Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsShakira, Madonna, and BTS to Perform at First Halftime Show in World Cup Final
Shakira, Madonna, and South Korean band BTS will perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 in New York, which will feature a halftime show for the first time, FIFA announced on Thursday. Latin flair returns to the World Cup, with this year's song 'Dai Dai' written by Shakira, who also penned 'Waka Waka,' the anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Coldplay's Chris Martin selected the performers through the charity organization Global Citizen, creating a show that will blend American pop culture with Latin and Korean rhythms.
SportsDiscover the 12 commemorative coins for the 2026 World Cup issued by the Bank of Mexico
MEXICO CITY – The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) has released 12 commemorative coins for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Nine of these coins will be dedicated to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, the three Mexican cities hosting this sporting event. The other three, the central bank stated in a press release, 'celebrate the natural, historical, and cultural heritage' of the country. Additionally, it specified that the collection consists of 'four bimetallic coins of standard minting and eight minted in precious metals (four gold and four silver).' The commemorative coins for the FIFA World Cup 2026™️ ⚽️✨ feature details and reliefs that reflect the passion for soccer and the pride of being hosts. 🇲🇽🏆 #BancoDeMéxico #FIFA2026. The coins, minted by the Mexican Mint, are divided into bimetallic coins of standard minting with a dodecagonal shape and a face value of 20 pesos ($1.16), while the precious metal coins are circular; with a face value of 25 pesos ($1.45) for the gold coins, and 10 pesos ($0.58) for the silver coins. The bimetallic coins feature the National Shield on their common obverse, with the inscription: 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' forming the upper semicircle.
SportsCreate the Ideal Footballer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
In an ideal world, our favorite footballers would possess all the qualities needed to be unstoppable on the field: speed, intelligence, technique, striking ability, you name it. However, since no player can have it all, some of their best virtues are offset by specific weaknesses. For instance, if a winger is incredibly fast, they may not be particularly effective in defensive duties, which are crucial for attackers today. If a center-back excels in ground duels, aerial battles, and covering behind, they might not be as technically sound with the ball, and so on. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, these five stars competing in the tournament will serve as the foundation for building the ideal footballer by analyzing their head (IQ, aerial game), torso (agility), legs (speed), and the capabilities of their right and left foot. Create your ideal player and see how they rank. Lionel Messi, Argentina Best quality: Messi's left foot is like it has glue on it. His dribbling, control, passing vision, spin, and shooting ability make him one of the greatest in history. The Argentine star, who turns 39 in June, won his first World Cup in 2022 and will be looking to add another in what is likely to be his last international tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Best quality: Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best right-footed players of all time. The speed and power with which he can strike the ball are extraordinary, along with his dribbling in tight spaces and first touch. He will also be aiming to win his first World Cup, even though at 41 years old, he has already passed the peak of his career.
SportsPSJA Lady Bears softball team eyes state semifinal berth
The PSJA Lady Bears softball team is set to compete in the regional final after achieving a perfect 5-0 record in the playoffs. With only one loss during the non-district season, the team is on a 17-game winning streak, outscoring opponents by an average of nine runs per game. They will face Dripping Springs, who is also undefeated in the postseason and reached the state semifinals last year. Head Coach Alyssa Garza acknowledges the challenge but believes in her team's capabilities. The Lady Bears will begin their series against Dripping Springs on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi at Calallen High School.
SportsUTRGV women's 800 crew chasing conference title
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's women’s 800-meter group has emerged as one of the top mid-distance units in the country this season. Ranked inside the top 25, the Vaqueros’ rise has caught the attention of competitors across the nation. “Everyone is hearing about the 800 and how we are
SportsLos Fresnos star athlete Hector Resendiz Jr. commits to Stephen F. Austin
Hector Resendiz Jr., a standout athlete from Los Fresnos, has officially committed to Stephen F. Austin University by signing his letter of intent. Resendiz excelled in multiple sports, particularly as a high jumper, where he earned the title of three-time area champion at the 6A level. He expressed that his passion for track began in his freshman year when he moved up to varsity, and solidified during his junior year when he qualified for regionals. Resendiz looks forward to joining a successful program that recently won the Southland Conference Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championship in 2025.
SportsDrive, Chip & Putt Returns to Champion Lakes Golf Course, May 16th
Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen will host the Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifier on May 16, 2026. This free youth golf competition is open to boys and girls aged 7 to 15, regardless of their skill level, and no prior experience is necessary. Participants will compete in different divisions based on age, with the chance to advance to sub-regional and regional qualifiers leading to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. The event aims to foster youth engagement in golf, emphasizing sportsmanship and skill development.
SportsNeymar Makes Brazil's Preliminary Roster for the 2026 World Cup
ROME – Brazilian player Neymar is included in the preliminary list of 55 players called up by the country's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in less than a month in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, confirmed Davide Ancelotti, the coach's son and assistant, on Tuesday. 'If he is on this list, it is because his physical condition is improving. Then, between now and May 18, we will reduce the list to the 26 who will come to the United States,' explained Davide Ancelotti to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
SportsGuillermo Ochoa Excited to Attend His Sixth World Cup with Mexico
MEXICO CITY – Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, stated on Monday that he is excited to begin training with the Mexican national team, with the possibility of attending his sixth FIFA World Cup, a historic record. "Today marks the start of my last training camp, but this time I see it differently. With a fuller heart, with more scars, more memories, and the same excitement as that child who once dreamed of defending this badge," the goalkeeper said in a message on his Instagram account. In the post, Ochoa is seen wearing the Mexican national team jersey. The goalkeeper confirmed that he is already focused with the group of 20 players that coach Javier 'Vasco' Aguirre has been working with since last Thursday and expressed that he is ready for his final World Cup competition.
SportsRedemption Tour continues, PSJA celebrates Elite 8 appearance
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — PSJA softball punched its ticket to the program's first Elite 8. The Lady Bears swept the Class 6A DII Sweet 16 over Vista Ridge. "I think mentally we were a lot stronger than we were last year. These girls fought so hard and to come in here and get to the Elite
SportsWeslaco’s Ethan Silva signs with Dallas College Mountain View
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Weslaco High catcher Ethan Silva is taking the next step in his baseball career after signing his letter of intent with Dallas College Mountain View on Monday. Silva became the ninth student-athlete from Weslaco High this year to sign and continue competing at the collegiate level. He joins a Mountain View
Sports2026 World Cup Arrives in 30 Days: When Will Teams Announce Their Final Rosters?
With just a month to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026, it's almost time for coaches from a record 48 participating nations to finalize their squads while considering injury concerns and player form. Here are the dates when major teams are expected to announce their 26-player rosters for the tournament, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. FIFA plans to announce the official rosters on June 2. France: May 14, Belgium: May 15, Brazil: May 18, Portugal: May 19, Morocco: May 21, Germany: May 21, England: May 22, Spain: May 25, Netherlands: May 25, United States: May 26, Argentina: May 30, Mexico: June 1. Don’t miss the football excitement. You can watch the matches live and in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.
Sports30 Days Until the FIFA World Cup, Telemundo Expands Its Team of Experts
With just 30 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Telemundo has announced unprecedented advertising demand for the event, surpassing all previous benchmarks. All key sponsorships are sold out, marking the largest advertising push in Spanish television history. NBCUniversal and Telemundo will enhance access through dynamic ad insertion, allowing more brands to engage with the growing Hispanic audience. Additionally, Telemundo is expanding its expert roster, welcoming notable figures like Gabriel Batistuta and Jozy Altidore to provide in-depth coverage. The network will broadcast over 700 hours of coverage, including all 104 matches live, marking a historic milestone for Spanish-language broadcasts in the U.S.
SportsValley native Isidro Martinez returns to the Valley for the RGV Red Crowns 2026 season
Isidro Martinez, a professional soccer player originally from the Valley, is making his return for the RGV Red Crowns in the 2026 season. In a recent interview, Martinez expressed his excitement about rejoining the team and contributing to the local sports scene. He shared his journey in professional soccer and how it feels to come back home to play. The RGV Red Crowns are looking forward to his experience and skills enhancing their performance this season.
SportsMcAllen's playoff run ends in the regional semifinals
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen High softball team had history in its sights heading into Game 3 of the Class 5A Division II regional semifinals. A win over San Antonio McCollum would have sent the Bulldogs to their first regional final. But that goal was short-lived Saturday at Cabaniss Softball Complex. The Cowboys
SportsFIFA triples the price of its best tickets for the 2026 World Cup to over $32,000
FIFA has tripled the price of its top tickets for the 2026 World Cup final, now listed at $32,970 for the July 19 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Previously, the highest price was $10,990. Tickets for the semifinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, range from $2,705 to $11,130. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, stating that the market dictates ticket costs and that resale prices often exceed original prices. The resale market lists final tickets from $8,970 to nearly $11.5 million. Infantino emphasized that high prices reflect the demand for premier events.
SportsFIFA Announces Lineup for the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup in Los Angeles
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will kick off a continental celebration in North America. Los Angeles will host a star-studded event on June 12, featuring performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla, starting at 4:30 p.m., 90 minutes before the inaugural match between the U.S. and Paraguay. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the cultural diversity represented by the artists. The tournament will include 104 matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with the final set for New York-New Jersey. Tickets and hospitality packages are now available.
SportsThe Best of English Football This Weekend on Telemundo
The excitement of English football takes over Telemundo this weekend with the best of the Premier League. The football weekend kicks off this Saturday with the match between Manchester City and Brentford.
SportsLiga MX Quarterfinals: Chivas vs. Tigres in the Second Leg
Telemundo continues its unmissable coverage of Liga MX with live programming from Guadalajara for one of the most anticipated quarterfinal matchups this Saturday, May 9, featuring Chivas vs. Tigres on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. This is the second leg of the quarterfinals, with the first match going to Tigres, who defeated Chivas 3-1. As part of Telemundo's journey toward the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Miguel Gurwitz, José Luis López Salido, Jorge Calvo, and Carlos Yustis, who will accompany the Mexican National Team during the tournament, will be present in Guadalajara providing reports, analysis, and coverage of one of the season's most important matches in Liga MX. Coverage begins with Fútbol Estelar Liga MX Cuartos de Final La Previa at 8:00 p.m. ET on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock, live from Guadalajara with Verónica Rodríguez alongside Gurwitz, López Salido, Calvo, and Yustis, who will present the most significant stories and pre-match analysis. At 8:55 p.m. ET, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock will present the highly anticipated match live from Estadio Akron.