Sports

Defending champion Argentina scored two late goals to topple England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal, sending Lionel Messi to another World Cup final against Spain. Enzo Fernandez equalized before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner in the closing minutes, extending England's decades-long wait for a trophy.

MMA star Conor McGregor vowed to start attending church and declared complete confidence in God after a bruising UFC defeat over the weekend, the latest high-profile athlete to speak openly about faith in the wake of a loss.

FIFA is weighing an expansion of the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a proposal that has reignited debate over the tournament's format and whether the United States should become a permanent host.

Transgender athletes have dropped their lawsuit challenging New Hampshire's law restricting participation in girls' and women's scholastic sports, leaving the measure in place.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have agreed on a five-year extension that could top $250 million, an AP source says. The deal cements the young French star as the cornerstone of the franchise.

Dodgers star Mookie Betts says his decision to skip the team's White House visit is about family time with his new baby, not politics, though the move drew inevitable scrutiny. He joins other Dodgers players opting out of the championship ceremony.

Jannik Sinner produced a dominant straight-sets display to beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinal on Centre Court, ending the veteran's latest bid for tennis history. Sinner, chasing a second straight Wimbledon title, will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final. The result underscores the generational shift underway at the top of men's tennis.

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored second-half goals to send France past Morocco and into the World Cup semifinals, after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a penalty for the tournament's Cinderella side. One of the pre-tournament favorites, France will next face the winner of Spain versus Belgium.

An England fan who spent his life savings on a World Cup trip with his grandfather had the money gifted back to him by strangers moved by the story. The gesture turned a costly journey into a testament to generosity.

Kelsey Pflendler became the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, pulling into Honolulu's Ala Wai Boat Harbor after a record-breaking voyage. She also set the fastest solo crossing time for either sex and became the youngest to complete the row.

The International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension of Russia, clearing a path for Russian athletes to return ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games and reopening debate over the decision.

FIFA defended the referee who red-carded U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after President Trump publicly called the official 'a bit suspect' and confirmed he had personally asked FIFA to review the one-match ban. The intervention, which briefly lifted Balogun's suspension before Team USA's 4-1 loss to Belgium, drew accusations that the president had injected political pressure into the World Cup.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said it would be a 'mistake' to walk away from the Protect College Sports Act, urging Congress to act. The bill aims to establish national rules for the evolving college athletics landscape.

England beat host Mexico 3-2 at Estadio Azteca in an instant World Cup classic, while Erling Haaland's brace powered Norway past Brazil, sending the Norwegians to their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal and dumping Brazil out early. The two winners will meet in the quarterfinals.

FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-game red-card ban, making the U.S. striker available for the World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium. The reversal was hailed as a major boost for the American squad, with President Trump among those reacting to the news.

The World Cup Round of 16 delivered dramatic results, with Kylian Mbappé scoring his seventh goal of the tournament to lift France past Paraguay in a physical match. Morocco's Atlas Lions dispatched Canada 3-0, while Cape Verde's Cinderella run ended after pushing Argentina to the brink. Political undercurrents surfaced as Egypt's manager waved a Palestinian flag following a win over Australia.

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut claimed his 18th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title on July 4, downing 66 hot dogs and buns. The Coney Island contest remains a signature Independence Day tradition.

Serena Williams suffered a knee injury that forced her and sister Venus to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles competition, cutting short Serena's comeback. The exit ends what had been a much-anticipated return for the tennis legend at the All England Club.

Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie said WNBA officials 'got to do better' after Alyssa Thomas shoved a fist into Caitlin Clark's throat during a heated game, reigniting debate over how the league protects its biggest star.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino has turned skeptics into believers as the US men's national team finds its footing at the home World Cup, NPR reports, energizing fans across the host cities.

Sami Zayn pulled off what fans called a 'miracle' to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions, while Oba Femi and Iyo Sky won the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments and booked SummerSlam title shots.

The Baltimore Orioles used their mascot instead of a player on their Pride Night lineup graphic, prompting questions about why the team avoided featuring a player. The choice drew attention amid broader debates over Pride promotions in pro sports.

Sophie Cunningham's 22-second pointing confrontation with DeWanna Bonner has become the most viral meme of the WNBA season after on-court tensions flared. The clip has spawned a wave of internet remixes.

International fans have flooded US host cities for the World Cup, bringing exuberant displays of national identity from a Croatian takeover of Philadelphia to Viking rows and tartan parades. The tournament has become a cultural spectacle, even reshaping American tastes as visitors embrace local quirks like ranch dressing.

Some World Cup fans are missing matches after resale tickets purchased through platforms like StubHub fell through. The controversy exposes pitfalls in the secondary market for the high-demand tournament.

African nations are having a breakout World Cup moment, with Cape Verde joined by Senegal, Morocco and Congo making waves on the global stage. The continent's rising soccer profile is reshaping the tournament narrative.

Curaçao, the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup, is drawing attention not only for its underdog run but for its players openly praising Jesus on the pitch. The Caribbean island's team has become a feel-good story of faith and national pride at the tournament. Christianity Today profiles how the squad is using the global stage to point to Christ.

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock, extending a streak of five consecutive coaches with names containing slang terms for male anatomy. This observation highlights the coincidental nature of sports hiring and the public's tendency to find patterns or humor in names. The story serves as a lighthearted look at the quirks of professional sports management.

Country star Kane Brown went to the hospital after being hit in the head by a golf ball, suffering a split ear and a concussion. The incident highlights the dangers associated with high-speed sports equipment and the importance of safety measures. Brown's recovery and public statement reflect the resilience of athletes and entertainers facing unexpected injuries.

Nigerian churches launch a campaign against sports betting addiction fueled by soccer popularity. This initiative highlights the growing concern over gambling addiction in the region. The campaign's impact on local communities will be significant.

The Baltimore Orioles have announced a 'Pride Night' game featuring a drag queen performer, following the recent controversy surrounding the San Francisco Giants. This move highlights the ongoing cultural conflict between traditional values and progressive initiatives within professional sports leagues. The decision underscores the broader societal debate regarding the role of LGBTQ+ culture in public institutions and family-friendly entertainment.

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold faces four counts of kidnapping and armed robbery in connection to a February incident in Tampa. The charges emerged after police announced the details of the case, marking a significant legal setback for the young athlete. This case highlights the severe consequences of criminal behavior even among high-profile sports figures.

Nearly 200 people attended a 'Cleveland for Christ' gathering where Browns players shared testimonies and participated in baptisms. The event spotlights a growing public faith movement among professional athletes.

Ministries are 'supersizing' evangelism efforts around the U.S.-hosted World Cup, mobilizing volunteers and outreach as millions of fans flood host cities. Organizers see the tournament as a once-in-a-generation gospel opportunity.

As the World Cup unfolds on American soil, visiting fans and global attention are highlighting an enduring American soft power that politics has not erased. Viral fan moments and warm welcomes have defined the tournament's cultural footprint. The event has become a showcase of national hospitality and identity.

US soccer star Christian Pulisic shared a photo of his team praying together following a World Cup victory, drawing attention to faith on the global stage. The image resonated widely amid the tournament's spotlight. Christian players have increasingly used the World Cup platform to point to their beliefs.