Although Major League Baseball did release new uniforms for All-Star weekend in Atlanta, the league thrilled fans when they announced the jerseys would be worn for everything but the All-Star Game.

The MLB decided to revert its All-Star Game dress code back to a previous format where players would wear the uniforms of their respective teams, rather than donning the ASG-specific attire. Players wore the All-Star jerseys at other events over the festivities in Atlanta, including Monday night's Home Run Derby.

For the All-Star Game on Tuesday, National League players wore their home white uniforms at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, while American League players wore their road jerseys. Both squads did rock All-Star specific hats, though. With the traditional threads back in action for the Midsummer Classic, fans were thrilled at the league's aesthetically pleasing decision:

Tradition is back—and hopefully it's here to stay.

Costa Rica’s World Cup hopes have taken a severe hit. A 1–0 loss to Haiti has left Miguel Herrera’s side on the brink in the CONCACAF qualifiers, with their direct path now hanging by a thread. Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match as Los Ticos have a difficult path to next year's tournament.

AFPCosta Rica drop to third in Group C

Herrera’s team entered the match with a chance to seize control of the group, especially after Nicaragua stunned Honduras earlier in the day. Instead, slipped to third place, and their fate now depends on a combination of unlikely results.

Haiti struck the decisive blow just before halftime. Josué Casimir slipped a pass into the box for Ruben Providence, whose low cross found Frantzdy Pierrot for the opener. Keylor Navas immediately expressed his frustration, shouting toward a back line that reacted far too slowly. Despite pushing forward in the second half, Costa Rica never found the equalizer.

AdvertisementAFPLos Ticos must beat Honduras

The math is now unforgiving for Herrera. Costa Rica must defeat Honduras in San José next week and hope Haiti fail to beat Nicaragua. Anything less than a victory eliminates them entirely from direct qualification and could even shut the door on the playoff route.

AFPHerrera faces growing pressure

Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match, including a tense exchange during his arrival to the postgame press conference. Asked whether he still believed he should lead the team for the decisive match, he didn’t hesitate.
“It’s not my decision. If we don’t qualify, then we’ll have to consider what comes next. I’m committed to this project.”

Herrera took full responsibility for the team’s poor return – one win, one loss, and three draws in the final round – but emphasized that decisions about his future lie with federation president Osael Maroto.

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AFPNavas and Costa Rica now need a miracle

Costa Rica will now carry their fading World Cup hopes into a must-win showdown against Honduras – the group leader, but one that also arrives under significant pressure after a 2–0 defeat on the road to Nicaragua.

His execution of wide yorkers after coming in as Impact Player denied Gujarat Titans

Shashank Kishore31-Mar-2025Vijaykumar Vyshak didn’t know until 13 overs into the Gujarat Titans (GT) chase in Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) IPL 2025 opener that he would be summoned as an Impact Player. But when Arshdeep Singh suggested they bring in Vyshak, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer did what was needed.With 75 runs needed from 36 balls, Vyshak, having reviewed his plans with the support staff, tried to bowl wide yorkers to Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford, whose strike rates against those deliveries were “low”.”I didn’t know if I was going to be there,” Vyshak told ESPNcricinfo. “They [Iyer & Co] were also thinking of a spinner. And then I got to know I’ll be on for the 14th over. All along, I had been going through my plans – so when the opportunity came, I was ready to go.”Related

• Vyshak 'changes the game' on a night Siraj makes the wrong decisions

• Reverse swing for Arshdeep or drier ball for Chahal – Punjab Kings have to decide

• Gill lauds Impact Player Vyshak for stifling GT's chase

As Vyshak came on, Arshdeep told him to “err on the wider side”. It was a change from their original plan of trying to mix his variations, including bowling a knuckleball that he is known to deliver effectively.”Initially, Plan A was to bowl slow bouncers,” Vyshak said. “But the wicket wasn’t two-paced. The ball wasn’t holding up. There was a lot of dew. Considering all that, the coaches said, ‘Let’s stick to the wide yorker’. It was a case of them planning and me executing.”Vyshak gave away just ten runs in his first two overs. By his third, after Buttler’s dismissal, GT needed 45 more from 12 deliveries. Despite Marco Jansen conceding 20 runs in two overs from the other end, Vyshak’s first two overs had already put GT on the back foot. So much so that even 18 runs from his third over – the 19th of the chase – left GT with an improbable 27 runs to get in the final over. PBKS eventually won by 11 runs, and it was a strong comeback for Vyshak, who had recovered from a quadricep injury that kept him out of the second half of the Ranji Trophy during the domestic season.The injury struck just as Vyshak, on the BCCI’s list of targeted fast bowlers, had broken into India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series in November.Vijaykumar Vyshak: “Until I’m satisfied, I’m not going out of the nets”•Punjab Kings”I always say this to myself that whatever I can do in my control, I will do that,” he said. “If you have to give your 100%, I’ll give my 110%. But injuries are not in your hands. I am someone who is really willing to give myself that extra push.”I don’t mind pushing extra yards in the practice session until I get what I’m doing, whether it is yorkers, whether it is length balls or slower ones. If I want to do something, I am just going to do it. And then, until I’m satisfied, I’m not going out of the nets. That is something that has helped me grow.”And then, for this sport, especially when you’re playing T20s, you’ve got to be mentally strong because some days you don’t nail your yorkers. But you’ve got to be mentally strong, and you’ve got to accept the fact that this is not happening. You’ve got to change; you’ve got to go to your Plan Bs. So that is something that I’ve been working on.”Vyshak is a strong advocate for “positive vibes” and “routines” to the extent that if he feels he did something different at training or during his pre-match routine that worked well, it’s likely he would have noted it down somewhere to be able to go back to later.”If the previous day – like match minus one, or minus two – if I did something that worked for me, I just want to write it down and then just go back to that and then do the same things again and again. So that has been helping me. So, hopefully, I can continue this and go on to achieve a lot more.””People used to tell me that I was a little healthy. I was like, ‘But I’m still bowling fast and batting, [so] how does it matter?'”•PTI Vyshak’s cricket perspective comes from a desire to make up for lost time. In 2017-18, weighing 110kg, he admitted feeling lost, and often faced criticism for his weight.”People used to tell me that I was a little healthy [heavy]. I was like, ‘but I’m still bowling fast and batting, [so] how does it matter’. It’s a funny story about how I really decided to transform. There’s this tradition of giving birthday bumps, and because I was too heavy, my friends just dropped me once. The next morning, I woke up thinking, ‘why am I like this? What am I doing?’ That is when I started my journey.”The fitness impetus was around the time Vyshak switched to fast bowling in his Under-19 days. Earlier, he was a top-order batter and captained Karnataka’s Under-16 team. He’s grateful for the guidance from former Karnataka batter Sudhindra Shinde and former India seamer Abhimanyu Mithun.”He [Shinde] has seen me as a young kid – as a fat kid,” Vyshak said. “He has really been supportive about my bowling, my mental strength, and my batting. So, if I’m feeling low, if I’m feeling anything, no matter what, I make sure that I talk to him because that is my comfort. We have a rapport that I can’t express in words. But every time I’m low, I call him, and by the end of the call, he will make sure I’m in a happy space.”During my Under-19s, he suggested to me to go to Bharat Arun sir. So when I was probably 20-21, my action was all over [the place]. He [Shinde] also helped me financially. He took care of my sessions in Chennai, [and] my stay – he helped me massively. In the last couple of years, I have worked with Mithun. He has helped me a lot with my run-up and my variations.”

“You have to make sure you come back strong and then you’ve got to be mentally strong. That is where the mental aspect has helped me a lot”

Does Vyshak feel different today than when he started in the IPL two years ago with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)?”When I started off, I didn’t know what this platform was,” he said. “My emotions were so high. When I did well, I used to feel so good, and when I didn’t, I used to like just dip down.”And then, last couple of years, with [Mohammed] Siraj being there, I think he emphasised on being neutral. Whatever happens – whether you’re playing or not playing, winning or not winning – you have to be constant. That’s the biggest lesson for me. Matches come thick and fast – if you keep brooding over what has gone wrong, you’ll keep sinking further.”You have to make sure you come back strong and then you’ve got to be mentally strong. That is where the mental aspect has helped me a lot. I can pretty much say I am a better bowler compared to what I was when I played the first game for RCB.”

The New York Yankees and New York Mets are doing battle in a Fourth of July holiday weekend Subway Series at Citi Field in Queens, and Friday afternoon's series opener got started with a bang.

With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the second inning, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and others from the team’s dugout were seen hollering in the direction of home plate umpire Mike Estabrook during an at-bat for Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor.

It's unclear what was said from the Mets' dugout, but it was clear they weren't too happy about Estabrook calling balls and strikes. A hot mic picked up Estabrook reacting to the Mets dugout, and it was clear that he had enough.

"I'll tell you what. You do that and I'll do this. That's how it's gonna be! That's how it's gonna be!" Estabrook animatedly said.

Fireworks in Flushing! On the Fourth!

يخوض فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي مباراة في دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025-2026، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، حيث يواجه آيندهوفن الهولندي.

ويستقبل ملعب “آنفيلد” مواجهة الفريقين، ويستقبل ليفربول نظيره آيندهوفن، ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

طالع | تشكيل ليفربول الرسمي أمام آيندهوفن في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف محمد صلاح

وسيكون مركز الظهير الأيمن هو ما يشغل المدرب آرني سلوت، ويتواجد جو جوميز مع ليفربول، لكن حسب ما أوضح المدرب اضطر لتلقي حقنة في ركبته خلال الأسبوع الماضي.

وأكد سلوت خلال مؤتمره الصحفي قبل المباراة، أنه سيعتمد على لاعبه دومينيك سوبوسلاي، لكن لم يحدد مركزه بدقة. تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام آيندهوفن اليوم

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: جو جوميز، إبراهيما كوناتي، فيرجيل فان دايك، روبريتسون.

خط الوسط: ريان جرافينبرخ، ماك أليستر، دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

خط الهجوم: محمد صلاح، هوجو إيكتيكي، كودي جاكبو.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

Although they have yet to win the Premier League since leaving Highbury, Arsenal have had some sensational players represent them at the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Mesut Özil, Cesc Fàbregas, and more recently Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were, or are, world-class internationals, but perhaps the best of them all was Alexis Sanchez.

The former Barcelona star might have sullied his reputation among the fans by joining Manchester United in 2018, but during his time in North London, he was practically unplayable and racked up a monster tally of 124 goal involvements in 166 games.

So, fans should be seriously excited about reports linking Arsenal with another international superstar who could be their new Sanchez.

Arsenal target another Sanchez

Unlike last season, Arsenal aren’t finding it too difficult to score goals this year, with four players on four or more goals across all competitions this season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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However, injuries have once again become a problem, and while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have stepped up this year, it would be unwise for Arteta and Co to solely rely on them to hold down the left flank for the rest of the campaign.

It seems that the club share this opinion, as they now appear ready to go all in for a potentially game-changing Sanchez-esque winger in the winter window.

At least that is according to reports from Spain, which claim Arsenal have maintained a significant interest in Rodrygo.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that as things stand, the Gunners are ready to spend €90m on the Real Madrid star, which is about £80m.

It won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, particularly with Liverpool and Chelsea supposedly interested, but it’s one worth pursuing, especially as Rodrygo could be another Sanchez-type signing for Arsenal.

Why Rodrygo would be another Sanchez

Now there are more than a handful of apparent similarities between Rodrygo and Sanchez, with one of the biggest being where they’d be coming from were the former to join Arsenal.

Like the Chilean superstar, the Brazilian international would be coming from one of Spain’s big two, and more than that, he would be leaving a side where he’s a bit-part player to become a leading figure at the Emirates.

Furthermore, while he has spent a lot of time on the right, he, like the former Barça star, is primarily a left-sided attacker, and that’s where he’d play in North London.

And finally, if Arteta can get the best out of him, the 24-year-old could have a similar game-changing effect on the Gunners’ attack.

After all, while he’s not having the best of seasons this year, he has been incredible for Real in the past, and were he platformed correctly out on the left, he could elevate Arteta’s attack.

Rodrygo’s Real Record

Appearances

283

Starts

181

Minutes

16512′

Goals

68

Assists

53

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.46′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, even though he has been forced onto the right for much of the last two years or so, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has amassed a tally of 68 goals and 53 assists in 283 appearances, totalling 16512 minutes.

In other words, the former Santos gem has averaged a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 136.46 minutes for Los Blancos.

Moreover, he has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 67 Champions League games, with eight of those goals coming in the knockouts.

Ultimately, while he is not having a great season, Rodrygo’s immense talent and ability to turn games around are undeniable.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him in the winter window, as he could be another Sanchez-type signing.

Middlesbrough’s search for their new manager looks set to be over, with a significant update emerging regarding the club’s process to replace Rob Edwards.

The exit of Edwards to Wolves has hurt Boro at a key point in the season where they are sitting second in the Championship table and pushing for promotion. He sent a message to the supporters upon leaving for Molineux, wishing the club well.

“This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. In truth, I wouldn’t have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club. Wolves is a special club for me. It’s where I grew as both a player and a coach, it’s still where my family calls home. It has always been my dream to come back and these opportunities do not come around too often.

“Middlesbrough is an incredible club, with a fantastic owner, staff and passionate supporters. I want to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to lead this squad, it is a great group of players that I genuinely hope and believe will deliver success this season. I could not be prouder of the environment we built together and how it all gelled together so quickly – the players, the staff, and the fans, who drive it all. I sincerely wish everyone at Middlesbrough all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond. Rob.”

It’s now a case of Boro nailing Edwards’ successor at the Riverside Stadium, and it looks as though their new boss may have been found, following a big new claim.

Middlesbrough reach verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg

According to Fotboll Skanalen, Middlesbrough have now reached a verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg over a move to the club, seeing him as the right man to come in for Edwards.

Boro look set to swoop in from under the noses of Championship rivals Swansea City, with the club having a meeting with Hellberg’s representatives in London.

Hellberg may be something of an unknown to some Boro supporters, considering he is only 37 and hasn’t managed in Europe’s top leagues yet, but he looks like an exciting young choice.

IFK Varnamo sporting director Enes Ahmetovic, who worked with the Swede in the past, has said of him: “An incredibly skilled football coach. He spends a huge amount of time on every detail. I’m completely convinced that Hellberg will coach much bigger clubs than IFK Varnamo.”

"Impressive" manager now interested in taking Middlesbrough job after talks

Would he be the right man to replace Rob Edwards?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 16, 2025

The 4-2-3-1-playing Hellberg is something of a gamble, at a time when promotion has to be the aim for Boro, but assuming he is the choice to come in, it will be fascinating to see how he fares.

How Middlesbrough feel about Raphael Wicky as Swiss manager holds Riverside talks

Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to visit the White House on Tuesday as part of a Saudi Arabian delegation that includes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The visit coincides with MBS’s first trip to the United States in seven years. Ronaldo has been a prominent figure in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Nassr in December 2022.

GettyFace of the league

Ronaldo's association with the Saudi government has long been called into question. But recent events have shown how strong the ties are between the league's biggest superstar and the crown. In an interview with Piers Morgan last week, Ronaldo dubbed MBS "our boss", while the meeting at the White House would seem to reinforce that notion. 

AdvertisementAFPTrump’s increasing involvement with FIFA and the global game

U.S. President Donald Trump has increasingly sought to build relationships with key figures in global soccer. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended his inauguration, and Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea after their Club World Cup win last summer. Infantino and Trump have also held multiple joint press conferences at the White House.

Ronaldo embraces Trump

Ronaldo has recently interacted with the President as well. In July, Trump received a signed jersey from the Portuguese forward with the inscription, “To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace.” Ronaldo said at the time that he hoped to speak with Trump about global issues, explaining:

“He is one of the guys who can help to change the world. One of the most important guys is the U.S. President. If we can help each other to make this happen… He is one of the guys I wish to meet to sit and have a nice talk. If it is here, or in the U.S., wherever he wants, I know he was here in Saudi Arabia with our boss, MBS (Mohammed bin Salman). I wish one day to meet him." 

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Getty Images SportWhat's next for Ronaldo?

Following the reported meeting, he is set to return to Saudi Arabia as his Al-Nassr side hosts Al-Khaleej. Ronaldo is currently second in the league in scoring, with nine goals. 

Landon Donovan offered a positive assessment of the United States men’s national team following its 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, noting signs that the squad is beginning to form a clearer identity as it continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He commended the team’s continued progress under the current coaching staff, led by Mauricio Pochettino.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Growing cohesion and style

  Donovan highlighted how each match has shown increased confidence and tactical clarity, noting that despite frequent lineup rotation, players are embracing clearly defined roles that contribute to a more recognizable on-field identity.

  “Another excellent performance by the men’s national team,” Donovan said on social media. “Seems like the team is getting better and better, growing in confidence. The roles are clear, even though the players are changing a decent amount, but the roles are clear, and you’re starting to see a clear identity."

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• Pochettino’s imprint taking shape

  Donovan also highlighted how the squad’s mentality has evolved under Pochettino. He noted that with questions of attitude and commitment no longer overshadowing performances, the team is now showcasing a clearer tactical identity that reflects Pochettino’s style.

  “Now that the fight piece, the pride to play for your national team is no longer a conversation, you’re actually starting to see this team play in a more distinct way that is very Pochettino,” Donovan explained.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Donovan praises Reyna’s resurgence

  Donovan pointed to Giovanni Reyna’s performance as a major positive, noting the midfielder’s first goal and assist for the national team since March 2024. He said Reyna’s 70-plus minutes – highlighted by sharper decision-making and increased confidence – reflect the level the team needs from him.

  “That’s the Gio we need, that’s the Gio we want, and why he is so valuable to this team. So hopefully this is a stepping stone for Gio, hopefully he can do it again on Tuesday," Donovan said. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for the USMNT after the win

  The USMNT will now face Uruguay in their final game of the 2025 international window on Nov. 18. 

Tamim Iqbal is standing for election himself; new BCB president will serve four-year term

Mohammad Isam21-Sep-2025

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections will be held on October 6, the board’s election commission announced on Sunday. The general members body, known as the councillors, will elect 23 of the 25 board directors, and the BCB president will be elected from that pool of 25 to serve a four-year term.The announcement was made less than an hour after former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal accused BCB president Aminul Islam of “interference” in the election process.Tamim, who recently announced he was standing for election, held a press conference in Dhaka along with several other aspirants and former BCB directors. He said Aminul’s signed letter, dated September 18, instructing the country’s sports secretary that he has extended the deadline for nomination submission, was a unilateral decision taken by the board president.”The election commission is in charge since their appointment, which in this case was from September 6,” Tamim said. “The BCB president extended the deadline for nomination submission twice. The deadlines for submitting nominations were first set for September 17. He extended it to September 19, and then September 22. The second extension was signed off by the president himself, which is highly irregular. The BCB’s chief executive is supposed to send out these letters, but he didn’t issue the letter for the second extension. The president signed off the letter.”Tamim alleged the BCB’s constitution was violated when the board representatives from the country’s eight divisions and 64 districts were nominated by an ad-hoc committee, rather than seasoned sports organisers being nominated. “Typically, in districts and divisions, those involved in sports can nominate councillors through the district administration. This has been the practice for many years. But this time, an ad-hoc committee was formed and only its approval would be valid for nominations.”It isn’t mentioned in the BCB’s constitution. Moreover, we have seen people being removed from or added to the ad-hoc committee at will. If elections are conducted this way, it is no longer an election but a selection. Elections should be open and fair for everyone.”Tamim urged the authorities to respect the original councillors’ list. “I hope that those declared as councillors on September 17 remain unchanged. There should be no modifications. Cricket must remain for everyone – not for a specific person or group. I hope the election is impartial and free from interference.”According to the election schedule, the draft voter list will be published on September 22, followed by the final list on September 25.The election will have three categories. In the first, ten directors will be elected from the divisions and districts in the country. In the second category, 12 directors will be elected from the representatives of the Dhaka clubs. In the third category, one director will be elected from a pool of former cricketers, national captains, security forces, and councillors nominated by the National Sports Council. The Bangladesh government will also select two directors to sit on the board.