AP – Sports
July 7, 2026
Lionel Messi scores his eighth goal of this year’s World Cup, takes lead in Golden Boot race
ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi has scored his eighth goal of this year’s World Cup against Egypt, extending his streak to nine consecutive games for Argentina. This goal evened the match at 2-2 and marked Messi’s 21st career World Cup goal. Messi has now scored in a record nine consecutive World Cup matches, dating back to Argentina’s title run in 2022. Tuesday’s goal was his 13th in that span. In the race for his first Golden Boot, Messi entered the match even with France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland at seven goals each. The goal gave Messi a two-goal lead over Mbappé on the all-time World Cup goal leaderboard.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions when he killed himself after a high-speed chase with police in November 2025. The findings of a postmortem analysis of Kneeland’s brain tissue were released Tuesday by his family through the Concussion and CTE Foundation. Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center determined Kneeland was in stage one of four of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Kneeland was 24. He had played at Western Michigan University, before he was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Same old story: US men’s soccer team has been stagnant for quarter century
SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. men’s national soccer team remains stagnant despite growth in American soccer. Christian Pulisic and teammates have not advanced beyond the round of 16 at the World Cup, similar to past teams. The U.S. lost to Belgium 4-1 on Monday in the round of 16. Billions have been invested to boost the team, but they remain far from elite. Coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to discuss his future with the U.S. Soccer Federation. Goalkeeping has become a weak spot, and qualifying for future World Cups should be less challenging with 48-team tournaments. Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman have shown promise.
Coco Gauff beats Jessica Pegula to reach Wimbledon semifinals as Jannik Sinner advances in the heat
LONDON (AP) — Coco Gauff overcame a shaky start and beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time. The two-time major champion raised her arms in the air after Pegula sent a weak backhand into the net on the first match point in an all-American quarterfinal on Centre Court. Gauff will face either Naomi Osaka or Karolina Muchova for a spot in Saturday’s final. On No. 1 Court defending champion Jannik Sinner kept his title defense on track by beating Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to advance to the semifinals to face either seven-time Wimbledon singles champion Novak Djokovic or third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime.
What’s offside? And all your other World Cup questions, answered
There’s a lot to know about this World Cup, and there are no dumb questions. We’re here to help. This World Cup has prompted some questions we simply can’t answer for you. Can anyone stop Messi? Does Merlin the duck like wearing that jersey? What happens if the Congo’s statue fan has to sneeze? That said, if you’re a first-time soccer watcher still confused by all this footie, we’ve got you covered on free kicks, hydration breaks, stoppage time. It’s “offside,” not “offsides.” The clock doesn’t stop. The difference between a penalty kick and a free kick has to do with where a foul happens.
Donovan Mitchell agrees to 4-year, $273 million extension with Cavaliers, AP source says
CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the extension hadn’t been announced. Tuesday was the first day that the Cavaliers could offer Mitchell the extension. The seven-time All-Star had two seasons remaining on his contract and could have waited to re-sign until next summer, when he would be eligible for a five-year supermax deal worth $350 million. The extension includes a $76 million player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker.
Kyle Lowry makes good on a promise: He signs with the Raptors so he can retire
Kyle Lowry delivered on his final promise as a player: He long vowed to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors so he could retire as a member of that franchise. And on Tuesday, he made it happen. One of 12 players in NBA history to play 20 seasons in the league, Lowry announced he was signing with the Raptors and retiring, ending his career with the team that he helped lead to the 2019 NBA championship and in the city that he considers home. The Raptors revealed that his No. 7 jersey will be retired. More tributes are planned by the club in the coming months for the point guard from Philadelphia who became a Canadian icon even while winning an Olympic gold medal for the United States.
IOC eases path toward Russia returning with full team at 2028 LA Olympics
GENEVA (AP) — Russia has moved closer toward having a full team with its national flag and anthem at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted a suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. That was imposed when the Russian Olympic body incorporated regional sports councils from occupied regions of Ukraine. The IOC also now advises Olympic sports bodies to end a three-year program vetting Russian athletes in individual sports for neutral status. It also signals the return of Russia to team sports. The IOC guidance is not binding for the governing bodies of individual sports.
Brewers call up outfield prospect Luis Lara before DH vs. Cardinals, send Blake Perkins to minors
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara has reached the major leagues nearly a month after signing a seven-year, $31 million contract. The NL Central-leading Brewers have recalled Lara and optioned outfielder Blake Perkins to Triple-A Nashville. The 21-year-old Lara was still playing for Nashville when the Brewers signed him last month to a deal that runs through 2032 and includes club options for 2033, 2034 and 2035. Lara hit .321 with a .432 on-base percentage, .470 slugging percentage, nine homers, 42 RBIs and 24 steals in 78 games with Nashville.
After his suspension was lifted in scrutinized move, Balogun has little impact in US World Cup loss
SEATTLE (AP) — Folarin Balogun’s presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans’ 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16. The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf. FIFA’s decision prompted soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup. Balogun did not score on Monday but did help set up the lone U.S. goal.
