Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Final Focus

Spain's final training session before Sunday's World Cup final was cancelled due to thunderstorms in New Jersey. The highly anticipated match features a clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, with the former looking to retain his crown and the latter aiming to take it. This is only Spain's second appearance in the World Cup final, with Rodri confident in his team's ability to overcome Argentina. The final, expected to draw an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide, will be held at Met Life Stadium, a decision that has sparked debate. Meanwhile, former Spain international Joan Capdevila has appealed to US President Donald Trump for assistance after reportedly being denied a travel permit to enter the United States for the final. The tournament has also seen a significant rise in harmful social media posts, with 14 times more such content compared to 2022, according to Fifa.

Club Football and Pre-Season Action

Andrey Santos as the club lost 1-0 to Wrexham in their opening pre-season fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola in his first week on the job ahead of the new season. In cup action, ten-man Kilmarnock against Elgin City in the Premier Sports Cup group stage, with St Johnstone and St Mirren also recording wins. Paul Lambert believes Celtic are "nowhere near good enough" and require further recruitment, though he cautioned against panic.

Athletics and Motorsports

Josh Kerr for the mile at the Diamond League event in London, while Keely Hodgkinson was unsuccessful in her attempt to break the oldest world record in athletics. In motorsports, George Russell of his struggles, no longer believing his driving style is the sole reason for the deficit to his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton revealed that his Ferrari car was "missing a couple of tenths" after a crash.

Golf and Other Sports

Rory McIlroy of Bryson DeChambeau, accusing him of "performative" behavior and "holding The Open hostage" during a rules infraction. DeChambeau has been criticized for "making himself the story" by how he handled a two-shot penalty. Ryan Fox at The Open by achieving a '62 round', following in the footsteps of Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns. Johanna Walsh to win the Juddmonte Irish Oaks. In rugby, the Springboks dominated Wales with a seven-try thrashing in the Nations Championship.