Jack Norris 
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel Garcia will play in the same Opening Day game as the Braves host the Royals to begin the 2026 season. Both Atlanta and Kansas City will be looking to return to the postseason after missing out last year. Cole Ragans will make his third consecutive Opening Day start for Kansas City, while Chris Sale will make his second straight Opening Day start for Atlanta.
Aston Villa are considering potential replacements for Emiliano Martínez, with his departure potentially at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Manchester United and Inter Milan have reportedly shown interest in the Argentinian goalkeeper. Villa have identified four potential candidates to fill the void, including James Trafford and Diogo Costa.
Luka Doncic scored 43 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 137-130 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Caitlin Clark was on the sideline as a credentialed photographer. The Pacers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
Florian Wirtz delivered a memorable performance in Germany’s 4-3 victory over Switzerland. Wirtz scored a stunning goal from 16 metres out. Germany demonstrated resilience by twice coming back from behind.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has won his case in the Mississippi Supreme Court. The court denied the NCAA’s petition to appeal Chambliss’ injunction against the NCAA. This positions Chambliss to return to play for Ole Miss in 2026.
Manuel Ugarte has said he will fight for his place at Manchester United despite suggestions he will be moved on this summer. The Uruguay international arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 in a £52million deal. Ugarte has been limited to just nine starting appearances this season.
The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament is set, with teams battling for a spot in the Elite Eight. Experts are making their predictions for each game, analysing the key matchups and strategies that could determine the winners.
Ben White has been recalled to the England squad for the first time in four years. Manager Thomas Tuchel believes White needs to ‘clear the air’ with his England team-mates. White last played for England in March 2022.
UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has voiced concerns regarding the practical application of Title IX legislation in the current college sports environment. Auriemma believes that at the big conferences level, Title IX legislation is probably over. Kentucky head coach Kenny Brooks also expressed the need for consistent investment into women’s basketball.
Thomas Tuchel has warned Cole Palmer that he is far from guaranteed a place in England’s World Cup squad. Ill-timed injuries have dogged Palmer’s England career during Tuchel’s tenure. Palmer faces a fierce challenge to make the final 26-man World Cup squad.