Spain shut out France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, booking a spot in the World Cup final for the first time since the team’s championship run in 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after a clever play by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set up the opportunity. Pedro Porro added a second goal in the 58th minute on a give-and-go with Dani Olmo. Yamal nearly added a goal of his own, but was ruled offside in a close call. Spain will now await the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta between defending champion Argentina and England, with the final set for Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
France’s Kylian Mbappé has been denied a third straight trip to the World Cup final after his team’s 2-0 loss to Spain. The French striker struggled to create chances throughout the match. Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are neck and neck in the race for the Golden Boot, each with eight goals. Mbappé holds an edge in assists with three, compared to Messi’s two. France will now play the loser of Wednesday’s Argentina-England match in the third-place game on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The head of baseball’s players’ union is pushing back hard against Major League Baseball’s campaign promoting a salary cap. Bruce Meyer argued that the sport is actually doing well and accused MLB of trying to convince fans that the game is in trouble. Attendance figures have gone up this season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has defended the cap proposal, saying it addresses fan concerns about competitive balance and gives smaller-market teams a better shot at success. Popular recent changes such as expanded playoffs and a pitch clock have been well received. The current labor agreement expires December 1, and a work stoppage is widely anticipated. Meyer contends that a salary cap would hurt players over the long haul.
Major League Baseball and its players’ union are in the early stages of discussing whether big-league players will participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Players are seeking guarantees regarding accommodations and quality of life. MLB is envisioning an 11-day All-Star break with the Olympic baseball tournament held at Dodger Stadium from July 13-19. Five parties are currently involved in the negotiations, including the International Olympic Committee. Commissioner Rob Manfred called it a rare chance to grow the sport’s profile. MLB is pushing for player participation to be required, while the union continues to weigh in on player welfare concerns.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been named the top running back in the NFL by an Associated Press panel. Robinson entered the league in 2023 as the first running back selected in the top 10 of the draft in five years and quickly made his presence felt. Last season, he led the entire NFL in yards from scrimmage and earned All-Pro honors. Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Jahmyr Gibbs round out the top five at the position.
Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal in Atlanta between England and Argentina is shaping up to be as much about individual star power as it is about team tactics. The matchup between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and England’s Jude Bellingham — both wearing the No. 10 — could be the deciding factor in the contest. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying of the 39-year-old Messi, “We know how good Messi is.” Both players have been driving forces in their teams’ runs to the final four, and whoever makes the bigger impact on the day may well determine who advances.
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is using a rare missed cut as an opportunity to regroup ahead of the British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. Scheffler missed the cut at the Scottish Open for the first time in four years, but has made the most of the extra time by getting familiar with the Royal Birkdale course. He described the links layout as fast and firm with a yellowish tone. Both Scheffler and Justin Rose believe that reading the fairway bounces correctly will be a critical factor in claiming the silver claret jug.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are both in pursuit of a second British Open title at Royal Birkdale, though neither seems particularly focused on what that might mean for their long-term legacies. McIlroy offered a philosophical take when asked about how his career will be remembered a century from now, saying simply, “I’ll be long gone. I’ll be dead.” Scheffler echoed that sentiment, stating, “I’m going to live my life and it’s going to end. When it ends, I’m going somewhere else.” Despite their relaxed attitudes toward history, the two remain the favorites to win the tournament.
Roch Cholowsky, the No. 1 overall pick in last weekend’s amateur baseball draft, has agreed to a contract with the Chicago White Sox that includes a record $10.35 million signing bonus, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to the Associated Press before the team made an official announcement. The slot value for the top pick this year was set at $11,350,600. Cholowsky’s bonus surpasses the previous record of $9.25 million, which had been shared by two players selected among the top three picks in the 2024 draft.
Hilton Grand Vacations has terminated an employee who sent a racial slur through social media to Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray following the team’s 109-75 loss to the Indiana Fever on Sunday. Gray, who is 33 years old, shared the offensive message on her Instagram story on Monday. Hilton Grand Vacations confirmed to the Associated Press on Tuesday that the person responsible for sending the message is no longer with the company.
