Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m.

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

By Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

For *The Vampire Diaries* creatives, casting Enzo was a particularly difficult task. Because originally, the role was going to be very different.

"You were supposed to be the third Salvatore brother," executive producer Julie Plec tells star Michael Malarkey in episode 8 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. Writer Brett Matthews adds, "That was always the plan, and then it went a different direction, but that's why it was so hard to find the person. We thought it was going to be a Salvatore brother, so we cast a very wide net [and] looked very hard." Ultimately, they scrapped that plan and made it so Enzo didn't share Salvatore blood, but he was a brother figure for Damon (Ian Somerhalder) for many years (and he was sired by Lily Salvatore).

But that wasn't the only plan that changed in the writers' room over the years. In discussing the *Vampire Diaries*' final season, Plec and Matthews recall the final major debate: Which Salvatore were they going to kill in the series finale? "We went back and forth in the writers' room all season long," Plec says. "We finally landed on: We're killing Damon. That's the right thing to do. He is the one with the consequence to pay. Stefan was morally a bit stronger of a character."

Michael Malarkey as Enzo and Ian Somerhalder as Damon on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Annette Brown/The CW; Bob Mahoney/The CW

Matthews adds, "Damon's a fairly obvious choice," noting that the writers really fell in love with the idea of Damon compelling Stefan (Paul Wesley) to let him die. But when executive producer Kevin Williamson proposed that it should be Stefan that dies, they started to rethink their plan. "It felt like dying for Stefan freed him from a lot of weight, whereas it felt like living for Damon freed him to go and be the man that he was always supposed to be," Plec says.

Of course, both Salvatores were meant to die in the original ending Plec and Williamson came up with during the show's second season. In that ending, "The boys would sacrifice themselves to save Elena so that Elena could go and have a life and be human and live," Plec recalls during the podcast. "To save her, they would die together, and that was always the pitch. And then when Nina [Dobrev] left, it felt like the show can't be as much about protecting Elena's happiness, although that's important to us, but we want to protect the bothers' happiness, we want them to get something out of this. Then it shifted to: We can't kill both of them for her because that feels somehow like nobody got what they wanted. Let's find a different way to give one of these brothers the happiness that they need and the other brother the closure that they need."

(One other way Dobrev leaving changed the plan? Plec says, "I thought that by the time we came back to the end of the series, whenever it was, that Elena would've found her way back to Stefan and Damon would've found a different path.")

For more about the final season, listen to the full podcast episode below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

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- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

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Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw

Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC 0 ARLINGTON, TX – A tough match awaits Japan after its 11 draw against Sweden to close the group stage matches at the World Cup on Thursday, June 25.Samurai Blue, runnersup to the Netherlands in Group F, will face Brazil in one of the mostanticipated matches of the round of 32. While Brazil is certainly more talented on paper, Japan has looked much more cohesive than Carlo Ancelotti’s side through three matches.

Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC

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ARLINGTON, TX – A tough match awaits Japan after its 1-1 draw against Sweden to close the group stage matches at the World Cup on Thursday, June 25.Samurai Blue, runners-up to the Netherlands in Group F, will face Brazil in one of the most-anticipated matches of the round of 32. While Brazil is certainly more talented on paper, Japan has looked much more cohesive than Carlo Ancelotti’s side through three matches.

REQUIRED READING: Japan, Sweden battle to World Cup draw, with Samurai Blue facing Brazil in round of 32

Japan wasn’t one of the lucky eight sides to land a round of 32 matchup against a fellow group stage runner-up, instead facing the most successful national team in the history of the tournament, with five World Cup victories.

Japan is looking to prove it’ll be a tough draw for the Canarinho, too.

"For the good of football in Japan, I think it would be a very good experience," coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. "We do believe there's a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further and move on to the next stage."

Japan’s attack will need to improve for a chance against Brazil. Sweden limited Moriyasu’s side to three shots on goal, and if it weren’t for a 56th-minute strike from Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda on a brilliant cross from Ritsu Doan, it could’ve found itself in a precarious position − like Sweden, which is on to the round of 32 as a third-place finisher but is unsure of its placement yet.

The momentum shifted in Sweden’s favor late in the second half, but Japan was able to hold strong despite a header from Sweden forward Alexander Isak hitting the crossbar in the 94th minute. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute on a screamer from outside the box.

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Ultimately the draw worked out for both sides, though, as Japan wasn’t quite in jeopardy of missing the round of 32, but it resulted in Sweden locking up a top-eight finish among third-place group stage teams.

"I think we achieved what was important – conceding the minimum, not losing, and securing at least a point," said Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. "Being able to carry this unbeaten momentum into ​the Brazil match next is definitely positive."

Japan and Brazil faced off recently in a friendly, with Samurai Blue earning their first win over Brazil in 14 matchups on Oct. 14, 2025, in Tokyo. Japan fell down 2-0 but scored three unanswered goals in the second half to earn the result.

While friendlies are hardly comparable to the World Cup, Brazil played multiple starters in the match, including star forward Vinicius Junior.

Japan wasn’t at its best against Sweden, but it has a few days off before making the short trip to Houston for the match on June 29.

Samurai Blue will be looking to channel their effort from their 3-2 friendly win last year, although they expect a tough fight from FIFA’s No. 6-ranked side, which won Group F with seven points over Morocco due to goal differential.

“Perhaps because of that (win) they’ll be motivated,” Moriyasu said. “We would be able to play against a Brazil that’s really intent of playing their game.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32

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What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G?

What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G? Alan SmithFri, June 26, 2026 at 5:57 AM UTC 0 The World Cup 2026 is nearing the end of its group stage with teams now seeking to confirm their spots in the knockout rounds. A hefty 32 of the 48 nations will progress to the next stage of the competition as the top two sides in each group automatically qualify followed by the eight highest point scorers who finish in third.

What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G?

Alan SmithFri, June 26, 2026 at 5:57 AM UTC

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The World Cup 2026 is nearing the end of its group stage with teams now seeking to confirm their spots in the knockout rounds.

A hefty 32 of the 48 nations will progress to the next stage of the competition as the top two sides in each group automatically qualify followed by the eight highest point scorers who finish in third. That means there is lots to play for in the final round of fixtures with progression to the last-32 a plausible possibility for a vast majority of teams after two rounds of fixtures.

In Group G all four teams could still make it out, with Egypt all but assured of progress thanks to four points from their first two fixtures. Belgium and Iran have two points apieces, while New Zealand are bottom on one so must win to stand a chance of advancing.

Egypt and Iran will meet in Seattle, while New Zealand take on Belgium in Vancouver with both matches getting underway at 4am BST on Saturday.

Here’s everything you about Group G’s knockout round permutations:

What do Egypt need to qualify?

Not much. If they beat Iran or draw with Iran and Belgium fail to win by three or more goals, Mohamed Salah’s side will finish top of the group. Should they draw and Belgium win handsomely, they will fall to second.

A defeat and Belgium win would see the Pharaohs drop to third but four points should be enough to still go through.

How can Iran reach the last-32?

A win seals qualification, a draw leaves them reliant upon results elsewhere - including beyond the group if Belgium win their match - while a defeat should mean elimination.

What must happen for Belgium to advance?

The Red Devils will guarantee qualification with a win against New Zealand but can only finish top if their margin of victory is three or more goals and the other match finishes level.

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A draw would move them to three points, which would be enough for second place if Egypt win. Should that not happen, goal difference and results elsewhere could determine whether they go through as one of the third-placed finishers. Lose and they will be out.

How the third placed sides currently stand:

How will New Zealand reach the knockouts?

They must win to finish second or third. Anything less will see them eliminated.

Head-to-head prominence over goal difference

If teams finish on the same number of points their standing in the group will be determined by the head-to-head record against the nation they are level with. If one team tied on points with another has beaten them in the group stage, the winners will finish higher up the table.

Where multiple teams are level on points, a mini-league is created, removing the results against the remaining teams. Those tied teams are ranked by points won in the games involving each other, then by goal difference, followed by goals scored. If that does not split them, the next criteria is goal difference followed by goals scored for the group overall.

Any other tiebreakers?

If teams are still level on points following head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored then the Team Conduct Score (TCS) comes into play. It is basically a fair play score and is rated based on the amount of cards a team has collected. Each team, including managers and backroom staff, started on zero and were deducted points throughout the group stage as follows:

Yellow card -1

Red card for two yellows -3

Straight red card -4

Yellow then straight red -5

The closer to zero, the better the score. If the teams are still level, whoever had the higher Fifa ranking in June's published update will go through.

How are the top eight third place finishers determined?

The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points.

Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.

In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.

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Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope Richard Jolly Fri, June 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM UTC 0 If Belgium spent years pondering the question of what came after the golden generation, there was a certain logic to the answer: the next generation. Their World Cup has come to the backdrop a needless controversy about Jeremy Doku&x27;s decision to leave the camp for the birth of his son, Praise. Rather less praise has been forthcoming for the Red Devils; criticism is likelier to follow should they tumble out of a second consecutive World Cup in the group stage.

Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

Richard Jolly Fri, June 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM UTC

0

If Belgium spent years pondering the question of what came after the golden generation, there was a certain logic to the answer: the next generation. Their World Cup has come to the backdrop a needless controversy about Jeremy Doku's decision to leave the camp for the birth of his son, Praise.

Rather less praise has been forthcoming for the Red Devils; criticism is likelier to follow should they tumble out of a second consecutive World Cup in the group stage. Which, as they face New Zealand, seems unlikely but Belgium could be forgiven for feeling scarred by the same stage four years, by Romelu Lukaku's litany of misses in the stalemate with Croatia. Now a draw would almost certainly be enough. Now, unlike then, they are almost certainly not in a pool with two eventual semi-finalists: not when they have faced Egypt and Iran, with the All Whites to come.

Belgium have disappointed at the World Cup so far (Getty)

Yet Belgium are winless; goalless in one respect, too, with the one they scored an own goal by Egypt's Mohamed Hany that Lukaku forced. Once again, there is a whiff of elimination. This time, when it comes, it will be terminal for the remnants of an increasingly aged generation. There will surely be no more World Cups for Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier or Axel Witsel. Perhaps, given the gaps in the squad and the shortage of obvious successors, there won't be one in 2030 for Belgium.

Even before the 2022 tournament, De Bruyne described Belgium as too old to win it. He was right, even if he scarcely enjoyed his vindication. Time may nevertheless lend a greater sheen to a group who did not lift a trophy but who, in the 2022 quarter-final against Brazil, conjured surely the greatest day in their footballing history. Belgium finished third then; across two World Cups, they won 10 games. That apart, they have won one since 1994.

Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium face New Zealand in Vancouver (Getty)

They were ranked first in the world for almost all of the time between the 2018 and 2022 tournaments; that can look still more remarkable when they were 71st in 2007.

But theirs was always a generation of two halves; the centre-backs were born first, and one is now a 40-year-old much decorated Bayern Munich manager. Belgium in effect have no central defenders worthy of the name now, and still fewer at their disposal after Nathan Ngoy's red card in the stalemate with Iran.

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Belgium are still reliant on an aging Romelu Lukaku (Reuters)

It illustrates why smaller nations, even in their golden years, rarely win World Cups: they do not tend to have talent in every position at the right time. Now Belgium only appear blessed with players at their peak or an upward curve in one role; and they cannot field three goalkeepers and no centre-backs.

But Senne Lammens and Mike Penders may yet become among the world's outstanding keepers. Thibaut Courtois has been for a decade. That former manager Domenico Tedesco fell out with the Real Madrid man, with Courtois opting out of international football, led to his demise.

A problem for his replacement, Rudi Garcia, is that even the survivors of the side Roberto Martinez took to the top of the rankings feel older than their actual age. Lukaku started early but may be nearing a slightly premature end. Injuries denied him a Serie A start for Napoli this season. With 90 goals, he obliterated Belgium's scoring records. That they have to hope he can rewind time and secure redemption for 2022. They have no real alternative: when Charles de Ketelaere leads the line, he is more false nine.

Kevin de Bruyne has assessed that Belgium are "not up to the task" (Getty)

They have to rely, too, on De Bruyne's magical right foot prevailing over his creaking physique. He is 34, Lukaku 33. They have played more than 1600 games of professional football between them. It may be no wonder their bodies are giving way. Only Doku has the sense of a being an elite attacking player for now.

Belgium should nevertheless be doing better; it required a remarkable save by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beirenvand to stop Maxim de Cuyper from scoring. But, honest as ever, De Bruyne has described Belgium as "not up to the task" and bemoaned "silly mistakes". There has been a wastefulness when the fixture list looked generous; still more so given the American authorities' attempts to impede Iran. Belgium still failed to overcome Team Melli or Egypt.

None of which is necessarily fatal to their chances. In a different format, three points would surely send them through now, whereas four did not in 2022. Come second or even third in Group C and there are plausible routes deep into the competition; but are Belgium good enough to take advantage?

The early evidence is that they are not; that the golden generation has become the olden generation and that their juniors are inferior to their predecessors. And so the feeling is that it is ending in anti-climax for Belgium unless De Bruyne and Lukaku, architects of a seminal win against Brazil, can draw on their history for inspiration and provide one last blast from Belgium's actually rather impressive past.

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Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

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Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC 0 Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season. He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible. Twitter Advertisement This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC

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Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season. He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible.

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Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC 0 Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mi...

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Benson Boone and Alix Earle Share a Kiss in Theatrical 'The Time of My Life' Music Video

Benson Boone and Alix Earle Share a Kiss in Theatrical &x27;The Time of My Life&x27; Music Video Jack IrvinThu, June 25, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC 0 Benson Boone and Alix EarleCredit: Vimeo/Warner Records Benson Boone and Alix Earle star in a theatrical music video for his new single "The Time of My Life" The video follows a staged love story and features fantasy elements like a dragon and a wedding scene Boone and Earle were recently spotted dining together but denied dating rumors, saying they were "just hanging out" It&x27;s an onstage love story for Benson Boone and Alix Earle.

Benson Boone and Alix Earle Share a Kiss in Theatrical 'The Time of My Life' Music Video

Jack IrvinThu, June 25, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC

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Benson Boone and Alix EarleCredit: Vimeo/Warner Records -

Benson Boone and Alix Earle star in a theatrical music video for his new single "The Time of My Life"

The video follows a staged love story and features fantasy elements like a dragon and a wedding scene

Boone and Earle were recently spotted dining together but denied dating rumors, saying they were "just hanging out"

It's an onstage love story for Benson Boone and Alix Earle.

After weeks of teasing, Boone, 24, released the music video for his new single "The Time of My Life" starring himself and Earle, 25, on Thursday, June 25.

The video opens in the backstage area of a theater featuring a marquee that reads, "The Time of My Life Starring Benson Boone & Alix Earle."

Boone and Earle sit next to each other in a dressing room before a performance, with the influencer asking if the "Beautiful Things" singer is "okay" and whether a special someone is in the audience for their show.

As the song begins, Boone stands on stage to sing as a classic village set is revealed. Earle enters the scene, and they lock eyes with one another — but Boone is still hoping the audience member will show up.

The two stars act out a love story in the stage production. They're seen getting quite close to one another in a boat, engaging in a sword-wielding physical altercation in a bar and fighting off a dragon.

The production also features them getting married. Boone dips Earle as they're about to kiss but then drops her, as he gets distracted by thoughts about the person he's hoping to see in the audience.

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Benson Boone "The Time of My Life" Single CoverCredit: Warner Records

Boone leaves the stage, exits through a door and ends up in a field, where he encounters the mystery woman in a fantasy sequence. He then winds up back in the wedding scene with Earle, and the pair share a passionate kiss before taking their bows for the audience.

The music video comes after Boone and Earle were photographed smiling while on a dinner date at Craig's, a restaurant in Los Angeles, on June 18. Responding to a TMZ reporter who asked if they were dating, Boone replied, "Uh, no," and confirmed they were "just hanging out."

Benson BooneCredit: Justin Campbell

The clip for "The Time of My Life" is fitting for the song's lyrics about wishing a special someone was around to experience the best parts of life with Boone.

"I am having the time of my life / And I wish that you were still right here / I wish you came along," he sings on the track.

"The Time of My Life" marks Boone's first new single since the release of his 2025 American Heart album.

The Grammy-nominated singer is gearing up to embark on his Wanted Man Tour of North American arenas from July to September.

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Benson Boone and Alix Earle Share a Kiss in Theatrical 'The Time of My Life' Music Video

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Netcompany-Ineos’ Oscar Onley ruled out of Tour de France with shoulder injury

NetcompanyIneos’ Oscar Onley ruled out of Tour de France with shoulder injury Flo CliffordThu, June 25, 2026 at 11:32 AM UTC 0 An Ineos squad including Oscar Onley and Kevin Vauquelin won the team time trial at ParisNice (AFP/Getty) British rider Oscar Onley has been ruled out of this summer’s Tour de France with a shoulder injury, in another blow after a difficult season thus far. The Scot crashed out of the Tour AuvergneRhoneAlpes the prestigious oneweek stage race formerly known as the Criterium du Dauphine two weeks ago.

Netcompany-Ineos’ Oscar Onley ruled out of Tour de France with shoulder injury

Flo CliffordThu, June 25, 2026 at 11:32 AM UTC

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An Ineos squad including Oscar Onley and Kevin Vauquelin won the team time trial at Paris-Nice (AFP/Getty)

British rider Oscar Onley has been ruled out of this summer’s Tour de France with a shoulder injury, in another blow after a difficult season thus far.

The Scot crashed out of the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes - the prestigious one-week stage race formerly known as the Criterium du Dauphine - two weeks ago.

He plunged over a roadside barrier and narrowly missed falling into a steep ravine, crashing into tree cover above the drop on stage six of the race. The 23-year-old finished the stage but opted not to start the following day, with his team Netcompany-Ineos announcing he had dislocated his shoulder and suffered a knee injury.

His chances of riding this summer’s Tour de France, which begins on 4 July, initially appeared high nonetheless. But a team statement released on Thursday announced that medical investigations after his crash confirmed ”a significant shoulder injury”.

It continued: “Unfortunately, this means Oscar will be unable to compete in this year’s Tour de France.

“He has already begun rehabilitation and is making encouraging progress. We wish Oscar a full and speedy recovery.”

Onley’s withdrawal from the Tour is a further blow to Ineos’ planned squad for the race, which was already weakened by the likely loss of time-triallist Josh Tarling, who also crashed on stage six of the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and fractured his collarbone.

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Onley said: “I’m gutted not to be able to line up for the Tour de France this year. My focus is now on recovering and getting my shoulder in a good place, but I’m really motivated to try and make something out of this season.

“I am looking forward to watching the boys racing in France in the coming weeks, especially knowing how hard everyone has worked.”

Kelso-born Onley moved to British squad Netcompany-Ineos - who rebranded from Ineos Grenadiers on the eve of the Giro d’Italia - over the winter after a breakout season with Picnic PostNL.

Last year he finished fourth at the Tour de France and second in the young riders’ classification, going toe-to-toe with champion Tadej Pogacar and runner-up and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard on some of the race’s most difficult mountain stages.

He finished a minute and 12 seconds off the podium, with Florian Lipowitz - winner of the young riders’ standings - edging him out of third place.

Onley also finished third overall at the Tour de Suisse, a key warm-up race for the Tour de France, last year, and was signed by Netcompany-Ineos as a home-grown Grand Tour contender.

But he has been unable to replicate those results in his first year with the squad, with illness disrupting the first half to his season. He finished fourth overall at the Volta ao Algarve, his season opener, but abandoned Paris-Nice with illness and then withdrew from the Tour de Romandie on stage one after suffering from a stomach bug.

He said after withdrawing from Romandie: “Been a tough start to the season to be honest and hard not to feel like I've let a lot of people down after all the time and investment from everyone at Ineos Grenadiers.”

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Netcompany-Ineos’ Oscar Onley ruled out of Tour de France with shoulder injury

NetcompanyIneos’ Oscar Onley ruled out of Tour de France with shoulder injury Flo CliffordThu, June 25, 2026 at 11:32 AM UTC 0 A...

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