Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsFIFA World Cup Trophy Arrives in San Antonio
The original FIFA World Cup Trophy has arrived in San Antonio as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, an international tour traveling across North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tour will visit the 16 host cities of the 2026 World Cup, as well as 22 additional markets in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aiming to bring fans closer to the most coveted prize in soccer.
SportsFIFA could make billions from the World Cup. Texas host cities will get little in return.
La Copa Mundial de la FIFA es uno de los eventos deportivos más lucrativos del mundo, generando miles de millones de dólares en ingresos. Sin embargo, las ciudades de Texas que serán anfitrionas de partidos en el torneo recibirán beneficios económicos limitados. A pesar de los costos significativos asociados con la preparación y organización, los ingresos principales se concentran en la FIFA, dejando a las ciudades locales con un retorno financiero modesto.
SportsAmateur Junior Boxing Olympics Returns to Edinburg, May 1st-3rd
The City of Edinburg is ready to rumble! The Parks and Recreation Department is set to host the South Texas Junior Boxing Olympics May 1 through May 3 at 315 E. Mark S. Peña Drive.
SportsPSJA Swimmer Madeline Wollny Makes History, Signs with UIW
PSJA Early College High School (PSJA ECHS) senior Madeline Wollny officially signed her letter of commitment to the University of the Incarnate Word to continue her academic and athletic journey on a swimming scholarship.
SportsFIFA Changes World Cup Rule on Yellow Cards to Prevent Suspensions After Group Stage
VANCOUVER, Canada — FIFA has modified its World Cup regulations regarding yellow cards to ensure fewer players face suspensions during crucial knockout-stage matches in the tournament set to take place in North America. The change was proposed on Tuesday during a meeting of FIFA's governing council. The additional yellow card amnesty will clear players' disciplinary records twice during the expanded tournament in North America. Later, FIFA issued a statement confirming the change.
SportsTelemundo Station Group and SCORES Network Announce Winners of 'Athlete Poets' Ahead of the World Cup
Telemundo Station Group, part of NBCUniversal Local, and SCORES Network announced on Wednesday the 14 local winners and two national winners of 'Athlete Poets,' a nationwide celebration of youth poetry that blended soccer and spoken word poetry in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The initiative aimed to amplify the voices of students from communities across the country. Launched in March, the program invited students participating in SCORES programs to write and perform original poems in Spanish or bilingual formats (Spanish-English), inspired by themes like soccer, unity, and community. Over the past weeks, students participated in local showcases in markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where 14 local winners were selected to advance to the national stage. The competition was judged by a distinguished panel, including award-winning author and poet Jennifer Maritza McCauley, writer and performer Melania Luisa Marte, and interdisciplinary artist and curator Kenya Bullock. Regional winners included: Emiley and Iriel (New York SCORES), Keisey and Angel (Miami SCORES), Miranda and Gustavo (Boston SCORES), Melany and Avery (DC SCORES), Aaliyah and Jostin (America SCORES Chicago), Eliza and Mateo (LA SCORES), and Heyzell and Santiago (America SCORES Bay Area). From this talented group, two students were selected as national winners: Santiago from America SCORES Bay Area with his poem 'De fútbol,' and Emiley from New York SCORES with her poem 'Cada segundo cuenta.' Santiago, an 11-year-old Mexican-American poet and athlete from Watsonville, California, enjoys soccer, basketball, writing poetry, and spending time with friends. Emiley, a 10-year-old Dominican-American poet and athlete from Inwood in Upper Manhattan, New York City, loves creating art, drawing, coloring, and styling hair with her friends. The national winners will be honored at the Soccer Legacy Gala on May 8 in San Jose, California, as part of the broader celebration leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The event pays tribute to the legacy of the 1994 World Cup and SCORES' ongoing efforts to create opportunities for youth through soccer, poetry, and service. José Cancela, president of Telemundo Station Group, stated, 'As momentum builds toward the FIFA World Cup 2026™, 'Athlete Poets' highlights the voices of a new generation shaped by both sport and storytelling. We are proud to showcase their work and elevate voices that reflect the powerful connection between culture, language, and sport.' Colin Schmidt, a member of the National Board of Directors for SCORES and Executive Director of America SCORES Bay Area, added, 'This next phase of 'Athlete Poets' underscores what SCORES strives to achieve every day: empowering youth to find their voice, build community, and grow as leaders through soccer, poetry, and service. Our partnership with Telemundo amplifies that impact, giving these young people the opportunity to share their stories and connect with audiences nationwide.' Throughout the program, Telemundo-owned stations amplified the voices and stories of participating students via television, streaming, and digital platforms, showcasing the power of storytelling and sports to unite communities. Participating Telemundo-owned stations included: Telemundo 47 New York / WNJU, Telemundo 52 Los Angeles / KVEA, Telemundo 51 Miami / WSCV, Telemundo 48 Bay Area / KSTS, Telemundo Boston / WNEU, Telemundo Chicago / WSNS, and Telemundo 44 Washington, D.C. / WZDC. 'Athlete Poets' builds on SCORES' longstanding mission to empower youth through soccer, poetry, and service, while reinforcing Telemundo's commitment to serving and uplifting local communities as anticipation grows for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
SportsExperience the Passion of Soccer on Telemundo: Premier League and Liga MX This Weekend
The passion for soccer will heat up the Telemundo screen this weekend with matches from the Premier League and Liga MX. It all kicks off on Saturday, May 2, at 12:30 PM Eastern with the Arsenal vs. Fulham match from the Premier League. The soccer excitement continues later that same Saturday at 8:55 PM Eastern with the Liga MX quarterfinal match between Tigres and Chivas.
SportsFIFA considers increasing funds distributed to nations participating in the World Cup
FIFA will begin a series of meetings to discuss a potential increase in the funds distributed among the 48 nations participating in the FIFA World Cup, set to take place this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the news to TELEMUNDO Digital on Tuesday. 'Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting scheduled in Vancouver, Canada, on April 28, 2026 (this Tuesday), FIFA confirms that it is in discussions with associations worldwide to increase available revenues,' the organization stated in a press release. 'This includes a proposal to raise financial contributions for all teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as development funds available to the 211 member associations.'
SportsTexas Tech Quarterback to Enter Treatment for Gambling Addiction
TEXAS – Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby will enter a residential treatment program for gambling addiction, the university confirmed to NBC News on Monday. NCAA rules prohibit athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff from betting on college or professional sports. Additionally, in 2025, Division I universities voted to revoke a rule that would have allowed betting on professional sports. According to NCAA regulations, 'players who bet on their own games' could face permanent loss of eligibility in all sports. Sorsby may appeal any potential sanctions. The NCAA told NBC News that, due to confidentiality rules, 'it will not comment on current, pending, or potential investigations.' 'Nonetheless, the NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to protecting the well-being of student-athletes and the integrity of competition. The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators, and other stakeholders to conduct due diligence whenever reports are received.' Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire stated in a release: 'We care deeply about Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help. Taking this step requires courage, and our top priority is him as a person. Our program stands with Brendan as he prioritizes his health.' Through a spokesperson, Texas Tech affirmed its commitment to 'supporting Brendan during his recovery process and ensuring his long-term health and well-being.' The institution added that it would not make further comments to 'protect the integrity of the recovery process.' Sorsby, 22, began his college career at Indiana and left the school after two years. He spent the last two seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech in January. Sorsby was heavily recruited when he entered the transfer portal and was considered a prospect for next year’s NFL Draft. In his final season at Cincinnati, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for 580 yards and scored nine additional touchdowns. This story was originally written in English by Rohan Nadkarni of our sister network NBC News. This story was translated from English with the help of a generative AI tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
SportsWeslaco East Andrea Quintero signs to Western Texas College
Andrea Quintero, estudiante de Weslaco East High School, ha firmado una carta de intención para continuar su carrera académica y deportiva en Western Texas College. La joven, conocida por su dedicación y talento, se une a la institución para formar parte de su equipo y seguir desarrollándose en su disciplina.
SportsUTRGV men's golf make program history with SLC championship
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the first time in program history, the UTRGV men’s golf team is headed to the NCAA Tournament. A week after the women’s team captured a conference title of its own, the Vaqueros followed suit — rallying in the final round to win the Southland Conference Championship at Comanche Trace in
SportsRaider Pride: Coach Brett Esparza Lands Spot on Inaugural ‘Texas 50’ List
Texas Border Business PHARR, Texas – In a first-of-its-kind statewide recognition highlighting the most impactful assistant coaches in Texas high school football, PSJA ISD’s Brett Esparza has been named to the inaugural Texas 50, placing him among an elite group of 50 coaches selected from thousands across the state. Esparza joins 49 others from across the state
SportsTelemundo Announces First Group of Soccer Legends for World Cup Coverage
Telemundo, the exclusive Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, has unveiled an initial lineup of global soccer legends and top-tier experts who will join the network's comprehensive coverage of the historic tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This announcement marks the beginning of a series of reveals, with more renowned figures to be added in the coming weeks. The expanded team features an extraordinary group of World Cup veterans, international icons, and brilliant soccer minds whose careers have shaped the sport at the highest level. From legendary captains and elite goal scorers to creative midfielders and world-class coaches, this team embodies the passion, excellence, and global influence that define the FIFA World Cup. Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports and Head of Streaming at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, stated, 'The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of sports, and our goal is to deliver coverage that matches its magnitude, with authenticity, expertise, and a strong cultural connection. This group of legends and experts brings unparalleled credibility and perspective, enabling us to tell deeper stories, enhance the fan experience, and connect with audiences in a way only Telemundo can.' The lineup includes: Andrés Guardado (Mexico | Midfielder), known as 'El Principito,' one of Mexico's most iconic players with 180 international matches and five World Cups; José María Gutiérrez Hernández (Spain | Midfielder), known as Guti, a Real Madrid legend with over 500 appearances and 15 major titles; José Néstor Pékerman (Argentina | Coach), an internationally renowned coach who led Argentina and Colombia in World Cups and developed elite talent; Antonio Valencia (Ecuador | Right Back), former Manchester United captain and Ecuadorian national team leader, recognized for his versatility and high-level success; Julio César Dely Valdés (Panama | Forward), a historic Panamanian forward who elevated his national team's international profile and later transitioned to coaching. With decades of experience on the world's biggest soccer stages, these experts will provide unmatched analysis, exclusive insights, and immersive storytelling through Telemundo's multiplatform coverage, bringing fans closer to the game, its stars, and the defining moments of the tournament.
Morales twins take next step together, sign with TCU
LA FERIA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For Anthony and Armando Morales, the journey to the next level has always been shared. The La Feria High School twin brothers officially signed to continue their long distance running careers at Texas Christian University — a moment years in the making. “It was a slow process at the beginning. [...]
Harlingen, PSJA North advance to area round of playoffs
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen and PSJA North made quick work in the bi-district round of the UIL softball playoffs, sweeping their respective opponents. In Class 6A Division I, Harlingen's momentum from game one's walk-off win against Weslaco carried over on the road. The Lady Cardinals' four-run fourth inning propelled them over the Lady Panthers [...]