With the NBA and NHL Finals behind us, the sports world doesn't slow down. We've got another packed weekend ahead with golf's third major of the year beginning today, and the USMNT looks to follow up their dominant World Cup opener with another statement performance.
Outside the U.S., some of the tournament's best teams had shocking results in the group stage and will be under serious pressure to get back on track. If that's not enough, the NBA Draft is just days away featuring one of the strongest groups of top prospects we've seen in years.
Here's your weekend preview starting with what matters most.
Sport | Team | Day/Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
⛳ Golf | U.S. Open, Round 1 | Today, 5 PM - 8 PM | Peacock |
⚽ World Cup | Various | Today - Sunday, (Full Schedule Link) | FOX & FS1 |
⛳ Golf | U.S. Open, Round 2 | Friday, 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM | NBC |
⚽ World Cup | USA vs. Australia | Friday, 3 PM | FOX |
⛳ Golf | U.S. Open, Round 3 | Saturday, 12 PM - 8 PM | NBC |
⛳ Golf | U.S. Open, Final Round | Sunday, 12 PM - 7 PM | NBC |
THE U.S. OPEN | TODAY - SUNDAY
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The stakes: The U.S. Open has a reputation as golf’s most difficult major. This year the tournament will be held at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, the fifth ranked course on Golf.com’s top 100 in the world. Although the course is known for its beautiful design, it will be one of the most difficult courses on tour this season. Wind is always a factor here and this week, it's no different.
The last time Shinnecock hosted the U.S. Open was 2018. Brooks Koepka won that week at +1, barely finishing over par. That's the kind of week we could be looking at again. Patience, mental toughness, and the ability to avoid letting one mistake compound will be the difference in this year’s tournament.
The Favorites:
Scottie Scheffler: Scottie Scheffler is the world's No. 1 player and the biggest story of this tournament. A win on Sunday would complete the career Grand Slam, making him just the seventh player in history to win all four majors and he has a chance to do it on his 30th birthday. With that said, this year we’ve seen a different version of Scheffler. He has only one win in 2026, and the cracks have started to show. We’ve seen him visibly frustrated and irritable with the media, showing signs he’s aware he’s not playing to the level we’ve seen from him in the past. The metrics still say he's playing at an elite level, but at a course defined by wind and unpredictability, staying poised will be the most important factor for him this week.
Rory McIlroy: Rory arrives at Shinnecock as the defending Masters champion and arguably the player in the best form in the world right now. Historically he’s done very well at the U.S. Open as he has 7 straight top 20 finishes at this major. It’s clear at this point of his career he’s focused on winning majors and with improvement in his putting and chipping this season, he’ll be well suited for another shot at a major this year.
The Contenders:
Jon Rahm: Rahm has one of the best track records at this event of anyone in the field. His recent U.S. Open finishes are 12th, 10th, 7th, and 1st. He's also coming off his first top 5 finish at a major in over two years at the PGA Championship. He’s gotten settled over the past few weeks after dealing with the turmoil on LIV and is playing some of his best golf.
Xander Schauffele: Quietly one of the most consistent major performers in the sport. He's played nine U.S. Opens, finished top 10 seven times, and his worst finish is 14th. Every year he lingers near the top of the leaderboard, staying even keeled and avoiding major mental mistakes. That will be key given the conditions this week.
Tommy Fleetwood: Tommy Fleetwood doesn't get mentioned enough in these conversations, but he should be. Growing up playing golf in England, Fleetwood is as comfortable in wind and difficult conditions as anyone in this field. That's not a small thing at Shinnecock this week and it might be the most relevant skill set on the course. Keep an eye on him.
Skin in the Game [Powered by WagerXpert]: Back Rory McIlroy to Win (+920). He won the Masters back-to-back. He's one of only three players in the field who's finished top 10 at both majors this year and it’s clear his focus is winning majors as he’s been selective with other tour events so he can train for these moments. He enters Shinnecock relaxed and with a game that fits this course well. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.
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USA VS AUSTRALIA | FRIDAY 3:00 PM, FOX
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The stakes: The USMNT opened the tournament with a 4-1 statement win over Paraguay last week in one of the most dominant performances this program has put together at a World Cup. Now they’ll need to refocus and take care of business against Australia. A win and the USMNT clinches a trip to the knockout Round of 32 before their final group match against Turkey. Lose or draw, and that Turkey game on June 25th becomes a must-win in what will be the toughest matchup in the group.
What to watch for: Keep an eye on Christian Pulisic. The USMNT's captain and best player was subbed off at halftime against Paraguay after taking a kick to the calf despite a dominant first half that included an assist. He's been working separately from the group since and is listed as day-to-day. Reports out of camp are optimistic and Pulisic himself expects to be ready, but watch whether he starts or comes off the bench Friday, and more importantly, whether the injury limits what he's able to do. When healthy, he's the difference maker for this team.
Skin in the Game [Powered by WagerXpert]: Back the USA to Win & Both Teams to Score (+284). The U.S. should get the win here, but Australia is not a team that rolls over. They upset Turkey 2-0 in their opener and will push back. At +284 there’s value to back a U.S. team that has the firepower to make this at least a 2-1 game and cash this longshot bet.
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KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
QUICK HITS
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Germany vs. Ivory Coast | Saturday, 4:00 PM ET, FOX: Germany opened the tournament by dismantling Curaçao 7-1. Curaçao was a massive underdog but the convincing way Germany did it sent a message. Ivory Coast quietly knocked off a talented Ecuador team 1-0. This Saturday matchup is arguably the most compelling non-USA game of the weekend and a legitimate preview of what a World Cup contender looks like when they're tested.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia | Sunday, 12:00 PM ET, FOX: Spain came in as one of the tournament favorites. They drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener, one of the most surprising results of the World Cup so far. Spain needs a big win to pick up three points against Saudi Arabia on Sunday to ensure they make it out of the group.
NBA Draft | Tuesday, June 23, 8:00 PM ET | ABC/ESPN: The NBA Draft begins next Tuesday and this is one of the most talented groups of top prospects we’ve seen. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson still projected as the top two prospects, the only question is the order they go. Once that domino falls, it’ll be interesting how the next few picks shake out. Keep your eye on Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson rounding out these top 4 can’t-miss prospects.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Must-watch:
USA vs. Australia (Fri 3:00 PM, FOX) — U.S. moves to the knockout round with a win.
U.S. Open Final Round (Sun 12:00 PM, NBC) — Who will win golf’s toughest major?
Worth tuning in:
Germany vs. Ivory Coast (Sat 4:00 PM, FOX) — One of the most compelling Group Stage games so far.
U.S. Open Round 3 (Sat 12:00 PM, NBC) — Saturday sets up the final pairing for Sunday.
— Backdrop Sports
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