General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Soccer World Cup Nears Climax, European Soccer News

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final four teams, with just one week remaining until the championship match. Meanwhile, Spain's national team has cultivated a strong sense of unity in their World Cup camp, aiming to carry that positive atmosphere forward as they prepare to face France's formidable lineup. In a World Cup quarterfinal match, Switzerland forward Breel Embolo received a red card after a video review determined he simulated a foul.

Tennis and Golf Updates

Jannik Sinner has reclaimed his dominant No. 1 ranking in men's tennis by winning Wimbledon, marking a significant comeback after a challenging period. The 154th Open Championship has released its tee-times for the first two rounds at Royal Birkdale released tee-times. In a quirky turn of events, Joe Dean, the winner of The Open's inaugural Last Chance Qualifier, joked about potentially needing to sleep in his car due to housing shortages near the course seeking housing. Mardy Fish secured his third American Century Championship title on Sunday, triumphing over fellow competitors Pavelski and Curry in a celebrity golf event.

Basketball and American Football News

The University of Michigan regents are slated to discuss an investigation into the athletic department's culture on Thursday, with a decision regarding AD Manuel potentially being made as part of the review. In the WNBA, the New York Liberty's Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was ejected from a game after throwing a shoe that struck Toronto's Marina Mabrey during an eventful fourth quarter.

Combat Sports and Athlete Withdrawals

Conor McGregor's return to the UFC against Max Holloway was cut short, with his coach asserting that his right knee was not an issue prior to the fight knee was not issue. Despite the premature end to McGregor's bout, UFC 329 featured standout performances from Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson, which helped elevate the event saved the event. Pimblett and Holloway's quick wins may position them for a future matchup. In boxing news, Caoimhin Agyarko is set to challenge IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly for a world title on July 25 in Saudi Arabia. Three-time Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock has withdrawn from the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to a hand injury sustained in training.

Rugby and Cricket Updates

The four Welsh rugby regions have signed the Professional Rugby Agreement, though the deal's expiration in June 2028 leaves lingering uncertainty signed agreement. England's young rugby talents, Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori, are aiming for starting spots after scoring tries in a decisive 73-8 victory over Fiji. Prop Rhys Carre believes Wales' performance against Argentina in the Nations Championship represented a step backward for the team. In cricket, Rahul Dravid has expressed his openness to coaching roles, even as he ventures into franchise ownership. The scheduling and surrounding announcements have raised questions about the relevance of women's Test cricket following a historic Lord's Test between England and India. Yorkshire has advanced to the T20 Blast quarter-finals, with Hampshire also securing a home tie in the last eight reach quarter-finals.

Other Sports News

Ryan Blaney secured a dominant victory in the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta, emerging from a thrilling three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime. The WSOP main event has been narrowed down to 21 players, with the final table of nine expected to be decided by the end of Monday's play. Dublin manager Ger Brennan is urging the GAA to implement video technology to aid officials in making crucial decisions, following his team's All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Kerry. Kerry's pursuit of back-to-back All-Ireland SFC titles remains on track after their 2-18 to 0-20 victory over Dublin in the semi-final, with goals proving to be the decisive factor. Mathieu van der Poel claimed victory in the ninth stage of the Tour de France, which was shortened due to extreme heat reaching 40°C. Josh Kerr's world record mile attempt has been confirmed for the Diamond League Series event in London on Saturday, where he will be part of a strong international field. The ESPYS are opening voting for their 2026 winners, with nominees including A'ja Wilson, Jalen Brunson, and Shohei Ohtani. Raegan Pebley is no longer the Sparks' general manager, with assistants set to share the role out as GM.