The 2024 Olympic roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team has been decided by Emma Hayes, and while there is much discourse surrounding the omission of Alex Morgan, there is another roster decision that is causing controversy.

Midfielder Korbin Albert was named to the roster for her first Olympic Games. The 20-year-old has had a sensational start to her career since she her time at Notre Dame, playing internationally and signing with Nike before she got her first call up to the national team in November. While she’s been stellar on the pitch, there’s off-the-field news that has made her time with USWNT controversial, and the selection to the Olympic roster has further escalated it.

Here’s what to know about Albert:

Korbin Albert controversy

Albert became the center of controversy in March when she reposted a TikTok video of a sermon that talked how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong, according to The Athletic. It was also discovered Albert liked a meme celebrating Megan Rapinoe’s injury in her final professional match.

Rapinoe publicly called out Albert for the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, and she later issued an apology for liking and sharing several ‘offensive, insensitive and hurtful’ social media posts. Albert was not disciplined for the incident even though several current and former players like Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Christine Press expressed disappointment with the midfielder. When Albert entered a match vs. South Korea in June, she received boos from the crowd. Fans also expressed disappointment when Albert was announced as part of the Olympic roster on Wednesday.

What did USWNT head coach Emma Hayes say about Korbin Albert?

Hayes said Korbin made the Olympic team on merit and her versatility in the midfield, and also addressed the controversy surrounding her.

‘There’s no denying there’s been a lot of work that’s been going on in the background, to work with Korbin,’ Hayes said. ‘As I’ve expressed on a couple of occasions, it’s really important that everybody on this team understands the importance of not just being tolerant and respectful and understanding the things that are going to matter to us all.

‘Korbin has had to learn, and my experiences with her has been someone who, she’s a young person who’s understood fully the implications of her social media activity. I’m not going to go into that in great detail because that’s between Korbin and I. But the conversations we have had have been to talk about the importance of what we have to be mindful of and how we’re all part of environment that’s one that appreciates and understands the damage that that can do.’

Hayes added Albert had had a ‘really, really tough time’ during the controversy and the boos she has received has affected her. But Hayes spoke highly of her character.

‘I can say, firsthand, having spent a limited time with Korbin, she really is a lovely person and someone who really values the most important things,’ Hayes said. ‘She’s spending time working on herself, as we all do. I look forward to building on that with her. I want everybody to know that my job is to make sure I keep doing that and I want the fans to really embrace Korbin. I do think she’s a tremendous human being.’

Where is Korbin Albert from?

Albert is from Grayslake, Illinois, a far northwestern suburb of Chicago.

Where did Korbin Albert go to college? Where does she play?

Albert spent two seasons at Notre Dame before she began to play professionally for Paris Saint-Germain.

Korbin Albert USWNT experience

The midfielder was called up to the national team in November and made her first cap in December. She’s made 11 appearances for the team ahead of the Olympics.

With the fifth pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons selected G League forward Ron Holland.

Holland was a consensus five-star recruit out of high school but bypassed college in order to play basketball for the G League Ignite in 2023-24.

As a member of USA Basketball’s U-17 and U-16 teams, Holland is a two-time gold medalist. Here’s what he’s bringing to the NBA:

NBA DRAFT: All the picks, analysis, news and highlights from 2024 draft

Ron Holland scouting report

Sustained season-ending thumb injury but showed his potential as a high-flying wing who flourishes off the dribble and in transition and likes to score; solid shot-blocker for his size; good body control while in the air. His 3-point shot needs improvement. — Jeff Zillgitt

EXCLUSIVE: Why Ron Holland went the G League route

Ron Holland stats

Across 29 games with the NBA G League Ignite in 2023-24, Holland averaged 19.5 points per game (45.5% shooting from the floor), 6.7 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game, and 2.4 steals per game.

Ron Holland height, weight

The 18-year-old Holland is listed at 6-foot-6 and 196 lbs.

Stephon Castle was one of the best freshmen in the Big East this past season, and now looks to carry that momentum into the NBA as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA draft class.

Castle was taken with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard, who was a consensus five-star recruit out of high school, put together an impressive freshman campaign at UConn this past year, one that ended in being named the conference’s unanimous freshman of the year. He broke Carmelo Anthony’s record at Syracuse of earning Big East Freshman of the Week honors 11 times this past season.

Castle’s draft stock increased at the Final Four as he helped UConn become the first back-to-back national champions since Florida in 2007. In the Huskies’ two games in Arizona, Castle went a combined 13 for 26 (50%) from the field while putting up 21 points and five rebounds vs. Alabama and 15 points and five rebounds vs. Purdue.

With that, here’s what you need to know about on Castle, including a scouting report, his stats and more:

Stephon Castle scouting report

From Jeff Zillgitt and Scooby Axson: ‘While his stats don’t jump out, he is a big guard, especially at the point who can play multiple positions. Can create own shot but will be most useful on the defensive end to start career. He doesn’t force shots, picks his spots and was tough to defend in the tournament, scoring 21 against Alabama in the semifinals and 15 against Purdue in the final on a combined 13-for-26 shooting. Becoming a solid NBA shooter is a requirement.’

Stephon Castle stats

As highlighted by his unanimous Big East Freshman of the Year honor, Castle put together an impressive freshman campaign at UConn this past season. He finished fifth on the team in both scoring and rebounding.

Here’s a breakout of his stats at UConn this past year:

2023-24: 11.1 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, 2.9 assists per game, 47.2% shooting (26.7% from 3)

Stephon Castle height, weight

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 215 pounds

The Covington, Georgia, native is listed at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds per his UConn profile page.

Over his 15-year run as the Kentucky basketball coach, John Calipari defined himself and the Wildcats’ program as a destination for future NBA players.

His 2024 draft class, his last as the Wildcats’ coach, is a group led by a familiar name: Reed Sheppard, who was perhaps the most integral player on what would be Calipari’s last team at Kentucky.

On Wednesday night, the London, Kentucky, native was selected by the Houston Rockets with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, transforming Sheppard from a promising basketball player into a potential franchise pillar and a source of hope for a fan base starving for success.

Reed Sheppard was a force on both ends of the court for the Wildcats and successfully followed in the footsteps of his father, Jeff Sheppard, a former Kentucky player who was the Final Four Most Outstanding Player on the Wildcats’ 1998 national championship team. Sheppard joined Kentucky as the fifth-highest-rated player in its 2023 freshman class, but went on to earn several national freshman of the year honors by the end of a 2023-24 season that ended unexpectedly early with an 80-76 loss to Oakland in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Here’s what to know about Sheppard as he enters the NBA:

Reed Sheppard scouting report

Can flat out score, especially off screens, using floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism but handles ball well enough to warrant look at point guard. Will compete defensively, and rebounds well for his size. Performed well at the NBA draft combine with his shot and impressive 42-inch vertical leap. — Jeff Zillgitt

Reed Sheppard stats

In his first and ultimately only college season, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals and two turnovers per game while shooting 53.6% from the field and 52.1% from 3-point range.

Sheppard led Kentucky in assists and steals and was third on the team in scoring. His 3-point percentage led all Division I players last season.

Reed Sheppard height, weight

Heigh: 6 feet, 1¾ inches
Weight: 187 pounds

Sheppard was listed on Kentucky’s official 2023-24 roster at 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds. At the 2024 NBA draft Combine, Sheppard was measured at 6 feet, 1¾ inches without shoes and 181.6 pounds.

Sarr, who played for the 2023-24 Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League, was selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Wizards in Wednesday night’s NBA draft. He stands 7-foot-1 and is viewed as one of the best defenders in the class. He is also the younger brother of Olivier Sarr, a center on a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 19-year-old, who reportedly turned down a workout with the Hawks in the pre-draft process, averaged 9.4 points with 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game on 51.6% shooting in the NBL last season. Sarr joins a slew of recent NBL players to be drafted, joining the likes of LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Ousmane Dieng, to name a few.

While Sarr’s offensive game still has room to grow, he projects as a home run swing prospect if everything goes right for the big man.

Here’s everything to know about Sarr:

Alex Sarr scouting report

Here is a scouting report on Sarr from USA TODAY’s Scooby Axson:

‘There is much to like about Sarr, who is expected to come off the board early in the draft. Because of his large wingspan, he can make a difference defensively, and his athletic ability allows him to switch defensive assignments from the free-throw line to the perimeter.

‘Today’s NBA allows players with Sarr’s size to camp outside of the paint, both offensively and defensively, which puts a premium on whether the players can stretch the defense with a consistent outside shot. Sarr’s offensive game still needs to be refined, and while he won’t dominate underneath the basket, he can finish strong when set up to score.

‘He is only 225 pounds, so he will need time to get stronger, but he can be aggressive when he needs to be. If he does that on a nightly basis, especially if he is hitting from the perimeter and committing to post moves, the defense will have issues with him, and he won’t be a liability when his team needs a clutch basket. But he shot only at 28% from three on less than two attempts per game with Perth and is a below-average free-throw shooter, so any improvement there will be beneficial.

‘Sarr can space the floor in offensive sets. Although he can handle the ball, he is best useful for teams that like to get out in transition, as he can fill the lane easily and finish with authority. His mid-range game has an opportunity to be elite and will destroy teams with the pick-and-roll based on the guards he is playing with.

‘Again, depending on the team that selects him, he has plenty of opportunity to become a consistent rotation player, with elite defensive skills that will keep in him in the league for years to come.’

Alex Sarr stats

2023-24 (NBL’s Perth Wildcats): 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds. 0.9 assists per game in 24 games. Also averaged 1.3 blocks and 0.5 steals per game.

Alex Sarr height, weight

Height: 7 feet
Weight: 224 pounds

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany, June 26 (Reuters) – Georgia staged the biggest upset in Euro history with a 2-0 win over Portugal on Wednesday to stride into the knock-out phase of their first major tournament, thanks to an early Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Georges Mikautadze penalty.

The win, albeit against a largely second-string Portugal who had already made it into the next round, represented the greatest result for Georgia since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Played out in front of tens of thousands of raucous Georgia fans, it was also the biggest shock based on rankings which put the team rated 74th in the world against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal who were ranked sixth and were Euro champions in 2016.

Having come a disappointing fourth in their qualifiers, Georgia had to take a circuitous route to Germany, first by winning their group in the less glamorous Euro Nations tournament and then defeating Greece in a playoff.

But there was nothing undeserved about the way coach Willy Sagnol, the former Bayern Munich and France defender, and his side claimed a third-place finish in the tournament’s Group F and set up a last-16 meeting with three-time Euro winners Spain.

When those two sides met last September in the qualifying stage for the tournament in Germany, Spain thrashed Georgia 7-1 in Tbilisi, but Sagnol sounded as if he could not care less about the scale of the challenge ahead.

‘When you are the small team of the competition… you know you have nothing to lose…You have no weight on your shoulders,’ Sagnol told reporters. ‘Today I don’t have a lot of words. I feel very proud to be their manager.’

Georgia’s win also means that England will line up against Slovakia, Romania take on Netherlands and Portugal face Slovenia in the round of 16. Hungary, who had been in contention for a spot in the next round, were edged out.

In the other Group F match on Wednesday, Turkey booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 win over 10-man Czech Republic, who now head home.

Georgia, the tournament debutants, took the lead after just 93 seconds when Kvaratskhelia raced away after a careless pass by Antonio Silva and powered a low shot past Diogo Costa in Portugal’s goal.

‘This is the best day in my life,’ the Napoli winger said. ‘We have made history and no-one believed that we would beat Portugal. But we showed everyone that the Georgian team can make it happen.’

Ronaldo shut down

Ronaldo – one of only three starters for Portugal who also began their 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday – stretched and strained for every ball as he sought to become the oldest goalscorer at a Euro tournament at the age of 39.

But Georgia defended as if their lives depended upon it and sought to catch Portugal on the break. In the 53rd minute, Silva compounded his earlier error by committing a foul in the box that was given as a penalty after a VAR check.

Mikautadze, who had provided the pass for Kvaratskhelia to open the scoring early on, steered his spot kick past Costa, making him the top scorer at Euro 2024 so far with three goals.

Ronaldo was booked in the first half for arguing and cut a frustrated figure when he was substituted after the break, kicking out at a water bottle. It is the first time in his long career that he failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said his side could not match the intensity of their opponents.

‘We didn’t underestimate Georgia, but Georgia were playing the game of their history … and we were playing the last game when we were already top of the group,’ he said.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made late saves to keep Portugal at bay, and at full time the rest of the squad and coaching staff sprinted on to the field to leap and dance in front of their fans.

Group B action in the 2024 Copa America continued tonight with a pair of matches. Ecuador took on Jamaica in Las Vegas, the first game of the day before group favorites Venezuela and Mexico faced off from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Mexico played well enough in the first half, but with captain Edson Álvarez out injured, Venezuela pulled off a shock 1-0 win. Salomón Rondón’s second-half penalty kick gave Venezuela the win in an intense, scrappy game. Mexico thought it could save face with a late penalty kick of its own, but standout goalkeeper Rafael Romo denied Orbelín Pineda’s poor effort.

The win means Venezuela is, surprisingly, heading to the quarterfinals, while Mexico will face a crunch match against Ecuador this Sunday with the other spot in the knockout stages on the line.

Venezuela enters this one fresh off a 2-1 comeback win over Ecuador in their Group B opener. Ecuador scored in the 40th minute but second half goals from Jhonder Cádiz’s and Eduard Bello secured the team’s first win since last October.

Venezuela hasn’t beaten Mexico in international play since 1982, that streak ended tonight at SoFi Stadium.

Venezuela vs. Mexico highlights

Venezuela and Mexico: Next Copa America games

Venezuela and Mexico next play in the final throes of Group B on Saturday.

Jamaica vs. Venezuela: Saturday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET | FS1
Mexico vs. Ecuador: Saturday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET | FOX

Full time: Venezuela wins 1-0

After one last bit of scuffling, Venezuela gets the full-time whistle. The Vinotino are celebrating a massive upset, before it all nearly descends into a brawl.

The fight is just barely avoided, and Copa América has its first major upset. Venezuela has clinched a place in the knockout stages and leads Group B on six points, while Mexico and Ecuador will face a pressure-packed final game in the group stage on Sunday in Arizona.

Venezuela defending inside its own six-yard box

Mexico is doing everything but score here in the final seconds. Claus has had to delay a corner kick twice over shoving, but once again Venezuela heads clear.

Vega tries to get the ball back in, but Aramburu does just enough to win a goal kick. Venezuela is celebrating that play more than they did Rondón’s goal.

Further chaos in the Venezuela box

Mexico is bombarding Venezuela right now, but the ball just won’t go in. One shot crashes off of a wall of burdundy-colored shirts, while Mexico’s every pass is forward.

Navarro needs to be careful here, as his last foul could have easily drawn a second yellow card. The left back is cramping up as well, and Mexico has a dangerous free kick that ends up in Romo’s arms.

88th minute: Last sub for Venezuela

Defender Christian Makoun is on for midfielder Yangel Herrera, as Batista goes to a 5-4-1 formation.

Mexico has six minutes of stoppage time to save face here.

87th minute: Romo denies Mexico again

U.S.-based soccer fans may remember Rafael Romo’s poor spell at D.C. United in MLS, but tonight he’s been a star. The Venezuela goalkeeper dove to his right to save Pineda’s poor spot kick, keeping Venezuela ahead as the game reaches its closing stages.

Romo is on course for a man of the match award, while the pro-Mexico crowd at SoFi Stadium’s anxiety is through the roof.

VAR: Penalty kick for Mexico

Claus is persuaded to check the monitor, and the replay seems to indicate that the ball strikes Navarro in the hand.

Claus’ microphone doesn’t work as he explains the call, but the signal is clear: penalty to Mexico!

Mexico with multiple handball shouts

We’re in a VAR check here as two different Mexico shots slam off Venezuela defenders. Mexico wants a penalty kick from both incidents — one on a Sánchez shot, and the second from Vega’s follow-up — and Claus is waiting for more information from the booth.

Replay seems to show Vega’s shot shouldn’t result in any punishment, but that first one from Sánchez is going to get a long look from the VAR crew.

Venezuela escapes

Right back Jorge Sánchez, all the way forward to help Mexico attack, delivers a perfect pass through the goalmouth, but no one from El Tri can arrive to tap it home. Agonizing stuff, and Aramburu has a bit of a limp in the aftermath, but it stays 1-0 Venezuela.

Venezuela is turning to its bench, with Jhonder Cadíz replacing Rondón and Wilker Ángel stepping in for Yeferson Soteldo.

78th minute: Mexico makes its final substitution

Orbelín Pineda is on for Quiñones, who has been both Mexico’s most dangerous player and also someone whose lack of precision was costly.

Lozano is also urging his fullbacks forward, with Mexico’s last attack ending with seven men within 35 yards of Venezuela’s goal. We’re not far from El Tri throwing the kitchen sink at this one in pursuit of an equalizer.

71st minute: Venezuela substitution

Winger Eduard Bello comes off for Venezuela, with Darwin Machís taking his place. It looks like Machís is stepping into Bello’s old role rather than some kind of reshuffle from Venezuela boss Fernando Batista.

Mexico back on the front foot

Quiñones’ bending cross is too high for Martínez, but it bends on frame, and Romo makes a late reflex save to keep it from sneaking into the bottom corner. That scuffle has really brought Mexico back to life here, but they’ve only got around 25 minutes or so to make it count.

Scuffle between Vega and Navarro

Vega goes for almost the same exact move, and in the aftermath he and Venezuela’s Miguel Ángel Navarro have words.

Vega gives Navarro a shove, and Navarro hits the deck. Claus isn’t happy with any of it, booking both players.

Two substitutions for Mexico

Jaime Lozano is wasting no time in responding, with Mexico making two substitutions. Alexis Vega and Guillermo Martínez have entered the fray, with Rodríguez and Giménez coming off.

Vega is looking to make an instant impact, but ends up committing a foul in the Venezuela box trying to turn his first touches into an equalizer.

57th minute: Goal Venezuela

Rondón sends González the wrong way and rolls his penalty kick into the bottom corner. Mexico trails Venezuela 1-0, and the El Tri fans at SoFi Stadium are stunned.

Can’t say Venezuela is lucky though, as the Vinotinto have been all over Mexico since play resumed.

Penalty kick for Venezuela

Venezuela has its chance! Jon Aramburu’s overlap gets the right back into the box, and Quiñones clumsily bundles him over. Referee Claus gives the spot kick, and Rondón will get the chance to put Venezuela ahead.

Venezuela threatening

The addition of Cásseres has worked superbly so far, with Venezuela’s pressure causing multiple Mexico turnovers. The most recent ends with Rondón’s shot deflecting inches wide. Mexico is wobbling right now.

Substitutions: Both sides make halftime moves

Mexico makes a halftime switch, with Montes leaving the game. Israel Reyes takes his place, while Luis Chávez takes over as captain for El Tri.

Venezuela, meanwhile, is also turning to the bench. Midfielder Cristian Cásseres Jr. has replaced playmaker Jefferson Savarino. That’s a cautious move for Venezuela, and may change the wide-open dynamic from the first half.

Halftime: Mexico 0-0 Venezuela

It’s been testy, it’s been feisty, but it’s scoreless at SoFi Stadium as the half comes to a close. Mexico has definitely had more of the good chances, but no one’s come closer to a goal than Rondón’s shot off the post in the 34th minute.

Both teams seem unhappy with one another, and with the referee. Mexico captain César Montes is having a long chat with the officials as the teams make their way to the locker rooms.

Yellow card: Nahuel Ferraresi shown yellow in ’35 minute

Venezuela defender Nahuel Ferraresi was booked for a foul on Giménez, and appears to have injured his toe to boot.

It looks like Ferraresi can continue, but he’ll do so with a yellow card.

Rondón hits the post

Shortly after referee Rafael Claus had to calm players from both teams down, Venezuela sends a long ball in for Salomón Rondó. The striker, one of the best in Mexico’s Liga MX, held off his defender, beat Julio González with his shot, only to watch the ball kiss off the far post and bobble out of danger.

It’s a big reminder for Mexico that as close as they’ve been to scoring, Venezuela can pose a real threat at the other end.

Romo saves Venezuela again

This game has opened up, and Mexico nearly made it pay off. A long ball found striker Santiago Giménez in behind the Venezuela back line, but Romo managed to make just enough contact to thwart Mexico again.

If Mexico can keep this game end-to-end, it might be a long night at the office for Romo.

Mexico closing in on an opening goal

After an even opening, Mexico has the first truly good look of the match. Julián Quiñones attempted a shot from the left wing that Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo couldn’t hang onto. Venezuela couldn’t get to the rebound, and were relieved to watch Carlos Rodríguez rush his 10th minute effort wide of frame.

Venezuela vs. Mexico: Time, TV, Streaming and how to watch

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

TV: FS1

Streaming: Fox Sports App, fuboTV

Venezuela and Mexico battle for possession

Venezuela vs. Mexico betting: Odds and spread for Copa America

Mexico is a slight favorite to earn a second win in a row tonight against Venezuela, according to BetMGM’s latest Copa America odds.

Moneyline: Mexico (+110), Tie (+220), Venezuela (+270)
Over/under: 2.5 goals

Venezuela vs. Mexico predictions

Sports Mole: Venezuela 2, Mexico 1

Joel Lefevre writes: ‘Losing Alvarez is a big blow to the Mexicans, who have struggled with consistency since Lozano took charge, looking shaky in numerous instances against the Reggae Boyz. Venezuela will be brimming with confidence after their opening victory, and we believe they have the quality to unlock that Mexican backline and provide another surprise.’

Sportsbook Review: Venezuela 1, Mexico 1

Anthony Wootton says: ‘Saturday’s match was just the second time in ten games that Venezuela managed to score more than one goal… Mexico peppered Jamaica’s goal in their Group B opener. They had 30 touches inside Jamaica’s box and recorded nine shots on target, their most at the tournament since 2011… [they] have scored at least twice in ten of their last 13 meetings with Venezuela and remain unbeaten… El Tri have not had back-to-back wins in their last ten games in all competitions. They will be impacted by the loss of captain, Edson Alvarez.’

The Hard Tackle: Venezuela 1, Mexico 1

Staff write: ‘Venezuela’s historic comeback and solid defence against CONCACAF teams show they are capable of challenging Mexico. However, Mexico’s consistent form and ability to control possession make them a formidable opponent. A lot will depend on who is more clinical in the final third and the Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw on the night.’

2024 Copa America bracket: Group B results and schedule

Saturday, June 22

Venezuela 2, Ecuador 1
Mexico 1, Jamaica 0

Wednesday, June 26

Ecuador vs. Jamaica, 6 p.m. ET, Las Vegas
Venezuela vs. Mexico, 9 p.m. ET, Inglewood, California

Sunday, June 30

Mexico vs. Ecuador, 8 p.m. ET, Glendale, Arizona
Jamaica vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ET, Austin, Texas

2024 Copa America tickets

Tickets are available for Copa America games through the venues’ preferred partners, such as StubHub and SeatGeek. For tonight’s matchup, tickets were primarily sold through Ticketmaster.

Mexico players to watch

FW Santiago Giménez: The striker for the Dutch club Feyenoord finished the 2023-24 season with 23 goals, third-best in the Eredivisie. He finished the season on a high note with two goals and two assists in the final three games of the season. He played 67 minutes in Mexico’s Copa America opener against Jamaica and had two shots on goal. With captain Edson Álvarez out for the foreseeable future, he needs to produce for El Tri.

MF Luis Romo: Romo entered the game following Álvarez’s hamstring injury and played well against Jamaica. He assisted on the winning goal by Gerardo Arteaga in 61 minutes of action. He could play a big role once again and be a key part of replacing Álvarez’s production in the aggregate.

Venezuela players to watch

MF Yangel Herrera: The midfielder was a pivotal part of the Spanish club Girona FC’s defense in the 2023-24 season that saw the club finish third in La Liga. Girona earned a win over FC Barcelona with him on the field to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League next year. He’ll be a key player on defense for Venezuela tonight.

FW Salomón Rondón: The most experienced player on Venezuela’s national team, Rondón assisted on Jhonder Cádiz’s tying goal in a 2-1 win over Ecuador in their opening game of the group stage. He’s played in more than 100 games for the national team in his career. With Pachuca in Liga MX, Rondón closed the season with two goals in his final three matches.

Mexico roster

GK Julio González (UNAM)
DF Jorge Sánchez (Porto)
DF César Montes (Almería)
MF Edson Álvarez (West Ham United) – captain
DF Johan Vásquez (Genoa)
DF Gerardo Arteaga (Monterrey)
MF Luis Romo (Monterrey)
MF Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul)
FW Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah)
FW Alexis Vega (Toluca)
FW Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord)
GK Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
DF Jesús Orozco (Guadalajara)
MF Érick Sánchez (Pachuca)
MF Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul)
MF Jordi Cortizo (Monterrey)
MF Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens)
MF Marcelo Flores (UANL)
DF Israel Reyes (América)
DF Brian García (Toluca)
FW César Huerta (UNAM)
FW Guillermo Martínez (UNAM)
GK Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara)
MF Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow)
MF Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara)
DF Bryan González (Pachuca)

Venezuela roster

GK Joel Graterol (América de Cali)
DF Nahuel Ferraresi (São Paulo)
DF Yordan Osorio (Parma)
DF Jon Aramburu (Real Sociedad)
DF Jhon Chancellor (Metropolitanos)
MF Yangel Herrera (Girona)
MF Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo)
MF Tomás Rincón (Santos) – captain
FW Jhonder Cádiz (Famalicão)
MF Yeferson Soteldo (Grêmio)
MF Darwin Machís (Cádiz)
GK José Contreras (Águilas Doradas)
MF José Martínez (Philadelphia Union)
DF Christian Makoun (Anorthosis Famagusta)
DF Miguel Navarro (Talleres)
MF Telasco Segovia (Casa Pia)
MF Matías Lacava (Vizela)
MF Cristian Cásseres (Toulouse)
FW Eric Ramírez (Atlético Nacional)
DF Wilker Ángel (Criciúma)
DF Alexander González (Emelec)
GK Rafael Romo (Universidad Católica)
FW Salomón Rondón (Pachuca) – vice-captain
MF Kervin Andrade (Fortaleza)
MF Eduard Bello (Mazatlán)
MF Daniel Pereira (Austin FC)

Venezuela vs. Mexico: Lineups and rosters

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For the second straight year, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft came from across the pond.

The Atlanta Hawks took French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the top overall pick in Wednesday’s first round.

The 6-foot-8 forward is coming off a strong showing in the Betclic Elite League playoffs for JL Bourg, where he averaged a combined 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in two series vs. Nanterre and Monaco — which helped boost his draft stock along with establishing him as the presumed No. 1 overall pick according to several draft analysts.

Risacher becomes the fourth international player to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the modern draft era, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He is also the second straight French forward taken with the top overall pick after Victor Wembanyama was taken No. 1 overall last year by the San Antonio Spurs.

With that, here’s what you need to know about Risacher, including a scouting report, international stats and more:

Zaccharie Risacher scouting report

From Jeff Zillgitt and Scooby Axson: ‘Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well.’

Zaccharie Risacher stats

Risacher is coming off his first season with JL Bourg in the Betclic Elite League in France. He previously played two seasons for LDLC ASVEL in the Betclic Elite League.

Games played: 32
Points per game: 10.1
Rebounds per game: 3.8
Field-goal shooting percentage: 43.9
3-point shooting percentage: 35.2
Free-throw shooting percentage: 74.0

Zaccharie Risacher height, weight

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 204 pounds