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An artificial intelligence program used to classify prisoners' security levels in Ontario jails is disproportionately placing Black prisoners in maximum-security conditions, according to an investigation published by The Breach and a class action lawsuit filed against the province.

The reporting, by journalist Desmond Cole, examined the Security Assessment for Evaluating Risk (SAFER) tool, which has been used in Ontario jails since 2021 to assign prisoners a risk score based on factors including arrest and disciplinary history.

Citing government data analyzed by University of Toronto criminologist Scot Wortley, the outlet reported that Black people make up roughly 5 percent of Ontario's population but represented close to 27 percent of prisoners in maximum security between 2022 and 2025, while white people were significantly underrepresented in that category relative to their share of the population.

The class action, filed by law firm Koskie Minsky, alleges the province was aware the tool's reliance on historical justice-system data — which reflects documented racial disparities in policing and charging — could disproportionately harm Black prisoners, and that Ontario adopted mitigation measures for Indigenous prisoners without extending similar safeguards to Black prisoners. Internal ministry training documents cited by The Breach acknowledged that "assessments like SAFER would likely contribute to the overrepresentation" of Indigenous and racialized people in maximum security.

The Breach reported that neither Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General nor Grant Duwe, the researcher credited with designing SAFER, responded to requests for comment on the program's methodology or accuracy. An Ontario Ombudsman report referenced in the investigation noted it had received complaints about the tool's disproportionate impact on Black and Indigenous prisoners, and that a ministry review of the program is ongoing.

Smart features on a TV can be very useful. You can stream content using apps such as Netflix or control your TV remotely with your smart home. You need to connect your TV to the internet to use some of these features, and doing so can expose a lot of your data.

There was a time, not too long ago in the grand scheme of things, when one GPU just wasn't enough. If you wanted the fastest machine possible, you bought two identical Nvidia GPUs, connected them with an SLI bridge, and hoped your favorite game could take advantage of both.

Are you looking at building your homelab on a Raspberry Pi foundation? This Raspberry Pi alternative actually competes with mini PCs more than the Raspberry Pi, but it still might not be the best choice for your homelab.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Belgian GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Belgian GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

This season of F1 is strange for a number of reasons. The new regulations continue to result in a lot of uncertainty, which can lead to unpredictable racing. That's what we all want as fans, but even though every race has felt like a lottery, we've only had four race winners from two teams this season. That's exactly the sort of thing these new rules were designed to avoid.

What will we see from the Belgian GP? Will Kimi Antonelli recover to claim another victory? Or will Ferrari build on impressive wins at the Barcelona-Catalunya GP and British GP? I'd love to see a driver from another team make the leap. Verstappen and the McLaren duo must be chomping at the bit to claim maximum points.

SEE ALSO: ExpressVPN review: A stylish VPN service with proven privacy and a large U.S. presence

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Belgian GP?

The Belgian GP is the 10th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps:

• Practice 1 — 7:30-8:30 a.m. ET on July 17

• Practice 1 — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on July 17

• Practice 1 — 6:30-7:30 a.m. ET on July 18

• Qualifying — 10-11 a.m. ET on July 18

• Race — 9 a.m. ET on July 19

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Belgian GP for free

I subscribe to Amazon Prime for the fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. It's this access to Prime Video that becomes all-important for F1 fans.

It is now possible to sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by accessing this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel this renewal at any time. By cancelling ahead of the renewal, you can watch the Belgian GP this weekend without spending anything.

I subscribe to Amazon Prime, so am I really watching for free? It's up for debate, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can truly watch select races for free this season.

If you've already used this hack to watch a race this season, there are some alternative workarounds.

My recommendation is to go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

The best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product. If you're planning on buying something from Apple, you could gain access to Apple TV for a pretty large chunk of this season. You will obviously need to buy something, but if you were already in the market for an upgrade, this method makes a lot of sense.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered weeks of electric entertainment. We've had controversy, moments of ecstasy, and incredibly displays of talent from the best players in the world. And now we're down to the final, where Spain and Argentina will battle it out for the trophy.

Argentina are defending champions, but have stuttered through the tournament, relying on late goals. Spain also struggled to hit their best form in the group stage, but they've built momentum through the knockout rounds, culminating in an impressive victory over favorites France in the semi-final stage.

We're expecting a fiery battle between two teams laden with stars.

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

When is Spain vs. Argentina?

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 19. This fixture takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Argentina for free

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms 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 BBC iPlayer and ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup final for free from anywhere in the world.

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

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 BBC iPlayer or ITVX

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN 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 final without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Spain vs. Argentina before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the Summer Tech Sweepstakes promotional period (July 11 to Aug. 11), but you do have a chance of winning an iPhone 17 Pro. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for the World Cup final?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer or 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

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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free.

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, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The world is watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The best international sides from around the world are competing for arguably the biggest prize in sport. The final is now here after weeks of electric action, with Euro 2024 winners facing off against the defending champions. It's going to be a special contest between two talented sides.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Spain vs. Argentina online for free

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.

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 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 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 the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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 the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

France's National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has ordered the country's internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market.

This decision came after determining the platform was illegally promoting gambling and games of chance to French users. The blocking order, issued July 16 by the ANJ's president, applies to all Polymarket sites operated by ADVENTURE ONE QSS INC.

SEE ALSO: Spotify deletes 500K streams of popular song for suspected Kalshi, Polymarket user manipulation

The regulator says it has tracked Polymarket's activity in France since November 2024. An earlier formal notice prompted the company to geoblock financial transactions from French users, but the ANJ said that the restriction was being circumvented. The agency noted that prediction markets are not authorized under French law and had already warned the public in February that using such platforms carries risks, including addiction and market manipulation.

The ANJ also pointed to an active investigation, opened in May by the Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit, into allegations that weather-related bets on the platform were manipulated through compromised sensors. The regulator said Polymarket lacks a "Know Your Customer" identification system for its French and European users.

France joins a growing list of European countries — including Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland — that have restricted or blocked prediction markets. The ANJ said it blocked 1,290 URLs in 2025 under its administrative powers.

The action follows other recent controversies for Polymarket, including a Wall Street Journal investigation, reported by Mashable, that found the company paid influencers to promote fabricated betting wins on TikTok, and separate reporting on the platform's efforts to block VPN access amid legal pressure in the U.S.

When it comes to self-hosted alternatives to Google Photos, it doesn't get much better than Immich. The app is designed to provide a seamless experience for people switching from Google Photos—and it definitely shows.

Whether you like it or not, there's no denying that Samsung's One UI packs more features than any other Android skin. Some are as handy as a pocket on a shirt, and once you discover them, you'll use them every day. But even those that might not look particularly useful at first glance can offer value that many Galaxy phone owners will greatly appreciate.

If you don’t have sensors hidden all over your house, do you really have a smart home? These devices make it possible to use all sorts of useful automations and alerts, from turning on lights to avoiding thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Since Linux is so widely used for servers, it has a lot of utlities for monitoring network information and accessing remote resources. There are some networking commands people still use because they know them, but some are outdated and deprecated. Here are some deprecated utilities along with what you should use instead.

Life is busy, and I don't always have time to sit and read articles when I discover them. Pocket used to allow me to save these articles and read them later, but it's sadly long gone. I decided to set up a Pocket replacement using a mini PC and my Kindle.

This is a PSA: Please stop abusing your SSD. Mistreating it is easier to do than it might seem. We all do it to some extent, but if you do it too much, it'll eventually backfire.

Most people treat Bluetooth earbuds as a passive accessory, something that sits in your ears and plays audio. The security conversation around them, when it happens at all, tends to focus on whether someone can intercept your music or track your location. Many devices can be hacked, and your Bluetooth earbuds are no exception.

If there are three things folks typically know about me, it's that I love Linux, I'm an avid reader and I have a bit of an obsession with modding Kindles and Fire Tablets. I would say, "Hey, I resemble that remark!" and then wait patiently while no one catches the reference. One Kindle has eluded me all these years, but I finally found one: a Kindle Fire 7 (2012). I tried to mod it, with a little help from Claude.

Basic 3D printing filament is relatively affordable, but nobody likes wasting their money. Avoiding disaster requires that you not fall into the trap of making rookie mistakes. Knowing what these are can save you filament, money, and time.

Around the turn of the millennium, straight edge hardcore singer Bill Muir was asked by Japanese game developer Square (now known as Square Enix) to lend his vocals to a song for its upcoming RPG, Final Fantasy X. It seemed like just another recording session. Instead, it became the opening track to one of the most beloved games in the series. Twenty-five years later, "Otherworld" remains one of the most iconic video game openings ever made.

At first, Final Fantasy X lulls players into a familiar rhythm. Gentle music plays over the opening menus, evoking the orchestral soundscapes longtime fans had come to expect from the series. Then, just minutes into the game, Muir's ferocious vocals rip through the silence. As Tidus awakens and flashes back to his former life as a blitzball star in Zanarkand, "Otherworld" explodes onto the soundtrack, replacing tranquility with pounding guitars and raw aggression. It's a startling introduction that immediately announces Final Fantasy X isn't interested in playing by the series' established rules.

Muir, who was in his late twenties at the time, was living in Tokyo and performing with his band, xtillidiex (pronounced "Till I Die"), when he was asked to work on the song. A few months after the game's July 19, 2001, release in Japan, Muir got a taste of how much people loved the track.

"I remember being at a show, a later show for my band xtillidiex, as we were wrapping up and I was going to be leaving Japan, somebody having that song on as a ringtone,” Muir told Mashable over a video call from Los Angeles. "And I remember slowly turning and looking at that and being like, "Oh my goodness! Like, this [game] is a pretty big thing."

SEE ALSO: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' is everything you could want it to be

Most people who played Final Fantasy X shortly after its release were introduced to the song before social media and Shazam, which led to several rumors about its origins. Many people thought the song was by the heavy metal band Rammstein because of what Reddit users describe as an erroneous artist credit on the peer-to-peer file-sharing program Limewire — long before the days of legal music streaming, millennials turned to more illegal measures.

Others thought it was by The Black Mages, a rock band in which Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu was a member from 2002 to 2010. Either way, people were hooked, and they’re still talking about it a quarter of a century later.

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As of July 2026, "Otherworld" has close to 9 million streams on Spotify. A remastered version of the opening sequence, released in 2014, has 1.5 million views on YouTube. The song still appears on legendary video game music lists, and people continue to post on social media about it being one of the best video game openings.

In honor of the game's 25th anniversary, Square Enix is also releasing a remastered version of Final Fantasy X and its sequel X-2 for the Nintendo Switch on July 23.

The game follows Tidus after he appears to be transported 1,000 years into the future. During the "Otherworld" opening sequence, we see Tidus meeting a character named Auron (who, like his name suggests, emanates aura) and having flashbacks of Zanarkand being destroyed by a colossal, monstrous force called Sin. 

Tidus wakes up in Spira, where Sin is still wreaking havoc and destroying entire cities. He joins Yuna, a summoner who hopes to defeat Sin, and her ragtag group of guardians.

The Zanarkand ruins in Spira. Credit: Square Enix

While Final Fantasy X is often remembered for its groundbreaking graphics and cinematic cutscenes — few are as iconic as Yuna's Sending — it also stands out for its willingness to grapple with darker themes. Beneath its fantasy setting lies a story about grief, generational trauma, religious corruption, death, and the search for meaning in the face of inevitable loss. It wasn't the first Final Fantasy game to tackle those ideas, but it was the first video game I played that made the stakes feel genuinely existential.

That emotional depth resonated with millions of players. According to Square Enix, Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 have sold a combined 20 million copies worldwide since their original releases in 2001 and 2003, making them among the best-selling entries in the franchise. Released on the PlayStation 2, Final Fantasy X also marked a major technical leap for the series, introducing fully voiced characters and pushing the console's graphical capabilities to create a more cinematic experience than fans had ever seen.

I was about nine or 10 years old and still riding the Kingdom Hearts high when I spotted Final Fantasy X at my local GameStop. I recognized Tidus from Kingdom Hearts, where he appears as a supporting character, and decided to give the game a chance. Up until then, my only experience with the series had been Final Fantasy III on the Nintendo DS, a relatively straightforward RPG with a whimsical fantasy world and a mellow, orchestral soundtrack. When I got home, I popped the PlayStation 2 disc into the console, my little brother settled in beside me, and hit start.

Just minutes later, we were frozen in front of the TV. As Tidus awakens in a dazzling CGI cutscene, the opening riffs of "Otherworld" crash through the speakers, replacing the serene music that had greeted us in the menus. My brother and I just stared. In an instant, Final Fantasy X announced itself as something entirely different — not just from the Final Fantasy games I'd played, but from almost every video game I'd experienced.

That sense of bold experimentation extended far beyond the opening cinematic. Final Fantasy X marked the first time longtime series composer Nobuo Uematsu shared scoring duties with other composers, bringing in Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano to help shape the soundtrack. The collaboration resulted in one of the franchise's most eclectic scores, seamlessly blending orchestral pieces, piano ballads, ambient soundscapes, and hard rock to forge a musical identity unlike any other in the Final Fantasy series.

How an unexpected meeting at a Japanese restaurant led to Muir working with Square Enix

"Otherworld" was composed by Uematsu, who recruited translator and author Alexander O. Smith to write the lyrics, and vocalist Muir to sing the song. 

Muir said he first met Smith through a mutual friend in either 1999 or 2000, while he and his bandmates were putting together demo tapes at a restaurant. When Smith said he was interested in hearing some of the band’s music, Muir charged him 200 yen for a demo tape. 

"If I had really put together how important this would be in my life, I would have given him the tape. Instead, I charged him for the tape," said Muir.

Smith obliged and said that he worked for Square Enix and that they might be looking for someone to work on a song. A few months later, Smith emailed Muir, asking him if he wanted to come into the Square Enix office for an interview.

Muir said he showed up casually in a band tee with either ripped jeans or camo shorts, with his skateboard in hand, which he said was probably inappropriate for the setting. But somehow, that didn’t deter the folks at Square Enix from giving Muir a chance.

"They played me the song, which was nothing like the song as we know it now," said Muir.

He said that they initially played the song on a keyboard and had asked him if he would be willing to rap on the track, which he turned down. 

"I'm good to go for screaming, yelling, and maybe some angry muttering, and growling," Muir said he told them. "Weirdly, that didn't turn them off."

The rest was RPG history. They brought Muir to a full studio in a basement, where Muir met the band and went over the lyrics a couple of times before recording. He said that there wasn’t much direction from Uematsu and the team on how Muir could approach the song, so it was a very hands-off process.

"They knew what I could do at that point, and whatever I was going to do, I was going to do," said Muir. 

Muir added his own touch at the end of "Otherworld," and if you listen closely, the last few lyrics are a shoutout to his band, xtillidiex: "straight edge/til I die/my lost cause, lost cause, lost cause in this world."

Rebellions, and the legacy of "Otherworld" and Final Fantasy X

It was the first game in the series to feature full voice acting, a fully 3D-rendered world, and more complex, layered sounds. Since the PlayStation 2 had twice as many audio channels (48) as the PlayStation 1 (24), it could support a wider range of sounds and music, making it the perfect platform for a collaborative soundtrack by composers Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano.

"Seeing those visuals and the story and the music, it was like nothing else that was on the market at the time," said The Night Sky Prince, a digital creator who has been making content on Final Fantasy and other Japanese RPG games for over 10 years. 

The Night Sky Prince told Mashable that previous Final Fantasy games were associated with a more synth-heavy, orchestral sound, but that the new hardware enabled a more vocal, live-instrumental approach, challenging the preconceived notion of what "video game music" is.

He said that "Otherworld," in particular, is unique to the Final Fantasy series because of its proximity to metal and rock genres.

"I feel like that genre choice is very interesting, in part because it can kind of represent rebellion, which I feel kind of represents the dynamic of Tidus and Jecht's relationship quite a lot too," he said.

In a way, the soundtrack was Uematsu’s form of rebellion, or at least his way of breaking away from the previous ways he composed the Final Fantasy soundtracks. In a 2011 interview with RPGamer, Uematsu joked that Final Fantasy wasn't him, but "Otherworld" was. He said that since Final Fantasy X was released on the PlayStation 2, he finally had a way to express rock music, which is the foundation of his work.

Combined with Muir's refusal to rap the lyrics in favor of staying true to his hardcore roots, even if it meant losing the opportunity altogether, "Otherworld" became more than just an opening theme. It challenged expectations of what a video game soundtrack could sound like, especially within the Final Fantasy series. That uncompromising spirit is still part of what keeps drawing fans back to the track.

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The Night Sky Prince said it's one of the songs that he will frequently turn on when he’s at the gym because it's the "best song to listen to while doing a bench press."

"To this day, 'Otherworld' is the only track in all of music ever made that can get me out of a funk. ‘Go. NOW. If you want it,’ reminds me that I need to get off my ass and make things happen,” said Reddit user rogdesouza in a 2025 thread about the song. "I played this game over 20 years ago on the PS2, and it has stayed with me ever since."

Digital creator DizzieDee, who is also known for her content on Final Fantasy and JRPGs, posted about the song on X on June 8 of this year. She said that Final Fantasy X had the best opening of all time, and that “Otherworld” still feels rent-free in her head.

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More than two decades later, Final Fantasy X continues to inspire a new generation of players. Fans still post guitar, piano, and drum covers of "Otherworld" across TikTok and YouTube, while creators like Ollie Dreamer continue to argue that Final Fantasy X remains the best game in the franchise.

For YouTuber The Night Sky Prince, the game's longevity comes down to one thing: replayability.

"People really like the sort of cinematic, story-driven nature of Final Fantasy X. But Final Fantasy X also offered players a lot of customization with the sphere grid, weapon builds, and the combat system was incredibly deep," he said. "Because of that, even though the game was linear, players still felt a sense of choice, whether illusory or otherwise."

Its influence can still be felt throughout the series. Final Fantasy XIII expanded on the Sphere Grid's progression with its Crystarium system and introduced Eidolons that echo X's iconic god-like Aeons. Final Fantasy XVI, meanwhile, revisits many of the themes that made X so memorable, sending its protagonist on a deeply personal journey against seemingly godlike forces.

Perhaps the most memorable callback, though, comes near the end of Final Fantasy X. "Otherworld" returns during the climactic battle against Braska's Final Aeon, who is revealed to be Tidus' father, Jecht. By then, players also know that Jecht was Sin, the monstrous force introduced during the game's opening cinematic. The song that first welcomed players into Spira comes back one last time, transforming what began as a shocking introduction into a powerful full-circle moment about grief, sacrifice, and breaking cycles of violence.

Today, Muir is still forging his own path. Outside of music, he works as a registered nurse caring for veterans and has built an online following as "Sergeant Vegan," where he shares content on nutrition, fitness, and animal and human rights advocacy. He's also writing a memoir about his time living in Tokyo and touring with his band, and hopes to one day perform "Otherworld" for Final Fantasy fans.

Looking back, though, he's simply grateful to have played a small part in something that continues to resonate with players 25 years later.

"When that song kicked in, I remember just being like, 'Oh my God, this is amazing,'" Muir said. "Just the feeling that I've accomplished something… to be a part of something that big, it just feels really, really good."

Fans can pre-download and purchase a digital version of the remastered Final Fantasy X/X-2 on the Nintendo website.

Network issues can often be infuriating because everything seems to work as it's supposed to—except your internet connection. Then your internet connection starts working fine, but websites take forever to load. Then there are those frustrating intermittent connection issues that come and go seemingly at random.

FIFA is giving the World Cup final its first Super Bowl-style halftime show, and the lineup is almost as crowded as the pitch.

Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira will headline the performance during Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium. Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will also appear, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the show.

What time is the World Cup halftime show?

The World Cup final kicks off Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. ET, and the halftime show should begin sometime around 3:45 to 3:50 p.m. ET, assuming the match starts on time and there are no major delays. FIFA and Global Citizen have not announced an exact start time for the performance because, unlike the Super Bowl, soccer does not stop at a perfectly scheduled point. The first half lasts 45 minutes, but additional stoppage time will push halftime back by several minutes.

Viewers primarily interested in the music should tune in before 3:45 or risk missing the opening of the show.

The performance itself will last 11 minutes, but the full halftime break could reportedly be considerably longer since crews will need time to build and remove the stage. Broadcasters are preparing for the usual 15-minute interval to stretch to as long as 30 minutes.

Not everyone is thrilled about that possibility, especially given the sport’s history. Soccer’s rulemaking body, the International Football Association Board, normally limits halftime to 15 minutes and even rejected a 2021 proposal to extend it to 25, citing concerns about player welfare and the risks of keeping athletes inactive for too long.

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Some fans also see the extended break as another attempt to turn the World Cup into a Super Bowl-style American television spectacle, with the entertainment (and controversial ad breaks) becoming almost as important as the game.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How to watch the World Cup halftime show

The halftime show will air as part of the World Cup final broadcast. English-language coverage is available on Fox, while the game can be streamed through Fox One and the Fox Sports app. Fox’s pregame coverage begins at noon ET, three hours before kickoff.

Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and stream on Peacock. Peacock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to all 104 World Cup matches live in Spanish, including the final and its halftime performance. You can also check out Mashable's guide to watching the 2026 World Cup online for free, which includes tips for global readers and VPN users.

The halftime show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and soccer programs for children around the world. FIFA says more than $50 million has already been raised, including $1 donated from every ticket sold during the tournament.