A car believed to be carrying FIFA President Gianni Infantino leaves the Africa regional office of the world governing body near Rabat on August 5, 2026. (Abdel Majid BZIOUAT)Embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino watched outsiders Malawi lose 2-1 to Zambia in Rabat on Wednesday, but still secure a Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals place.They were joined in the knockout stage from Group C by record 10-time champions Nigeria, who hammered Egypt 6-2 in a match played simultaneously.The results left Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia level on six points with head-to-head records deciding the final placings.Malawi, the lowest ranked of the 16 qualifiers for the tournament, finished first and will face Ghana or Mali for a place in the semi-finals, and a ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.Second-placed Nigeria meet Cameroon in the other quarter-final on Sunday. Hosts Morocco play South Africa and Ivory Coast face Algeria on Saturday. Infantino, under fire for a now shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment, earlier held emergency talks in Morocco with directors of the world football governing body.FIFA then issued an apology while reaffirming its "full support" for Infantino.In a statement, the leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".The latest critics of Infantino include former Portugal star Luis Figo and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney."I could write 10,000 words on the problems at FIFA. But the solution needs only three: Infantino must go," wrote Figo in British newspaper The Daily Mail.Carney told reporters in Toronto that "I don't have confidence in Mr Infantino... given what transpired".Infantino hatched a plot to bring in private investors without informing senior FIFA colleagues. The immediate backlash, led by European body UEFA, forced him to abandon the plan.He watched the group match with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and Confederation of African Football (CAF) first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa, a Moroccan.Lekjaa has backed Infantino, saying ditching the plan "was wise as it prioritises the unity and cohesion of all the member associations of FIFA for all the initiatives of developing football".Leading 2026 WAFCON scorer Barbra Banda netted after just two minutes for Zambia and Prisca Chilufya added a second goal before half-time.But the goal Tabitha Chawinga scored for Malawi in the 72nd minute proved crucial as it took the landlocked southern Africa nation to the top of the table despite trailing.Half the six Nigerian goals came from penalties, converted by record six-time Women's African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade.Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa also scored for the Super Falcons, who led 2-1 at half-time. Nadin Ghazy bagged a brace for Egypt, one from a penalty.dl/tc

Credit: The Rich Eisen ShowThe MLB trade deadline came and went on Monday, and while some Yankees fans were frustrated with their ballclubs lack of aggression in adding talent ahead of a pennant race, youd be hard-pressed to find fans of the Dodgers, the MLBs second-most valuable franchise behind only the Yanks, in a similar boat.The Dodgers dealt for former Detroit Tigers ace and back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, adding to a loaded rotation that already included Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, and Tyler Glasnow, and a clubhouse that sports arguably the best lineup in the bigs.Many have pointedto the Dodgers massive hoard of talent, made possible in large part by deferred-money contracts and a$55 million revenue-sharing advantage, as evidence of competitive imbalance as a potential labor lockout betweenMLB and MLBPA looms over the 2027 season. Multiple owners have called for the implementation of a salary cap, something the players have been staunchly opposed to.On Tuesday, legendary play-by-play broadcaster Bob Costas appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed whether baseball was actually broken, in light of the Skubal deal and the Dodgers vice grip on the rest of baseball.Well, its another piece of evidence and successful teams, the Dodgers, the Yankees, whatever it might betheres resentment around baseball and around the various fan bases. And thats understandable, Costas said, before going on to credit the Dodgers organizational edge as it exists separate from the clubs resource advantage, such as Los Angeless willingness to shell out for players like Glasnow and Yamamoto where other franchises might take a more hesitant approach.And in the same way that we talk about it in the postseason, that, you know, championship teams may take advantage of the mistakes that are made on the field. Youre pointing out how they do the same thing in the arena of roster building and front officing, for lack of a better phrase, Eisen said.Costas agreed before noting that as talented as Los Angeles may be, the field still has a greater than 50% chance to win the World Series, and that throughout his long career in and around the sport, things always work out, even if reform is necessary at some level.The game always seems not only to survive, but eventually to bounce back and thrive, he said. There are so many appealing things about baseball now, the international talent pool, so many great players. I understand ownerships desire for some sort of economic predictability, if nothing else.And one thing that is a reasonable argument is that even if the Brewers and the Rays and other teams that are relatively under-resourced, no matter how clever and smart they are in their management, they cant hold a team together. And thats disorienting to a fan baseAnd I dont know what devices Im not an economist. Im not as well-versed in all the particulars of this as some people who were at the bargaining table, rather, would be. But they do have a legitimate argument. Whether that argument extends all the way to imposing a hard salary cap is something else again. And thats a line that the Players Association vows not to cross when it comes to that.While he didnt go as far as calling baseball broken, Costas did concede that a lockout was inevitable ahead of the 2027 campaign.Theres gonna be a lockout in December, no question. Itll probably carry over into spring training, and it might even carry over into the regular season because the owners dont mind if they play only 140 games. Its happened before. And in terms of revenues, its backloaded in terms of the playoffs for TV. And attendance isnt so great in April when kids are still in school, and the weather isnt so great in some cities.All in all, Costas is just appreciative he gets to remain around the sport, even if hes retired from the broadcast booth.Theyve been nice to bring me back in a nice emeritus role. They can tie a ribbon around it where most of it played out. No, no heavy lifting, just a few cameos. And then, then, then I go back and take a nice long nap.The post Bob Costas discusses state of baseball: Theres gonna be a lockout in December, no question appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Norris Brown, a tight end on the University of Georgias 1980 national championship team, died July 31. He was 65.Brown never generated the national spotlight that followed teammates Herschel Walker and Buck Belue, but for three seasons in Athens he occupied a vital role on one of the most celebrated teams in college football.MORE: Former Dodgers All-Star, who coached Mets in his 80s, dies at 89A native of Laurens, South Carolina, Brown arrived at Georgia in 1979 as head coach Vince Dooley was assembling the foundation of a dynasty. By his sophomore season, the Bulldogs were unbeaten, SEC champions, and on their way to a 12-0 finish. Georgia capped its 1980 season with a Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame, securing the programs second national championship and first since 1942.At 6-foot-4 with reliable hands and uncommon athleticism for the era, Brown emerged as one of Belues favorite downfield targets. MORE: Former Blackhawks forward, 10-year NHL veteran, dies at 47Brown caught 12 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns during the championship season, production that reflected Georgias run-heavy offense but understated his importance. Defenses consumed with stopping Walker often paid the price when Brown slipped behind the secondary.Heavy heart this weekend hearing about the passing of former UGA teammate TE Norris Brown, Belue, the Bulldogs quarterback and later a popular media personality, wrote on Twitter/X. Talented & skilled athlete & a wonderful teammate. I will miss him!MORE: Former 49ers, Cowboys All-Pro linebacker dies at 36One of his signature moments came against Auburn in the game that effectively clinched the SEC title, when Brown hauled in a touchdown that remains a cherished memory for Georgia fans.Brown finished his collegiate career with 44 receptions for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping Georgia win three consecutive SEC championships from 1980-82.Brown was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft and later played in the USFL, but his enduring legacy was forged between the hedges at Sanford Stadium. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

Red Sox passed on trading Jarren Duran, and he may finally be rewarding their faith originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox made good use of the trade deadline, landing big names in Adley Rutschman, Curtis Mead, Erik Miller, and a couple of other players to boost their playoff odds. They also could have used it to unload some baggage, which they did by moving Marcelo Mayer, but they didnt get rid of everything.The big name they didnt move was All-Star Jarren Duran, who was having a horrific 2026 season, and his antics during the season made it seem like his time in Boston was done come August. However, Boston opted not to, to even Durans surprise.Duran feared being let go Jerome Miron - Imagn Images Duran didnt even believe the Red Sox were going to trade him. With how he was doing, he thought they would release him. He was the worst hitter in baseball, and wasnt getting hot at all.To be honest, I thought I was going to be released I am the worst player in MLB statistically. I hate looking at the numbers but when youre going bad, you look at the numbers and it was pretty obvious how bad I was, Duran said (via Boston Globes Alex Speier).Duran was thankful that he wasnt traded or released, and hes shown his appreciation in the last seven games.Red Sox are glad they didnt deal him David Butler II - Imagn Images In the past seven games, Duran has finally turned it around; hes hitting .308/.333/.538/.871 with two home runs and four RBI.This has brought his season stats to .203/.259/.354/.613 with 10 doubles, 15 home runs, 58 RBI, and 16 stolen bases in 105 games. While this seems very mediocre, keep in mind, Duran was hitting sub-.180 for a long time, up to just a couple weeks ago.Durans future is probably still set in stone Brian Fluharty - Imagn Images Even with this increase in hitting, however, Durans time in Boston is most likely on a timer. The Red Sox have openly admitted to their plans to try shopping him over the offseason, and with Roman Anthony coming back, theres no real place for Duran in the lineup.So, this hitting streak might work out for Duran if he keeps it up. Combine it with the two years of control left on his contract, and there could be plenty of suitors for the 2024 All-Star MVP.Hopefully, Duran continues this success, and goes out on a high note with Boston, so they can get something good in return.MOREMLBNEWSRed Sox revealed Franklin Arias' future by passing on every shortstop at the deadlineRed Sox can't afford to wait on extending Adley Rutschman after trade deadline blockbusterRed Sox' blockbuster pursuit of Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene revealed

Given the recent changes in the Detroit Lions' linebacker room, Derrick Barnes will be a key figure for the 2026 season. Alex Anzalone departed in the offseason and rookie Jimmy Rolder will miss some time due to a recent hamstring injury.According to Detroit Lions senior writer and insider Tim Twentyman, Barnes has been expanding his role on defense.Through the first couple days of training camp, we've seen Barnes play an increased role in passing downs when the Lions are in nickel (five defensive backs and two linebackers). He had the biggest play for Detroit's defense during Thursday's practice when he stepped in front of and intercepted aJared Goffpass intended for tight endSam LaPortain a team period. - Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com"The way our defense is designed on that play, the position I'm playing, the job I'm doing on that specific play, it's kind of hard to see where I am in the coverage we're in and what my role is for the quarterback," Barnes said of last week's interception."I was kind of reading JG (Goff) a little bit, his eye progression, seeing a few routes coming across the field and I was like, 'Maybe I can just get in the window.' Really just did my job."As Anzalone moves on to Tampa Bay, Barnes spent this offseason studying Anzalone's Detroit tape to try to replicate some of what Anzalone brought to the Lions' defense.With linebacker Alex Anzalone signing with the Buccaneers in free agency this offseason, Barnes knows there's an opportunity to play in space on more passing downs. He's gone from a mostly on-ball SAM role to playing more of the WILL. He's studied a ton of film on Anzalone and his technique in the passing game this offseason. - Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com"I'm super excited for the role and the challenge," Barnes said. "Got to come out here every day and earn it."Barnes did briefly leave the field during Tuesday's practice, but he was not listed on the Lions' end-of-practice report. Barnes told Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi coming off the field that it was just a little bit of a knee injury and that he expects be fine.Barnes had a very healthy 2025 season, playing in all 17 games. This was an excellent recovery from a major knee injury in 2024 - an MCL/PCL injury in his right knee that necessitated surgery. There is a good chance that in his second year back from this injury, Barnes will look even healthier and be even more productive.The expanded role for Barnes may open up opportunity for him to make more game-changing plays like turnovers and sacks. In 2025, Barnes logged one interception and four sacks. With Barnes playing out in space more on passing downs, his interception numbers could increase. The Lions will be counting on him for these kinds of plays, especially given the uncertain status of star safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.For moreLionscoverage, follow us on X,@TheLionsWire, and give ourFacebookpage a like.Follow Jimmy on X,@JimmyLiaoMDThis article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions LB Derrick Barnes hopeful to expand role in 2026 season

Georgia produces enough high-level football talent to fill recruiting boards across the country, so narrowing the states senior class down to 11 players is no small distinction.Clemsonfootball running back commit Gary Walker made that elite group Wednesday when the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named him to its 2026 Super 11. The annual honor has recognized Georgias top 11 senior football players since 1985, with a list of past selections that includes Charlie Ward, Eric Berry and Travis Hunter.@GaryWalker2027 (RB, @CreeksideFBall): 1,669 rushing yards, 20 TDs, state scoring record, state title. Clemson commit. 2026 AJC Super 11.Meet the next name on the list, presented by @kroger#AJCSuper11pic.twitter.com/KvVggnCOLv AJC Varsity (@ajcvarsity) August 5, 2026Walker earned his place after a dominant junior season at Creekside High School. The four-star prospect rushed for 1,669 yards and 20 touchdowns while helping the Seminoles finish 15-0 and capture the Georgia Class 4A state championship.Walker delivered one more productive performance in the championship game for Creekside, rushing for 149 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries during Creeksides 42-39 victory over Benedictine.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also named him an all-state selection and a first-team All-Southside player following the season.Walker is only the fourth player from Creekside to make the list, joining Josh Holsey, Jayson Stanley, and former Tennessee and NFL safety Eric Berry.USA TODAY Sports' lingering questions for Clemson football in 2026 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images https://t.co/JydN62q464pic.twitter.com/xluj1ZGPIt Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) August 5, 2026Walker will now enter his senior season with another major distinction attached to his name, and Clemson fans will have one of Georgias most accomplished running backs to follow throughout the fall.Contact us@Clemson_Wireon X, and like our page onFacebookfor ongoing coverage ofClemson Tigersnews and notes, plus opinions.This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Major honor confirms Clemson football has Georgias best recruit

The VanDevere Automotive Family stadium at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School has a new look after renovations.The St. Vincent-St. Mary community held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 5 to celebrate the newly installed synthetic turf field where the Fighting Irish will soon play."It's all coming together at the right time The kids are excited, it's been very useful to us," said football coach Marcus Wattley Sr.Athletic director Mark Hassman says the new look will bring in a fresh vibe to the community."To have this open with a new football coach, new atmosphere, it just brings the community together and stronger, we are excited about the future," said Hassman. Before the ribbon cutting, the stadium was blessed by the Rev. Norm Douglas, who is the co-founder of Heart to Heart Communications and pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.The VanDevere Automotive family and members had the honor of cutting the ribbon and were welcomed by the high school's cheerleaders and band.The VanDevere Automotive Family Stadium naming partnership was announced in 2025 to represent a long-term investment supporting campus improvements and the overall student experience.More: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School football schedule, lettermen, 2026 previewThis historic partnership and investment marks a defining moment for us, said David Vitatoe, president of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. It advances our bold vision to pair our rich tradition with future-focused innovation, creating exceptional opportunities and enhanced facilities to meet the needs of our growing enrollment.The Fighting Irish will host their home opener Aug. 21 against Nordonia.This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: St. Vincent-St. Mary field gets a new look at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Aaron Judge has been cleared to begin light workout activity, and the New York Yankees captain said he will return this season from the rib injury thats sidelined him since May 31. "Oh, Ill be back this season. I dont know why I wouldnt be," the three-time AL MVP said Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. "That was always the plan to come back sooner than later, definitely. But I never had a thought of not playing this year." Judge was on the field in baseball gear Wednesday afternoon, stretching, jogging and doing shuffle slides with a resistance band. He was given the green light to take a step forward in his recovery progression after undergoing his latest scan Tuesday. "Better news. Healing up. So, you get a chance to progress a little bit, do some running, do some more upper-body stuff, and kind of progress towards getting back out on the field and swinging it," he said. "I wish it was completely healed and the fracture was gone and start playing tomorrow, but thats not the case. But, great step forward." It will still be a while before Judge is back in the lineup. He must first advance to taking swings, and it remains unclear when that could occur. "I think thats going to be the ultimate test, is hitting," Judge said. "Thats the most violent of it all, I think, more than running or lifting and stuff like that. So, once we keep progressing, everythings feeling great, then we take another scan, see where its at and hopefully add in hitting and throwing and all that down the road." Neither he nor Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a target date for the outfielders return. "Ive got nothing for you on that yet. I just got the scan yesterday and the minute they said all right, were going to start running, I said, OK, Ill see you outside. So, I kind of forced them on that one," Judge said. "But, no, hopefully whenever we get a game plan, you guys will be somewhere on the list," the slugger added, drawing laughs from reporters. "Not the top." Judge is on the 60-day injured list with a stress fracture of his right rib. He is hitting .248 with 17 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .907 OPS this year, but he had just one homer in his last 18 games before going on the IL. "It was great being on the field, great being back out there," he said. "Ive been with the guys as much as I can, especially on the road or here in the dugout. But to actually feel like a little bit of a player felt great." Going into Wednesday nights series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Yankees (64-50) were 28-27 since Judge last played although their offense has been one of the worst in the majors during that stretch. New York also has been without designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton since April 25 because of a right calf strain and All-Star left fielder Cody Bellinger since July 26 due to a left hamstring strain. Looking to boost their lineup, the Yankees acquired first baseman Luis Garca Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos ahead of Mondays trade deadline. They entered Wednesday night trailing first-place Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East and holding the leagues top wild card. "Ive got a broken rib, so youre going to feel it. But its healing up. So thats the progress we want see so we can start doing some more and kind of testing and see where were at," Judge said. "Because were running out of days. I know weve got 52 days left, 53 days left, so, got to get back out there." Reporting by the Associated Press.

The Zambia womens national team have failed to reach the knockout stage of the Womens Africa Cup of Nations and will thus miss out on competing in the 2027 womens World Cup.Despite beating regional rival Malawi 2-1 in their final WAFCON group-stage match Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, the Copper Queens were eliminated after Nigeria defeated Egypt in the other Group C match. Zambia was eliminated based on the total number of goals scored among the top three teams.As a result, WAFCON debutants Malawi have reached the knockout stage of the continental tournament and kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Womens World Cup.The final minutes of both fixtures were climactic. Malawi, Nigeria (who are 10-time and reigning WAFCON champions) and Zambia were all level on six points as both games progressed. This eliminated the head-to-head deciding factor between them in favor of the number of goals each of those teams scored against each other.Malawi upset Nigeria with a 3-2 victory in their first WAFCON match on July 28, thrusting the Super Falcons in a nervy third-place position in their group following Zambias 6-0 victory over Egypt the same day. Nigeria steadied themselves on Aug. 1 with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia, but still finished the second matchday in third place behind their opponents. Malawi secured their second victory of the tournament with a 1-0 win over Egypt that kept them top of the group heading into the final match day.This dressing room needed its own livestream. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026pic.twitter.com/AfyM9yClI5 CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 5, 2026Zambia qualified for the knockout stage in their previous two WAFCON campaigns and began their final group stage match against Malawi with a goal from Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda in the second minute that initially offered the Copper Queens some assurance. That cushion grew in the 37th minute when Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya, who plays for Angel City FC in the NWSL, doubled their lead with a slick finish off a cross.As it stood by halftime of both matches, Zambia and Nigeria were through to the knockouts, while Malawi were out.Nigeria ran up their goal tally against Egypt in the second half. Due to an extraordinary series of penalty kicks awarded on both sides (three for Nigeria and one for Egypt) and additional run-of-play heroics from Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday, Cruz Azul forward Uchenna Kanu and BK Hacken forward Joy Omewa, the Super Falcons finished their match 6-2. Because Malawi and Zambia also earned positive results against Egypt, but each lost one match amongst themselves, the tie-breaker then went to head-to-head goal difference.Each team scored as many as they conceded when facing each other in the group stage. Malawi scored and conceded four goals, Nigeria three, and Zambia two, leaving them still tied with head-to-head goal differentials of zero.So the final decision came down to the number of goals scored in those head-to-head clashes. Malawi with their four goals (three against Nigeria and one against Zambia), and Nigeria with their three goals (two against Malawi and one against Zambia) topped the two Zambia scored against Malawi on Wednesday night, squeezing them out of the knockout round.Nigeria finished second in Group C and will face Cameroon, who topped Group D, in the WAFCON quarterfinals on Aug. 9. First-place finishers Malawi will await the runners-up from Group D, a spot that Ghana, Cape Verde and Mali will contest. The quarterfinal winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, while the losers will face off in a final set of matches to determine which two teams advance to FIFAs intercontinental playoff next year.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Women's Soccer2026 The Athletic Media Company

CENTENNIAL , CO - JUNE 16: Jonah Coleman (20) of the Denver Broncos works out during minicamp at the Broncos Park in Centennial, Colorado on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty ImagesFew aspects of the Denver Broncos training camp top the risers and fallers.Everyone knows the players who have their spots on the roster scribbled in ink. But its the players who are fighting for a spot or clawing their way up the depth chart that creates the best storylines. Thats especially true for rookies. After Broncos practice on Wednesday, Sean Payton was asked if there has been a pleasant surprise at this point. Fair question. I think the young runner, you dont feel a rookie with (running back) Jonah (Coleman). Hes playing. Its been harder with some of the linemen because we havent been in pads in fairness to them. Then a couple of these young linebackers, were getting to see them move around, make the calls. Theres a lot to that position, a lot of it is key and diagnose. Thats been good.The fact that Payton singled out Coleman is no doubt a positive sign (thanks, John Madden). When Denver selected the running back out of Washington in the fourth round, the pick was widely celebrated. Adding his running style and abilities to this offense gives the running back room another element and a different running style.Now Coleman is getting praise from Payton as a pleasant surprise at this point in training camp. But the compliments from Payton on Wednesday didnt stop there. He was also asked about second-year receiver Pat Bryant and what area hes progressed the most in since last year.(Im) really pleased with how hes doing, Payton said to the media on Wednesday. Hes just one of those congested ball catchers. His feet stay on the ground. So when receivers catch the ball with their feet on the ground, theyre usually pretty good run after the catch. You dont see him skipping in the air or jumping. That means he has a lot of confidence in catching this thing the right way. I think in college in that final year (at Illinois), I think he had three walk-off touchdowns. Like literally last play of the game in-cuts where he caught it and didnt He was full stride when he caught it. If youre breaking stride for a catch, theres that tick of a second everyone gets a little bit of leverage on you. Hes extremely smart. Hes doing really well.We all know the players who are projected to make the biggest impact for the Broncos this season. Seeing the younger players shine at this point is what will make the team better.