Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsFIFA Sells Pieces of Grass from World Cup Final
LOS ANGELES – The grass that will be used in the final of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will be sold in small collectible pieces by FIFA for a price of $450. FIFA's online store has begun offering these grass segments to collectors and fans, encouraging them to acquire an 'exclusive item' and 'an authentic piece' of football history. 'Each piece contains an original fragment of the iconic playing surface from the final, making it a unique collectible that celebrates one of the world's greatest sporting events,' reads the description. The small portions of grass will be permanently preserved in 'high-quality' acrylic and integrated into a commemorative USB device, packaged in a small box.
SportsMourning in Soccer: Jayden Adams Dies at 25 After Playing with South Africa in the World Cup
South African midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after playing with his national team in the 2026 World Cup, confirmed South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on Saturday. "With deep shock and great sadness, I have received the news of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team," McKenzie stated in a release. He emphasized that South African soccer has "lost one of its brightest young talents." "Our nation," the minister added, "joins in mourning with his family, teammates, and the millions of fans who watched him grow from a promising youth player to a full international with the South African national team."
SportsUTRGV Football unveils game times, promotional themes for 2026 campaign
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football fans can expect a new game-day experience this fall after the Vaqueros released kickoff times and promotional themes for their 2026 home schedule, building on the momentum of the program’s inaugural season. New to this year’s promotional schedule is the program’s first-ever Stripe Out
SportsVictor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs agree on 5-year extension that could top $250M, AP source says
Victor Wembanyama has signed what will be the richest contract in San Antonio Spurs history, a five-year extension that could exceed $250 million if the player option in the final season is picked up, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because
SportsHow to Watch Argentina vs. Switzerland Live? What You Need to Know About the Match
The quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland will take place this Saturday, July 11, at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM CT. Argentina defeated Egypt in the Round of 16 in a controversial match that is still being talked about. Meanwhile, Switzerland won against Colombia in a penalty shootout. You can enjoy the match live in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal or via the live stream on Peacock (for Premium or Premium Plus subscribers). Remember that Telemundo brings you most of the 104 matches live and in Spanish so you won't miss a single goal in this world celebration.
SportsKane vs. Haaland: How to Watch the Big Clash Between England and Norway
Norway and England will face off on Saturday, July 11, for a spot in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match, taking place in Miami, will start at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. You can watch it live in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal. It will also be streamed live on Peacock (for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers).
SportsLive Updates: Spain and Belgium Compete for Semifinal Spot in Los Angeles
What you need to know You can watch the match live in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal or on Peacock. The game will take place in Los Angeles and will start at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Both Spain and Belgium come into this matchup undefeated, vying for a ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Spain and Belgium face off this Friday in Los Angeles for a spot in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Follow the updates here.
SportsFIFA puts nearly 1,200 tickets for the World Cup final on sale for $7,380
FIFA had nearly 1,200 category 2 tickets available for sale on Friday, priced at $7,380, for the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The governing body's last-minute ticket sales site, which had previously indicated the match was sold out, had 1,178 seats available in five sections of the upper ring along the sidelines: 282 in section 344, 299 in section 343, 139 in section 335, 443 in section 334, and 15 in section 333. FIFA was also selling 68 front-row category 1 tickets in the lower ring, with prices ranging from $19,995 to $32,970, and had remaining hospitality tickets in its Trophy Lounge and Trophy Lounge+ sections, priced at $34,500 and $32,500, which included food and drinks.
SportsHurricanes FC U9 girls and U14 boys teams honored at the RGV Red Crowns playoff game
The Hurricanes FC academy in Brownsville celebrated the achievements of its U9 girls and U14 boys teams at the RGV Red Crowns playoff game on Wednesday. The U15 girls are currently participating in the 2026 U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Kansas. Meanwhile, the U9 girls secured second place at the 2026 Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament in Orlando, Florida. The U14 boys team is set to compete in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Utah next week. Recently, all three teams received a Proclamation from the City of Brownsville for their contributions to youth soccer.
SportsUTRGV Football Bringing Free Youth Clinic and Open Practice to Brownsville
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Football fans and young athletes in Brownsville will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the UTRGV football program next month when the Vaqueros host an open practice and free youth clinic at Sams Memorial Stadium. The event is scheduled for Aug. 6, with practice beginning at 3:30 p.m.
SportsWorld Cup 2026: What to know for France-Morocco quarterfinal in Boston
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The World Cup quarterfinals get underway on Thursday as Africa's last remaining team takes on one of the pre-tournament favorites. Morocco will take on France at Boston Stadium at 4 p.m. Eastern in a rematch from the last World Cup. But in the four years since the two sides played in
SportsLive Updates: France and Morocco Face Off in Boston for a Spot in the Semifinals
What you need to know You can watch the match on Telemundo's over-the-air signal or stream it live on Peacock. France and Morocco are playing for everything: the winner will advance to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, while the loser will exit the tournament. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. France and Morocco are set to clash this Thursday in Boston for a ticket to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Follow the updates here.
SportsRGV Red Crowns beat BTX Soccer Club, punch ticket to the South Texas Conference Championship
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a battle between two Rio Grande Valley teams in the South Texas Conference semifinals, RGV Red Crowns prevailed over BTX Soccer Club, 2-0. "It was bound to happen. It was written in the stars, I believe." RGV Red Crowns Captain Vicente Alvarez Both 956 squads played an evenly matched first
SportsPhil Regan, known as 'The Vulture,' dies; a baseball figure as a pitcher, manager, and scout
Phil Regan, known as "El Buitre," passed away at the age of 89 in New York due to natural causes. Regan had a 13-year Major League Baseball career, playing for teams like the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was an All-Star in 1966. He recorded 96 wins and 92 saves, transitioning to a coaching role after his playing days. Over five decades, he managed in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, and served as a pitching coach for several MLB teams. Regan was also involved in developing future stars in the Mets organization. He is survived by his family, including 18 grandchildren.
Sports2026 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship Returning to Port Aransas
The 2026 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship will take place in Port Aransas, Texas, from November 6-8. This prestigious event, hosted by Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, will feature daily takeoffs at 6:45 a.m. CT and weigh-ins at 2:45 p.m. CT. Known for its rich fishing heritage, Port Aransas has been recognized as the Fishing Capital of Texas. The championship will attract top redfish anglers from across the country, showcasing the area's exceptional fisheries. More details about qualifying teams and event activities will be released on Bassmaster.com in the coming months.
SportsThey're my friends! Grandmother receives surprise and promise from the French national team if they win
BOSTON – A 96-year-old woman living in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston received a big surprise when she discovered that none other than the French national soccer team was staying next to her apartment. And not only that… they also wanted to meet her! They left her a very special keepsake along with a promise. "They're my friends, they're my friends!" says Shirley, 96. She is a beloved neighbor in Back Bay, Boston. In recent days, there has been a lot of excitement outside the Four Seasons hotel, where she lives, since the arrival of her new neighbors. "I was having lunch. They came over and then… it has been wonderful having them here," Shirley said, referring to the French national soccer team. "They told me they wanted to meet me. I said: I'm happy to meet anyone," the fan expressed. Shirley was more than grateful after receiving this keepsake: a jersey from the team's star player. "They gave me the jersey of the player and told me that if they win, he will sign it and then it will be worth a lot of money," Shirley said, referring to Mbappé. Shirley never imagined she would become a fan not only of the French team but also of the joy the World Cup has brought to the neighborhood. "It's nice to see so much camaraderie. Seeing people here getting along… it's the best," the grandmother said. She still doesn't know why the team wanted to meet her, but something tells her this story will have a happy ending. Shirley says she always tries to say goodbye to the team whenever they leave for training or travel for a match. The next one will be this Thursday at Boston Stadium, in the quarter-finals against Morocco.
SportsExperience the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals on Telemundo and Peacock Starting July 9
Following record audiences and an unprecedented presentation of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Telemundo's exclusive Spanish-language coverage continues with the Quarterfinals starting July 9. Fans can enjoy all the matches live on Telemundo, Peacock, and the Telemundo App, as the world's most important sporting tournament enters a new phase with the eight best teams vying for a coveted spot in the Semifinals. As the path to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final intensifies, Telemundo's team of commentators, analysts, hosts, and reporters will continue to provide comprehensive coverage from various locations across the United States. Led by the legendary voices of Andrés Cantor, Luis Omar Tapia, and José Luis López Salido, the team will offer unique perspectives and expert analysis throughout the Quarterfinals. The Quarterfinals feature four must-see matchups filled with stars and history. Spain vs. Belgium will take place on Friday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Stadium, with Spain advancing after eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo in their last World Cup. They will now face Belgium, which recently ended the historic campaign of the United States with a decisive 4-1 victory.
SportsTexas Man Becomes 50 Millionth Fan of the World Cup
TEXAS – A man from Fort Worth became the 50 millionth fan of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This milestone occurred during the match between Spain and Portugal at Dallas Stadium on Monday, July 6. Immy Khan, whose family hails from Pakistan, attended his ninth game and was surprised with this news, receiving a giant ticket from FIFA legends Carles Puyol and Pepe to commemorate the occasion, according to FIFA's website. "What an incredible experience! We are fortunate to welcome so many wonderful visitors to the city of Dallas and Fort Worth. What a fantastic city to be the 50 millionth fan. This is the ninth match I've attended. I look forward to attending more FIFA World Cups in the future," Khan expressed. The man, who has also attended matches in Mexico, noted that he particularly enjoyed seeing how the tournament brought together people from across the region and around the world. "The United States, Texas, Mexico, Canada, are incredibly welcoming people. We can't wait for the World Cup (FIFA) to return and celebrate it again with more teams, more countries, and more visitors in our wonderful city."
SportsFormer Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
Marshawn Kneeland, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive end, died by suicide in November 2025 after a police chase. His family revealed that he had early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. The Boston University CTE Center confirmed he was in stage one of four stages of this degenerative disease, known to cause mood swings and depression. Kneeland's family emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the struggles faced by athletes in contact sports. He began playing football at age 7 and was drafted by the Cowboys in 2024. CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously.