Every UFC Freedom 250 fighter, including Alex Pereira and Josh Hokit, will visit the Lincoln Memorial for Friday's press conference

Aston Villa Want This La Liga Goalkeeper As Martinezs Replacement: Right Choice For Emery?Unai Emery isnt a man to be caught cold. While Aston Villa fans are still basking in the glow of last months historic Europa League triumph, the manager is already planning for a seismic shift between the sticks. Reports from Madrid-based outlet AS suggest the club have renewed their pursuit of Real Sociedad goalkeeper lex Remiro.Emery prepares for life after Emi Martnez as Aston Villa target La Liga stopperWhy the sudden movement? Look to Italy. Juventus are pushing hard for Emiliano Martnez. The Argentine World Cup winner is coveted in Turin, forcing Villas hierarchy to move swiftly. They need a top-tier replacement. This isnt a new obsession, though. Villa earmarked the Basque keeper last summer during an earlier bout of anxiety over Martnezs future. That deal stalled when the South American chose to stay at Villa Park. Now, Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo reports that several unnamed clubs have joined the hunt alongside the Birmingham outfit.The 31-year-old hasnt had it easy in San Sebastin this term. Far from it. He has shipped 62 goals in 39 matches, keeping just four clean sheets. Despite the ugly statistics, Emery remains a massive fan of his compatriot. Real Sociedad are ready to sell, too. They want a reasonable fee between 8m and 10m, matching Transfermarkts 9m valuation. Feel Winner, the agency representing the keeper, is already handling communications ahead of his contract expiry in 2027.The tactical gamble facing the West Midlands clubGIRONA, SPAIN MAY 14: Alex Remiro of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Real Sociedad at Montilivi Stadium on May 14, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Losing Martnez is a massive punt. No two ways about it. The penalty-saving specialist brings a certain aura to B6, a dressing-room leadership that money simply cannot buy. Dropping an unproven Premier League keeper into his boots is incredibly risky. Remiro lacks the aerial dominance of the Argentine, and those 62 goals conceded this season will definitely raise eyebrows in the Holte End.But look closer at what Emery actually wants.His system demands a keeper who can play out from the back under ferocious pressure. Remiro does exactly that. He is incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet, popping passes into midfield effortlessly. Then there is the financial side of the game. A cut-price deal under 10 million keeps the Premier Leagues profit and sustainability watchdogs at bay. It frees up vital cash for other positions while bringing in an experienced European performer.Fans will be hurt if their talisman heads for the exit. That is football. But the manager knows the Spanish market inside out, and backing his recruitment usually works out.

Ghana's Thomas Partey will miss their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama after being denied entry to Canada.

It might just have been the craziest 12 months of Mat Ryans life and it could take another twist with the Socceroos captain and goalkeeper urging his teammates to believe they can shock everyone and deliver Australias best ever World Cup finish.

The USA will begin its campaign in this summer's home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night.

San Antonios Jesse Bam Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) is set to battle for the WBA Bantamweight Title against defending champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona. The event will be Rodriguezs first fight this year and first in the bantamweight division. The undefeated champ and ESPNs No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer in the world recently vacated his WBC, WBA and WBO super flyweight titles ahead of the Vargas fight as he plans to compete in the 118-pound bantamweight division for the time being. THE FINAL FACE-OFF @210bam vs Antonio Vargas WBA World Bantamweight Title#BamVargas live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/YRmiwI6z9t Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 12, 2026 Rodriguez spoke at a press conference in Desert Diamond Arena on Friday ahead of the big fight and addressed the all-in stakes he set for himself. (Im) constantly trying to challenge myself, Rodriguez said. If its not a world title fight, then it really doesnt interest me. Or even if its just a simple defense, it really doesnt interest me or get me going inside the gym. Rodriguez, 26, isnt a fan of plan Bs. By eliminating his fallback leverage to potentially reclassify in the 115-pound class, hes set to compete in the 118-pound division, or heavier, going forward. Im feeling much better at this weight class ... the fact that I dont have to lose that extra three pounds, Rodriguez said. So, just expect another spectacular performance, and Im ready to go out there and make it happen. The question will be whether Rodriguez can dominate at this level like he did in the lighter-weight divisions before eventually reaching his ultimate goal of fighting the undisputed No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Naoya Inoue. Ask him? Theres no doubt in his mind that the answer is yes. I feel like I havent even shown 50% of what Im capable of, Rodriguez said. But the tougher the opponent, then the bigger my performance. And Antonio Vargas, I feel like hes going to bring out another percentage of Bam Rodriguez, and I cant wait to go out there and show it. Bam is a massive betting favorite over Vargas, with the money line currently ranging between -2000 and -3335 in his favor across major sportsbooks. Rodriguez vs. Vargas will air on DAZN, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

Late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute and co-host Canada earned its first point in its third World Cup appearance and first on home soil by rallying for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.Playing in the shadow of Torontos iconic CN Tower, and in front of a sea of red Ca-na-da! chanting fans that included hockey star Connor McDavid and actor Ryan Reynolds, Larin converted Promise Davids pass a mere two minutes after entering the game.The goal was only the second in World Cup play scored by Canada after the team lost all three of its games at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and again four years ago at Qatar.Injury fill-in Jovo Lukic headed in a corner kick in the 21st minute for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is making its second World Cup appearance after failing to advance out of group play in 2014.Starting in place of Edin Dzeko (shoulder) and Haris Tabakovic (undisclosed), Lukic was in a ideal position to cap a set piece with captain Sead Kolasinac flicking along a header off Ivan Basics corner kick. The goal was Lukics first in international play and coming in the 27-year-old attackers fourth international appearance.Despite giving up the lead, the small Balkan nation of about 3 million people keeps coming up big on the international stage including eliminating four-time champion Italy in the European playoffs.Before Larins goal, Canadas best scoring chance came in the 54th minute when captain Stephen Eustaquio fed the ball to Richie Laryea in front of a wide-open net. The ball deflected off Kolasinacs foot and hit the crossbar.Canada was playing without Alphonso Davies (hamstring), who scored the nations first World Cup goal four years ago in Qatar.Canada now shifts to Vancouver for its final two group games, against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.The Bosnians also head west, with games against Switzerland on June 18 in Los Angeles and Qatar on June 24 in Seattle.___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for his tireless fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease charities and his contributions to both codes of rugby.The 45-year-old former England captain has raised over 10 million through six gruelling endurance challenges, all inspired by his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after battling MND for four-and-a-half years.Sir Kevin expressed his gratitude, saying: "I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities."He added: "I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with rugby league's second-ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport."TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe newly knighted sportsman will undertake his seventh and final challenge in September, with each event themed around the number seven Burrow's playing shirt number.Lindsey Burrow, Rob's widow, offered her congratulations to Sinfield on behalf of the entire Burrow family, describing him as the most deserving recipient imaginable.She highlighted how Sinfield's efforts extended far beyond supporting her late husband, benefiting countless families affected by MND through his awareness campaigns and fundraising for research."I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure, and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner," she said.Mrs Burrow also recalled her husband's famous words about their friendship: "As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition."The tribute underscored the profound bond between the two former teammates and Sinfield's unwavering commitment to the cause.Dame Helen Mirren has been elevated to Companion of Honour in recognition of her outstanding services to drama, joining an elite group limited to just 65 members at any given time.The 80-year-old actress won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen.The Companion of Honour represents one of the most exclusive distinctions in the British honours system, reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, science, medicine or government over an extended period.Dame Helen's elevation places her among a distinguished cohort of individuals whose achievements have significantly shaped British cultural life.Six members of England's triumphant Lionesses squad have been honoured with MBEs following their dramatic European Championship victory over Spain last summer.Chloe Kelly, whose decisive penalty secured the trophy in a tense final, was among those recognised for their contribution to the historic win.Thousands of supporters gathered along the Mall in July to celebrate the team's success against the Spanish side.Forward Michelle Agyemang, at just 20 years of age, became the youngest person named in this year's honours list.Fellow forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James also received MBEs, alongside goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and defender Jess Carter.The recognition comes as part of a list honouring nearly 1,200 individuals from across the United Kingdom.The Lionesses' achievement marked a watershed moment for women's football in England, with the team's success inspiring a new generation of players.The co-founders of Aardman Animations, David Sproxton and Peter Lord, have both received knighthoods for their services to the creative industries and charitable endeavours.Sir David and Sir Peter established the Academy Award-winning studio more than half a century ago, going on to create some of Britain's most beloved animated characters.Their creations include the cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his loyal canine companion Gromit, as well as the mischievous farmyard favourite Shaun the Sheep.The Bristol-based studio has won multiple Oscars over the decades, cementing its reputation as one of the world's leading animation houses.The pair's distinctive stop-motion animation style has influenced generations of filmmakers and brought joy to audiences worldwide.Their knighthoods recognise not only their artistic achievements but also their philanthropic work, reflecting the honours system's emphasis on rewarding those who combine professional excellence with community contribution.Children's author Julia Donaldson and novelist Malorie Blackman have both been made dames for their contributions to literature.Dame Julia, creator of The Gruffalo, became Britain's best-selling author last year, surpassing Harry Potter writer JK Rowling thanks to the enduring appeal of her picture books and newer characters such as Zog the dragon.Dame Malorie, renowned for her Noughts and Crosses series, joins her fellow author in receiving one of the highest honours available for services to the written word.Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was awarded an MBE for his services to music and charity.The heavy metal pioneer expressed his delight at the recognition, saying: "What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE."He reflected on his career: "It's been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years."Beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, who built her eponymous cosmetics empire after two decades creating looks for celebrities including Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian, was made a CBE.Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley received an MBE for her services to drama and charity work, describing the honour as the perfect 50th birthday present ahead of her milestone celebration in July."To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement," she told the Press Association.DJ Judge Jules, also made an MBE, said the recognition felt like "a reward for my industry", while television presenter Anneka Rice was honoured for her charity and broadcasting work through programmes like Challenge Anneka.The oldest recipient was 101-year-old Pauline Hough, who received a British Empire Medal for services to theatre in Nantwich, Cheshire.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the honourees, stating: "Their dedication shows how lasting change is built through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter