The sweet 16 for FIFA's 2026 World Cup is set but for some cities, it's a bitter pill. The big reveal of the host destinations came last week. Watch parties and live updates on social media were the order of the day but many in the industry were left wondering why some cities were given hosting honors and some were given the boot (not the golden kind).

When the USA dropped its mandate on COVID tests for passengers on international flights coming into the country, there was a sigh of relief that, well, okay, wasn't heard around the world, but it was loud. And for sports events (including youth tournaments) that have long relied on international competitors, there might be a bump in registration.

Hot on the heels of the announcement of an $80 million expansion at the Field of Dreams movie site comes another potential game-changer for the small east-central Iowa city of Dyersville. A new nonprofit entity is raising funds to construct a $50 million permanent stadium around the baseball diamond that MLB built for the game held there last year.

One headline said it all: "The NFL is Contemplating Getting Rid of the Pro Bowl and Would Anyone Care?" Whether this comes to pass is anyone's guess but the question has been kicked around in boardrooms, ultimately going all the way up the NFL chain to commissioner Roger Goodell, who noted, "I think the conclusion was the game itself doesn't work."

Heads up! Doctors might soon be able to diagnose concussions partially based on what they're calling telltale signs found, in some cases, below the belt. That's right: A recently published study suggests that analyzing blood, stool and saliva samples can track the impact of concussions and signal when it's safe for athletes to return to play.

The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) might win the award for most determined governing body. After missteps leading up to the 2019 World Beach Games (including but not limited to date changes, downsizing and a late move from San Diego to Qatar), it has announced Bali as the 2023 host. Of course, Bali was the only destination to bid.