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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Tom Ley

Cape Verde supporters cheer on their team

Soccer

Cape Verde Deserved Better Than Whatever The Hell JP Dellacamera Was Doing

Billy Haisley

Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia.

The Real Spain Has Now Arrived

Ray Ratto

Japan fans cheer in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Tunisia and Japan.

Tunisia Blows Up Its Manager, Still Gets Blown Out

Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies takes a moment as he pitches in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field on June 19, 2026.

Baseball’s Bad-Team Shitshow Could Use More Shit

Eloy Room of Curacao makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Curacao.

Eloy Room Saved A Place For Himself And Curacao In World Cup History

Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrate a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia

I Have Died And Gone To USMNT Heaven

Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including Point B. Handsomest man in the world.

Drew Magary

This Is So Stupid

I Can No Longer Accept Being Condescended To By The Little Game On My Phone

Megan C. Reynolds

Arts And Culture

Looking For A Job Has Become An Alienating Humiliation Ritual

Defector Staff

Defector Up All Night

Here’s A World Cup Weekend Open Thread

Nicholas Russell is a writer from Las Vegas.

Nicholas Russell

Interviews

John Early’s Secret Is Total Commitment

Samer Kalaf

James Dolan speaks during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade

Turd Makes Brief Appearance In Punch Bowl

David Roth

Vozinha of Cabo Verde gives a thumbs up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde.

Podcasts

Feeling Those Good Sports Feelings, With Ray Ratto

Luis Paez-Pumar

Harry Kane of England celebrates his 1-0 goal during the 2026 World Cup at AT&amp;T Stadium in Dallas, United States, on June 17, 2026.

It Is Getting Into The Car, Leaving The Office, Avoiding Traffic, And Picking Up Fish And Chips On The Way Home

Denny Carter is founder, editor, and lead writer for BadFaithTimes.com. He analyzes the NFL on the Rotoworld Football Show, and can be found on Bluesky at @dennycarter.bsky.social.

Denny Carter

Golf

Bryson DeChambeau Will Have To Decide If He’s A Golfer Or A YouTuber

Grace Byron is a critic, reporter, and novelist based in Queens. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Granta, Bookforum, and elsewhere. Her debut novel Herculine is out now.

Grace Byron

Neatly Arranged Scalpels Repetition Pattern on Purple Background Directly Above View.

‘New Skin’ Offers A Fresh Take On Body Horror

Israel Daramola

Listening Habits

What Does It Mean To Be A “Black Artist”?

Kelsey McKinney

two van gogh paintings on a dark background

Misery And Memory In Two Van Goghs

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Justin Ellis TELLS ALL About Minneapolis Life In This EXCLUSIVE Interview

Cristiano Ronaldo Is Holding Portugal Hostage

Chancel Mbemba of Congo DR reacts after the 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Congo Was Ready For The Moment, And For Portugal

Patrick Redford

Slovenia's rider Tadej Pogacar of team UAE Emirates - XRG attends the team presentation on the eve of the first stage of the Tour of Switzerland (Tour de Suisse) cycling race, in Sondrio, Italy, on June 16, 2026. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

Cycling

It’s Still Tadej Pogacar’s World

Lionel Messi (right, Argentina) is embraced by Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina) after scoring his second goal to make it 2-0.

Even At The End, Lionel Messi Is Just Getting Started

Alexi Lalas attends the Fox Sports FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day event at Lavan on May 21, 2026 in New York City.

Alexi Lalas Has Already Worn Out His Welcome

charismatic megafauna (they/them)

Sabrina Imbler

Creaturefector

You Are The Dancing Fly, Young And Spry, Just A Little Guy

Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball against Azzi Fudd #35 of the Dallas Wings in the third quarter at Target Center on June 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Wings 100-76.