Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsCabo Verde Makes Its World Cup Debut: What You Need to Know About the Team
Spain is one of the strongest teams in this year's FIFA World Cup, and their first match is against Cabo Verde, a country that many football fans may not have heard of. Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is an archipelago located off the coast of Africa, and it qualified for this year's World Cup by winning its group in the African Football Confederation (CAF) qualifiers. This year marks its debut in the world's largest football tournament, and they hope to pull off a surprise in a tough group. Here’s what you need to know about Cabo Verde as they begin their journey in the World Cup. Where is Cabo Verde? Cabo Verde consists of a group of islands located about 385 miles off the western coast of Africa, according to Britannica. The country lies directly west of Senegal and Mauritania and is made up of nine inhabited islands. How does Cabo Verde compare to other nations in the World Cup? According to FIFA, Cabo Verde is the second smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup, with just under 500,000 inhabitants. It is also the smallest country by land area to have qualified for the World Cup. How did Cabo Verde qualify? With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams this year, Cabo Verde surpassed five other teams in the CAF qualifying phase to secure its spot in the tournament; Cameroon, Libya, and Angola were also in their qualifying group.
SportsLive Updates: Follow the excitement of the 2026 World Cup with the Spain vs. Cape Verde match
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with exciting matches today, featuring Spain vs. Cape Verde at 12 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Telemundo Deportes' Miguel Gurwitz analyzes Group H, questioning if Spain has a clear path and whether Uruguay can showcase its football credentials. Other matches include Belgium vs. Egypt at 3 p.m. ET in Seattle and Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay at 6 p.m. ET in Miami. Iran will face New Zealand at 9 p.m. ET in Los Angeles. Fans can watch these games live on Telemundo or Peacock, with updates available throughout the day.
SportsFans gather for World Cup fan fest in Houston
The World Cup has officially kicked off in Houston, where fans flocked to the Fan Fest to witness a Group E match between Germany and Curaçao. Thousands donned Germany's colors, creating a lively atmosphere for the city's inaugural World Cup watch party. The Fan Fest is free and will run until July 19, offering fans a chance to enjoy food and entertainment while watching matches. Severe weather briefly interrupted the festivities, prompting an evacuation, but fans returned to see Germany dominate the game, solidifying their chances for a fifth title. Many attendees expressed personal connections to the match, especially those with German heritage.
SportsSpain and Cape Verde Face Off in Must-See Match at the World Cup; How to Watch
Spain will face Cape Verde in an exciting match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 15, at Atlanta Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT. Fans can watch the match live on Telemundo and Peacock. This encounter is part of Group H, where Spain aims to solidify its position, while Uruguay also seeks to prove its football credentials. Telemundo will broadcast the majority of the 104 matches of the World Cup live and in Spanish, ensuring fans don't miss any of the action.
SportsThe Soccer Fever Continues: How to Watch the Match Between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
Telemundo will broadcast most of the 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 live in Spanish. The Hard Rock Stadium, now named Telemundo Estadio Miami, will host seven official matches, starting with the game between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on June 15. This match, part of Group H, will take place at Miami Stadium, kicking off at 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT. Fans can catch all the action on Telemundo's free broadcast or via Peacock.
SportsLive Updates: Highlights from the Germany vs. Curaçao Match and More from the 2026 World Cup
In a thrilling match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany triumphed over Curacao with a score of 7-1 at the Houston stadium in Texas. The game featured an early scare for Japan, as Donyell Malen of the Netherlands nearly scored just three minutes in, forcing a remarkable save from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Upcoming matches include the Netherlands facing Japan at 4 p.m. ET in Dallas and Ivory Coast against Ecuador at 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. Sweden and Tunisia will conclude the day with their match at 10 p.m. ET in Monterrey, Mexico. It's an exciting Sunday of football!
SportsGermany Debuts Against Curacao in Houston at the 2026 World Cup
The FIFA World Cup excitement arrives in Houston, Texas, with Germany facing Curacao on Sunday, June 14. This match, part of Group E, will kick off at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT at the Houston stadium. Fans can catch the live broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, as well as on Peacock for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers. Don't miss this thrilling encounter as teams compete for glory on the world stage.
SportsEcuador and Ivory Coast Face Off in the 2026 World Cup; How to Watch the Match
Ecuador and Ivory Coast will face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia. The match is set to begin at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT. Fans can catch the game live in Spanish on Telemundo, which is broadcasting most of the 104 matches of the tournament. Don't miss this exciting Group E clash as the World Cup continues to showcase thrilling international soccer.
SportsNew York Knicks are NBA champions after defeating the Spurs 94-90
The New York Knicks have claimed the NBA championship for the first time in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 45 points, including 13 consecutive in the fourth quarter. New York won the series 4-1, overcoming double-digit deficits in each of their four victories. Brunson set a Knicks Finals record for points in a game, surpassing Willis Reed's previous record of 38. The Knicks improved to 4-0 in series-clinching games this season, with thousands of fans traveling to Texas to witness the historic moment.
SportsLive Updates: The World Cup enters its third day with Brazil in the spotlight
On the third day of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil faced Morocco in a thrilling match that ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping Group C wide open. Ismael Saibari scored for Morocco in the first half, but Vinícius Júnior equalized for Brazil. Earlier, Qatar and Switzerland also drew 1-1 at the San Francisco stadium. The day's action continues with Haiti playing Scotland at 9 p.m. ET and Australia facing Turkey at midnight ET in Vancouver. Fans can watch the matches live in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.
SportsTeam united states fans took over the Watch Party in McAllen
Soccer fans in McAllen gathered at the convention center's oval park to cheer on the United States as they faced Paraguay in the opening match of Group D in the 2026 World Cup. Attendees wore national colors and shared the excitement of the game, with team USA scoring three goals in the first half. Fans expressed hopes for a future match between the USA and Mexico, emphasizing the community spirit fostered by the event. Juan Martinez and Robert Carreon highlighted their enthusiasm for the team's performance, while Aldo Muzquiz noted the unity soccer brings to the community.
SportsBrazil and Morocco Face Off in FIFA World Cup Fever; How to Watch the Match
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on June 13 with the matchup between Brazil and Morocco. The excitement of the match between the Group C teams will take place at the New York/New Jersey stadium at 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT. Don't miss a second of this encounter, which will be broadcast live in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. You can also watch it on Peacock (for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers).
SportsThe NBA Finals have been close. Still, Knicks are in command and need 1 win over Spurs for the title
The New York Knicks are one win away from clinching the NBA Championship, leading the series 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs. Each of the first four games has been tightly contested, with all outcomes still uncertain in the final minute. The Knicks won Game 4 by just one point, thanks to a last-second tip-in by OG Anunoby, after the Spurs squandered a 29-point lead. Knicks coach Mike Brown emphasized focusing on the process rather than the outcome. The decisive Game 5 will take place in San Antonio, where Knicks fans are expected to show strong support as the team aims to end a long championship drought.
SportsWorld Cup what to know: Mexico starts with big win while the US and Canada prepare for openers
Mexico kicked off the World Cup with a strong 2-0 victory over South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal in the ninth minute, followed by Raúl Jiménez, who marked his return with a header in the second half. The match saw three red cards, two for South Africa and one for Mexico's César Montes. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada prepare for their opening matches, with Canada seeking its first World Cup win against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the U.S. facing Paraguay. FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed ticket pricing concerns amid criticism.
SportsWhat is a UFC fight? What you need to know before the event at the White House
U.S. President Donald Trump will celebrate his 80th birthday this Sunday with an unprecedented mixed martial arts (MMA) fight night in the gardens of the White House, drawing global attention to a sport that has seen remarkable growth in recent years. MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a combat sport that combines techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, and other disciplines. Unlike professional wrestling, MMA is not scripted, and fighters aim to inflict real damage on their opponents, which can sometimes lead to serious injuries. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the leading MMA organization in the world—akin to the NBA in basketball or the NFL in American football—and is responsible for organizing Trump's birthday event. Founded in the early 1990s, it has transformed mixed martial arts from a niche and often bloody sport into a major entertainment business that attracts millions of viewers. Basic MMA rules dictate that fights take place inside an octagonal cage known as The Octagon, with three five-minute rounds for regular fights and five rounds for main events. There are several ways to end a fight: by knockout (when a fighter is rendered unconscious), by submission, or by judges' decision. Prohibited actions include eye or spine attacks and kicking an opponent's head while they are on the ground, although punches are allowed. The event this Sunday, dubbed UFC Freedom 250 in honor of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will also serve as Trump's birthday celebration. The night will feature a series of fights, with the most notable being the lightweight bout between undefeated Georgian-Hispanic Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje, as well as the heavyweight match between Brazilian Alex Pereira and Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
SportsLive Updates: Second Day of the World Cup Kicks Off with Opening Ceremonies; U.S. Plays Tonight
What you need to know The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues into its second day, and you can watch every match on Telemundo and Peacock. The day starts with the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match in Group B at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT. The United States and Paraguay from Group D will meet at the Los Angeles stadium at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. There will be two opening ceremonies this Friday: one in Canada and another in Los Angeles. The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a second day of exciting matches and two opening ceremonies. Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. ET following an opening ceremony featuring stars like Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé, among others. Later, the second opening ceremony of the day, with Katy Perry and Anitta, will take place in Los Angeles before the United States, the 'team of all,' plays against Paraguay. Stay tuned for live updates on the World Cup 2026.
SportsReviving Memorable Moments from the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles
The last time the Los Angeles area hosted FIFA World Cup matches was in 1994, with eight games played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, including two group stage matches for the U.S. men's national team. Several of the matches left memorable moments—some celebratory, others heartbreaking—that are recorded in World Cup archives and in the history of the U.S. men's national team. Thirty years later, the upcoming World Cup will return to Los Angeles, which will again host eight matches. SoFi Stadium, known as Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament featuring 48 teams, will host two group stage matches for the United States.
SportsWho is Julián Quiñonez, the Mexican player who scored the first goal in the 2026 World Cup
Forward Julián Quiñones, who scored the first goal in the 23rd edition of the 2026 World Cup, paving the way for Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, celebrated his personal achievement and the collective success on Thursday, but assured that 'El Tri' wants more. 'We are happy. A few days ago, people showed us their support, and today we have partially repaid that trust, but we want more,' said the 29-year-old forward, born in southern Colombia, who obtained Mexican nationality in October 2023. The top scorer in the Saudi League with Al Qadisiyah (33 goals) scored in the 9th minute of the opening match at Estadio Azteca. The versatile player's shot slipped between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
SportsUnited States Debuts in the 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay: How to Watch the Match for Free and in Spanish
The United States men's national soccer team will kick off its World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at the Los Angeles stadium in California. The match, part of Group B, is set to start at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT. Landon Donovan emphasizes the advantage of home support for the U.S. team. Fans can watch the game live in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal, or stream it on Peacock for Premium subscribers. Additionally, registered users can view the match on the NBC One app without needing a cable or satellite provider.