaning to the old song, and this is the best thing for the band or for the song: when people take over and load new meaning and then it becomes theirs, keyboardist Brano Jakubovi says. Its not ours anymore. An own goal lament turns joyous The original USA is as up-tempo and catchy it's hard not to wander around muttering, I can no longer wait, take me to United States / Take me to Golden Gate, I will assimilate but its protagonist's eagerness to flee slides quickly to disenchantment with life outside the Balkans. The band decided to deliver an updated version of what Jakubovi describes as a typical immigrant song, writing new lyrics befitting a soccer anthem. While USA is in English, this version is mostly in Bosnian so people will understand, he says and mostly about the sport. The language switch has done nothing to lessen its global appeal, as a quick perusal of the YouTube comments suggests, though there are some jokes Jakubovi acknowledges would be inscrutable outside Bosnia. (See: burek without cheese.)Jakubovis favorite new line is a chance to excise something that has haunted the country since the 2014 World Cup: And that goal against Nigeria, that was never offside. So this is like a big national trauma in Bosnia, so I used the song and lyrics to kind of release this trauma, he says.He's being wry there, but trauma has been a mainstay since Bosnia's independence amid the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1992. Interethnic war almost immediately broke out, leading to genocide. More than 30 years after the Srebrenica massacre, deep division between Bosnian Serbs and Bosniak Muslims persist. Football in this moment is much more than just a game, it's a hope and its very basically (a) political thing because it brought all the people from Bosnia together, which is usually not the case, Jakubovi says.I am from Bosnia, take me to ... Canada?Bosnia's first match is in Canada, but the team will indeed be taken to America. Their base camp is in Sandy, Utah, and the other group stage matches against Switzerland and Qatar are in the States. And, as Mujagi points out, many of the players were born in the U.S. or elsewhere in the diaspora. They are children of those people who went outside in search of a better life or as refugees or whatever their story was. And they kind of see and hear these lyrics and this song entirely differently from us, he says.Mujagi thinks the original message of USA endures as Bosnians still emigrate. Once they leave, he finds, they encounter this hostility of the locals, right-wingers, and they just dont want them there.So its this schizophrenic situation in which you want to go there, but you somehow know that you wont have it good on the other side as well, he concludes. So in that sense, this song still works perfectly well as it worked before.In St. Louis, home to a thriving Bosnian community, Admir Hodzic is one of the founders of the supporter group BH Loyals. The 40-year-old business owner was born in Bosnia and has moved back and forth between his homeland and the U.S., not unlike the protagonist of USA. I think every Bosnian that lives here and understands how the system works and everything else, I think they will find the truth in that song, and that song is honestly nothing but the truth, he says. There are more opportunities in the U.S. than elsewhere, he says, but it's a matter of biting your teeth and pulling through the worst times possible. He and his fellow supporters are big fans of Dubioza Kolektiv and sing their anthem at matches and watch parties. More often than not, though, it's the original USA.Its engraved in their brain and their hearts, he says, and no matter what, they just go back to the old lyrics, you know?___Sen reported from New York.___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

It took just 45 minutes for Gary Neville and Roy Keane to have their first bust-up of the World Cup.The former Manchester United teammates clashed during ITV's coverage of Mexico's opening match against South Africa, and it's fair to say things got a bit heated in the New York studio.Julian Quinones netted the tournament's first goal, but the pundits couldn't agree on who was at fault for the South African defensive mix-up that led to it.Presenter Mark Pougatch could only watch on as his colleagues went back and forth over the controversial moment.The goal came after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pass straight to midfielder Yaya Sithole, who was immediately caught out by Mexico's pressing game.Keane was adamant the keeper was entirely to blame. "It's 100% on the goalkeeper," he insisted, pointing out Williams had better options to his left and right.Neville saw it differently, arguing that receiving and playing a simple pass should be second nature for any midfielder."I think that's the simplest thing in the world for any midfield player just to take a touch and play it out to the right centre-back," he said.Ian Wright backed Keane's position, suggesting the goalkeeper took an unnecessary risk so early in a World Cup match.But the Mexico goal wasn't the only thing the pair locked horns over.Neville had been singing the praises of Scotland's John McGinn, declaring his love for the Aston Villa man and suggesting he could play for any top Premier League club."He's technically excellent, takes the ball, understands his role in the team and he is adaptable," Neville gushed.Keane wasn't having it though, accusing his former teammate of going over the top."I think it's a bit of an exaggeration from Gary, I wouldn't go that far," he fired back. "Are we putting him in the bracket of all these top midfielders in the Premier League? I am still not convinced."With six weeks of World Cup coverage still to come, Pougatch couldn't resist a wry observation about the studio atmosphere."We've got six more weeks of this. Don't go too early," he quipped.Meanwhile, McGinn himself has been reflecting on what this tournament means for Scottish football.The midfielder urged his teammates to inspire young fans back home, noting that a whole generation missed out on seeing Scotland at a World Cup."It's amazing that they've got people to look up to from their own country, who are on the world's biggest stage again, and that's to be celebrated, definitely," he said.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient scheme.