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PAGE 5B April 2026
World Champion Argentina to Face Iceland at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium International soccer giant and current World Champion Argentina will meet Iceland on Tuesday, June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match, part of Road to 26 presented by Turkish Airlines, leading up to the World Cup in North America this summer, will be the first international soccer game in the history of one of college football’s most iconic venues. “To have the reigning FIFA World Cup champions choose Auburn as the site of their last match before defending their title represents a tremendous achievement and an incredible opportunity for Auburn Athletics and Auburn University,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said. “This exhibition between Argentina and Iceland will bring worldwide attention and exposure to Auburn and our community.” Nicknamed La Albiceleste, Argentina sits at third in the latest FIFA world rankings and boasts a roster of superstars led by Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the world’s most recognizable players. The three-time World Champions’ only previous meeting with Iceland came in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, when Iceland used its first-ever World Cup goal to force a stunning 1-1 draw. The result — and the thunderous Viking clap Iceland's supporters performed in the aftermath — became one of the defining images of that tournament. This will be Iceland's first visit to the United States since 2016. “We look forward to the exhibition between Argentina and Iceland and to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Auburn’s world-class hospitality,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Athletic events have long been an economic driver for our community, boosting our local retailers, restaurants and hotels while providing a way for fans to have a special experience together in the heart of our city. We appreciate the hard work of Auburn Athletics and Auburn University in bringing this event to Auburn.” Tickets for the match will start at only $45 and will go on sale on Wednesday, April 15, at 9 a.m. CT. Fans may register for exclusive pre-sale access at RoadTo26.com. “We are thrilled to partner with Unified Events and Florida Citrus Sports to bring this exceptional event to the Auburn community as we continue to strengthen Auburn’s position as a premier destination for live entertainment in the Southeast,” said Rhett Hobart, Auburn Deputy AD/External Affairs and Chief Revenue Officer. “To see the defending FIFA World Cup champions compete on Pat Dye Field will mark a unique milestone in Jordan-Hare Stadium’s iconic history and will be an incredible experience for the Auburn family, our community and guests.” Now in its 87th year, Jordan-Hare Stadium has been home to Auburn football and previously hosted concerts and the Alabama High School state football championships. The Road to 26, a series of high-profile soccer matches co-promoted by Unified Events and Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), kicked off in March and features giants such as Brazil, France, Colombia and Egypt. The current schedule of matches is included below. ROAD TO 26 SCHEDULE Saturday, June 6 • Brazil vs. Egypt — Huntington Bank Field (Cleveland, Ohio) 5 p.m. CT* • Bolivia vs. Scotland — Sports Illustrated Stadium (Harrison, N.J.) 3 p.m. CT* • Argentina vs. Honduras — Kyle Field (College Station, Texas) 7 p.m. CT * Tuesday, June 9 • Argentina vs. Iceland — Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, Alabama) 7:30 p.m. CT* *Kickoff times subject to change. ABOUT ROAD TO 26 Road to 26 is a U.S.-based international match series created to showcase the world’s top national teams. Co-promoted by Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), Unified Events, Pitch International, Lions Sports & Media and Cardenas Marketing Network, Road to 26 delivers premium match experiences while connecting global supporters to the beautiful game in America.
Photo by Andrew Ferguson, UT Athletics
University of Tennessee Quarterback Faizon Brandon (#11) during the 2026 Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Tennessee Football Holds Orange & White Game Tennessee football concluded its spring with its 15th and final practice as nearly 48,000 fans watched the Volunteers hold their annual Orange & White Game on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The free admission experience featured individual periods, special teams work, "pressure kicks" and scrimmaging with the first, second and third teams. Quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon each took snaps with the first and second teams, while Colorado transfer Ryan Staub fired a 75-yard touchdown to Carson Whitehead with the third team. "Each of them (quarterbacks) has to be on their journey of building and mastering their fundamentals, their technique, ownership and the scheme, and that's what we do and then mastering what's happening on the other side of the football too," said sixth- year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. The day featured appearances by current NFL VFLs Alvin Kamara and Dylan Sampson. Kamara was recognized for his generous philanthropic gift this week. "I want to say thanks to 'AK,' Alvin Kamara, just what he's done since I got back with this program," said Heupel. "Coming back, pouring into our entire team, being around every time he gets an opportunity. You look at him stepping up and his commitment to this university, to this athletic department, the gift that he made. I can't thank him enough for everything that he means to us." Much of the spring focus has been the defensive play under new coordinator Jim Knowles. The Vols retooled their secondary with several transfers and returned safety Edrees Farooq and Freshman All-American cornerback Ty Redmond. They also feature a loaded linebacker room with Arion Carter, Jeremiah Telander, Edwin Spillman and several new, talented faces. "You combine that with our players, how attentive and how hard they've worked to grow inside the scheme, and I think that's why I've been pleased," said Heupel. "But where they're at as we finish out spring ball and obviously still growth inside of it, but I'm really proud of what they've done." Kicker Cooper Ranvier, a transfer from Louisville, drilled all three of his pressure kicks. Tulane transfer running back Javin Gordon closed out the scrimmage with a 61- yard touchdown run. The Vols will continue weight room and conditioning workouts to wrap up the semester. Tennessee opens its 130th football season on Sept. 5 against Furman.
Softball Photos By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Sylvania Senior Gracie Black (#5) slides safely into home plate for one of the Lady Rams 21 runs scored against DeKalb County rival Fyffe on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Sylvania defeated the Red Devils 21-13.
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Collinsville and Scottsboro JV players battle during a recent match played at the Northeast Alabama Community College soccer field.
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Best Wishes for a great future! Congratulations Class of 2026
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Fyffe's Kymberlee Love (#23).
Sylvania Pitcher Emerson Guffey (#25).
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