Christian Pulisic says he feels great now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.Pulisic said he nearly played in the U.S.' 2-0 victory over Australia last Friday but was held out to get closer to full fitness for the games ahead. He has returned to practice with his teammates this week after working out on his own last week before the trip to Seattle.I'm hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure, Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park. Ill discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance Ill probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but well see.U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't reveal his plan Wednesday for Pulisic in the match against Turkey, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention."Pulisic is talking with the medical (staff)," Pochettino said in an afternoon news conference at SoFi Stadium. We have to decide if its possible to play from the beginning, or maybe play from the bench and play the second half.Pochettino did indicate that his players who have already received yellow cards Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams are unlikely to play, at least as starters.For the guys that have yellow cards, its not necessary to take another yellow card and not be available for the next stage, Pochettino said. Its a normal, easy answer not to play with them from the beginning.Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playing time for him as the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic's calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cup stage, he felt certain he wouldn't be out for long.I never feared anything worse, Pulisic said. I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasnt quite ready, but it wasnt anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey, Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key players in his starting lineup while giving a few of his reserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance.Our trainings are pretty intense," Richards said. "I think fitness won't be an issue. I don't think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it's good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we'll be fine when it comes to the next game.Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator during the Americans' win in Seattle, celebrating along with his teammates as they capably handled a second straight opponent for their team's first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive performance without its most accomplished attacking player, particularly in the first half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly.Its not surprising to me, Pulisic said. I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I dont need to do everything. Its such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each others backs. Thats what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that weve put in, especially the way weve started the games, has been fun to watch.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted inside Lumen Field when Iran face Egypt in Seattle's designated "Pride Match" on Friday, dismissing lobbying efforts from both Muslim-majority nations.The world governing body stated that the 2026 World Cup is "an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds," adding that "fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events."Rainbow flags and other symbols representing sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly allowed under the tournament's stadium code of conduct, FIFA confirmed.Both Iran and Egypt had pressed for restrictions on Pride-related expressions during the Group G fixture. Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj condemned the situation, whilst Egypt's Football Association wrote to FIFA "categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match."The designation of the 26th June fixture as a "Pride Match" was established by Seattle's local organising committee well before December's World Cup draw determined which teams would participate.When the draw placed Iran and Egypt in the Group G slot, the pairing created an immediate tension with the host city's intentions.Egypt's Football Association subsequently urged FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities, arguing that such events conflicted with the country's cultural and religious values.Iran's governing body filed a formal objection with FIFA. Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty in the Islamic Republic.The Pride Match remains "a host city initiative" and is separate from FIFA, a spokesperson for football's governing body told Reuters.Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations have taken place on this weekend for more than fifty years.Members of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community have expressed optimism that the fixture could serve as a catalyst for broader acceptance.Jon Cairns, the 49-year-old manager of local LGBTQ+ venue Kremwerk, told Reuters: "International sports is one of the biggest brokers historically of social change and individual rights and freedoms worldwide, including in the U.S."He drew parallels with Jesse Owens' four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the raised-fist protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1968, noting that "only international sports could reach that big of an audience."Ryan Webster, a 40-year-old lifestyle manager, described the match as an opportunity for solidarity with those whose sexuality is criminalised in their home countries."I'm choosing to believe that this is our moment to allow the members of the LGBTQ community that come from those countries to have the opportunity to celebrate themselves in totality that they might not have otherwise," he said.Seattle authorities have established designated protest zones surrounding the stadium in anticipation of demonstrations during the fixture.Mayor Katie Wilson stated: "We are very much expecting and prepared for protest activity, which is why we have many designated protest zones in the stadium area, and our law enforcement is very prepared to deal with that."The preparations follow recent protests at Southern California matches against Iran's current regime and FIFA's prohibition of the pre-revolutionary "Lion and Sun" flag.Hedda McLendon, senior vice president of legacy for Seattle's World Cup organising committee, told Outsports: "We anticipate a lot of rainbow flags in the stadium and T-shirts with rainbow flags on them. Let's welcome people to Seattle. It's the World Cup. And let's show them how we Pride."Seattle's annual PrideFest regularly attracts more than 200,000 participants.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

A major hospital maternity review and Burnham's mooted plans for prime minister lead Thursday's papers.

Most routine and elective services will be cancelled but full emergency cover will remain in place.

The remains of a man found 28 years ago in the Utah desert with the help of a psychic were identified this week.The man, identified as Pedro Calderon Marioni, had likely been dead for two years by the time he was found in 1998, the Garfield County Sheriffs Office said in an announcement on Monday."This identification demonstrates the value of persistence, collaboration, and advancements in forensic science," Garfield County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Tom Talbot said in a news release. "Most importantly, it provides long-awaited answers to a family that has lived for decades without knowing the fate of their loved one."Marionis partially skeletonized remains were identified by a forensics lab that specializes in cold case investigations.MYSTERY OF REMAINS FOUND INSIDE SLEEPING BAG IN OLYMPIC PARK SOLVED AFTER 26 YEARSMarioni, 31, was found on June 2, 1998, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Ticaboo, Utah, after a psychic led investigators searching for three suspects who killed a Colorado police officer there.His remains, which were discovered by a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agent, were found near a drainage path and were partially covered by sand, rock and dirt.Investigators didnt find a link between Marionis remains and the fugitives.REMAINS OF FLORIDA TOURIST DISCOVERED IN GEORGIA WOODS TWO YEARS AFTER DISAPPEARANCE: FBIPersonal items were found near his remains, including cowboy boots, a bathrobe, a Ford truck key and a long-distance calling card.Investigators believed at the time that he may have been traveling from Texas to California.His remains were taken to the Utah Officer of the Medical Examiner but couldnt be identified despite extensive investigation, and he became known as "Garfield County John Doe."DNA INNOVATION CREDITED IN IDAHO, RACHEL MORIN CASES SIGNALS SHIFT IN RACE TO CATCH KILLERS, LAB FOUNDER SAYSTwo years ago in July, the state sent his remains to Othram, a cold case processing lab in Texas, for advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing made possible by federal grant money.The lab was able to put together a DNA profile and give investigators new family leads.After reviewing historical records, locating potential family members and doing multiple interviews, his possible sister was identified in May.She gave investigators a sample that confirmed Marioni was her brother.The sheriffs office said Marionis identification marked the eighth publicly announced cold case ID using Othrams lab for genetic genealogy analysis.The three suspects in the murder of Officer Dale Claxton died by suicide after they were located by investigators.

Die Tour de France 2026 verspricht bereits beim Start Spannung. Zum groen Showdown kommt es in Alpe d'Huez. Alles Wichtige zum grten Radrennen der Welt.[mehr]

MEQUON, Wi.- Tonight at 6:05 pm CDT at Moonlight Graham Field, the Lakeshore Chinooks and Fond du Lac Dock Spiders face off for the ninth time this se... - Northwoods Lakeshore Chinooks

Un match enjeu entre les deux formations. La Core du Sud, en cas de victoire ce jeudi, verrait sa qualification pour le prochain tour assure. L'Afrique du Sud, quant elle, na pas dautres choix que de simposer pour continuer laventure dans ce Mondial. Coup denvoi 3h.

Scottish fans light up the World Cup in Miami Beach ahead of their country's game against Brazil.

There might not be anything to play for in terms of Group D standings when the USA takes on Trkiye on Thursday but that doesn't mean this one is meaningless in terms of reps and lessons. That said, it's a juggling act for Mauricio Pochettino to keep his guys fresh but not take any unnecessary risks. If I were Poch, Id be hesitant to play Christian Pulisic in this game. I get the idea of wanting to keep him sharp, but theres more to lose than there is to gain. These players are already fit, so playing 90 minutes wouldnt be a concern. Instead, I expect well see a rotated United States team with players starting who will be hopeful of making a positive impact in their first extended action of the tournament. Here's what I think we'll see from the USA and Trkiye on Thursday night in Los Angeles. I expect the USA to heavily rotate here. The guys who are one yellow card away from a suspension or carrying minor knocks are the ones who I especially do not expect to play. You may see some of the other players who have been active so far in this tournament start before getting subbed off, before they play the entire 90 minutes. Id expect to see guys who start but havent gotten much action in the tournament play close to the entire game. What Im not expecting is to see a less competitive United States team. The guys who havent gotten many minutes but will play are likely to want it even more than the ones who have been. This is their chance to get a start at the World Cup, and its their opportunity to show that theyre capable of stepping up during the knockout stage. That will especially be the case in attack. Weve seen early goals against Paraguay and Australia, so most of the USAs minutes have been playing with a lead. If that doesnt happen again and attacking changes need to be made in the knockout stage, I want to see who can step up. We saw Ricardo Pepi get a start in place of Pulisic against Australia, but who will be the first name(s) off the bench when the USA might need a goal later in the tournament? Will it be Tim Weah or Alex Zendejas? Haji Wright? Brenden Aaronson? We dont know yet. The one attacking player who has made an impact is Gio Reyna, who scored the fourth goal against Paraguay after coming on in the 82nd minute. What Im most curious to see with Gio is how he is deployed. I thought he was going to start on the left wing in place of Pulisic against Australia, but Mauricio Pochettino opted for a second striker with Pepi instead. Assuming Gio starts this game, is he on the wing? Is he playing as an "8" in more of a central role in midfield? This will be a big opportunity for Reyna to show why he should be the go-to guy off the bench. I want to see him grind on both ends of the pitch and show why he thinks he should be starting. Trkiye may be the most unlucky team in the World Cup and will feel hard done by entering this game. Of all the teams that are at the bottom of their group, especially the ones that have already been eliminated, the Turks are probably the most talented. Trkiye had 62 shots in its first two games without scoring a goal. Against Australia in the opener, Trkiye faced a side that defended extremely well and happened to get an early goal. After that, the Aussies were able to sit back and defend in a low block that was really well-executed. Then, against Paraguay, it was an even earlier goal that put Trkiye behind. Then, the Turks played against 10 men for 50 minutes but still couldnt score. When you look at Trkiyes xGs (expected goals) and total number of shots, youd be shocked that it lost both matches and didnt even get a point from either. But, in reality, this team is going home after this game regardless of the result. Conceding early has especially been tough for Trkiye. It makes for a weird game because the Turks have been in control, so theres initially a sense of confidence that the goal will come. Then, as the game goes on, it gets more and more frustrating. Gler has a great ability to find the final pass or shoot effectively from distance. The surprising thing so far in this tournament is that he has not been efficient with either of those skills. Something has just been a little off. You can tell when Gler gets on the ball, though, that hes the player trying to make things happen. He gets on the ball, and the rest of the team perks up. The other key attacker for Trkiye is winger Kenan Yildiz, who came on at halftime against Australia and played all 90 minutes against Paraguay. Hes a different type of player from Gler, one who thrives in one-on-one situations.