Brendon McCullum insists England captain Ben Stokes has not tarnished their relationship with nightclub incident | Cricket News

Brendon McCullum insists Ben Stokes’ actions have not impacted their working relationship as England’s head coach prepares to welcome his captain back for the third Test against New Zealand.

McCullum confirmed Stokes will return as captain for the series decider at Trent Bridge following a week-long exile in the wake of a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson during a team curfew breach.

Asked whether the incident had tarnished relations, McCullum told reporters: “I’ve said all the way along we’ve worked together intimately for four years. We’ve achieved some cool things and we’ve let ourselves down on other things.

“Our motivation, our belief and our vision for this side have not wavered. We still want to make the England cricket team the best possible and to have long-term, sustainable success.

“We have robust conversations all the time and I think that’s to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership.

“There’s a mutual respect in how we operate and, normally, we’re able to navigate through those conversations and maintain a collaborative approach.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton discuss the mixed messages around Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s relationship after England’s chaotic week at The Oval.

“It’s really important to separate the actions from the man. As leaders, we help set standards and try to abide by them constantly. Occasionally there will be mistakes. You address them and then move on.

“I’ve been very clear and very supportive of Ben, particularly this week. I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well moving forward. I’m sure we still share the same vision for this team.”

It is understood the investigation into the nightclub incident – involving a member of England’s security staff and a Saracens player – which led to Stokes and Atkinson being dropped for the second Test, is not yet complete.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from day five of the second Test between England and New Zealand.

Despite this, Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from the remainder of their respective County Championship matches for Durham and Surrey early on Sunday, in a clear indication both will return at Trent Bridge.

England are in desperate need of reinforcements after shortcomings with bat, ball and experience saw them slump to a 253-run defeat at The Oval as New Zealand levelled the three-match series.

Stokes struck 95 off 118 balls for Durham against Northamptonshire on Saturday and McCullum, who expressed his “worry” when news of the incident involving the England captain broke, welcomed his return to form.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brendon McCullum raised his concerns about Ben Stokes when asked if he would remain as England captain.

“Ben will be back and he will be captain,” he added. “Everyone is excited about that, especially after seeing him hit some form with Durham.

“My view on that has not changed. I’ve been speaking to Ben every single day since the incident and my assessment was that I was worried about him.

“But to see him go out there, play some cricket and enjoy himself was really positive. It is great to see him back playing and I look forward to seeing him in a few days.”

Broad: Stokes will apologise for Oval defeat

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Stuart Broad says that Englands loss in their second test to New Zealand will hurt Ben Stokes as he will know ‘this result is a result of his actions’.

Sky Sports Cricket’s Stuart Broad says Ben Stokes will have taken responsibility for England’s defeat in his absence and will be eager to atone on his return.

“New Zealand’s 253-run win will hurt Stokes. He’ll be feeling a lot of pain from this result as he knows it stems from his actions,” he said.

“I’m sure he has spoken to most of the squad, although he hasn’t said anything of note publicly. There will likely be a face-to-face apology, and then they will move on.

“He needs to say sorry, admit it was a mistake, and then focus on winning the series, because next week’s result is crucial.

“If England lose the series 2-1, there will be a huge number of questions asked.”

England vs New Zealand – results and schedule

All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports

Watch the third Test between England and New Zealand from Thursday June 25 live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15am (first ball 11am).

Uruguay vs. Cape Verde Prediction, Odds, Picks For World Cup Match

Uruguay will face Cape Verde in their second Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 21, 2026, at Miami Stadium on FS1. 

This fixture marks the first-ever senior international meeting between these two nations.

Cape Verde pulled off one of the great World Cup surprises in its World Cup debut, forcing a draw against the reigning European champion Spain 0-0. 

The Blue Sharks were the only one of this tournament’s four debutants to get a point in the first set of group games, and they’re the first team to post a shutout in its World Cup debut since 2006. 

40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was Cape Verde’s hero, making seven saves to keep Cape Verde’s clean sheet. 

Meanwhile, Uruguay drew its opener 1-1 against Saudi Arabia, but the match was a tail of two halves. 

In the first half, Uruguay had 58% possession, and shots were even at five apiece. In the second half, Uruguay had 75% possession and outshot Saudi Arabia 22-2. La Celeste’s 22 second-half shots tied a World Cup record. 

Uruguay will look to carry that second half momentum into its second half of the tournament. 

Let’s check out the odds for the Uruguay vs. Cape Verde Group H matchup at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 21.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Federico Valverde is +155 to score against Cape Verde (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images).

Uruguay vs. Cape Verde Odds

Moneyline

  • Uruguay: -240 (bet $10 to win $14.17 total)
  • Cape Verde: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
  • Draw: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)

Spread 

  • Uruguay -1.5: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)
  • Cape Verde +1.5: -190 (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)

Over/Under Total Odds: 2.5

  • Over: +128 (bet $10 to win $22.80 total)
  • Under: -158 (bet $10 to win $16.33 total)

Uruguay vs. Cape Verde Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Wagering Analyst, Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica:

  • It was a miraculous effort last match from Cape Verde, managing a 0-0 draw with Spain, despite having just 26% possession. It was a defensive masterpiece, as the team committed just one foul and goalkeeper Vozinha made seven key saves. This likely creates a bit of a discount on Uruguay, which looked dreadful in the first half against Saudi Arabia but subbed off Darwin Núñez in the second half and moved Federico Vinas further upfield. The result was 22 second-half shots, 75% possession and a completely different looking side. Uruguay probably deserved all three points, but didn’t get them. It will get all three here and look for Vinas to play a key role. Take Uruguay -1.5.

How to Watch Uruguay vs. Cape Verde

  • When: Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ET
  • Where: Miami Stadium, Miami, FL
  • TV: FS1
  • Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App

Let’s take a look at some other bets for the match. 

Anytime Goalscorer Props

  • Federico Viñas: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total)
  • Darwin Núñez: +170 (bet $10 to win $27 total)
  • Rodrigo Aguirre: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
  • Brian Rodríguez: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)
  • Dailon Rocha Livramento: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)

Tie No Bet

  • Uruguay: -950 (bet $10 to win $11.05 total)
  • Cape Verde: +540 (bet $10 to win $64 total)

Both Teams to Score

  • Yes: +156 (bet $10 to win $25.60 total)
  • No: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)

Virat Kohli: India batter set for ODI return against England in July series after injury as visitors name squad | Cricket News

Virat Kohli is set to return to India’s team for the One Day International series against England in July.

The 37-year-old legendary batter missed this month’s ODI series against Afghanistan, which India won 3-0, due to injury but will make his return on India’s tour of England for the three ODI matches between July 14-19, subject to passing fitness checks.

Kohli, the second-highest run scorer in international cricket history, sustained a hamstring injury during his Royal Challengers Bengaluru side’s victory in the Indian Premier League final last month, when he hit an unbeaten 75.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been left out of the squad to face England despite his century in the third match against Afghanistan on Saturday.

Bowler Harshit Rana is set to make his return from injury.

The three ODIs take place at Edgbaston on July 14, Sophia Gardens on July 16 and Lord’s on July 19.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Virat Kohli hit a no-look six for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Indian Premier League match against Chennai Super Kings.

India’s ODI squad for England tour

Shubman Gill (c)
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli*
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
Ishan Kishan
Washington Sundar
Axar Patel
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Prasidh Krishna
Harshit Rana
Arshdeep Singh
Gurnoor Brar

*subject to fitness clearance

England’s home series against India fixtures

  • First T20 (Wednesday July 1) – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham (5.30pm)
  • Second T20 (Saturday July 4) – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (2.30pm)
  • Third T20 (Tuesday July 7) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (5.30pm)
  • Fourth T20 (Thursday July 9) – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (5.30pm)
  • Fifth T20 (Saturday July 11) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (2.30pm)
  • First ODI (Tuesday July 14) – Edgbaston, Birmingham (11am)
  • Second ODI (Thursday July 16) – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (1pm)
  • Third ODI (Sunday July 19) – Lord’s, London (11am)

Watch India’s white-ball tour of England, from July 1-19, live on Sky Sports. Not got Sky? Stream cricket and more with NOW.

4 Takeaways From Japan’s Superb Win Over Tunisia At World Cup

Japan marked the 1,000th game in men’s World Cup history with a near flawless performance in a comprehensive 4-0 win over Tunisia, which was eliminated with the result. Japan showed many signs of strengths and no weaknesses as it dominated from the opening whistle. 

Meanwhile, Tunisia has been one of the worst and most poorly run teams through two games at the World Cup. After making a surprising coaching change after a 5-1 loss to Sweden, the Eagles of Carthage were actually worse in this game and have now been outscored 9-1 through two games. 

Here are my takeaways:

1. After Coaching Change, Tunisia Is Still A Mess

Hervé Renard had just taken over the Tunisia job. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

One of the surprising stories in the group stages of the World Cup is that Tunisia fired its head coach Sabri Lamouchi after its first game. That was the quickest coaching change in World Cup history. This came after Tunisia had a very strong World Cup qualifying campaign where the Eagles of Carthage did not concede a goal across its 10 games. 

But its form and its confidence completely unraveled. In its final pre-tournament friendly, Tunisia was crushed by Belgium 5-0 and then, after last week’s loss to Sweden, the federation decided it had nothing to lose by making a change. 

New head coach Hervé Renard tried to take a pragmatic approach on short notice. After Lamouchi made the surprising decision to make a goalkeeping switch just before the opening game, Renard brought established veteran Aymen Dahmen back into the lineup. 

But ultimately, Rennard’s decisions did not improve the Tunisian team, as Japan was dominant from the start. Tunisia’s defense allowed too much space and the player’s intensity drained as the first half progressed. Japan out-possessed Tunisia 66-34% and completed 266 passes to Tunisia’s 118. Tunisia had just two touches in Japan’s box and its only shot was from outside the box, and it missed the target.

In the second half, Tunisia regressed and were missing basic passes as the team attempted to build possession. Defensively, Tunisian players were failing to pick up runners and were giving up too much space. 

Since the 2022 World Cup, the Tunisian national team has had six different head coaches (Jalel Kadri, Faouzi Benzarti, Kais Yaâkoubi, Sami Trabelsi, Lamouchi, and now Renard). That has made it tough for the team to build an identity and a system around one coach. It also creates confusion and pressure on the players. 

Tunisia now exits this World Cup after getting severely outplayed in its first two games. It is hard to see Tunisia improving in the coming years without stability. 

2. Japan Demonstrated Its Superb Tactics

Japan in action at the World Cup against Tunisia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

This was not just a collapse from Tunisia, it was also a very strong performance from Japan, which looks like a team that can progress multiple rounds in the knockout stages. In the first game, Japan looked equal to the Netherlands in a 2-2 draw. In this game, the team showed an elite instinct that is typical of top teams. 

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu had his team in a 3-4-3 formation that was very strong tactically. Up front, Japan was very good at counter-pressing and winning balls back quickly. When Tunisia was able to get the ball into the attacking half, it did little to breakdown Tunisia’s organized backline. 

Offensively, Japan was excellent at winning second balls and beginning possessions in dangerous areas. Typically, Japan was able to get the ball into wide areas where its players had one-on-one situations against isolated defenders. As was the case on the opening goal, Japan typically had committed runners in the box who were targets for crosses. 

But its goals were reflective of the team’s tactics. 

In just the fifth minute, it was Daichi Kamada who made a run into the box to hammer home a ball from the right side sent in by Keito Nakamura. Kamada had previously scored the 88th minute equalizer against the Netherlands. 

The third goal in the 69th minute highlighted Japan’s ability to pass effectively out of the back, which is another of the team’s strengths. Central defender Ko Itakura sent a pass to Ayase Ueda who then chipped Tunisia’s backline with one touch to send Junya Ito in alone, which he converted past Dahmen. Tunisia struggled immensely defending Japan’s passing out of the back. 

On the fourth goal, it was another effective use of Japan to get the ball out wide for another dangerous cross which Ayase Ueda was able to head home for his second of the night. 

Japan is a team that is so organized under Moriyasu and all its players are bought into the system. 

3. Japan’s Biggest Strength? Its Depth

Another reason why Japan’s start to this tournament is so impressive is because of how many injuries have tested the depths of its player pool and how well the players have responded. 

In February, defensive midfielder and team captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool suffered a severe foot injury and had to miss this tournament.

Explosive playmaker Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton suffered a hamstring injury in April which forced him out. Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Koki Machida also were ruled out before the roster was named.

Then in the game against the Netherlands, Takefusa Kubo picked up a knee injury. While he is expected back for the knockouts, Kubo could not play against Tunisia.

Despite such a high number of injuries, the team continues to play well and not miss a beat.  Part of that is due to having a tactical system that players have bought into and understand their roles. But also, this generation of Japanese players is just so deep and so talented at many, many levels. 

4. Goal Differential Will Matter In Final Games

The Netherlands and Japan now enter the final match day of Group F even on four points with also the same goal differential. Sweden, meanwhile, is just one point behind.

Japan will now face Sweden, and the Netherlands will take on Tunisia.

If Japan and the Netherlands both win these final games (where they are both favored), it will come down to a race for goal differential. That favors the Dutch because Tunisia looks very disorganized and dispirited. Japan will face a Swedish team that should be desperate for a result and will also want to manage goal differential if it falls behind.

In that final game, however, Japan could make a statement and give itself momentum heading into the knockouts. Based on this game, Japan is a team that nobody wants to play. 

Tunisia vs Japan Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

US Open: Wyndham Clark takes big lead into final day after Scottie Scheffler boosts Grand Slam hopes at Shinnecock Hills | Golf News

Wyndham Clark will take a commanding six-shot lead into the final round of the US Open, while Scottie Scheffler boosted his career Grand Slam hopes with an impressive fightback at Shinnecock Hills.

Halfway-leader Clark moved a huge step closer to a second US Open title in four years after another impressive display, in which he capitalised on the best of the conditions and his sublime scrambling to post a level-par 70.

The American produced a stunning eagle at the par-five 16th to pull further clear of the field, having already made two birdies and three bogeys in his round, with a final-hole bogey leaving Clark heading into the final day on seven under and one of just five players still in red figures.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Clark hit one of the shots of his life during the third round of the US Open, setting up a close-range eagle

Clark is in prime position to complete a wire-to-wire victory and second worldwide win in four starts, with 12 of the last 13 players holding a 54-hole lead of six shots or greater in a men’s major going on to win.

He will now have a Sunday pairing with Scheffler, one of only two players to break par on Saturday, with the world No 1 sitting tied-second on one under as he chases the elusive major required to become just the seventh male to complete the career Grand Slam.

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Scheffler is joined on one under by Sahith Theegala, Sam Stevens and Tom Kim, with two-time major winner Xander Schauffele among the group on level par, while Matt Fitzpatrick – playing alongside Clark – dropped to one over following a four-over 74.

Tommy Fleetwood – runner-up in the 2018 US Open at this venue – and Collin Morikawa join Fitzpatrick in tied-10th, while Rory McIlroy dropped to tied-17th and 10 strokes back after carding five back-nine bogeys in a third-round 73.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rory McIlroy posted a three-over 73 in the third round at Shinnecock Hills, seeing him slip out of contention

How Clark extended historic lead at Shinnecock

A three-putt bogey at the first saw Clark’s overnight lead halved as Stevens – playing two groups ahead – opened with a birdie, only for the 2023 champion to respond with a two-putt birdie at the fifth to get back to seven under.

Clark got up and down to save pars over his next two holes but bogeyed the par-four eighth after finding the sand with his approach shot, with a long-range two-putt at the ninth avoiding another dropped shot and seeing him reach the turn two ahead.

Image:
Clark produced an impressive putting display to move closer to a second US Open victory

Stevens started his back nine with successive birdies to hand a four-shot buffer to Clark, who followed further impressive saves at the 10th and 11th by holing from 15 feet to salvage a par at the 13th.

Clark saw a five-foot birdie at the 14th cancelled out by a close-range bogey at the next, before the 32-year-old responded with an incredible approach into the par-five 16th and five-foot eagle to jump seven ahead.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Clark birdied the 14th hole to pull further clear of the chasing pack

A three-putt bogey at the par-four last cut Clark’s lead but gives him a huge cushion heading into Sunday, the largest in a US Open since McIlroy’s wire-to-wire win – and breakthrough major – in the 2011 contest.

“If I’m being honest, I feel like my lead should be a little more,” Clark told Sky Sports. “I’m frustrated about the 18th [bogey] and the bogey on the 15th.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wyndham Clark told Sky Sports that he was frustrated after making bogey on the 18th hole and suggested he should be leading by more

“If you told me at the beginning of the week I’d be taking a six shot lead heading into Sunday, I would obviously take it.”

Scheffler started seven strokes back and fell further behind after opening with back-to-back bogeys, but responded with four birdies in a six-hole stretch on the back nine – including a spectacular chip-in from off the 14th green – to move to one under.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Scottie Scheffler holed a crucial chip during his third round, moving him up the leaderboard as he hunts down his career Grand Slam

“We’ve been battling hard for a few days, and I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament,” Scheffler said. “I’ll need a really nice round if I’m going to try and catch Wyndham.”

A round-of-the-day 67 moved Emiliano Grillo into tied-sixth with Schauffele, Keith Mitchell and Sam Burns, while McIlroy heads into the final day 10 strokes behind despite briefly being within four after three consecutive birdies on his front nine.

Who will win the US Open? Watch the final round round live on Sunday from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

World Cup Roundup: Germany Advances; Netherlands And Curaçao Make Statements

83.3 million — that’s the difference in population size between Saturday’s two biggest winners, Germany and Curaçao. But just because they were the biggest winners didn’t mean they were the only ones with something to celebrate.

Here is everything you might have missed on Day 10 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Netherlands vs. Sweden

  • The Netherlands has set the World Cup record for most consecutive matches without defeat at 14. The Dutch have also set the record for most consecutive World Cup group stage matches without defeat at 18.
  • The Netherlands has not lost a World Cup game outright since losing the 2010 final against Spain, having been eliminated via a penalty shootout in both 2018 and 2022.
  • Brian Brobbey’s first goal after 4 minutes and 58 seconds was the fourth-fastest goal for the Netherlands in World Cup history and the fastest since Robin van Persie against Brazil in 2014 (2:32).
  • Brobbey’s second goal was the 100th goal in the Netherlands’ World Cup history. The Dutch became the eighth nation to ever score 100 goals at the FIFA World Cup.
  • No player has more assists in the last two editions of the World Cup (2022 and 2026) than the Netherlands right back Denzel Dumfries (four). Croatia’s Ivan Perišić also has four.

Netherlands vs Sweden Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Germany vs. Ivory Coast

  • Germany advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2014. It also won its group, last doing so in 2014.
  • Manuel Neuer made his 21st appearance in a World Cup match, breaking a tie with Hugo Lloris (France) for the most ever by a goalkeeper. Neuer also has tied the German record for most World Cup matches played (former striker Uwe Seeler).
  • Deniz Undav has already matched Cameroon’s Roger Milla’s 1990 record for the most goal involvements (three goals and two assists) as a substitute at a single World Cup since 1966 (per OPTA).
  • Germany has now won 11 straight games since September 2025, the second-longest win streak in team history (12 straight in 1979-80).
  • This was only the second time Ivory Coast had ever led at half of a World Cup match. It led against North Korea in 2010 and won 3-0.

Germany vs Ivory Coast Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Ecuador vs. Curaçao

  • Curaçao recorded its first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup by holding Ecuador to a scoreless draw at Kansas City. This is its first time competing at the World Cup.
  • Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room recorded 15 saves, the second-most in a World Cup match ever and the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup without conceding a goal. Not including extra time, Room’s 15 saves are the most on record by any goalkeeper in a World Cup.
  • Dick Advocaat, who is now 12W-7D-5L as Curaçao’s head coach, is the oldest coach in World Cup history.
  • Enner Valencia had 1.7 expected goals in his chances against Curaçao, the highest mark for a player who failed to score in a 2026 World Cup match, per OPTA.
  • Among teams that have played two games, Ecuador is one of three teams that has failed to score a goal; the other two are Türkiye and Haitiboth, which did not advance to the round of 32.

Ecuador vs Curaçao Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Tunisia vs. Japan

  • Japan cruised to a 4-0 win over Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium for its first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its largest win at the tournament ever. This is the first time Japan has scored four goals in a men’s FIFA World Cup match.
  • Daichi Kamada’s opening goal was Japan’s earliest ever in a World Cup match. Kamada is the first Japanese player to score in back-to-back World Cup games since Junichi Inamoto on home soil in the first two group games in 2002.
  • Ayase Ueda is the first Japanese player ever to record a brace at the World Cup. He is also the third Japanese player with a goal and assist in the same World Cup match.
  • Tunisia has failed to advance to the knockout stage, joining Haiti and Türkiye as the first teams to do so.
  • This match was the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history.

Tunisia vs Japan Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

BEST OF THE DAY

Assist Of The Day

With Germany needing a goal in extra time, nothing was breaking through. Deniz Undav was in no man’s land with his back facing the goal and the Netherlands’ defense fully set up — that was until Felix Nmecha made something out of nothing.

Through a sea full of orange, the 25-year-old pinged a pass to Undav that had enough pace and power to zip past the Dutch defense. Undav took care of the rest with a clinical first touch before he turned and faced the goal.

Save Of The Day

There is one goalkeeper in the history of the FIFA World Cup that has recorded 15 saves in a 90-minute match; his name is Eloy Room, and he represents Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever participate in the FIFA World Cup. What a day it was for him.

Goal Of The Day

Cody Gakpo was able to get anything he wanted against Sweden, and nothing illustrated that more than the goal that secured his brace. With Sweden center back Gustaf Lagerbielke defending him one-on-one, Gakpo cut to his right and created just enough space to sneak the ball between goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt and the near post. Clinical.

Moment Of The Day

History For Curaçao

Curaçao wasn’t supposed to enter its final group-stage match with anything to play for — not after losing to Germany 7-1 in its opener, and not with Ecuador next on its schedule. Two games later, Curaçao are still in the mix thanks to the heroics of Eloy Room. Up next: Ivory Coast.

Ecuador 0 – 0 Curacao

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made history with an incredible 15 saves to earn his country their first ever World Cup point by holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in Group E.

Room, 37, set a new record for the most saves in 90 minutes of a World Cup match since records began in 1966, with an outstanding display, improbably keeping alive the qualification hopes of the team ranked 81st in the world and a population of just 158,000 people despite their 7-1 opening-game defeat to Germany.

Ecuador, fancied by many to go deep into the tournament after a promising qualifying campaign, had 27 shots, producing an xG of 3.05, yet drew another blank after losing 1-0 to the Ivory Coast and must now beat table-toppers Germany to go through.

Image:
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia is denied by Eloy Room in the third minute

Enner Valencia was the most wasteful of Ecuador’s forwards with seven shots, denied by Room’s best save in only the third minute when clean through on goal before Gonzalo Plata had his close-range header parried by the unbeatable goalkeeper on a remarkable night in Kansas.

Tim Howard made 15 saves for the USA against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, but that game went to extra time.

FIFA recorded Howard as having made 16 saves but Opta recorded the figure as 15.

Ramon Quiroga set the record for Peru in 1978 with 14 saves against the Netherlands, surpassing Stoyan Yordanov of Bulgaria, who made 12 against Morocco in 1970,

The key moments from Kansas…

  • 3: HUGE SAVE! Curacao goalkeeper Room denies Valencia with a brilliant stop.

  • 69: ROOM AGAIN! Plata’s close-range header at a corner is superbly parried by the goalkeeper.

  • 60: DOULE SAVE! But NOT from Room as Curacao are denied a shock lead.

  • 79: ROOM MAKES HISTORY! Angulo’s pildriver from outside the box is parried by Room to bring up his fifteenth save.

  • 90: OFF THE WOODWORK! Ecuador substitute Preciado sees his cross hit the crossbar.

Who is Eloy Room?

Room plays for second-tier Miami FC in the USL Championship, having signed for the club in December last year.

The 37-year-old won the Eredivisie title with PSV in the 2017/18 season and before that spent most of his career at Vitesse, where he made more than 250 appearances over two spells.

After PSV, he signed for MLS side Columbus Crew in 2019, playing 102 times, winning the MLS Save of Year and the MLS Cup.

Room for a hero…

Save after save!

Ecuadraw on the brink

Sky Sports’ David Richardson:

The issue with Ecuador’s qualifying campaign was their repeated reliance on 0-0 draws, a habit that now threatens to end in an embarrassing group-stage exit.

Amad Diallo’s last-minute winner for the Ivory Coast denied them a draw in the opening game, after they had recorded eight stalemates in 18 qualifiers. Even their 1-0 win over Argentina, which concluded their qualifying campaign, came after a run of four consecutive 0-0 draws.

That pattern has continued. In their eight friendlies before this tournament, they drew five. Sebastian Beccacece’s side struggles for goals, often scraping wins by the odd goal and leaning heavily on Enner Valencia, who has 49 goals in 107 appearances. The next highest scorer is Gonzalo Plata with eight.

Managing to draw 0-0 despite 27 shots against a team ranked 81st in the world is quite an achievement in itself. Beating Germany to reach the knockout stage would be an even bigger one.

What the result means…

Rate the players!

Monterosa

This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Deposit $20, Get $50 Trading Bonus

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The Polymarket promo code FOX gets new users a $50 trading bonus on a $20 deposit, available now on the world’s largest prediction market platform.

Polymarket has processed over $10 billion in total trading volume and is now fully available to U.S. users on iOS, with Android availability continuing to expand, regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and legal in 49 states plus Washington, D.C.

This weekend could define the World Cup fortunes of several nations. Some teams are one win away from the round of 32, while others are already in must-win territory as the group stage reaches a critical point.

Download the app, enter code FOX at sign-up, and deposit $20 to claim your $50 trading bonus.

Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Deposit $20, Get $50 Trading Bonus

Promo CodeFOXOfferDeposit $20, Get $50 Trading BonusOffer TypeTrading bonus credited after qualifying depositMinimum Deposit$20Bonus Amount$50 trading bonusExpiryNo expiry on code; bonus credited automaticallyEligible StatesAll U.S. states and D.C. except AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, OHAge Requirement18 and older

Enter promo code FOX during account registration in the Polymarket mobile app to qualify for the deposit $20, get $50 trading bonus. The code must be entered before completing sign-up and cannot be applied to an existing account.

Once your account is created and the code is entered, deposit a minimum of $20 and the $50 trading bonus will be credited automatically. Claim your $50 trading bonus with code FOX and start trading on thousands of sports and event markets right away.

How to Claim the Polymarket Promo Code FOX

  1. Click here to download the Polymarket app on iOS or Android.
  2. Create a new Polymarket account using your email address.
  3. Enter promo code FOX in the promo code or invite code field during registration.
  4. Complete identity verification as prompted inside the app.
  5. Deposit a minimum of $20 to your Polymarket account.
  6. Your $50 trading bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the qualifying deposit.

Polymarket Promo Code FOX Terms and Conditions

  • Promo code: Enter FOX during sign-up. The code cannot be applied retroactively to an existing account.
  • New Polymarket users only. Current account holders are not eligible.
  • Minimum deposit of $20 required to receive the $50 trading bonus.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be physically located in an eligible U.S. state at the time of registration.
  • Not available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, OH.
  • Trading bonus is credited automatically after the qualifying deposit. No additional steps required.
  • Polymarket reserves the right to modify or discontinue promotions at any time.

What Is Polymarket?

Polymarket is the world’s largest prediction market platform. Users buy and sell shares in the outcomes of real-world events, from NFL games to presidential elections to interest rate decisions.

There is no house. No vig. Prices are set entirely by other traders in the market.

Every market is a yes or no question. A yes share trading at $0.60 means the market gives that outcome a 60 percent chance. If you are right, the share pays out $1.00. If you are wrong, it pays $0. Buy at $0.60, win, and you net $0.40 in profit.

Polymarket processed over $2.6 billion in trading volume during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. It is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the same federal body that oversees the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

How Polymarket Trading Works

Pick a market. Choose yes or no. Buy shares.

The price you pay reflects the market’s current probability. Pay $0.35 for a yes share and the market thinks that outcome has a 35 percent chance of happening. As more traders agree with you and buy in, the price rises.

You do not have to wait for the event to resolve. Sell your shares any time before the market closes. Buy yes at $0.35, price moves to $0.70, sell and pocket the difference. It works like a stock, except the position settles at $1.00 or $0.

Deposits go in through credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. No crypto wallet needed. Balances are held in USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the dollar, and convert automatically when you deposit.

Polymarket vs. Traditional Sportsbooks

If you have used FanDuel, DraftKings, or any regulated sportsbook, the core difference with Polymarket comes down to one thing: there is no house. Sportsbooks build a margin into every line, typically between 5 and 8 percent. Every trade on Polymarket is peer-to-peer. The platform takes nothing on binary market positions.

The other big difference is scope. Sportsbooks cover sports. Polymarket covers sports, politics, finance, pop culture, climate, technology, and anything else the community creates a market for. During the 2024 election cycle, Polymarket prediction markets on the presidential race were more widely cited in mainstream news than most polling aggregators.

Here is how the two compare on the basics:

 PolymarketSportsbookHouse edgeNone on binary markets5 to 8 percent margin built inPricingSet by tradersSet by the bookmakerMarket scopeSports, politics, finance, and moreSports onlyMinimum age18 and older21 and older in most statesExit before resolutionYes, sell shares any timeCash out available on some platformsRegulatorCFTC (federal)State gaming commissions

Polymarket Sports Prediction Markets

Polymarket offers one of the deepest sports prediction market libraries available to U.S. users, covering over 13 sports with thousands of live and upcoming markets. For fans who follow FOX Sports programming, the platform is a natural way to put sports knowledge to work in a format that goes beyond a standard game line.

NFL Prediction Markets

NFL markets on Polymarket span the full season calendar, from Super Bowl and division winner futures to week-by-week game outcome markets and player-focused questions. Off-season markets covering draft position, free agency outcomes, and contract situations keep the NFL category active year-round.

NBA Prediction Markets

NBA prediction markets include game outcomes, conference and championship futures, MVP and award markets, and end-of-season statistical leaders. During the NBA playoffs, Polymarket generates some of its highest trading volumes in sports, with series outcome and game-level markets updated in real time as games progress.

MLB Prediction Markets

Baseball markets cover division races, World Series futures, individual awards including MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year, and game outcome markets throughout the 162-game regular season and postseason. Season-long statistical markets on home run leaders and batting title races are also available.

NHL Prediction Markets

NHL markets include Stanley Cup and conference futures, division leader markets, individual award questions, and playoff series outcome markets. Coverage intensifies during the Stanley Cup Playoffs with daily game-level markets across all series.

College Sports, UFC, and More

Beyond the major professional leagues, Polymarket also covers college football and college basketball, UFC and boxing, soccer, and golf. Markets on pop culture, politics, finance, climate, and technology are available for users who want to trade on events outside of sports.

Polymarket Trading Strategies

Prediction markets reward the same skills as sports analysis: reading information before the market adjusts, staying disciplined, and not overcommitting to a single position. These principles apply whether you are trading on an NFL game or a political outcome.

Follow breaking news

Prices on Polymarket move on information. If you see a story that the market has not priced in yet, that is your edge. Trade before the price catches up.

Look for overreactions

Sharp swings in price often overshoot. A team losing their starting quarterback may send yes shares on “win the game” to $0.10 when $0.25 is more realistic. Emotional trading creates opportunity on both sides.

You do not have to hold to resolution

One of the biggest differences from a traditional sportsbook: you can sell at any time. If your position is up 30 percent and the event is still a week out, locking in that gain is a valid strategy. Holding to resolution introduces more risk.

Diversify across markets

Concentrating everything in one outcome amplifies both upside and downside. Spreading positions across multiple markets in different categories reduces the impact of a single wrong call.

Watch liquidity before entering

Thin markets can have wide spreads between buy and sell prices. Check trading volume before entering a position. High-volume markets on the NFL or NBA will have tighter spreads and easier exits than niche markets with low activity.

Polymarket App Review

The Polymarket app is available on iOS and Android and covers everything you need to trade: live markets, your full portfolio, deposits, and withdrawals. Here is what stands out:

  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars from more than 30,000 App Store reviews
  • Android: available on Google Play, with a broader rollout continuing through 2026
  • Biometric login: Face ID and fingerprint support on compatible devices
  • Real-time charts: every market has a live price chart showing how odds have moved
  • Push notifications: alerts for price changes, market resolutions, and position updates
  • No trading fees: Polymarket does not charge fees on binary market positions
  • Deposits: credit card, debit card, or bank transfer via Moonpay inside the app
  • Customer support: in-app help center, plus active support on Discord and X (formerly Twitter)

For a full rundown of regulated sportsbook apps available in your state, see the best betting apps guide at FOX Sports.

Polymarket vs. Kalshi

Polymarket and Kalshi are the two largest CFTC-regulated prediction market platforms in the U.S. The core mechanic is the same on both: you buy yes or no shares, correct outcomes pay $1.00, incorrect pay $0. Where they differ is in focus.

 PolymarketKalshiRegulatorCFTCCFTCSports markets13 plus sports, deepest coverageGrowing sports offeringFinance and politicsStrong coverageOriginal strengthTrading feesNone on binary marketsNone on binary marketsAvailability49 states plus D.C.Most U.S. statesMinimum age18 and older18 and olderWelcome offerDeposit $20, get $50 bonus (code FOX)Trade $10, get $10 bonus (code FOXSPORTS)

Both platforms are worth using if you trade across different categories. For details on Kalshi’s current welcome offer, see the Kalshi promo code page at FOX Sports.

Polymarket Payment Methods

Polymarket uses Moonpay to handle deposits and withdrawals inside the app. No external crypto wallet or exchange is required. All account balances are held in USDC, a stablecoin pegged one-to-one with the U.S. dollar, and the conversion from dollars happens automatically when you deposit.

Deposit options

  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • Debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • Bank transfer (ACH)
  • Minimum deposit to claim the $50 bonus with code FOX: $20

Withdrawal options

  • Back to your original payment method (card or bank)
  • To a crypto wallet as USDC
  • Processing times vary by method; card withdrawals typically process within 1 to 3 business days

Does Polymarket Have a Referral Program?

The promo code FOX is a welcome offer for new users, not a referral program. Once your account is active, Polymarket has a separate referral system for existing users who want to earn ongoing rewards for bringing others to the platform.

The Polymarket referral program works through a unique referral link tied to your account, not a shareable code. When someone signs up through your link and trades on the platform, you earn 30 percent of the trading fees they generate for their first 180 days. To qualify, your account needs to reach a lifetime trading volume of $10,000.

This is distinct from the sign-up bonus. New users should enter promo code FOX at registration to claim the $50 trading bonus. The referral revenue share program is for established users looking to earn ongoing rewards after hitting the volume threshold.

Is Polymarket Legal?

Polymarket is legal and regulated in the United States under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The platform operates as a CFTC-designated contract market, the same regulatory classification as major financial derivatives exchanges. Prediction markets are legally distinct from sports betting and operate under federal commodity law rather than state gaming regulation.

Polymarket is available to U.S. users aged 18 and older in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Nevada is the only state where the platform is currently unavailable. The $50 trading bonus with promo code FOX has additional restrictions and is not available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, or OH. Users located in those states can still access and trade on the platform in most cases, but the deposit bonus does not apply.

Where Is Polymarket Legal?

Polymarket is available in the following states. Nevada is the only state where it is not currently offered.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Massachusetts (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Michigan (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey (platform available; bonus not available)
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio (platform available; bonus not available)
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

For regulated sportsbook options available in your state, visit the sportsbook promos page at FOX Sports for current welcome offers from FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and other legal operators.

Responsible Gambling

Trading on prediction markets should always be approached as entertainment. If it stops feeling that way, free, confidential support is available around the clock from these organizations:

Polymarket Promo Code FAQs

What is the Polymarket promo code?

The current Polymarket promo code is FOX. Enter it at sign-up in the promo code field to receive a $50 trading bonus after depositing $20 or more. The bonus is available to new users in eligible states and is credited automatically after the qualifying deposit.

What is the Polymarket invite code?

The Polymarket invite code FOX works the same as the promo code. Polymarket uses the terms promo code, invite code, and referral code interchangeably for the sign-up bonus code. Entering FOX during registration gives you the deposit $20, get $50 trading bonus in eligible states.

What is the Polymarket referral code?

The Polymarket referral code FOX is the code for FOX Sports users claiming the new user trading bonus. It functions identically to the promo code and invite code. Enter FOX at the point of sign-up before completing account creation to qualify for the $50 bonus on a $20 deposit.

Is Polymarket the same as a sportsbook?

No. Polymarket is a prediction market, not a sportsbook. Rather than placing a bet against a house with margin built into the line, you buy and sell shares in event outcomes directly with other users. Prices are set entirely by supply and demand among traders, and Polymarket does not take a position on any outcome. The platform is regulated by the CFTC under federal commodity law, not a state gaming commission.

Where is Polymarket available?

Polymarket is available to U.S. users aged 18 and older in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Nevada is currently the only state where the platform is not available. The $50 trading bonus with code FOX is additionally unavailable in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, and OH.

How do I deposit money on Polymarket?

You can fund a Polymarket account with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the Moonpay integration built into the app. No cryptocurrency wallet is required. Account balances are held in USDC, a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, and the conversion from dollars to USDC happens automatically at deposit.

Can I enter the Polymarket promo code after creating my account?

No. The promo code FOX must be entered during the registration process and cannot be applied to an existing account retroactively. Make sure to enter the code before completing sign-up to unlock the $50 trading bonus on a $20 deposit.

US Open 2026 tee times: Full R4 pairings and UK and Ireland start times for final round at Shinnecock Hills in New York | Golf News

Groupings and tee times for the final round of the 126th US Open, held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.

A level-par 70 was enough to increase halfway leader Wyndham Clark’s advantage from four strokes to six, with the American heading into the final day on seven under as he looks to close out a wire-to-wire victory.

Clark faces a Sunday pairing with Scottie Scheffler, one of two players to post an under-par third round, with the world No 1 still in contention to claim the major required to complete the career Grand Slam.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wyndham Clark hit one of the shots of his life during the third round, with a brilliant approach setting up eagle at the par-five 16th

They will tee off at 2.30pm local time (7.30pm UK time), with Sahith Theegala, Sam Stevens and Tom Kim alongside Scheffler in tied-second and the only other players still under-par for the tournament

Rory McIlroy’s third-round 73 drops him to tied-17th and sees him 10 off the lead, with the Masters champion teeing off alongside Akshay Bhatia in the final round (5.13pm UK time).

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rory McIlroy shot a three-over 73 during his third round to slip down the leaderboard

Sunday’s R4 tee times

USA unless stated; (x) denotes amateurs; All times UK and Ireland

Starting on hole one

1245 Dylan Wu, James Nicholas

1256 Peter Uihlein, Russell Henley

1307 Patrick Rodgers, Eric Lee (x)

1318 Neal Shipley, Hideki Matsuyama (Jpn)

1329 Adrien Dumont de Chassart (Bel), Nico Echavarria (Col)

1340 Caleb Surratt, Ben James

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wyndham Clark told Sky Sports that he was frustrated after making bogey on the 18th hoe and suggested he should be leading by more

1351 Jackson Van Paris, Spencer Tibbits

1402 Kurt Kitayama, Max Greyserman

1418 Marek Fleming (x), Jacob Bridgeman

1429 Johnny Keefer, Ludvig Åberg (Swe)

1440 Ryan Fox (Nzl), Angel Hidalgo (Esp)

1451 Miles Russell (x), Jackson Koivun (x)

1502 Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Chris Gotterup

1513 Harry Higgs, Andrew Putnam

1524 Michael Brennan, Jordan Spieth

1535 Bud Cauley, Ben Kohles

1551 Cameron Young, Joaquin Niemann (Chi)

1602 Laurie Canter (Eng), Justin Thomas

1613 William Mouw, Niklas Norgaard (Den)

1624 Max McGreevy, Justin Rose (Eng)

1635 Ben Griffin, Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)

1646 Pierceson Coody, Dustin Johnson

1657 Ryo Hisatsune (Jpn), Gary Woodland

1713 Akshay Bhatia, Rory McIlroy (NIrl)

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rory McIlroy made three birdies in a row during his third round at the US Open

1724 Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman

1735 Zac Blair, Aaron Rai (Eng)

1746 John Parry (Eng), JT Poston

1757 Sungjae Im (Kor), Michael Kim

1808 Ryder Cowan (x), Alex Fitzpatrick (Eng)

1819 Corey Conners (Can), Keegan Bradley

1835 Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng), Collin Morikawa

1846 Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Xander Schauffele

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

In the Audi Performance Zone, Paul McGinley takes a look at Tommy Fleetwood’s super swing

1857 Sam Burns, Keith Mitchell

1908 Emiliano Grillo (Arg), Sam Stevens

1919 Tom Kim (Kor), Sahith Theegala

1930 Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark

Who will win the US Open? Watch the final round live on Sunday from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

England’s Thomas Tuchel Hints Winger Bukayo Saka Will Not Start Against Ghana

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the upcoming World Cup encounter against Ghana. Despite making a goal-scoring impact from the bench during the opening victory over Croatia, the Arsenal attacker continues to have his minutes carefully managed due to an ongoing Achilles issue.

Tuchel Protects Star Attacker

The Three Lions enjoyed a flying start to their Group L campaign by defeating Croatia 4-2, with Saka providing an immediate assist for Marcus Rashford after being introduced as a second-half substitute. However, the national team coaching staff remain determined to nurse the 24-year-old through the early tournament phases. Although the winger played through pain during Arsenal’s successful Premier League title run-in, Tuchel is taking a highly cautious approach.

Manager Outlines Fitness Plan

While the player publicly declared his willingness to gamble on his long-term physical condition to aid the team, his manager is looking at the broader tournament picture. Tuchel stated: “Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready.”

This delicate management strategy contrasts with the approach of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who traditionally keeps specific medical details concerning his key squad assets entirely in-house.

Squad Depth Eases Pressure

Medical assessments indicate that the winger’s Achilles tendinitis has not deteriorated since the conclusion of the grueling domestic season, but Tuchel seemingly wants him to peak for the knockout rounds. The luxury of benching a player of his caliber highlights England’s immense attacking depth, with Noni Madueke likely to resume on the right flank. This cautious approach is further justified by the impressive form of other rotation options, highlighted by Ivan Toney scoring a hat-trick in a recent 5-1 private friendly against Sporting Kansas City.

Ghana Test Challenges Leaders

England heads to Boston Stadium on Tuesday for a crucial top-of-the-table clash against a Ghanian side that secured an opening 1-0 win over Panama. The Black Stars present a rigid physical examination as they look to build momentum following their disciplined tournament start. Securing a second successive victory would comfortably book England’s place in the round of 32 before their final group match against Panama in New Jersey.