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Keeping a close eye on the players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup means you get to watch some excellent soccer, but lately, it also means getting tuned into the latest audio release ahead of everyone else.

As reported by AppleInsider, three players have been spotted wearing a mystery pair of over-ear Beats headphones. The headphones appear different from everything Beats has released before, featuring new colorways, ultra-thick ear cushions, and a slim outer speaker section.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free

The new headphones didn't come entirely out of left field, with an FCC filing from March showing that Apple had an unreleased pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones in the works, as reported by MacRumors.

Who's been spotted with the new Beats headphones?

So far, we've seen three World Cup players don the headphones. The first tease came from Spanish player Lamine Yamal, who was spotted stepping off the plane in Tennessee on June 5 with not one, but two pairs of the Beats headphones — one that was entirely light pink, and one that was entirely cream.

The Spanish soccer star stepped out with two pairs of the unreleased Beats headphones. Credit: Getty Images / Coral Scoles-Coburn

He later posted the light pink pair of headphones on June 11, with the cans slung around the handle of his bag once more. This time, the picture was buried deep in an Instagram carousel.

U.S. player Antonee Robinson was the next to post the headphones, posting a picture on June 14 of him wearing a two-toned pair of cans with a white exterior and dark blue ear cups. Zooming into the picture also shows what looks like a glint of metal on the adjustable part of the headband.

Robinson wore the Beats headphones ahead of the June 12 match up between the US and Paraguay. Credit: Getty Images / Credit: John Dorton/USSF

Finally, South Korean player Kang-in Lee also included two photos of himself wearing the headphones around his neck in a June 14 Instagram post. This time, the headphones had the same white exterior as Robinson's pair but featured neon yellow-green ear cushions. Once again, zooming in on the photo shows a glint of a metal-like adjustable arm of the headband.

Discerning eyes can spot the bright ear cushions of Lee's headphones under his hood as he heads to the June 11 match up of South Korea and Czechia. Credit: Getty Images / Credit: Julian Finney/ FIFA Everything we know about the headphones so far

It's unclear so far whether these headphones are an updated design or limited-edition of an existing Beats product, or entirely new headphones. What we do know is that the brand's only pair of over-ear headphones, the Beats Studio Pro, were released in 2023, so an update isn't out of the question.

That said, it remains possible that Beats expands its lineup, possibly with a more premium pair of cans. It's a move Sony just pulled with their Collexion headphones. Plus, with the Studio Pros being $349.99, Beats has the room to grow — noise cancelling flagships from Sony, Bose, and Apple all sit in the $450 and up range.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Beats headphones for sound quality, portability, style, and value

As for the design of these headphones, there's some speculation as to whether the two-tone colorways spotted on Lee and Robinson indicate some kind of customizability for the headphones (which we have seen before). The headphones also feature USB-C charging and at least one on-ear tactile button. The possible metal section of the headband might suggest these headphones aren't foldable, which would be a deviation from the design of the Beats Studio Pro.

Beats loves to cater to a more athletic crowd (hence the venue for the tease out of these headphones), so it's also possible we'll see some built-in health features like the heart-rate monitoring included on last year's Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

We've reached out to a Beats representative for comment and will update this article if we recieve more information.

SAVE $60: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm, LTE) is on sale at Amazon for $369.99, down from the list price of $429.99. That's a 14% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm, LTE) $369.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $60   Get Deal

A smartwatch has become part of our daily tech arsenal. We use them to track fitness, sleep, keep an eye on the time, and write quick replies to text messages. Apple Watches have become a standard among iPhone users, but for those who have Android devices, there's the lineup of Samsung Galaxy Watches. Before the Galaxy Watch 9 launches, the Galaxy 8 is seeing significant discounts.

As of June 15, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm, LTE) is on sale at Amazon for $369.99, marked down from the list price of $429.99. That takes $60 off the price thanks to the 14% discount.

Mashable's review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 praised its bright display, attractive looks, and smart health features. Reviewer Adam Doud mentioned one of the only negatives is its battery life, which lands somewhere in the 33 to 35 hour range.

SEE ALSO: The CMF Watch 3 Pro is the cheapest it's ever been pre-Prime Day — get it for under $65

Otherwise, Doud left impressed by the watch and wrote, "I really like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, despite the battery life. I love the classy look, the software is really tight, and the Google Gemini integration is a big perk."

The Galaxy Watch 8 has a slimmer profile compared to previous models, meaning it'll lie flatter on your wrist. This is the first Samsung Watch to have Google Gemini on the watch face. It also runs Samsung Health which can help out with fitness goals, sleep, energy, BMI, and more.

For those hoping to have an active summer, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has a built-in running coach that can give you real-time feedback and help with analyzing performance.

For anyone looking for a new smartwatch, consider today's sale price on the worthwhile Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm, LTE). It's down to under $370 at Amazon in both silver and graphite colorways.

I spent a month living inside LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, and every well-regarded open-source Office alternative I could find. Here's what I learned — and why I quietly opened my wallet at the end of it.

Another week means it's time to spotlight some of the new movies heading to some of the major streaming services. Our top selection is an A24 movie released in theaters earlier this year. It features a rising star who is knocking at the door of the A-list. Many viewers will get a chance to watch this thriller on HBO Max.

TL;DR: Pop Mart's Labubu World Cup 2026 collection is available on Amazon and through select retailers. You can grab the "Catch the Win" plush and keychains right now with Prime shipping.

Where to buy Labubu World Cup 2026 collectibles: Pop Mart The Monsters × FIFA Series "Catch the Win" Vinyl Plush Doll $149.99 Shop Now Pop Mart The Monsters × FIFA Series Vinyl Plush Keychain $32.99 Shop Now Pop Mart The Monsters X FIFA Series Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet $15.99 Shop Now

If you tuned into the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City last week, you probably noticed giant, pointy-eared plush figures running around and stealing the spotlight. That's Labubu — the mischievous, cult-favorite character from Pop Mart's "The Monsters" series. Pop Mart and FIFA collaborated on a limited-edition "The Monsters x FIFA Series" to celebrate the tournament.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free

Between the viral World Cup cameo and making history as the very first Chinese IP to make an appearance at the event, fans and collectors are currently clearing out inventory wherever they can find it.

If you want to get your hands on one before they sell out, your best bet right now is Amazon. Pop Mart recently opened an official storefront on the site, so you can grab the "Catch the Win" Vinyl Plush Doll for $149.99, plus a handful of themed World Cup keychains.

Word of caution: If Amazon sells out and you end up buying from an authorized third-party retailer (like BoxLunch, Hot Topic, or Walmart), make sure to check the box when it arrives. Every legit Labubu comes with a holographic security sticker and a QR code that links directly to Pop Mart's database for verification. You can also just count the teeth — a real Labubu has nine.

Most people build their home network with the goal of making it fast. Get the biggest plan, the flashiest router, the most bars, and call it a day. I get the appeal. Speed is the thing you feel every day, and it's the thing the box on the shelf is screaming about.

President Donald Trump is threatening to impose 100 percent tariffs on French wines and champagne unless France eliminates its digital services tax on American tech companies, according to an exclusive interview published Sunday by the New York Post, a conservative-leaning outlet.

Trump told the Post he delivered the ultimatum personally to outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron, giving him a straightforward choice: scrap the tech tax or lose access to the U.S. market, which the Post reports accounts for roughly a fifth of the French wine industry's global sales.

France's digital services tax — known as the GAFAM tax — has been in place since 2019, applying a 3 percent levy on local revenues generated by companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple. According to the French finance ministry, it generated roughly $700 million last year.

SEE ALSO: Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs 6-3. Tech stocks rally, but will prices drop?

The threat lands ahead of Monday's G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, and directly contradicts claims from Macron's office last week that the dispute had been quietly resolved. A U.S. official reportedly dismissed that characterization as inaccurate, according to the Post.

France appears increasingly isolated on the issue. Canada dropped its own digital tax in 2025 under U.S. pressure, and Italy is reportedly weighing a similar retreat with the Italian digital services tax.

SAVE $550.02: The Aiper Scuba V3 robot pool cleaner is on sale at Amazon for $849.97, down from the normal price of $1,399.99. That's a 39% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aiper Aiper Scuba V3 $849.97 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $550.02   Get Deal

It's time to enjoy pool season. A morning dip, an afternoon cool-off, or an all-day pool party are all on the schedule for the summer. There's just one thing sitting in the way — cleaning the pool. If you dread the wind that bring leaves, sand, and dirt into the pool because it means extra cleaning, check out this deal.

For a limited time only on June 15, the Aiper Scuba V3 robot pool cleaner is on sale at Amazon for $849.97, marked down from the normal price of $1,399.99. That's a 39% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon. Plus, it comes with free Aiper micron ultra-fine replacement filters which usually sell for $59.99.

The Aiper Scuba V3 would like to take over the chore of cleaning the pool this summer. It uses AI vision to navigate the pool while scrubbing and filtering. The multi-layer filtration is designed to capture large items like leaves, twigs, and insects. But it's also capable of ridding your pool of sand, hair, algae, and even microorganisms.

SEE ALSO: These 9 early Prime Day outdoor deals will get you prepped for summer

From the Aiper app, you'll be able to schedule a cleaning calendar for the Scuba V3. Tell it to clean the floor every other day and tackle the walls twice a week. There's also the option for it to clean up the waterline. After its cleaning session, the Aiper will park on the waterline, making for easy retrieval. Place it on the included wireless charging dock, and it'll be ready for the next cleaning session.

Aiper equipped the Scuba V3 with dual LED lights so the AI vision system can clean at any time, even in the dark of night. That same AI vision is designed with obstacle avoidance, so the robot pool cleaner will navigate around toys, bricks, and even frogs.

Plus, the Aiper is designed to clean all pool shapes, from rectangular to customized. It's capable of cleaning pools made of concrete, fiberglass, tiles, and vinyl liners.

While it's still at the lowest price we've seen, upgrade the summer with the Aiper Scuba V3. But move quickly because the sale price is set to expire today.

When I was doing my Master’s degree, I needed a cheap, small laptop that could fit in my motorcycle backpack and have enough battery power to get through about four or five hours of daily lectures. I ended up getting a used netbook for $50, but it came with a horrible custom distro of Linux that really didn't let you do anything.

The 2026 World Cup is very much up and running. The group stage has only just started, but it already feels like we've been treated to some epic clashes between star-studded teams. And the atmosphere in the stadiums has been great, despite the heat.

Today, June 15, is another huge day with four matchups in the U.S.. The action starts at 12 p.m. ET. The schedule is hectic and it can feel overwhelming, so we've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 15

• Group H: Spain vs. Cape Verde (Atlanta Stadium) — kickoff at 12 p.m. ET

• Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt (Seattle Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

• Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay (Miami Stadium) — kickoff at 6 p.m. ET

• Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand (Los Angeles Stadium) — kickoff at 9 p.m. ET

How to livestream FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Spain vs. Cape Verde

Spain are one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will be expected to progress from Group H with ease, but they'll be anxious to start well against a Cape Verde side. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET, and live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Belgium vs. Egypt

These sides are probably favorites to progress from Group G, but only one team can finish top. We're expecting a real battle. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, and coverage will be on Fox and Fox One, with Spanish-language coverage on Peacock.

Watch Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay

Uruguay will be favorites to win this one, but don't count out Saudi Arabia just yet. This matchup kicks off at 6 p.m. ET and live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Spanish-language coverage will be streaming on Peacock.

Watch Iran vs. New Zealand

OK, this isn't the most exciting matchup on paper, but this game is vital. Belgium and Egypt are favorites in this group, so a defeat here would be disastrous for these teams. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m ET, and live coverage is on FS1 and Fox One, with Spanish-language coverage on Peacock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. You just need a VPN.

We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Between the New York Knicks winning the NBA championship to FIFA World Cup fever currently running rampant in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been all over the place lately. It's hard to imagine that there's someone who doesn't know who he is.

Well, apparently, there is at least one person who wouldn't recognize Mayor Mamdani if he was, say, sitting right next to him at a World Cup game.

YouTube megastar IShowSpeed attended the first World Cup 2026 game at NYNJ stadium, aka MetLife Stadium, between Brazil and Morocco on Saturday. Naturally, Speed livestreamed from the match for 2 and a half hours.

At around the 2-hour and 11-minute mark, Speed moves to a new section and takes a seat. His viewers in the livestream chat immediately erupt as they realize that Mayor Mamdani could be seen in the background, sitting just two seats away in the same aisle as Speed.

"Mayor? You the Mayor?" Speed says as he checks his livestream chat two minutes after taking his new seat.

In a now viral video clipped from the livestream, Speed turns to Mamdani and asks if he's the Mayor. Mamdani confirms that he is indeed the Mayor of New York City and Speed shakes his hand.

This wasn't a case of Speed not realizing he was sitting next to Mamdani. Incredibly, Speed did not seem to know who Mamdani even was once he saw him.

But it did make for yet another amazing moment at the 2026 World Cup.

TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, which recently announced it's an Official Tournament Supporter of the event in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

It feels like the world has stopped for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition.

It's going to be a wild ride. We're still making our way through the first round of group-stage fixtures, but the likes of Mexico, USA, and Australia have already secured big victories. There's some big names still to start their campaign, and you can watch it all without spending anything.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

If you're looking for the best VPN to stream the FIFA World Cup, ExpressVPN recently announced that it's an Official Tournament Supporter of the event in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. ExpressVPN was already our go-to recommendation for sports streaming, and now it's also the exclusive VPN supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sports is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing live sports on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Are you ready to buy your first NAS? Before you click purchase, there’s one major thing you need to think of first—do you have the right hard drives for a NAS? Not all hard drives are created equal, and you need to make sure your NAS has storage that’s up to the task.

Excel has plenty of flashy features, but few are as useful day after day as data validation. Drop-down lists were one of the first Excel features I learned that felt genuinely advanced, and I still rely on them to keep data clean and consistent. Here's how to create drop-down lists in Excel using data validation.

SAVE $350: As of June 15, the ASUS 34-inch ROG Strix Ultrawide QD-OLED gaming monitor is on sale for just $649 instead of $999 at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. That's 35% in savings and its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS 34-inch ROG Strix Ultrawide QD-OLED gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) $649 at Amazon
$999 Save $350   Get Deal

Upgrading your gaming monitor to an OLED model can completely transform your experience. With extremely high contrast, true blacks, and a wide color gamut, an OLED monitor is basically like eye candy. The market is wide and varied, but we're here to offer a little advice: grab this ASUS 34-inch ultrawide OLED monitor while it's the cheapest it's ever been.

As of June 15, the ASUS 34-inch ROG Strix Ultrawide QD-OLED gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) is only $649 at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. That's a massive $350 or 35% discount and beats its previous record-low price by about $50. If you want to upgrade without emptying your wallet, this is a hard deal to pass up.

This monitor features a 3440x1440 OLED display with a subtle 1800R curvature and 21:9 aspect ratio. Unlike a more aggressive curved display, it won't take a lot of time to get used to. It will subtly wrap the action around you and make your games feel more immersive while actually increasing your eye comfort.

Other perks are a 175Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility, and ROG gaming AI tech, all of which enhance your gaming experience. Plus, as I mentioned, the OLED panel has an extremely high contrast ratio that'll make your gaming visuals pop.

If your gaming setup is feeling a little lackluster, the ASUS XG34WCDG monitor will give you the ol' razzle-dazzle. And if you snag it ahead of Prime Day, it'll cost you significantly less than usual.

The world of streaming just got a big corporate makeover.

In a press release on Monday, Roku, a major streaming company, announced it would be acquired by Fox for $22 billion. The idea, per the press release, is to combine Fox's extensive media empire (which includes lots of live sports and news content) with Roku's enormous reach as a streaming platform and hardware provider.

Fox and Roku said that Roku's streaming platform, whether it's through built-in operating systems on smart TVs or external hardware, reaches 100 million households globally.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (June 12, 2026)

This deal will give Fox the third-largest share of the U.S. television market, per the release.

This acquisition makes a lot of sense for Fox, as the media giant has a huge audience across live sports and news, but aside from Tubi (which it acquired in 2020), Fox's streaming footprint hasn't been especially large to this point. Many people use Roku's operating system and devices, and Fox might be able to drive viewership to things like baseball games, NASCAR races, or live news coverage using its newfound streaming reach.

However, between this deal and the still-in-flux merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, it does increasingly feel like everything is owned by a total of three or four companies.

Let's face it: Season 2 of House of the Dragon promised fire and blood, but its baffling finale felt more like a puff of smoke.

The season fizzled to an ending with zero catharsis, forced Game of Thrones references, and a highlight reel of what was to come. In some ways, that structure mirrored the season's core conflict. For all of Season 2, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) tried everything they could to prevent all-out war. But while their stalling to prevent the inevitable was rooted deeply in the story, the show's own reluctance to leap into the next phase of George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood felt more like it was spinning its wheels until Season 3.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 teaser is one Targaryen battle after another

Now, the third season of House of the Dragon is finally here, and its first four episodes manage to make up for Season 2's finale and then some, delivering jaw-dropping spectacle and somber truths about the cost of war.

House of the Dragon's Battle of the Gullet is spectacular. Steve Toussaint in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Remember how barely an episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 went by without a mention of Corlys Velaryon's (Steve Toussaint) naval blockade in the Gullet? We finally get the payoff for that blockade at the top of Season 3, as the Triarchy's fleet bears down on the Sea Snake's forces. The ensuing clash, known as the Battle of the Gullet, is one of the defining fights of the Dance of the Dragons — the royal succession civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney).

Given that so much of Season 2 was building to this point — hence the fan frustration that it wasn't included — the pressure on House of the Dragon to pull off this battle is immense. Thankfully, the series more than delivers, with a sequence that had me yelling and pacing around my living room while also thinking, "We're so back."

SEE ALSO: Watch 'House of the Dragon' stars recap Season 2

A dazzling set piece involving ships, human soldiers, and multiple dragons, the Battle of the Gullet sets a new bar for Westerosi action. Every element is honed for maximum impact, from long takes of sailors boarding enemy ships to sweeping shots of dragons dive bombing the fleet. The battle, directed by Loni Peristere, wrings epic terror and awe from those big moments, but it also strikes gold in quieter moments, like a suspenseful boat chase that quickly becomes a stealth highlight of the episode.

Oh, and did I mention that this all takes place during the day, so you can make out every ounce of action taking place onscreen? For a franchise whose biggest battles have often been marred by darkness (looking at you, Battle of Winterfell), the Battle of the Gullet is a welcome adjustment. And, based on the first four episodes sent to critics for review, it's only the beginning for House of the Dragon Season 3's big action sequences.

House of the Dragon Season 3 pushes Rhaenyra to the brink. Emma D'Arcy in "House of the Dragon." Credit: HBO

The Battle of the Gullet isn't just an emphatic statement to open Season 3. It's also a major turning point for the Dance of the Dragons, and for Rhaenyra in particular. All throughout House of the Dragon, she has balked at violence, worried at the havoc dragon warfare would wreak on the wider realm. By Season 3, though, Rhaenyra has lost so much to this conflict that she needs to do whatever she can to see it through. Only by taking the Iron Throne can she justify the pain she's experienced. That means making impossible choices and committing to violence she once would have shunned, sometimes carrying it out with her own hands. As she does, House of the Dragon asks, even after all this, will victory be worth it?

It's a haunting question, one that House of the Dragon teases out with tinges of psychological horror in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet. D'Arcy has always been magnificent as Rhaenyra, but here, they reach new heights with their raw portrayal of the queen's grief and rage. Their trembling hands and wracking sobs were just as wrenching as some of the Battle of the Gullet's most devastating moments, proving that House of the Dragon can match its biggest set pieces with pure human drama.

While the first half of House of the Dragon Season 3 manages to atone for Season 2's ending, it still commits its share of familiar sins. Threats of sexual violence towards women abound unnecessarily in these episodes, a trend that harkens back to Game of Thrones' worst moments. (Although thankfully nothing here is nearly as graphic.) Elsewhere, several plot threads feel stagnant, with once major players like Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) getting so little to do they may as well be set dressing. Their decreased roles may wind up paying off down the road, though, just like the many, many changes the show makes from Fire and Blood. While the latter reportedly strained the relationship between Martin and showrunner Ryan Condal, these changes do muddy the Targaryens' already very complicated relationships in intriguing ways, to the point that I'm more fascinated at how the writers came to these new arcs than mad at not getting a precise adaptation.

Despite the occasional low point and my misgivings following Season 2, House of the Dragon Season 3 flies high. Instead of spinning its wheels, it roars into the Targaryens' bloody future with action and creeping dread to spare, and that assurance and forward momentum turns out to be exactly what the show needs.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

SAVE 34%: As of June 15, you can get the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95C) series curved gaming monitor for $664.99, down from $999.99, at Amazon. That's a 34% discount or $335 savings.

Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95C) series curved gaming monitor $664.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $335   Get Deal at Amazon

Prime Day is still a week away, but Amazon's been discounting random tech since the beginning of June. (We're definitely excited to see just how low they're willing to go once the sale begins.) And, if you're looking for a new gaming monitor, now might be the time to get one.

SEE ALSO: Why did Amazon Prime Day shift to June? Here's what the company has said (and not said).

As of June 15, you can get the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95C) curved gaming monitor at Amazon for $664.99, down from $999.99. That's a 34% discount or $335 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date.

If you've never used a 49-inch monitor before, it essentially replaces a dual-screen setup without the plastic bezel cutting down the middle. This model has a 32:9 aspect ratio and a 1000R curve, which means the screen curves to match your field of view so you don't have to crane your neck to look at the edges.

Spec-wise, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time to reduce lag, and it uses AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to help prevent screen tearing. Just make sure you already have an HDMI cable lying around; this specific discounted listing only includes a DisplayPort cable. (If you select the bundle that includes both the DP and HDMI cables, the price jumps to $1,234.99.)

TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain are one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will be expected to progress from Group H with ease. Sure, Uruguay are tough opposition, but Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will need to do something special to get anything from the Euro 2024 winners.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are not likely to feature at this stage, with both returning from injuries recently. It's not like Spain are short of top-quality replacements. It's going to be an exceptionally tough matchup for Cape Verde, but anything is possible in the World Cup.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Cape Verde?

Spain vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on June 15. This fixture takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Cape Verde for free

Spain vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Spain vs. Cape Verde for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Spain vs. Cape Verde for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Spain vs. Cape Verde (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Spain vs. Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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