Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsSpurs superfan from Weslaco in tear ahead of NBA Finals
As the NBA Finals approach, Sandy Vasquez, a dedicated Spurs superfan from Weslaco, is filled with emotion. After 12 years, her team is back in the finals, and she recalls attending games in the ‘90s when the Spurs struggled. Vasquez's home is adorned with Spurs memorabilia, showcasing her lifelong passion. She expressed her joy and excitement upon the team's advancement, even getting emotional while sharing the news with her father. Vasquez plans to attend the finals at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, eager to experience the electric atmosphere. Game 1 starts Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 5 News.
SportsWhat is the smallest country to win the World Cup?
International football is often a numbers game. Not in terms of scores, but rather in terms of population. Unlike club competitions, national teams can only call up players who are native to that nation. While a team like Real Madrid can sign anyone from anywhere in the world, the national team of Brazil can only field players with Brazilian heritage. Therefore, a country like Brazil— which had a population of over 216 million in 2022— would have a much higher likelihood of forming a strong starting eleven to win a tournament than a country like Iceland, which has a population of around 340,000.
SportsHow FIFA World Cup Balls Have Evolved Over the Last Century
A colorful soccer ball will take center stage this summer. The Trionda is the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This creation by Adidas pays tribute to the three host countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and can be interpreted in Spanish as 'three waves.' Adidas has been the official ball supplier for the FIFA World Cup since 1970 and has created iconic balls in recent years such as the Jabulani, the Brazuca, and the Al Rihla. However, long before the Trionda, FIFA had much more traditional ball designs for matches. The early World Cups featured hand-stitched leather balls that resembled both American footballs and modern soccer balls. Before the Trionda makes its debut in North America this summer, let's take a look back at the evolution of FIFA World Cup balls.
SportsFines Against Mexico Remain for Homophobic Chant by Fans During Soccer Matches
The Mexican Football Federation lost its latest appeal on Tuesday against FIFA's sanctions for fans' chants that include a homophobic slur directed at opposing players, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. The most recent ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) comes amid a series of appeals by Mexico against FIFA that have spanned over 10 years, coinciding with the Tri's upcoming match against South Africa on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where the chant is frequently heard. The chant, a one-word insult that literally means 'prostitute' in Spanish, typically occurs when the opposing team's goalkeeper is about to take a goal kick. It went viral during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was heard again in subsequent tournaments in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar. Mexican fans have defied the federation's requests and educational programs aimed at curbing the abuse.
SportsHow Much Does It Cost to Attend a World Cup Match? We Did the Calculations for You
If you want to attend one of the opening matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, there is still plenty of availability for hotels and tickets. However, depending on which match you want to see, it could cost you about the same as a month's rent in Chicago. For the first time since 1994, the United States will host the World Cup. Eleven cities in the U.S.—along with five in Mexico and Canada—will host the world's biggest sporting event, with the soccer tournament starting on June 11 and running until July 19. Since tickets went on sale last year, there has been ongoing controversy over the cost of attending a match, from confusing (and expensive) ticket prices to high transportation costs. NBC News analyzed how much it would cost to attend the opening match in each U.S. city based on hotel and ticket prices.
SportsSan Antonio Spurs and Knicks Meet This Wednesday in the NBA Finals
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – With the NBA Finals set between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, the U.S. basketball league will crown its eighth different champion in the last eight seasons this year. The Spurs dethroned the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals and will face the Knicks, who have not reached the championship series since 1999. No franchise has achieved back-to-back titles in the NBA since the Golden State Warriors did so in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Since then, seven different franchises have claimed the title in the following seven years. The Toronto Raptors won in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, the Golden State Warriors in 2022, the Denver Nuggets in 2023, the Boston Celtics in 2024, and the OKC Thunder in 2025. Reaching the NBA Finals indicates that the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs have made many smart decisions along the way. A star player, such as Jalen Brunson or Victor Wembanyama, is necessary, but they also need support and the right coach. These Finals, starting this Wednesday in San Antonio, also show that there is no single way to achieve success. Of the 10 players the Spurs could have in their rotation for this series, six were drafted by San Antonio. Of the 10 who could appear for the Knicks, only one was selected by New York. It’s the Big Market versus the Small Market. Buying versus drafting. Knicks vs. Spurs is not just a clash for the NBA title; it’s also a clash of styles: with Knicks president Leon Rose constantly adjusting to find the right mix, while the Spurs build through recruitment. 'I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: Leon and his staff have done a damn fantastic job,' said Knicks coach Mike Brown. Whether it was LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or another superstar, there was always hope that someone would eventually save the Knicks — who are in the Finals for the first time since 1999. They missed the playoffs 16 times in the 27 seasons that followed, including a nine-year stretch where they failed to win a single postseason series. Whatever the approach, it wasn’t working. Building a championship contender requires good luck. The Spurs know this well, having had a series of fortunate lottery hits, including the one that allowed them to draft Wembanyama in 2023, but also good leadership. It requires bold decisions, such as committing over $100 million to Brunson, a second-round pick who was a bench player with Dallas, or trading a massive five first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges, who hasn’t even been an All-Star but has become an integral piece. 'It took us a long time to get here. It took a whole community,' acknowledged Keldon Johnson, a forward for the Spurs. The Knicks can say the same, only they took a different route. Rose was hired in March 2020. His arrival came almost at the end of a typically turbulent season in New York, when coach David Fizdale was fired early in the campaign, before the team decided to move on from its president, Steve Mills. One of Rose's first moves was to hire the coach who would set the standard and culture of the organization: Tom Thibodeau. Although he won, it was evidently not enough. So the Knicks turned to Brown this season, another example of constant adjustments. The Spurs, on the other hand, embrace continuity. They haven’t searched for a coach in over three decades; Gregg Popovich appointed himself head coach in 1996, and when he suffered a stroke in November 2024, Mitch Johnson temporarily replaced him before securing the full-time position last spring. 'This team has been pretty damn consistent for a long time,' Johnson noted. Not so for the Knicks, who became the laughingstock of the league. Hall of Famers like Isiah Thomas and Phil Jackson were handed the keys to the franchise, only to crash it. Jeff Hornacek lost over 100 games in two seasons, and Derek Fisher (96) and Fizdale (83) would have done the same had they been able to finish their second seasons. Free agents like Joakim Noah failed. High draft picks (Frank Ntilikina, Jordan Hill, Kevin Knox) turned out disappointing, and even when the Knicks got something right, like selecting Kristaps Porzingis, they were so dysfunctional that he wanted to leave. They had the worst record in the league at 17-65 in 2018-19, fielding lineups that included players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Lance Thomas, Noah Vonleh, Damyean Dotson, and Allonzo Trier. The summer before Rose's arrival, they stumbled in free agency. Durant and Kyrie Irving not only said no but went to Brooklyn together, and suddenly it seemed the Knicks weren't even the most important team in the Big Apple. It was reminiscent of 2010 when the Knicks positioned themselves to sign two stars, only to see James and Chris Bosh join Dwyane Wade in Miami. The Knicks wanted to be the team that faced the Heat in big playoff showdowns back then. Instead, they watched the Spurs play against that Heat twice in the NBA Finals. That era for the Spurs ended — Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili retired — and the rebuilding began. The lottery gifted them Wembanyama, who made everything possible. But many other moves, though not as flashy, were shrewd. The Knicks attempted other flashy moves, like in the summer of 2019 when they acquired Julius Randle in free agency and RJ Barrett with the third overall pick in the draft. Over time, that transformed into other moves; Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were traded to Toronto in 2023 for OG Anunoby, and Randle was part of the package that brought Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota to New York in a major trade on the eve of the 2024-25 season. Along the way, Josh Hart was acquired in a 2023 trade. For Anunoby, who had been playing in the same division, it was clear that the Knicks were building something. Anunoby said, 'Definitely progress,' adding, 'improving every year.' And here are the Knicks and the Spurs. In the Finals. Different paths, but with the same goal.
SportsHow to Experience the World Cup on Telemundo? A Multiplatform Experience in Spanish
Telemundo will be the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, offering an extensive digital and social media experience. From June 11 to July 19, fans can access an interactive World Cup calendar and a dedicated match center on Telemundo.com, featuring live streaming links and programming information. The platform will host La Quiniela, an interactive prediction game, and utilize advanced technology for real-time highlights. Additionally, Telemundo will launch live Watch Parties on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, featuring influencers and commentators. Fans can expect over 700 hours of coverage, including all 104 matches, available on Peacock and the Telemundo app.
SportsDon't Miss Any Matches of the 2026 World Cup. Here’s the Complete Schedule
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner. The tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will kick off on June 11 at the Mexico City stadium. This is the first football tournament hosted by three countries and features a historic total of 48 participating teams. To ensure you don’t miss any games, here is the complete schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage matches: Group Stage Matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Thursday, June 11, 2026 3:00 p.m. ET — Mexico vs. South Africa — Mexico City Stadium 10:00 p.m. ET — South Korea vs. Czech Republic — Guadalajara Stadium Friday, June 12, 2026 3:00 p.m. ET — Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — Toronto Stadium 9:00 p.m. ET — USA vs. Paraguay — Los Angeles Stadium
SportsThis is the official list of players called up by Mexico for the 2026 World Cup
Mexico's national soccer coach, Javier Aguirre, announced a fresh roster for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to redeem the team after their disappointing exit in Qatar 2022. This squad features 13 players who were not part of the previous World Cup, including 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who could become the youngest Mexican to play in a World Cup. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa returns for his sixth World Cup selection. Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa on June 11, followed by matches against South Korea and Czechia. The team is currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak.
SportsSouth Africa postpones trip to Mexico for the 2026 World Cup due to visa issues
South Africa's national men's soccer team has postponed its trip to Mexico due to visa issues, just 11 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The team was scheduled to depart on Sunday for preparations ahead of their opening match against co-host Mexico in Mexico City on June 11. South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, called the situation 'embarrassing' and demanded accountability from the South African Football Association (SAFA). While all players received their visas for the U.S., the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security, and an analyst have not. The team will continue training in Johannesburg until they can depart.
SportsArgentina and Messi Arrive in Kansas City to Begin Preparation for the 2026 World Cup
The reigning World Champion, Argentina, arrived in Kansas City on Sunday to begin preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Their first match will be against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium. The team traveled over 5,500 miles from Ezeiza International Airport, landing shortly after 11 a.m. CT. The charter flight, Aerolíneas Argentinas flight 1978, honored Argentina's 1978 World Cup victory. Most players arrived on the charter, while others are joining from clubs worldwide. They will train at the hotel and have a full practice scheduled for Monday. Messi, who is 39, leads a squad that includes 17 players from the 2022 World Cup team.
SportsSubmit your Spurs swag photos from the 956
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the first time since 2014, the San Antonio Spurs are heading to the NBA Finals with new blood, a newfound confidence and the same loyal 956 fans — along with some new ones. We want to see how you represent Spurs Nation in the Rio Grande Valley, so submit your
SportsSharyland Rattlers advance to state finals
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland baseball team made history as they advanced to the Class 5A Division II state finals. On Saturday afternoon, the Rattlers beat Kingwood Park by a final score of 5-2. The Rattlers took the lead in the first inning with a huge 4-run. Roy Rodriguez gets out of a bases-loaded jam
SportsSharyland gears up for game two of state semifinal
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland baseball team is gearing up for game two of the Class 5A Division II state semifinal. On Friday night, the Sharyland beat Kingwood Park by a final score of 5-3. The Sharyland Rattlers are now one win away from the Class 5A Division II state championship game. Game two is
SportsUS Men's National Soccer Team Faces Senegal in Friendly Match, Watch on Telemundo
The U.S. soccer team will face Senegal in an international friendly match this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fans can watch the game live on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. Following the match, Telemundo will air Fútbol USA, featuring highlights, expert analysis, and post-game reactions. Both teams are preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Additional coverage will begin at 3 p.m. ET with Fútbol USA on Universo and Peacock, hosted by Monsalve and Cantor, along with Omar Zerón and Copán Álvarez, providing live updates and in-depth analysis before the match.
SportsRattlers rattle off a five-run second inning to take game one over Kingwood Park
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sharyland baseball once again lived up to its "comeback kids" reputation, rallying past Kingwood Park for a 5-3 victory in game one of the Class 5A Division II state semifinal on Thursday. The Panthers struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but the Rattlers responded in the bottom
Sports'We're trying to make history': Sharyland baseball team gears up for state semifinals
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland baseball team is taking on Kingwood Park on Friday at the Northeast ISD field in San Antonio. Sharyland is the first Valley baseball team to clinch a regional championship since Sharyland Pioneer beat the Rattlers for the title in 2019. Sharyland Senior Pitcher Roy Rodriguez told Valley Sports Central
SportsThe 'Field of the Gods': Home to a Soccer League in the Crater of an Extinct Volcano
MEXICO CITY — Estadio Azteca has been adorned with the coronations of Pelé and Maradona. It is just days away from hosting its third different World Cup. Yet, the Mexican field known as the 'Field of the Gods' is not the iconic Azteca. That nickname belongs to a soccer field nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, just south of Mexico City. The Teoca volcano serves as a spectacular backdrop for an amateur league organized in the town of Santa Cecilia Tepetlapa, in the Xochimilco borough. Dozens of families from the 10,000-strong town—a predominantly lower-middle-class community—gather every Sunday to immerse themselves in Mexico's national obsession. 'For us, it's a way of life. Being here on Sundays is part of our routine, and there’s a fantastic atmosphere at all the tournaments,' said Jorge Becerril, a league representative, in statements to The Associated Press. 'There are no altercations here; people just come to socialize, and the teams come to compete.' The Teoca League has 10 teams, each representing a single family. Because of these deep roots, there is no age limit. Different generations compete side by side, from patriarchs to teenagers. 'The core of each team is a family. When a player steps aside, their child takes their place, then their grandchild, passing the baton from generation to generation,' explained Becerril. Although women currently do not play on the field, they remain the vibrant heart of the league from the sidelines. 'Soccer is my passion. I'm not good at playing it, but watching it brings me a joy I can't fully explain,' said Isabel Madrid, wife of one of the league players. 'Outside of the birth of my children, this is what has captivated me the most. I always look forward to Sundays to watch my husband play.'
SportsSheinbaum Gives Her Ticket to the World Cup Opening Match to Young Indigenous Player
MEXICO CITY — President Claudia Sheinbaum handed a ticket for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup to a young indigenous woman from Veracruz on Friday, effectively ruling out her own participation in the grand event. As she had promised months ago, Sheinbaum formally presented ticket number 00001 for the tournament's inaugural match on June 11 in Mexico City to 21-year-old athlete Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, who was selected by a jury based on her soccer skills. 'They are the pride of Mexico. They will not represent the president or the head of government; they will represent Mexico,' said the president during the ticket presentation. The presidential conference also featured tickets for matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—Mexico's World Cup venues—given to three other amateur athletes aged 16, 22, and 23, who were also chosen by the jury as part of a government-organized contest. 'Thank you very much for considering us,' said an emotional Cervantes Cuaquehua, expressing her admiration for Sheinbaum as the first woman to become president of Mexico. Dressed in a traditional blouse and long skirt, and barefoot, the young woman from Tlaquilpa, a municipality in the High Mountains of Veracruz, showcased her soccer skills in one of the government palace's conference rooms. Accompanied by her father, Cervantes Cuaquehua told the press that she started playing soccer at a young age with her dad's support and hopes to join a professional team soon after recovering from a ligament injury. Sheinbaum took the opportunity to urge Mexican professional teams to promote the creation of youth academies so that young players like Cervantes Cuaquehua can fulfill their dreams and help develop the sport, which has millions of fans in Mexico.