The dam broke at Major League Baseball’s winter meetings on Tuesday morning with news of free agents Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Diaz agreeing to new contracts in quick succession.

Schwarber is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on five-year, $150 million deal, while Diaz is set to join the champion Los Angeles Dodgers with a reported three-year, $69 million pact that will make him the highest-paid (annually) relief pitcher in history.

Baseball’s annual gathering is winding down in Orlando but will we see more big moves before everybody scatters home?

Follow along Wednesday for the latest news, rumors and updates:

Pete Alonso contract with Orioles leaves Mets reeling

ORLANDO, FL — The Baltimore Orioles wasted no time pivoting from their pursuit of slugger Kyle Schwarber and signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract.

Alonso becomes the latest fan-favorite to leave the New York Mets after the team traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo and All-Star closer Edwin Diaz left for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Alonso, who originally was seeking a seven-year contract and badly wanted to return to the Mets, departed when it was clear New York didn’t want to offer more than three years. And once teams started making offers for more than that, the Mets never budged or submitted a formal offer.

– Bob Nightengale

Rule 5 draft results – major league phase

Rockies: RHP RJ Petit (from Tigers)
White Sox: RHP Jedixson Paez (from Red Sox)
Nationals: RHP Griff McGarry (from PHI)
Twins: C Daniel Susac (from Athletics, later traded to SF for C Miguel Caraballo and cash)
Pirates: RHP Carter Baumler (from BAL; later traded to TEX for RHP Jaiker Garcia and cash)
Athletics: RHP Ryan Watson (from SF)
Cardinals: RHP Matt Pushard (from MIA)
Astros: RHP Roddery Muñoz (from CIN)
Guardians: RHP Peyton Pallette (from White Sox, CWS No. 14 prospect)
Blue Jays: RHP Spencer Miles (from SF)
Yankees: RHP Cade Winquest (from STL)
Phillies: RHP Zach McCambley (from MIA)
White Sox: RHP Alexander Alberto (from TB)

Rule 5 draft order

The final order of business at MLB’s annual Winter Meetings is the Rule 5 draft. It will take place Wednesday, starting at at 2 p.m. ET.

The draft gives teams an opoportunity to select minor leaguers who aren’t on other clubs’ 40-man rosters for a $100,000 claim fee. Players selected must remain on the drafting team’s major league roster for the entire 2026 season or they return to their original organization.

Last year, the Chicago White Sox selected pitcher Shane Smith with the top overall pick, and were rewarded with an All-Star season from the 25-year-old right-hander.

Here’s this year’s Rule 5 draft order:

Colorado Rockies
Chicago White Sox
Washington Nationals
Minnesota Twins
Pittsburgh Pirates
Los Angeles Angels
Baltimore Orioles
Athletics
Atlanta Braves
Tampa Bay Rays

The draft continues in reverse order of last year’s standings. The draft proceeds until all teams pass.

Report: Pirates agree to terms with reliever Gregory Soto

The Pittsburgh Pirates have landed a free agent! We already knew it wasn’t Kyle Schwarber … but left-hander Gregory Soto has agreed to a one-year, $7.75 million deal, according to ESPN.

Soto, 30, had a 4.18 ERA last season over 60 1/3 innings with the Orioles and Mets. He struck out 70 batters, while walking 24 with a 1.43 WHIP. He’s likely to serve as a primary set-up man for presumed closer Dennis Santana.

Carlos Beltran reacts to Edwin Diaz leaving Mets

In the near two years that Carlos Beltran has served as a special assistant to the general manager/president of baseball operations with the New York Mets, he has had the opportunity to get to know fellow Puerto Rican Edwin Diaz.

On Tuesday afternoon in a conversation ahead of the World Baseball Classic, where Beltran is serving as Puerto Rico’s general manager, he discussed the Mets losing out on Diaz.

‘He’s a guy that in the years that I’ve been around the Mets, great teammate, great person, prepares extremely well, Beltran said. ‘He dominates. So as a Met, there’s no doubt that some of the Mets fans probably are a little down right now and as a Dodger fan, you gotta feel good about adding a guy like that that you can count on in the ninth inning.’

– Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com

Tigers re-sign reliever Kyle Finnegan

ORLANDO, FL — There’s a Detroit Tigers reunion at the Winter Meetings.

The Detroit Tigers re-signed right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to a two-year, $19 million contract in free agency, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement. There aren’t any opt-outs or options, meaning Finnegan is set to pitch for the Tigers in 2027 as well.

In 2025, Finnegan posted a 3.47 ERA with 18 walks and 55 strikeouts across 57 innings for the Washington Nationals (40 games) and the Tigers (16 games), racking up 24 saves in 31 chances.

The Tigers acquired Finnegan from the Nationals at the July 31 trade deadline, 

− Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press

2026 MLB draft top prospects: White Sox win No. 1 pick in lottery

Major League Baseball’s draft is still more than eight months away. Yet after the Dec. 9 draft lottery determined the selection order, you could say the Chicago White Sox are ready to Roch.

The White Sox earned the No. 1 overall selection among eligible teams, earning them first crack at UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky – the overwhelming choice to top the draft board come July.

USA TODAY Sports breaks down the draft order and takes a look at 17 top prospects who might slide into the pool of lottery and non-playoff clubs:

1. (White Sox) Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA: Reigning collegiate player of the year combines 6-2, 205-pound frame with elite speed and Gold Glove-caliber defense.
2. (Rays) Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS: The consensus top prep player available, he’s a Texas commit who recently batted .346 with a .949 OPS in a stint for Team USA, earning All-World honors.
3. (Twins) Derek Curiel, OF, LSU: Possibly the best pure hitter in the draft, Curiel batted .390 during LSU’s run through the NCAA playoffs and a College World Series title and will move to center field in his second season at Baton Rouge, which should enhance his stock.
4. (Giants) Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama: Displayed 18-homer pop as a sophomore and led the SEC in RBIs to go along with a very sound skill set at shortstop.
5. (Pirates) Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle (Calif.): Like your shortstops big and physical? Spangler may be your man. The Stanford signee, 6-3 and 195 pounds, has a consummately projectable long, lean build, a clean left-handed swing and 6.56 60-yard dash speed.

– Gabe Lacques

Scott Boras explains Schwarber’s impact on Alonso contract

ORLANDO, FL — Agent Scott Boras believes that DH Kyle Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million contract will not only accelerate free-agent signings this winter, but will lead to longer-term contracts for sluggers over the age of 30.

Yes, in particular the 31-year-old New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who’s represented by Boras.

“The evidence in the market is that these premium talents that have power,’ Boras said, “are in great demand. And the teams are willing to give more length to secure plot power in the marketplace. …

“Schwarber is obviously one of the best power hitters in the game, and all of these guys that are elite, whether they’re 29 or 30, they see a player who’s got five years length at 33, it’s obviously a fair quotient for the players that are younger to demand more years. …

“I think it really shows the demand for power. We just don’t have a lot of it, and it shows the impact that it has.’

– Bob Nightengale

What’s next for Mets with Edwin Diaz’s departure?

While Mets president Stearns declined to comment on Diaz’s departure, given the deal has not been finalized, the latest departure of one of their core pieces underscores a new level of urgency.

‘I think when we go into an offseason, we have lots of different paths that the offseason can take,’ Stearns said. ‘We thought it important to bring in a reliever of really high quality. We’re really excited we were able to do that with Devin Williams. We think he’s going fit our club really well.

‘I’m also confident we’re going to continue to add to the pen and have a very good one when we get to the regular season.’

– Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com

Padres, Diamondbacks to play Mexico City games

The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres will play two regular-season games in Mexico City in 2026. Major League Baseball announced the return of the Mexico City Series on Wednesday. The National League West rivals will play on April 25 and 26 at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu.

The Padres played the San Francisco Giants in the Mexican capital in 2023, and the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies squared off there in 2024.

‘We are honored to bring Padres baseball back to Mexico City for another unforgettable series in 2026,’ said Padres CEO Erik Greupner. ‘Our debut there in 2023 was historic, and this return reflects our continued commitment to celebrate our bi-national fan base and help grow the game of baseball internationally.

– Field Level Media

Boras says Yankees are in on Cody Bellinger

According to Scott Boras, when GM Brian Cashman and club president Randy Levine call, they don’t mention anything about a limited payroll.

“They talk about acquiring players,’’ said Boras, who referenced the Yanks’ $700 million-plus pursuit last December of his free agent client Juan Soto, who ultimately signed a record deal with the Mets.

“(Owner) Hal (Steinbrenner), Randy and Cash did everything they could possibly do to pursue a great talent,’’ said Boras. “I have no reason that they wouldn’t approach this market any different than that.’

Boras wouldn’t say if Steinbrenner had personally entered the Bellinger negotiations, ‘but the Yankees have reached out about Cody, and we continue to talk.’

– Pete Caldera

Going back to the longtime quarterback’s prep days in Athens, Alabama, then on to North Carolina State, the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Chargers and, ultimately, the Indianapolis Colts, Rivers’ jersey has always been adorned with No. 17.

However when the 44-year-old, who’s been coaching high school football in his native Alabama, came out of retirement this week, rejoining the Colts five years after he last played for them − essentially to help fill the void created when QB1 Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles tear Sunday − there seemed to be one minor issue: 17 was Jones’ number.

Problem solved.

Jones’ season is most certainly over, and his time with Indianapolis could be, too, given he’s unsigned for 2026 and beyond. Either way, he surrendered the number to Rivers, who talked about the transfer Wednesday while meeting with reporters.

Rivers said he’d texted with Jones about the matter and called him ‘gracious’ for giving up 17.

‘That was certainly meaningful to me,’ said Rivers. ‘And obviously didn’t want it to be like this.

‘All this happened so fast. But (appreciate) him being gracious and saying, ‘Shoot, heck yeah. Go for it.’

Rivers wore a red non-contact No. 17 during Wednesday’s practice.

Rivers also addressed his return to the team, joking about doing a live press conference given his last ones as a player were done on Zoom calls in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed gratefulness to the Colts organization, acknowledged late owner Jim Irsay’s belief in him during his opportunity in 2020 − not coincidentally, the last time Indy reached postseason − and noted the environment at the facility felt quite familiar, adding that he was rejoining 14 former teammates and several support staffers who were also with the club during his previous tenure.

He said Shane Steichen, who was also a longtime assistant on Rivers’ Chargers teams, is ‘a coach that I love.’

‘They wanted me,’ said Rivers.

‘A game I love to play. A game that I thought I was done playing certainly − I wasn’t really hanging onto any hope of playing again. I’d kinda thought that ship had sailed.

‘But something about it excited me. Kinda one of those deals − a door opens, and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it.’

There’s probably not a Johan Santana or Anthony Santander in the bunch, but that didn’t stop Major League Baseball teams from selecting 13 players in the Dec. 10 Rule 5 draft, the concluding event at the winter meetings. 

Players are eligible for the Rule 5 draft if they have not been placed on their club’s 40-man roster after four or five years in the organization, depending on whether they were 18 and younger or 19 and older at the time of signing. 

Teams pay $100,000 to draft a player and they must be kept on the big league roster for an entire season, or be offered back to the original club for $50,000. 

A look at the draftees: 

Major league phase

Rockies: RHP RJ Petit (from Tigers)
White Sox: RHP Jedixson Paez (from Red Sox)
Nationals: RHP Griff McGarry (from PHI)
Twins: C Daniel Susac (from Athletics, later traded to SF for C Miguel Caraballo and cash)
Pirates: RHP Carter Baumler (from BAL; later traded to TEX for RHP Jaiker Garcia and cash)
Athletics: RHP Ryan Watson (from SF)
Cardinals: RHP Matt Pushard (from MIA)
Astros: RHP Roddery Muñoz (from CIN)
Guardians: RHP Peyton Pallette (from White Sox, CWS No. 14 prospect)
Blue Jays: RHP Spencer Miles (from SF)
Yankees: RHP Cade Winquest (from STL)
Phillies: RHP Zach McCambley (from MIA)
White Sox: RHP Alexander Alberto (from TB)

Minor league phase

Rockies: RHP TJ Shook (from NYM)
White Sox: RHP Jackson Kelley (from TEX)
Nationals: RHP Sandy Gaston (from LAA)
Twins: RHP Sam Ryan (from LAA)
Pirates: RHP Junior Flores (from SF)
Angels: RHP Eybersson Polanco (from BOS)
Athletics: RHP Abel Mercedes (from HOU)
Braves: OF Carter Howell, (from SF)
Rays: RHP Alvaro Mejias (from BOS)
Cardinals: RHP Ryan Murphy (from SF)
Marlins: RHP Jake Smith (from Angels)
D-backs: RHP Antonio Menendez (from TB)
Rangers: RHP Jonathan Brand (from BOS)
Reds: LHP Nate Peterson (from MIL)
Mets: RHP Justin Armbruester (from BAL)
Tigers: RHP Luke Taggart (from COL)
Astros: RHP Trey McLoughlin (from NYM)
Guardians: RHP Jack Carey (from PIT)
Red Sox: LHP Caden Vire (from MIL)
Mariners: 1B Carson Taylor (from PHI)
Cubs: RHP Adam Stone (from NYY)
Blue Jays: OF Hedbert Perez (from MIL)
Yankees: RHP Hansel Rincon (from MIL)
Phillies: IF Austin Murr (from DET)
Brewers: RHP Cole Phillips (from SEA)
Nationals: RHP Brady Hill (from COL)
Twins: OF Garrett Spain (from MIL)
Pirates: LHP Brandon Neeck (from LAD)
Athletics: RHP Darlin Pinales (from AZ)
Braves: C Archer Brookman (from DET)
Marlins: RHP Livan Reinoso (from LAD)
D-backs: RHP Sean Harney (from STL)
Reds: 1B Zavier Warren (from MIL)
Mets: LHP Aaron Rozek (from MIN)
Tigers: RHP Jan Caraballo (SF)
Astros: OF Edwin Sanchez (from LAD)
Red Sox: OF Matt Lloyd (from STL)
Mariners: RHP Sean Hermann (from NYY)
Cubs: RHP Zane Mills (from STL)
Blue Jays: RHP Travis Kuhn (from DET)
Yankees: C Abrahan Gutierrez (from ATH)
Phillies: RHP Evan Gates (from SF)
Nationals: RHP Dylan Tebrake (from NYM)
Pirates: RHP Kyle Larsen (from TEX)
Athletics: RHP Jorge Marcheco (from LAA)
D-backs: INF Danny Serretti (from DET)
Mets: LHP Matt Turner (from NYY)
Tigers: RHP John Stankiewicz (from MIN)
Red Sox: C Raudelis Martinez (from TB)
Cubs: UTIL Devin Ortiz (from SD)
Nationals: OF Jack Rogers (from CIN)
Pirates: RHP Bryan Mena (from COL)
Tigers: RHP Yendy Gomez (from LAA)
Nationals: RHP Eiker Huizi (from SD)
Nationals: RHP Cesar Rojas (from TB)

Softball is more popular than ever as the sport is set to make its highly-anticipated Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. And now fans will have another opportunity to check out the best players in the world.

On Wednesday, the Professional Softball League (PSL) announced it will combine seven previously independent softball clubs from across the country into a women’s professional softball league that will open play in June 2026, shortly after the 2026 Women’s College World Series.

“This is a milestone moment for professional fast pitch softball,” said Ryan Moore, PSL spokesperson and owner of the Florida Vibe. “We’ve seen the momentum build year after year and bringing teams together under one league structure creates something bigger than any one club can do alone.’

The seven inaugural teams include the Atlanta Smoke (Atlanta), Chattanooga Chill (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Florida Breeze (Tampa Bay, Florida), Florida Heat (Viera, Florida), Florida Vibe (Bradenton, Florida), KC Diamonds (Kansas City) and New York Rise (New York). Each team will carry a roster of 20 players.

The league’s inaugural season will be broadcast exclusively on the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), which will ‘feature PSL on major global platforms including Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, and DirecTV,’ AWSN CEO George Chung said in a press release. The league’s 2026 schedule will be announced at a later date.

‘This is a monumental step not only for our organization, but for the growth of women’s softball across the world,’ Florida Heat owner Ricky Bumgardner Jr. added. ‘Our mission is to elevate athletes, build opportunities, and inspire the next generation — and the PSL gives us the perfect platform to do that. We can’t wait to compete, represent our community, and bring the Heat to the PSL.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Seattle plans to host a ‘Pride Match’ during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a game between Egypt and Iran.
Both Egypt and Iran have formally objected to FIFA over the planned LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Organizers in Seattle are moving forward with the event, which coincides with the city’s annual PrideFest.
Both participating nations have severe penalties and laws used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people.

The local organizing committee helping Seattle host the 2026 FIFA World Cup is moving forward with plans for a ‘Pride Match’ over the fierce objections of both countries slated to play in the game.

Egypt and Iran were randomly placed in Group G together and then selected to face one another on June 26 in Seattle as part of last week’s World Cup draw, setting up the odd twist of a match with previously scheduled LGBTQ+ celebrations featuring two countries that impose severe penalties on LGBTQ+ people.

The Egyptian Football Association said earlier this week it sent a letter to FIFA stating it ‘categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match.’ Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj also confirmed during a state television interview that his country filed a formal complaint, according to ESPN, and planned to bring up the issue during a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week.

But organizers in the Pacific Northwest remain steadfast in holding the event as planned in conjunction with the annual Seattle PrideFest and addressed the brewing situation in light of displeasure expressed by Egypt and Iran.

‘As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,’ Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday, Dec. 10. ‘SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.

‘Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.’

Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty in Iran, according to Reuters, while in Egypt, morality laws are often used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people. FIFA has not yet commented on the situation, though the ‘Pride Match’ festivities surrounding the June 26 match are not officially affiliated with soccer’s international governing body.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards for players wearing the ‘OneLove’ armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights because of the host nation’s culture, prompting teams like England and Wales to scrap plans to use it.

The Egyptian Football Association said its position was based on FIFA’s statutes related to neutrality in political and social matters during competition and fan behavior. Taj called it ‘an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.’

‘These activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies,’ the Egyptian Football Association wrote. ‘While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment that welcomes all fans, it is essential to avoid activities that could spark tension or misunderstanding between supporters from Egypt and Iran. We call on FIFA to guarantee that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating nations.’

The league stage of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League competition continues with the second day of Matchday 6 on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The biggest match of the day features Real Madrid hosting Manchester City.

Real Madrid, the 15-time winners of the UEFA Champions League, are coming off a humbling 2-0 loss to middle-of-the-table Celta Vigo over the weekend and first-year coach Xabi Alonso is already on the hot seat after getting just one win over the club’s last five La Liga matches. Real Madrid has enjoyed better form in the Champions League, winning four of five league phase matches.

Manchester City is chasing table-toppers Arsenal in the Premier League, having won five of its last six league matches. Man City, however, is coming off a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at City of Manchester Stadium in its last Champions League match and currently sits in 12th place — six spots behind Real Madrid — in that competition’s table.

Manchester City makes trio of substitutions

In the 70th minute, manager Pep Guardiola went to his bench for some fresh legs as Manchester City aims to maintain its lead.

In the game entered midfielders Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders, and forward Omar Marmoush. Exiting the match were Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki.

Manchester City maintains 2-1 lead well into second half

The frantic pace from the back end of the first half carried over to the second half as both sides have generated scoring opportunities.

Goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City) have been up to the task, however, as Manchester City maintains its 2-1 lead.

In the 58th minute, Real Madrid made the first substitution of the game, putting midfielder Arda Güler onto the pitch in favor of Gonzalo García. Then in the 67th minute, Real Madrid added attacking midfielder Brahim Díaz and took off Dani Ceballos.

With 20 minutes (and whatever will be added for stoppage time) remaining in the match, one wonders if Real Madrid manager Xabier Alonso will get the ailing Kylian Mbappe into the game.

UEFA Champions League halftime score update

Manchester City 2, Real Madrid 1
Bayer Leverkusen 1, Newcastle United 0
Benfica 1, Napoli 0
Arsenal 1, Club Brugge 0
Athletic Club 0, Paris Saint-Germain 0
Juventus 0, Pafos 0
Borussia Dortmund 1, Bodø/Glimt 1

Final scores from Wednesday:

FC Copenhagen 3, Villareal 2
Ajax 4, Qarabag FK 2

Manchester City 2, Real Madrid 1: Erling Haaland converts penalty kick

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger wrestled Man City’s Erling Haaland to the ground in the 18-yard box. Rüdiger was issued a yellow card and VAR confirmed a penalty kick, which Haaland buried in the 43rd minute.

After a slow start to the match, things are getting spicy at the Bernabéu.

Per UEFA, fewest games needed to score 55 goals in the UEFA Champions League:

Erling Haaland — 54
Ruud van Nistelrooy — 70
Lionel Messi — 73
Robert Lewandowski — 82
Kylian Mbappé — 83
Cristiano Ronaldo — 94

Manchester City 1, Real Madrid 1: Nico O’Reilly pounces for an equalizer

It didn’t take long for Manchester City to get the equalizer.

Nico O’Reilly poked home the tying goal in the 35th minute. The goal came from close range off after a corner kick. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois couldn’t collect the initial shot on goal and the ball rolled out in front of O’Reilly, who delivered the game-tying goal. Real Madrid protested that O’Reilly was offsides, but to no avail.

Per UEFA, O’Reilly (20 years and 264 days) is the second-youngest player to score for an English team against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, after Alan Smith (20 years, 129 days) for Leeds United in March 2001.

Real Madrid 1, Manchester City 0: Rodrygo scores opener

A counter attack following an unsuccessful Manchester City free-kick attempt resulted in the opening goal at the Bernabéu in the 28th minute.

Rodrygo slid home a goal for Real Madrid on an assist from Jude Bellingham as the hosts have a first-half advantage.

It is Rodyrgo’s first goal of the 2025-26 season.

Per UEFA, Rodrygo has joined an exclusive list. These are the top all-time Brazilian goal-scorers in the UEFA Champions League:

Neymar — 43
Kaká — 30
Vinícius Júnior — 29
Rivaldo — 27
Rodrygo — 26

Midway through first half: Real Madrid 0, Manchester City 0

Neither squad has seriously threatened to break through with the opening goal at the Bernabéu, with neither goalkeeper pressed into action.

Through 25 minutes of play, Man City has enjoyed the possession advantage, 63% to 37%. Real Madrid, however, has taken four shot attempts — none on target — to none for Man City.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Date: Dec. 10
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain)
TV and streaming: Paramount+

Watch UEFA Champions League on Paramount+

Why is Kylian Mbappe not in the starting 11?

Real Madrid’s top goal-scoring threat Kylian Mbappe is not starting against Manchester City, but is available off the bench.

Mbappe has been dealing with a muscular problem and missed the team’s training session on Tuesday.

With Mbappe on the bench, Gonzalo García, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will lead Real Madrid’s attack.

Mbappe has 25 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 campaign.

Real Madrid lineup today

Manchester City starting lineup vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid, Manchester City a budding club football rivalry

Wednesday’s Real Madrid-Manchester City clash will be the 13th meeting between the clubs in the past decade, a rivalry that has intensified as Real and City combined to claim three of the last four Champions League titles.

Real won the competition in 2022 and 2024, beating City en route to both titles, while the English side lifted their maiden Champions League trophy in 2023 after overcoming the Spanish club in the semi-finals that year.

Real are fifth in the Champions League standings on 12 points, three behind leaders Arsenal. City are ninth on 10 points, chasing a top-eight finish that would secure direct qualification to the last 16. — Reuters

Bernabéu also hosted NFL International Series game

Real Madrid’s home stadium also hosted the first NFL International Series game played in Spain.

On Nov. 16, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders, 16-13, at the Estadio Bernabéu.

As the NFL continues its push for games outside the United States, commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that the league will play more games in Spain.

‘We will be back, we are excited,’ Goodell said before the Dolphins-Commanders game. ‘This has been a great opportunity for us. We always wait until we get through the games, but we want to be back here in Madrid (and) Spain. I think this is a great market for us.’

The NFL played a record seven International Series games during the 2025 season.

Champions League schedule today

Here’s the full list of UEFA Champions League fixtures for Wednesday, Dec. 10 (all times ET):

All games available on Paramount+

Villarreal CF (Spain) vs. FC Copenhagen (Denmark), 12:45 p.m.
Qarabağ FK (Azerbaijan) vs. Ajax (Netherlands), 12:45 p.m.
Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) vs. Newcastle United (England), 3 p.m.
Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Manchester City (England), 3 p.m.
Benfica (Portugal) vs. Napoli (Italy), 3 p.m.
Club Brugge (Belgium) vs. Arsenal (England), 3 p.m.
Athletic Club (Spain) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (France), 3 p.m.
Juventus (Italy) vs. Pafos FC (Cyprus), 3 p.m.
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs. FK Bodø/Glimt (Norway), 3 p.m.

What is the upcoming Champions League schedule?

Matchday 7: Jan. 20-21
Matchday 8: Jan. 28
Knockout phase playoffs: Feb. 17-18 and Feb. 24-25
Round of 16: March 10-11 and March 17-18
Quarterfinals: April 7-8 and April 14-15
Semifinals: April 28-29 and May 5-6
Final: May 30 (Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary)

The top eight finishers in the league phase earn a bye to the Round of 16. Teams that finish ninth through 24th will compete in the knockout phase playoffs.

UEFA Champions League odds

Odds to reach 2026 final (via BetMGM as of evening of Tuesday, Dec. 9)

Arsenal: +400
Bayern Munich: +450
Paris Saint-Germain: +650
Manchester City: +800
Real Madrid: +900
FC Barcelona: +900
Liverpool: +1100
Chelsea: +1600
Inter Milan: +2800
Atletico Madrid: +2800

No team has earned a spot in the NFL playoffs yet, but the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams have a chance to clinch postseason berths in Week 15.

The Broncos and Patriots are tied atop the AFC. While the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers are clinging to their division leads.

The Los Angeles Rams are currently on top of a tight race in the NFC. While the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hanging on to division leads.

There are four weeks remaining on the NFL’s 2025 regular-season calendar and plenty left to settle. Here’s an early look at some predictions and picks to win the AFC, NFC and which team will be the Super Bowl 60 champion.

AFC standings ahead of Week 15

Denver Broncos (11-2)
New England Patriots (11-2)
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)
Buffalo Bills (9-4)
Houston Texans (8-5)

AFC Championship prediction: Bills survive against Patriots

Bills quarterback Josh Allen has 3,083 passing yards, 22 touchdown passes and 12 rushing touchdowns this season. He’s the first player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons (2023-25) and three career seasons. The Bills are too reliant on Allen, but I predict he’ll have plenty of assistance against the Patriots in an all-AFC East championship game.

Running back James Cook produces over 130 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. Buffalo’s defense gets just enough stops as the Bills upset the Patriots in Foxborough.

It’ll mark Buffalo’s first Super Bowl appearance since the 1993 season.

NFC standings ahead of Week 15

Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Chicago Bears (9-4)

NFC Championship prediction: Eagles hang on against Rams (again)

Yes, I realize the Eagles have lost three straight games. Maybe it’s blind faith, but I believe the Eagles finally find their groove during win-or-go-home situations in the postseason.

Philadelphia’s offense has failed to establish an identity and struggled with consistency all season. But I predict they return to form with running back Saquon Barkley leading the way.

Barkley ran all over the Rams in two meetings last season, but he was limited to 55 yards from scrimmage in a Week 3 win over Los Angeles.

The Eagles have won four straight games, including the playoffs, against the Rams dating back to 2023. The Rams’ explosive offense will keep this game close, but Philly’s overall talent on both sides of the ball prevails.

Super Bowl 60 prediction

Losers of four Super Bowls in a row in the early 90s, the Bills have a painful Super Bowl history. Unfortunately for Buffalo, Feb. 8 will add to the franchise’s Super Bowl misery.

The Eagles have back-to-back standout performances to complete their title defense and win their second-straight Super Bowl.

Philadelphia’s opportunistic defense forces two takeaways and the team scores 14 points off the turnovers.

Jalen Carter helps slow down Josh Allen, James Cook and the Bills offense. A.J. Brown produces more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Saquon Barkley compiles 100 yards on the ground against a leaky Buffalo defense.

All the drama surrounding the Eagles during the regular season becomes a thing of the past that galvanized the team to another Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl 60 odds breakdown

According to the current betting odds at BetMGM, the Los Angeles Rams have the best odds of winning Super Bowl 60 at +400.

NFL playoff schedule

Wild card round: Saturday, Jan. 10 to Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
Divisional round: Saturday, Jan. 17 to Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Conference championship: Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
Super Bowl: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The punches won’t fly until Dec. 19, but Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are talking.

‘They say I’m unproven,’ Paul says. ‘Untested. That I talk big and fight small. Well, surprise, b—-.’

Joshua, the Brit, says, ‘It’s time for America to see what real power looks like.”

Those words are featured on the fight trailer released by Netflix, which will livestream the eight-round, heavyweight fight, and Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Paul.

‘This is the fight that shuts everyone up,’ Paul continues on the trailer.

Says Joshua, ‘This is the fight that shuts men down.’

It’ll be Paul’s biggest challenge yet.

Paul, the former YouTuber, is 12-1 with seven knockouts. Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is 28-4 with 25 knockouts.

The co-main will pit undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner against contender Leila Beaudoin. The main card also includes a bout between retired UFC superstar Anderson Silva and retired former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and a bout between 2021 amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey against prospect Kevin Cervantes, who is 5-0 with five knockouts.