General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Soccer, Rugby, and Athletics Update

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set, with only two teams remaining in contention for the ultimate prize. In rugby union, Ireland captain Dan Sheehan has urged his team to "make our own history" as they prepare to face New Zealand in the Nations Championship on Saturday. England's rugby players have strategically switched hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid potential World Cup celebrations if Argentina defeats Spain in the final. Meanwhile, rugby union is experiencing a significant surge in popularity in Argentina, according to Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi who described it as 'booming'. Scotland has made numerous changes to their squad, with 14 alterations for their game against Fiji at Murrayfield, while former Bristol Bears lock Chris Vui has been left "devastated" by a doping ban. England's Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly was in their semi-final, ending their hopes of regaining the age-grade world title. On the track, British stars Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr are at the Diamond League meeting in London.

Golf and Cricket News

Jackson Suber unexpectedly leads the Open Championship after the first round at Royal Birkdale, having never visited Europe before. Rory McIlroy admitted that "too many stupid mistakes", leaving him seven shots off the pace. England's Dan Brown is among the leading British contingent at the Open, with Scottie Scheffler also recovering from a wayward shot to post a 2-under 68. Bob Mac Intyre stated his first-round 67 was "exactly" what he desired, expressing confidence in his chances for Open Championship glory. Wales is actively searching for new male golf stars, as no Welsh player is participating in the Open Championship for the third consecutive year. Jimmy Perchard has in his garden in Jersey. In the men's T20 Blast, Northants Steelbacks, Somerset, Hampshire Hawks, and Notts Outlaws have reached the semi-finals.

WNBA and US Sports Landscape

NBA commissioner Adam Silver commented that Caitlin Clark has become a "political football" amid discussions about officiating and physical play in the WNBA. Clark herself expressed frustration over a missed call in the Fever's 88-75 loss to the Valkyries, stating it meant she had to play with a leg contusion. Wings star Paige Bueckers highlighted the lack of Black women head coaches in the WNBA, advocating for "the same equal opportunity" for Black women to coach. The Indiana Fever have moved up to No. 4 in the WNBA Power Rankings, with Kelsey Mitchell achieving her sixth consecutive game with over 25 points, while Golden State. Teresa Weatherspoon boasted about her team's competitiveness during the 2026 WNBA All-Star draft, with her counterpart Cynthia Cooper responding about the team's scoring ability. A fan was fired for allegedly sending a racist message to Aces guard Chelsea Gray on social media. In college football, NC State coach believes QB CJ Bailey could be the, while new Miami QB Darian Mensah cited the success of Cam Ward and Carson Beck as a "huge factor" in his transfer decision from Duke. Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman has received a contract extension through 2036, including a significant raise in salary. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is defending his tenure and does not wish to leave. Jordan Walker homered on his final six swings to win the Home Run Derby, becoming the first Cardinal player to achieve this feat.

Other Sports News and Notes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is approaching, with ticket sales and fan activities. Lionel Messi's two assists in the dying minutes secured Argentina's 2-1 semifinal victory over England, earning them a spot in the final against Spain on Sunday. The ESPYS 2026 saw awards given to athletes like Jalen Brunson and A'ja Wilson in various categories. Former England captain Ben Stokes is slated to play for Durham in the One-Day Cup, marking his first game since retiring from international cricket for England. Double Olympic champion Sunisa Lee announced her return to competition after a two-year hiatus. Mollie O'Callaghan has been deemed fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, despite doctors advising her to "stop swimming immediately" last month. Rugby union is reportedly "booming" in Argentina, a nation traditionally dominated by football. Wales' Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn will partner in midfield again as Wales concludes their season in South Africa against the Springboks. Former Bristol Bears lock Chris Vui has expressed devastation at being banned until July 2027 for a. French tennis player Samuel Bensoussan's ban for match-fixing has been extended to three years following an unsuccessful appeal by the player. Jak Jones secured his first professional title, defeating David Gilbert 3-2 in the Championship League final. Swansea City's proposed purchase of their stadium moves closer, while midfielder Goncalo Franco faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle ligament injury for up to three months. Ospreys have signed promising fly-half Harri Wilde from rivals Cardiff for the upcoming United Rugby Championship season starting in 2025-26. Scarlets have signed former New Zealand Under-20 lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes for the next season. Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has stood down from officiating after a breast cancer diagnosis. New guidelines have been issued to broadcasters regarding more respectful camera angles when covering live female athletics events to promote inclusivity.