Lionel Messi on '26 World Cup: 'I hope I can be there'

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja are set to defend their titles at UFC 323, taking place on December 6, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is highly anticipated as both fighters are considered among the best in their divisions, with intense staredowns leading up to the match.

The Iowa State football program has appointed Jimmy Rogers, formerly the head coach at Washington State, as the new head coach following the departure of Matt Campbell to Penn State. This transition comes after Iowa State concluded its 2025 season with a third consecutive victory, marking a significant change in leadership for the Cyclones.

Ernie Johnson, the beloved host of 'Inside the NBA', has been named the guest picker for ESPN's 'College GameDay' in Atlanta, joining Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit for the special appearance. This announcement was made via the show's social media accounts, highlighting Johnson's crossover appeal in sports broadcasting.

Trade speculation is growing around Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore, with ESPN's Buster Olney reporting that he is likely to be traded ahead of the MLB winter meetings. This development comes as the Nationals evaluate their roster and potential moves to improve the team's future prospects.

Bay Area soccer fans gathered at various locations, including PayPal Park and Thrive City, to celebrate the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which determined the groups that will compete at Levi's Stadium. The event was marked by excitement and anticipation as fans watched the selections unfold.

The odds for the Golden Boot award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been released, with Kylian Mbappé slightly favored over Harry Kane. This comes as the tournament's groups have been finalized, setting the stage for intense competition among the world's top footballers.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been announced, revealing the group placements for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Spain remains a favorite to win the championship following the draw, reflecting its strong performance in recent competitions.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has raised questions about whether England has been placed in the so-called 'Group of Death', as analysts Alexi Lalas, Thierry Henry, and Stu Holden weigh in on the challenging nature of Group L. This group is expected to feature formidable opponents, making England's path to advancement potentially difficult.