It’s the most wonderful time of the year for college football video game fans.

EA Sports College Football 26 release week has arrived as the second installment of the popular video game franchise will be available to play after its triumphant return last year.

There’s plenty of excitement for the game as EA Sports attempts to create a game that can sustain the success College Football 25 had, with new features, expanded gameplay and tweaks based on community feedback. The game has a release date, but those that bought the deluxe edition or the bundle with Madden 26 will be able to play it earlier, allowing gamers the chance to get a head start on their dynasties or road to glory. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the game as soon as possible?

Pre-order EA Sports College Football 26 for PS5

When does EA Sports College Football 26 come out?

People that preordered the deluxe edition of EA Sports College Football 26 or bought the MVP bundle with Madden 26 will be able to play the game on Monday, July 7 at noon ET. For the standard version, the game will be available to play on Thursday, July 10.

Pre-order EA Sports College Football 26 for Xbox

EA Sports College Football 26 versions, how to preorder

If you’re wanting to play the game early but don’t have early access yet, there’s still time.

The deluxe edition and MVP bundle can still be digitally pre-ordered for Xbox’s Microsoft Store and PlayStation’s PlayStation Store up until July 10, allowing early access. If bought during the early period, it will be available to play immediately.

Here are the cost of each version of EA Sports College Football 26:

• Standard version: $69.99
• Deluxe edition: $99.99
• MVP bundle (with Madden 26): $149.99

Shop EA Sports College Football 26 for PS5

What’s new in EA Sports College Football 26?

There are several updates and additions to EA Sports College Football 26. EA Sports production director Christian McLeod previously told USA TODAY Sports the goal for this year’s game was building upon the foundation CFB 25 laid and listening to the feedback – good and bad − from it.

One major component is real-life coaches are in the game, giving it a more realistic feel when going against the biggest names on the sidelines and in recruiting. When playing the game, there are more than 2,800 new plays to choose from and players will notice more gameday traditions and mascots.

In the popular dynasty mode, the transfer portal was overhauled to be more unpredictable. More entries are possible and new are dynamic dealbreakers, which can change how a player feels about a school and can decide they want to play somewhere else, making it a greater challenge to turn smaller programs into national powerhouses. Dynasty mode will also have a trophy room and record book so users can track all of their accomplishments.

Road to glory will now have a high school portion of the mode after it was left out last year. Players will be able to play moments during their high school career as they try to determine which school to attend.

Shop EA Sports College Football 26 for Xbox

Sure, they don’t make snubs like they did back in the day.

With 64 players on the first draft of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game rosters, and a half-dozen or more soon to come as injury replacements, whining about roster omissions just can’t measure up in this era of the oddly aggrieved.

Still, sometimes the formula doesn’t work in the favor of the game’s greatest players, particularly with the X factors of fan voting, the timing of player voting and the stipulation that all 30 teams – yep, even those in the Mountain time zone and the South Side of Chicago – are represented.

With that, we take a look at a half-dozen players omitted from the July 6 roster drop, yet may find themselves summoned to the Atlanta suburbs come July 15:

Juan Soto, OF, Mets

Money can’t necessarily buy happiness, and now we know it can’t ensure All-Star spots, either. Soto, signed to a record $765 million contract in December, got off to a predictably slow start as he reacclimated to the National League and joined a new lineup.

But look at him now: A .396 OBP (second in the NL, fourth in the majors), 21 home runs and a .904 OPS (seventh in the NL). Put those numbers next to another player and you’d say, “Should be an All-Star.” Just because they’re not quite Sotoesque doesn’t mean the man doesn’t deserve his fifth Al-Star appearance. And hey, the viewing public does watch this game to, you know, see the stars play.

Michael Busch, 1B, Cubs

Sometimes it really does come down to timing. Had Busch not waited until the Fourth of July to drop a three-homer game on Chicago’s archrivals, he might have scored higher in the player or fan voting. Alas, his .939 OPS (fourth NL, seventh in the majors) and 18 home runs will be free to go fishing next week.

The democratization of All-Star voting – thanks largely to online balloting, as opposed to who draws the most fans – is generally a good thing. Yet the Cubs and their 53-36 record – just shy of the Dodgers for best in the NL – are strangely underrepresented with just three selections. Slugging outfielder Seiya Suzuki also has a strong case, but the Cubs will have to make do with the very deserving Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker and Matthew Boyd.

Cristopher Sanchez, LHP, Phillies

This would have been back-to-back All-Star nods for Sanchez, and deservedly so. He ranks seventh in the NL with a 2.68 ERA and has given up just seven home runs, his 0.62 home runs per nine ranking fifth. He’s also in the top 10 in strikeouts per nine innings.

While the 6-foot-6 left-hander’s strikeout total (108 in 100 innings) pales a bit compared to some electees, the Phillies are 9-2 in the 11 starts in which he’s completed at least six innings, and 13-4 in all his outings. Perhaps he’ll be the first one to hear his phone ring when Chris Sale (rib fracture) is declared out due to injury.

Trevor Megill, RHP, Brewers

In this day and age of nasty stuff and bullpen hyper-specialization, it’s rare when a capital-C closer is viewed as a snub. Yet Megill has been the busiest and perhaps best of them in the NL so far.

He’s converted 20 of 23 opportunities, an 87% rate that’s second only to the Mets’ Edwin Diaz among relievers with at least 13 saves. More notably, the Brewers have been one of the game’s best teams and stories all season and have just one All-Star – starter Freddy Peralta – to show for it. A reliever’s life is always volatile and there’s no guarantee Megill has a season like this going forward. Perhaps he’ll get a just reward in coming days.

Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays

This one’s fairly shocking, and more the product of positional glut than anything. The timeless Jose Ramirez won fan voting and was joined by player’s vote winner Alex Bregman, both deserving recipients. But Caminero has more than exceeded the breakout year expected of him, with 21 home runs and an .809 OPS.

He’s probably a little more deserving than Rays teammate Brandon Lowe, who got a reserve nod at second base with 19 homers and an .813 OPS. Caminero’s .301 OPS didn’t do him any favors, but it’s hard to argue with 40 extra-base hits and a .508 slugging percentage before the All-Star break.

Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros

Valdez should get some measure of revenge come the winter, when he may receive the largest free agent contract among pitchers. For now, his resume speaks pretty well on his behalf: 115 strikeouts in 115 innings, a 2.90 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP. But man, the AL pitching field is so loaded, Valdez’s ERA is good for just 11^th in the league, and eight of the 10 arms before him got selected. Valdez has one of the top overall profiles when you combine innings pitched, strikeout rate and ERA, but this is a tough crowd to stand out in.

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In a stunning turnabout for a franchise that placed almost blind trust in its top two baseball officials, the Washington Nationals on Sunday fired general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, who assembled and led the club that won the lone World Series championship in franchise history.

Rizzo, 64, has been the Nationals’ GM since 2009, taking over for the fired Jim Bowden and building around consecutive No. 1 picks in franchise icons Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper to craft an almost perennial contender throughout the previous decade, as they claimed five playoff berths between 2012 and 2019.

The run culminated with the 2019 World Series title, when the Nationals – one year after Harper’s departure – parlayed a wild card berth into a seven-game upset of the Houston Astros in Martinez’s second year at the helm.

MLB ALL STAR-GAME: Full rosters for 2025 Midsummer Classic

But things turned south almost immediately. The club struggled through an injury-plagued pandemic-shortened 2020 season and soon had to write off the $245 million contract it granted Strasburg after his World Series MVP performance gave way to thoracic outlet syndrome.

Martinez, 60, was in his eighth season managing the Nationals, who have not had a winning record since winning 93 games in 2019. After going 26-34 in 2020, they suffered 97- and 107-loss seasons before posting 71-91 marks each of the past two seasons.

Yet the 2025 season was viewed as a time for significant progress, with a young core of players coalescing and the most serviceable roster the Nationals had fielded in at least three seasons looking ready to compete. Instead, they are 37-53, in last place in the National League East and coming off a brutal sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

Martinez and Rizzo won’t be around to see the rebuild through, instead having to oversee a clubhouse that went from veteran champions to twentysomethings trying to learn at the big league level after the most momentous transaction in franchise history.

The club named assistant GM Mike DeBartolo as interim general manager and will announce an interim manager Monday. The team did not indicate further changes to the coaching staff.

“My goal was to lead a franchise to greatness with honesty, integrity and professionalism,’ says Rizzo in a statement released to USA TODAY Sports. ‘I feel we did that. I want to thank every single player, manager, coach, staff member and Nationals Park employee who worked tirelessly to propel this incredible run with the Washington Nationals.

‘I am grateful to the Lerner Family for the opportunity to lead this organization and proud of what we accomplished here. A special thanks to the fans who have embraced my family and I since day one nearly 19 years ago. DC will always have a very special place in our hearts.”

As their superstar core aged, young slugger Juan Soto remained the last man standing from their glory years, and in 2022, the Nationals created a self-imposed deadline: Trade Soto or sign him to an extension. Soto declined a heavily-deferred $440 million deal and was traded to San Diego in August 2022, a transaction that remade the franchise.

While the losses piled up, the young players acquired in the Soto deal – shortstop CJ Abrams, left-hander MacKenzie Gore and outfielder James Wood – grew into the Nationals’ next core. Yet as the Nationals prepared to improve on their consecutive 71-win campaigns this year, Martinez took the major leagues’ 29th-ranked bullpen into battle, and the unit’s 5.71 ERA has turned many close games into certain losses.

In this fate-sealing skid that saw the Nationals go 9-23 since June 1, it was largely the offense’s futility that made the whole machine break down.

And in the process, it cast a light on Rizzo’ and his regimes’ inability to consistently draft and develop players. The few bright spots for the future – staff ace MacKenzie Gore, slugger James Wood and shortstop CJ Abrams – were named All-Stars the past two years.

Yet the cupboard is virtually bare otherwise, even with the Nationals’ favorable drafting position in recent years. They hold the No. 1 pick in the July 15 draft.

It won’t be Rizzo making that call.

“On behalf of our family and the Washington Nationals organization, I first and foremost want to thank Mike and Davey for their contributions to our franchise and our city,” managing partner Mark Lerner said. “Our family is eternally grateful for their years of dedication to the organization, including their roles in bringing a World Series trophy to Washington, D.C. While we are appreciative of their past successes, the on-field performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be. This is a pivotal time for our Club, and we believe a fresh approach and new energy is the best course of action for our team moving forward.”

Rizzo’s cause wasn’t helped by either the apathy or unwillingness of management to invest in both capital improvements around the franchise along with free agent impact additions. Now, it will be a new regime shaping a fresh vision from the executive branch for the first time in almost two decades.

It’s going to be a long year ahead for the U.S. men’s national team before the 2026 World Cup.

Mexican captain Edson Álvarez scored a late header (77’) confirmed by VAR, and Mexico defeated the United States, 2-1, in the Concacaf Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, July 6.

Mexico has won back-to-back Gold Cup titles. Both countries had alternated winning Gold Cup titles at the bi-annual tournament since 2011 (the U.S. won in 2013, 2017, 2021, while Mexico won in 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 and 2025). Mexico also got its first win in a tournament final over the USMNT since the 2019 Gold Cup, ending a three-game losing streak to the USMNT in tournament finals.

“Overall, we’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” said 37-year-old USMNT defender Tim Ream after the match.

USMNT defender Chris Richards scored a header in the fourth minute to take an early 1-0 lead in a thrilling start for coach Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez answered with a goal in the 27^th minute to tie the match.

There was a controversial no-call when Mexico’s Jorge Sánchez fell hand-first onto the ball inside the 18-yard box in the 67^th minute. Sánchez was falling and braced himself for the fall as the ball rolled under his hand. The referee waved off a potential penalty after the sequence.

The result is unfortunate for USMNT, which played without star captain Christian Pulisic and several other key players who opted to rest or join their teams in the FIFA Club World Cup.

“They needed this experience to grow,” former USMNT standout and FOX analyst Landon Donovan said during the postgame coverage. “It was their A team against our version of a B team. They will grow from it.”

It’s the second loss to Mexico for the USMNT under Pochettino — an Argentine who coached soccer giants like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — hired in Sept. 2024. He has nine wins, a draw and six losses in 16 matches since taking the USMNT job.

The USMNT will continue to prepare for the next World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico next summer.

Former USMNT standout and FOX analyst Alexi Lalas said this Gold Cup run was about “establishing a new identity” for the U.S. this summer.  

“They got beaten tonight by a better team. That’s OK,” Lalas said. “More importantly, they established the identity that players on the outside looking in – whether Christian Pulisic or anybody – have to adapt to. There’s a long game going on here. Next summer when the World Cup is here, we’ll say … this is where the seeds were planted.”

Mexico vs. USMNT Gold Cup final highlights

Mexico 2, USMNT 1: Edson Álvarez scores goal, confirmed by VAR

Edson Álvarez scored a header in the 77^th minute, but it was initially ruled offside. However, VAR determined Álvarez was onside. The goal will count. And USMNT has about 15 minutes left in the match to force added time.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Mexico’s Gilberto Mora exits as substitute

Mexico’s 16-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora has been substituted off, replaced by Orbelín Pineda in the 75^th minute.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: USMNT makes first substitution

Coming into the match for USMNT is Damion Downs, who turned 21 on July 6. Downs plays for FC Cologne in the German Bundesliga. He replaced MLS San Diego FC standout Luca de la Torre in the lineup.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Max Arfsten’s shot is so close

USMNT’s Max Arfsten fired a right boot from outside the box that nearly scored in the 54th minute. The Columbus Crew standout was close from putting the U.S. in front.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Shot by Roberto Alvarado misses to left

Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado sent a beauty of a left boot outside the box, but missed to the left of the goal in the 51^st minute. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freeze appeared frozen as he watched the ball sail away from the net.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Crazy sequence results in no goal before halftime

USMNT had a prime opportunity in the closing minutes of the first half, but could not convert. Alex Freeman missed a header inside the box that hit off Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón’s head. Patrick Agyemang was unable to gather his footing for an attempt, and Diego Luna fired a shot that sailed over the net in a frantic sequence.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Mexico’s César Montes gets yellow card

Mexico’s César Montes received a yellow card for a sliding tackle on USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang in the 44th minute. However, USMNT was unable to make anything happen on the set piece from Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: El Tri dominating possession

Ever since the USMNT’s early goal by Chris Richards, Mexico has dominated possession under the hazy dome at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Raúl Jiménez evened up the score in the 27th minute in a moment that seemed inevitable.

Now, the U.S. has some real ‘just hang on until halftime without allowing another goal’ vibes.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Raúl Jiménez pays tribute to Diogo Jota after goal

Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota by doing his FIFA video game goal celebration, and holding a Mexico jersey with Jota’s No. 20.

Jiménez and Jota were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League from 2018 to 2020.

USMNT 1, Mexico 1: Raúl Jiménez scores goal to tie Gold Cup final

Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez scored a goal with a left boot from the left side of the box to tie this Gold Cup final in the 27^th minute.

Jiménez finished the assist from Marcel Ruíz, and paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota after the score.

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Why does it appear hazy inside stadium?

After an extravagant firework display during the Gold Cup final pregame ceremony, the smoke left behind a hazy appearance inside Houston’s NRG Stadium, an indoor facility, during the opening minutes of the match.

FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft said she wasn’t “inhaling smoke” on the pitch, but “this haze doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.”

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Patrick Mahomes is tuned into Gold Cup final

Three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes, of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, is tuned into the Gold Cup final. He posted this about the goal by USMNT’s Chris Richards:

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Why Chris Richards’ goal was impressive vs. Mexico

The goal by USMNT defender Chris Richards was the first goal Mexico allowed since their opening match in the Gold Cup, a stretch of four games. Mexico beat Dominican Republic 3-2 to open the tournament, and did not allow a goal until Richards punched in the early 1-0 lead for USMNT.

USMNT 1, Mexico 0: Chris Richards scores goal in opening minutes

It didn’t take long for USMNT to strike first. USMNT defender Chris Richard scored a header inside the box on a set piece (4’) to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

It’s the second goal for Richards in the Gold Cup. His header hit the crossbar and landed inside the lower right corner.

How to watch USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final: TV, stream

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)
• TV: FOX (English). Univision, TUDN and Galavision (all Spanish). With both the English- and Spanish-language broadcast pregame shows beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
• Stream: Fubo

Watch USMNT vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup final with a free trial of Fubo

What time is USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final?

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final between the USMNT and Mexico is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Gold Cup final will see sellout crowd in Houston

Before the Gold Cup final, Concacaf announced the match will be a sellout at NRG Stadium in Houston. More than 70,000 fans are expected to attend, the organization said in a statement.

USMNT starting 11 vs. Mexico

Coach Mauricio Pochettino is sticking with the players who got the team to the Concacaf Gold Cup final.

Mexico starting 11 vs. USMNT

El Tri coach Javier Aguirre has named his starting lineup against the U.S. in the Gold Cup final. That starting lineup includes 16-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora.

Gold Cup final predictions

➤ USA 2, Mexico 2 (USA wins 4-3 in penalties): This won’t be easy for USMNT, but it’s time to see if they’re going to answer the call — not just on the pitch, but engaging the country’s interest to another level before the World Cup. — Safid Deen

➤ Mexico 2, USA 1: This is a tall task for the — outside of veteran defender Tim Ream — largely green USMNT. The 70,000-seat NRG Stadium is going to be filled with El Tri fans and the place might feel more like Estadio Azteca, Mexico City’s cauldron of sound and fury that has been a bugaboo for the U.S. One also has to wonder how much the U.S. has left in the tank, as coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t done much to mix up the starting lineups. Mexico comes in having lost its last three finals against the USMNT and will be highly motivated to turn the tide. Just like the USMNT, this is Mexico’s last real competitive match until the 2026 World Cup. — Jim Reineking

Alexi Lalas rides horse to FOX Sports set

Why?

Concacaf Gold Cup bracket

What are the odds for the USMNT vs. Mexico Gold Cup final?

According to BetMGM on Sunday afternoon, these are the odds for the regular-time result of the match: Mexico +150; Draw +185; USA +210. Mexico are favorites to lift the trophy (-135) over the U.S. (+105).

USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final

You ask former U.S. men’s national soccer team standouts Marcelo Balboa and Stu Holden about the Concacaf Gold Cup final, and the competitive spirit just oozes from their soul.

Especially since USMNT will face its biggest rival, Mexico, in the Sunday, July 6 match at NRG Stadium in Houston.

What is the Concacaf Gold Cup?

The Gold Cup is a biennial tournament for national teams in the North and Central American and Caribbean region associated with Concacaf. Mexico (nine times), the U.S. (seven times) and Canada (one time) are the only nations to have won the Gold Cup. Mexico won the last Gold Cup competition in 2023.

Which players are on the USMNT Gold Cup roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/Germany), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfielders (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/England), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Spain), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln/Germany), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada)

Which players are on the Mexico Gold Cup roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Luis Ángel Malagón (América), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS Futebol SAD/Portugal), Raúl Rangel (Chivas)

Defenders (8): Julián Araujo (Bournemouth/England), Matéo Chávez (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), César Montes (FC Lokomotiv/Russia), Jesús Orozco (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (Club América), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Johán Vázquez (Genoa/Italy)

Midfielders (7): Edson Álvarez (West Ham United/England), Luis Chávez (FC Dynamo Moscow/Russia), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens/Greece), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Marcel Ruíz (Toluca)

Forwards (7): Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Efraín Álvarez (Chivas), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan/Italy), Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht/Belgium), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham/England), Efraín Álvarez (Chivas), Ángel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul)

USA vs. Mexico soccer rivalry

The USMNT and Mexico have met 78 times in a rivalry that dates back to 1934. Mexico holds the all-time series edge with 37 wins to the USA’s 24 with 17 ties between the two.

Here is how the previous five matchups have gone:

• Oct. 15, 2024 (friendly) — Mexico 2, United States 0
• March 24, 2024 (Concacaf Nations League final) — United States 2, Mexico 0
• June 15, 2023 (Concacaf Nations League semifinal) — United States 3, Mexico 0
• April 19, 2023 (friendly) — United States 1, Mexico 1
• March 24, 2022 (FIFA World Cup qualifier) — United States 0, Mexico 0

USMNT 2025 schedule and results

• Jan. 20 (friendly) — United States 3, Venezuela 1
• Jan. 22 (friendly) — United States 3, Costa Rica 0
• March 20 (Concacaf Nations League) — Panama 1, United States 0
• March 23 (Concacaf Nations League third-place match) — Canada 2, United States 1
• June 7 (friendly) — Türkiye 2, United States 1
• June 10 (friendly) — Switzerland 4, United States 0
• June 15 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 5, Trinidad and Tobago 0
• June 19 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 1, Saudi Arabia 0
• June 22 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 2, Haiti 1
• June 29 (Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal) — United States 2, Costa Rica 2 (U.S. wins penalty shootout, 4-3)
• July 3 (Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal) — United States 2, Guatemala 1
• July 6 (Concacaf Gold Cup final) — United States vs. Mexico, 7 p.m. ET (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• Sept. 6 (friendly) — United States vs. South Korea, 5 p.m. ET (Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, N.J.)
• Sept. 9 (friendly) — United States vs. Japan, 7:30 p.m. ET (Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio)

Previous Gold Cup finals

• 2023: Mexico over Panama, 1-0
• 2021: United States over Mexico, 1-0
• 2019: Mexico over United States, 2-1
• 2017: United States over Jamaica, 2-1
• 2015: Mexico over Jamaica, 3-1
• 2013: United States over Panama, 1-0
• 2011: Mexico over United States, 4-2
• 2009: Mexico over United States, 5-0
• 2007: United States over Mexico, 2-1
• 2005: United States over Panama, 0-0 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 3-1)
• 2003: Mexico over Brazil, 1-0 (Mexico won on a golden goal)
• 2002: United States over Costa Rica, 2-0
• 2000: Canada over Colombia, 2-0
• 1998: Mexico over United States, 1-0
• 1996: Mexico over Brazil, 2-0
• 1993: Mexico over United States, 4-0
• 1991: United States over Honduras, 0-0 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 4-3)

The NBA offseason is still young, but we have likely already seen the biggest move. In late June, former MVP and two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant was traded the Houston Rockets.

Though the trade was still unofficial, fans already knew some parts of it. We knew that the Rockets were giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and the 10th-overall pick of the 2025 draft. Fans thought that was that, but oh no. There was much, much more to this trade.

On July 6, the trade became official, revealing that there were seven teams involved in the trade − the first such trade in NBA history, per ESPN. Six players, fifteen draft picks, and a bit of cash were all moved in order to move Kevin Durant to the Lone Star State. Here’s what to know.

Which teams were involved in the trade?

Obviously, the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns were involved, but other teams in on the action included the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers.

What did each team receive?

• Phoenix Suns: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 10th-overall pick (Khaman Maluach), 31st-overall pick (Rasheer Fleming), 41st-overall pick (Koby Brea), Daeqwon Plowden, a 2026 2nd-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick
• Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, 2031 2nd-round pick swap
• Golden State Warriors: 52nd-overall pick (Alex Toohey), 59th-overall pick (Jahmai Mashack)
• Brooklyn Nets: 2026 2nd-round pick, 2030 2nd-round pick
• Atlanta Hawks: David Roddy, 2031 2nd-round pick swap, cash considerations
• Los Angeles Lakers: 36th-overall pick (Adou Thiero)
• Minnesota Timberwolves: 45th-overall pick (Rocco Zikarsky), two future 2nd-round picks, cash considerations

Why did it take so long for the trade to become official?

The deal was not eligible to be completed until July 6, the start of the NBA’s 2025-26 official year. The delay allowed teams to satisfy salary cap requirements and actually enabled Phoenix to move the second-round picks it earned in the trade around in order to alleviate some salary cap penalties they would’ve otherwise had to endure.

What was the previous biggest trade in NBA history?

Just one year ago, the league saw a six-team trade between the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers. The biggest player involved in this trade was five-time All-Star Klay Thompson, who was sent from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks.

The game between the Seattle Sounders and the Columbus Crew ended in a 1-1 draw during the final seconds of stoppage time after Stefan Frei went down with an injury on Sunday, July 6.

The Sounders goalkeeper was seen diving in the direction of the ball on a Columbus Crew’s corner kick attempt while several players were coming toward him and the net, trying to make a play on the ball. Frei took a knee to the head during the Columbus Crew’s corner kick attempt.

Medical officials were on the field to evaluate Frei before an ambulance arrived and he was transported off the field.

Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer said after the game that Frei was alert. He was being evaluated for both neck and head injuries.

‘(Frei) got hit pretty hard,’ Schmetzer said. ‘We’re in the early stages of that evaluation. As soon as we get a definitive, a real, good clarity on the extent of the injury, we’ll give you more. I don’t want to speculate.

‘He is going to the hospital, but he is fine. He was alert when he was loaded onto the ambulance … I’m very happy for our medical staff because they did a good job to be careful. We can’t underestimate that type of stuff.’

The game was no longer a priority for Schmetzer, who was heard during the game’s broadcast on Apple TV asking for officials to ‘stop the game’ following Frei’s injury.

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There were the young All-Stars, the first-time All-Stars and the old All-Stars, but no name resonated more brightly Sunday during the selections was Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Clayton Kershaw.

Just four days after entering the record books with his 3,000^th strikeout, Kershaw is now going to the All-Star Game for the 11^th time of his illustrious career, chosen by commissioner Rob Manfred as his “Legend Pick’ in recognition of the Dodgers veteran.

Kershaw, the oldest All-Star at 37 years old, becomes the first All-Star chosen by Manfred since 2022 when he chose Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera, who were in the final year of their careers. Kershaw has not announced whether this will be his final season, but after three Cy Youngs, two World Series championships and becoming the 20^th pitcher to achieve 3,000 strikeouts, his Hall of Fame resume is already complete.

MLB ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS: Check out the full teams for Midsummer Classic

Kershaw is one of five Dodgers who will be at the All-Star Game, joining Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the most by any team. The first-place Detroit Tigers (Tarik Skubal, Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene and Javier Baez) and the Seattle Mariners (Cal Raleigh, Bryan Woo, Julio Rodriguez and Andres Muñoz) have the second-most representatives with four All-Stars apiece.

There are 19 first-time All Stars, including 21 players who are 26 years old are younger, with 22-year-old James Wood of the Washington Nationals being the youngest. Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson, 23, is the youngest AL player, and joins his father, Jack, as the first father-son duo to be selected as All-Star shortstops, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Shane Smith is not only the first Chicago White Sox rookie pitcher to make the All-Star team, but also becomes only the second player to be a Rule 5 Draft pick and make the All-Star team the following season, joining Miami Marlins infielder Dan Uggla in 2006.

Texas Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, the two-time Cy Young award winner and a candidate to win his third, is returning to the All-Star Game for the first time since 2021. He’s 9-2 with a 2.13 ERA and his 101⅓ innings pitches are the most he’s accumulated since 2021.

There, of course, are plenty of players who were snubbed, well at least initially considering there are about a dozen players added before the July 15 All-Star Game with injuries and pitching limits. St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray, Astros starter Framber Valdez, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Mets outfielder Juan Soto, Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, Phillies starter Ranger Suarez, Twins starter Joe Ryan, Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez and Rays third baseman Junior Caminero were among the most glaring omissions.

San Francisco Giants DH Rafael Devers may have gotten robbed of an All-Star selection simply by being traded last month from the Boston Red Sox. Devers entered the day hitting .262 with 17 homers, 67 RBIs and an .866 OPS, but his numbers paled in comparison to Shohei Ohtani (30 homers, 56 RBIs, 1.002 OPS) and Kyle Schwarber (27 homers, 62 RBIs, .922 OPS), who were the top two picks on the players’ ballot.

The players ballot, which also included managers and coaches, once again provided intrigue. They voted for Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña to be the starter, which went to Wilson in the fan balloting. They also voted for Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays to be the starting first baseman instead of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays.

While Freeman is the NL’s starting first baseman, the players wanted New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who easily won their vote. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. received the most fan votes, despite not making his season debut until May 23, but finished only fifth in the player balloting. Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton wasn’t chosen by the fans, but he received the second-most votes from AL outfielders by the players, behind only Yankees MVP Aaron Judge.

In the NL, the players voted Padres setup reliever Jason Adam to the All-Star team, but not teammate Robert Suarez, the Padres closer, who is tied for the MLB lead with 24 saves. San Francisco Giants reliever Randy Rodriguez received the most votes among NL relievers, followed by Edwin Diaz of the Mets. In the AL, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman received the most votes ahead of Josh Hader of the Houston Astros, who has been perfect in 25 save situations.

The AL All-Stars selected by the players:

• Catcher Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays.
• First baseman Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays.
• Second baseman: Brandon Lowe, Rays
• Shortstop: Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros.
• Third baseman: Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox.
• Outfielders: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins; Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians; Julio Rodriguez Seattle Mariners; DH Brent Rooker.
• Starting Pitchers: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers; Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox; Max Fried, New York Yankees; Hunter Brown, Houston Astros; Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers.
• Relief Pitchers: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox; Josh Hader, Astros; Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners.

The NL All-Star chosen by the players:

• Catcher: Hunter Goodman, Colorado Rockies.
• First baseman: Pete Alonso, Mets.
• Second baseman: Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals.
• Shortstop: Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds.
• Third baseman: Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Outfielders: James Wood, Nationals; Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks; Fernando Tatis, Padres.
• DH: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies.
• Starting pitchers: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates; Zack Wheeler, Phillies; Chris Sale, Atlanta; Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants; MacKenzie Gore, Nationals.
• Relief pitchers: Randy Rodriguez, Giants; Edwin Diaz, Mets; Jason Adam, Padres.

MLB made six selections in each league to fill out their roster, and to assure that every club was represented. In the AL, Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm and Witt, of the Royals were chosen, along with pitchers Kris Bubic of the Royals, Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels, Woo and Smith.

In the NL, MLB chose 34-year-old Cubs starter Matthew Boyd for his first All-Star Game, also with starters Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers, Robbie Ray of the Giants and Yamamoto. It also selected first baseman Matt Olson of Atlanta and Kyle Stowers of the Miami Marlins.

While Tarik Skubal should easily be the choice to start the All-Star Game for the AL, it will be a fascinating decision for NL manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers to choose between Zach Wheeler of the Phillies and Skenes of the Pirates. Wheeler threw a one-hit complete game Sunday, retiring 27 of the 28 batters he faced with 12 strikeouts while Skenes leads the NL in ERA (2.03) and opponent’s batting average (.182).

Skenes told reporters he’d love to start again after having the honor in last year’s All-Star Game as a rookie, but most of all, would love to sit down and chat with Skubal, who is 10-2 with a 2.02 ERA this season, with 148 strikeouts in 116 innings

“It would be cool, he said. “More than anything, I want to get him off to the side and ask him how he does what he does, basically. I’ve talked with him a little bit, but to see him do it again, at an even higher level than he did last year arguably, it’s pretty dang cool.”

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Rosters for the 2025 All-Star Game, to be played July 15 in Atlanta, don’t necessarily represent a changing of the guard within Major League Baseball. Yet the 64 players selected to the National League and American League rosters announced July 6 indicate another wave of fresh talent has landed.

James Wood is in: The Washington Nationals’ 6-foot-7 outfielder whose .943 OPS leads NL outfielders will make the first of what’s expected to be many All-Star appearances.

Hunter Brown is in: The Houston Astros ace, who’d be the favorite to start the game in a Tarik Skubal-free environment, leads the major leagues with a 1.82 ERA and the AL with a 0.90 WHIP.

Among those not getting, at least for now, a golden ticket to Cobb County: Cubs slugger Michael Busch, Rays infielder Junior Caminero and Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. But stay tuned: Injury and pitching replacements will dominate this space for the next nine days until the Midsummer Classic tips off.

A look at the AL and NL rosters: 

American League All-Star roster

Starters (voted on by fans)

• Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Mariners
• First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
• Second base: Gleyber Torres, Tigers
• Third base: José Ramírez, Guardians
• Shortstop: Jacob Wilson, Athletics
• Outfield: Aaron Judge, Yankees
• Outfield: Javier Báez, Tigers
• Outfield: Riley Greene, Tigers
• Designated hitter: Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles

AL reserves

• C Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays
• INF Jonathan Aranda, Rays
• INF Alex Bregman, Red Sox
• INF Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees
• INF Jeremy Peña, Astros
• INF Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
• DH Brent Rooker, Athletics
• OF Byron Buxton, Twins
• OF Steven Kwan, Guardians
• OF Julio Rodríguez, Mariners

AL pitchers

• Tarik Skubal, Tigers
• Garrett Crochet, Red Sox
• Yusei Kikuchi, Angels
• Max Fried, Yankees
• Jacob deGrom, Rangers
• Shane Smith, White Sox
• Hunter Brown, Astros
• Kris Bubic, Royals
• Bryan Woo, Mariners
• Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox (reliever)
• Josh Hader, Astros (reliever)
• Andres Muñoz, Mariners (reliever)

National League All-Star roster

NL starters (voted on by fans)

• Catcher: Will Smith, Dodgers
• First base: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
• Second base: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
• Third base: Manny Machado, Padres
• Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Mets
• Outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
• Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
• Outfield: Kyle Tucker, Cubs
• Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

NL reserves

• C Hunter Goodman, Rockies
• INF Pete Alonso, Mets
• INF Elly De La Cruz, Reds
• INF Brendan Donovan, Cardinals
• INF Matt Olson, Braves
• INF Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks
• DH Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
• OF Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
• OF Kyle Stowers, Marlins
• OF Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
• OF James Wood, Nationals

NL pitchers

• Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (chosen by commissioner as Legend Pick)
• Chris Sale, Braves
• Zack Wheeler, Phillies
• Paul Skenes, Pirates
• Logan Webb, Giants
• Robbie Ray, Giants
• Freddy Peralta, Brewers
• MacKenzie Gore, Nationals
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers 
• Matthew Boyd, Cubs
• Edwin Diaz, Mets (reliever)
• Jason Adam, Padres (reliever)
• Randy Rodriguez, Giants (reliever)

When is the MLB All-Star Game?

The 2025 Major League All-Star is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.

When is the MLB Home Run Derby?

The 2025 Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 14.

Who is in the Home Run Derby?

Several players have announced their plans to participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby as of Sunday, July 6.

Here’s who has committed so far:

• Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
• Cal Raleigh, Mariners
• James Wood, Nationals