General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

College Football and Recruiting Landscape

Lingering questions persist for college football's Top 25 teams as the season approaches, with new coaches and unproven players potentially impacting the nation's best programs. Meanwhile, the focus also extends to the next generation of talent, with a ranking of the top 25 college football recruits, including promising underclassmen. In administrative news, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman has received a contract extension through 2036, which includes a significant raise. The ACC has also implemented a new tiebreaker policy for its football championship game, aiming to ensure its two best teams are featured.

NFL Outlook and Rankings

The NFL landscape is shifting, with new players entering the top 10 rankings and others dropping out as they strive to return to prominence. In a notable move, experienced Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has signed with Sunderland after his contract with Lille concluded.

Soccer World Cup Nears Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heading towards its dramatic finale, with only two teams remaining with aspirations of lifting the coveted trophy. Lionel Messi was instrumental in Argentina's semifinal victory over England, setting up two late goals that secured a 2-1 win and a spot in the final against Spain. England's rugby team has moved their Buenos Aires base to circumvent potential World Cup celebrations should Argentina defeat Spain in the final. The World Cup's expansion has drawn comparisons to the College Football Playoff, with the latter potentially needing to adopt a similar road map for its own expansion. Spain's World Cup camp has fostered a powerful "all for one" mentality as they prepare to face France.

Golf's Open Championship Underway

The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is underway, with Jackson Suber surprising the field to lead after the first round, marking his first time competing in Europe. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a 2-under 68 in his opening round after recovering from an errant shot. Rory McIlroy admitted to "too many stupid mistakes" in his opening round of, leaving him seven shots off the pace. Dan Brown leads the English contingent at The Open, with the home golfers taking center stage following England's World Cup exit. Bob Mac Intyre described his opening round 67 as "exactly" what he wanted, expressing confidence in his game. Mac Intyre also believes he is a significantly improved golfer since his first Open Championship appearance in 2019. David Howard, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age seven, has qualified for The Open and shared his inspiring journey. Golf experts are weighing in with their picks and betting advice for the 154th Open Championship. Scottie Scheffler, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open, is focused on the upcoming Open Championship after ending his streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour starts.

Rugby Union Update

Ireland captain Dan Sheehan emphasized the need for his team to "make our own history" as they prepare to face New Zealand in the Nations Championship. Wales has selected Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn as midfield partners for their season finale in South Africa. Louis Rees-Zammit is aiming to make a greater impact next season after his first year back in rugby. Rugby union is experiencing a surge in popularity in Argentina, according to Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi. Wales' Dewi Lake has recovered from an injury scare and is set to captain the team against South Africa in the Nations Championship. England will field an unchanged starting XV against Argentina in their final summer match. Stand-in scrum-half Marcus Smith has called for more from the England team, despite their recent high-scoring victory over Fiji. Scotland has made numerous changes to their squad for their game against Fiji, with 14 players coming in. Scotland's forwards coach John Dalziel highlighted the team's desire for tangible results rather than just praise as they prepare for Fiji. Former Bristol Bears lock Chris Vui expressed devastation after receiving a doping ban until July 2027. Scarlets have signed former New Zealand U20 lock Tom Allen from the Hurricanes for the upcoming season. Cardiff and Ospreys have agreed to a transfer for fly-half Harri Wilde for the 2025-26 season. Kane James is set to earn his first Wales cap, with his heritage tracing back to Niue.

Cricket World Cup and Domestic Action

The World Cricketers' Association has expressed concern regarding changes to the men's 50-over World Cup format. England batter Joe Root acknowledged the challenges young batters face in the 50-over format due to limited exposure. West Indies secured a 3-0 series victory over Ireland in the one-day international series. Familiar faces are returning for the T20 Blast Finals Day, with Northants Steelbacks, Somerset, Hampshire Hawks, and Notts Outlaws set to compete. Somerset, Northants Steelbacks, Notts Outlaws, and Hampshire Hawks have all advanced to the T20 Blast semi-finals. Liam Dawson and Tom Banton will be released from England's ODI squad to participate in T20 Finals Day. Grace Ballinger described the Women's T20 Blast Finals Day as "the best times of my career" as her team, The Blaze, qualified.

Basketball and WNBA Developments

NBA commissioner Adam Silver believes the attention surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a "political football," suggesting the debate is not solely about officiating. Silver further elaborated that it is unfair to turn Clark into a "political football" amid discussions about officiating and physical play in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark expressed frustration over a missed call during the Fever's loss to the Valkyries, citing it as a factor in her playing with a leg contusion. Wings star Paige Bueckers has highlighted the lack of Black women head coaches in the WNBA, advocating for equal opportunities. In WNBA Power Rankings, the Indiana Fever have moved up to No. 4, with Kelsey Mitchell delivering strong performances, while Golden State retains the top spot. Marina Mabrey has entered the top 10 in the updated Fantasy Women's Basketball rankings as the WNBA All-Star break approaches. The WNBA All-Star draft saw Teresa Weatherspoon boast about her team's competitiveness, with her counterpart Cynthia Cooper questioning their scoring ability. A fan has been fired for allegedly sending a racist message to Aces guard Chelsea Gray on social media.

Commonwealth Games and Athletics

Sir Chris Hoy is confident that the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games will be a "massive success," despite a scaled-down format. Two-time Paralympian Ali Smith is returning to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, sharing the challenges she faced in her comeback after two miscarriages. Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan is refining his new routine for the Glasgow Games, describing himself as a "work in progress". Mollie O'Callaghan is deemed fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, despite receiving medical advice to "stop swimming immediately" last month. British stars Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr are set to attempt world records at the Diamond League meeting in London. New guidelines have been introduced for broadcasters covering female athletics, advising on more respectful camera angles.

Other Sports News

Disorder occurred at a football stadium, prompting an investigation after Derry City fans fled onto the pitch. J.J. Watt has called out Real Salt Lake for alleged failures. The winners of the World Cup will receive championship rings in addition to the traditional trophy and gold medals. Jimmy Perchard has cultivated an international cricket ground on his land in Jersey. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is approaching, with New York City set to be a hub of activity with events like the ESPYS and Fanatics Fest. The 2026 ESPYS award winners have been announced, including Jalen Brunson and A'ja Wilson. Myles Garrett and Chloe Kim were among the stars attending the ESPYS. The Stanley Cup's integrity has been questioned following the inclusion of an owner's family members on the trophy. UFC is anticipating several exciting fights in the second half of the year, including Van vs. Kape and Topuria vs. Pimblett fights we. Michael 'Venom' Page is scheduled to fight