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AP Sports Digest

Posted 7/1/26

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. …

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AP Sports Digest

Posted

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918.

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UPCOMING

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CRI--ENGLAND-INDIA

DESCRIPTION: CHESTER-LE-STREET, England - First T20 in a five-match series between England and India. The opener is at Chester-le-Street as the cricket world waits to see if India’s 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is handed his senior international debut. 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--US SENIOR OPEN-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A preview of the US Senior Open, which begins in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday as Stewart Cink looks to win his third major this year. By Joe Reedy. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

    1. WITH: SOC--WCUP-BELGIUM-SENEGAL

      2. DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE — Belgium faces Senegal in a knockout round game at the World Cup. Belgium has advanced to the knockout round for the second time in three World Cups. Senegal, meanwhile, snuck into the round of 32 after dominating Iraq in a 5-0 victory. By Andrew Destin. 300 words, photos. Match starts at 4 p.m.

      3. UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: SOC-WCUP-WHAT TO KNOW

      5. DESCRIPTION: Previewing Thursday’s Round of 32 games including Spain-Austria, Portugal-Croatia and Switzerland-Algeria. By Steve Reed. 600 words, photos.

      6. UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: SOC--WCUP-US-BOSNIA

      8. DESCRIPTION: The U.S. men’s team seeks its second win ever in the knockout round when the Americans face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. By Josh Dubow. 500 words, photos. Match starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

      9. UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--FREE AGENCY

NHL free agency opens with Stuart Skinner heading to Winnipeg as goalie carousel starts spinning

SUMMARY: Stuart Skinner is heading to Winnipeg as the carousel of goaltenders moving around the NHL picks up steam with the start of free agency. Skinner agreed to terms Wednesday on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck in recent weeks. Skinner helped Edmonton reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and ’25 before losing to Florida each time. The goalie who beat Skinner and the Oilers, Sergei Bobrovsky, is arguably the top free agent on the market, regardless of position.

WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 1:41 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f80e7c072798844671d0d4017e226dc&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Gauff overcomes Sierra to reach 3rd round at Wimbledon. Sinner and Sabalenka also advance

SUMMARY: Coco Gauff came from a break down in the third set and then won the last six points of the tiebreaker to beat Solana Sierra 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7) to reach the third round at Wimbledon. Gauff was two points away from losing the match when Sierra served at 5-4 in the third set but won three straight points to break back. In the 10-point tiebreaker, she trailed 7-4 but didn’t lose another point, sealing the win with an ace and then screaming out loud with both fists clenched. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and men’s No. 1 Jannik Sinner also advanced.

WORDS: 755 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 1:13 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4b1638934ca49362b3dd71e6adbf3c1&mediaType=text

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US--NFL PLAYER-MOTHER KILLED

NFL player Calais Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

SUMMARY: The brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police found her body on Tuesday during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. The Campbell family has requested privacy while they grieve. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

WORDS: 367 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 1:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:877e7916ccccac115ee2aba91e6f0247&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-CONGO

Congo leads England 1-0 at halftime in the round of 32 at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Harry Kane scored two second-half goals to help England rally for a 2-1 victory over Congo and a spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup. England’s all-time leading scorer evened the score with a header after Brian Cipenga had given Congo a surprising halftime lead. Kane then scored the decisive goal into the top corner in the 86th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

WORDS: 115 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c538259dc9d0212678db8ace14dd8f2b&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-RED CARD-EXPLAINER

Why are World Cup refs giving red cards to players covering their mouths when confronting opponents?

SUMMARY: World Cup players have been warned about a new rule that results in a red card for anyone covering their mouth when verbally confronting another player. Officials are actively enforcing the rule change. The latest incident occurred Tuesday when Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off in a match against Mexico. FIFA established the rule to prevent players from hiding abusive comments. The International Football Association Board approved it, allowing tournament organizers to enforce it. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was the first to be penalized under the rule last week. A red card means a player is ejected from the match and is suspended from the following one.

WORDS: 463 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 12:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:778b58fe4d48ac2afc56f959fd76412f&mediaType=text

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BBO--NATIONALS-RED SOX-EJECTIONS

Red Sox 1B Willson Contreras tossed for a 2nd straight game as benches clear against Nationals

SUMMARY: Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected for a second straight game following a heated exchange with Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli. Cavalli struck out Contreras leading off the fourth inning, then yelled in Contreras’ direction. Contreras responded by approaching the mound, leading to both benches clearing. Contreras threw his helmet at Cavalli before being restrained by teammates. The dustup ended with multiple ejections, including Contreras and Boston interim manager Chad Tracy. This marks the first time in the Red Sox’s 126-year history that a player has been ejected in consecutive games.

WORDS: 618 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 11:26 a.m. EDT. A new approach is upcoming.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dfd38402b9fb30d140b71ca63330bd8a&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-FREE AGENCY

NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters

SUMMARY: Add Norman Powell to the list of this past season’s All-Stars who are changing addresses this summer in NBA free agency. Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. Powell also had received some interest from the Detroit Pistons, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.

WORDS: 611 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 11:25 a.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2d40bf4dafefde75dc12d97860224b5b&mediaType=text

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LT--WCUP-MEXICO-DEATHS

3 people die of asphyxiation during Mexico City celebrations after World Cup win

SUMMARY: Mexican health authorities report that three people died of asphyxiation during celebrations in downtown Mexico City. The national team’s victory over Ecuador secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16. The Health Secretariat said on Wednesday that two women and one man were found unconscious near the Angel of Independence monument. Thousands had gathered there Tuesday night to celebrate. The victims were 48, 44, and 19 years old. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada urged the public to celebrate responsibly. Fireworks lit up the sky as about 1 million people celebrated along Paseo de la Reforma.

WORDS: 322 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 10:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c3559d350a6467e64ac2845d25b5f393&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SERENA-INJURY

Serena Williams tweaked her knee during Wimbledon return at age 44 but still aims to play doubles

SUMMARY: Serena Williams’ agent says the 23-time Grand Slam champion tweaked her right knee at Wimbledon during her first singles match in nearly four years but still hopes to play doubles with sister Venus later in the week. The 44-year-old Williams did not ask for medical treatment during a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss to 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the first round on Tuesday. Williams did not meet with media after the match. Agent Jill Smoller says “Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams.” Smoller adds “she left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”

WORDS: 513 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 10:34 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1090624162043feaf753b48b9b3360da&mediaType=text

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US--WCUP-KIDS AND SOCCER

World Cup buzz has the potential to mint more soccer fans among kids — some just toddlers now

SUMMARY: Across the country, experts are watching to see whether the World Cup will give a boost to youth soccer and mint fans for decades to come. Soccer already ranks among the most popular youth sports in the country. Michael Lewis is a professor of marketing at Emory University. He says the popularity of soccer in the U.S. is a generational story. Among baby boomers, soccer fandom is next to nonexistent. But youth teams began forming in the 1980s and 1990s. Now the children that played on those teams are parents. They are watching soccer and coaching it. And the World Cup adds to the excitement.

WORDS: 1192 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 9:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be0ac82631c6ade1c4f3fcec198fa41d&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FRANCE JUGGERNAUT

France looks like World Cup juggernaut with fearsome foursome of Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise and Barcola

SUMMARY: France looks like a juggernaut heading into the World Cup’s round of 16, led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken calls their attack the best in the competition. France became the first nation to score three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches after beating Sweden 3-0 on Tuesday. Les Bleus face Paraguay this weekend. Seeking a third straight World Cup final, France aims to dethrone defending champion Argentina. France is 4-0 in this year’s tournament, outscoring opponents 13-2. Coach Didier Deschamps emphasizes the need for continuous improvement.

WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 8:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97c14d6033974b116367abb3edd16a89&mediaType=text

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BOX--HEAVYWEIGHT-WHAT NEXT?

Heavyweight boxing enters a new era after Usyk vacates his belts. Here’s where they’re all headed

WORDS: 945 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 7:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caaff4d55859e48eeb9f0c15fd9ad661&mediaType=text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE PREVIEW

Pogačar looks unstoppable as he chases record-tying fifth Tour de France win

WORDS: 942 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 6:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9acba48f01236cfea1799705bf66e449&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-WAITING FOR LEBRON

LeBron James has governors, the NHL and the NFL waiting for his free agency decision

SUMMARY: LeBron James has announced he’s returning for at least one more NBA season but won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers. This news has sparked interest from teams across various sports, including the New York Jets and even DJ Khaled. James wants his agent to meet with NBA teams before making a decision. Cleveland, Miami, and Golden State are among the top contenders. James, still playing at an All-Star level, averaged over 20 points last season. Wherever he goes, his presence will boost ticket sales and merchandise. Only James knows when he’ll make his final decision.

WORDS: 726 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:353b902834bb1e39644b01327991cc69&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

SOC--WORLD CUP

Coverage of knockout stage in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

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