AP Sports Digest

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.

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UPCOMING

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

DESCRIPTION: Ongoing coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-BRITISH GP

DESCRIPTION: A sprint race and qualifying for the British Grand Prix, the ninth round of the Formula 1 season.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

DESCRIPTION: Cycling great Tadej Pogacar defends his title as the Tour de France starts with a 12-mile team time trial in Barcelona.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--JOHN DEERE

DESCRIPTION: SILVIS, Ill. — Lucas Glover has a two-shot lead going into the third round of the John Deere Classic. Upcoming: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-CHICAGOLAND-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: After racing in downtown Chicago each of the last three years, NASCAR is back at Chicagoland Speedway for the first time since 2019. The time away from the rough and bumpy D-shaped oval, along with the Next Gen car, makes the race quite the variable for the Cup Series standings. By Jay Cohen

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: CAR--NASCAR-CHICAGOLAND-QUALIFYING

DESCRIPTION: Tyler Reddick, Corey Heim and Kyle Larson are among the drivers to watch in NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway. By Jay Cohen

(backslash)UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT

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BBO--ALL-STARS

DESCRIPTION: Starters, pitchers and reserves are announced for the All-Star Game on July 14 at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 700 words, photos, announcement expected by 8 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

SOC--WORLD CUP-BRAZIL-NORWAY PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: It won’t be an easy path for Brazil or Norway into the quarterfinals at the World Cup. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

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ATH--PREFONTAINE CLASSIC

DESCRIPTION: EUGENE, Ore. — Sha’Carri Richardson and Jamaican Shericka Jackson are among those set to run in the 100 meters at Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field. By Anne Peterson. 300 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/04/2026 10:45 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI-ALL-STAR GAME

Ohtani leaves start against Padres with biceps issue and is unlikely to pitch in All-Star Game

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani left Friday night’s game against the San Diego Padres with a right biceps issue. The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar was hitless in three at-bats during a 4-3 victory. On the mound, he allowed three runs in six innings and threw a season-high 110 pitches. He says he felt the biceps issue during his final at-bat in the sixth. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani will rest and receive treatment on Saturday. Ohtani has been dealing with left knee soreness and a blister on his right hand. Roberts says it’s unlikely that Ohtani will pitch in the All-Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia.

WORDS: 554 - MOVED: 07/04/2026 1:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a44c07330fdd623f7643582e39418bb&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-COLOMBIA-GHANA

Jhon Arias scores and Colombia beats Ghana 1-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16

SUMMARY: Jhon Arias scored in the opening minutes for Colombia, and Los Cafeteros held on the rest of the way for a 1-0 win over Ghana and a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The win Friday night sets up a match against Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Arias scored off a cross from Luis Suárez, who had just come on as an injury substitute. Colombia dominated possession, while Ghana struggled to mount any offense. The match took place in sweltering conditions at Arrowhead Stadium. It was 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 Celsius) with a heat index of 96 when the game kicked off at 8:30 p.m. local time.

WORDS: 751 - MOVED: 07/04/2026 1:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8d56d3fdad872b607bfee48dd483bceb&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-CAPE VERDE-VOZINHA

Magical World Cup ride of Vozinha and Cape Verde ends after pushing Messi and Argentina to the brink

SUMMARY: Vozinha’s dream was for his mother to see him play at the World Cup, and he achieved that and more. Cape Verde didn’t win a match, but their debut was unforgettable, thanks to the 40-year-old goalkeeper. Their journey ended Friday in the round of 32 against Argentina. The final score was 3-2 in extra time. Vozinha’s performance included four elite saves against Messi. Cape Verde’s debut, marked by a scoreless draw against Spain, captivated fans. Despite their loss, the Blue Sharks gained recognition and $11 million from FIFA. They became known for their spirit and determination.

WORDS: 730 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 10:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:064058127db7865c1dacb8f1f0a20635&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ARGENTINA-MESSI

Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal, extends streak to 8 games and takes Golden Boot lead

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi has scored again, making Friday’s contest against Cape Verde the record-extending eighth consecutive World Cup match in which Argentina’s captain has delivered at least one goal. Messi’s goal in the 29th minute against Cape Verde was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his record and moving him two goals ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list. Messi has seven goals in this year’s tournament. That’s one more than Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot as the top scorer of this World Cup. He has scored 12 times in his last eight World Cup matches. Argentina escaped with a 3-2 win in extra time.

WORDS: 770 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 10:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64fe1029d7f5ca97976cd5ac09075c28&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-CAPE VERDE-ARGENTINA

Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time thriller, advancing to World Cup Round of 16

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday and advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 in a thrilling match in which the tiny island nation challenged the reigning champion until the final minutes of extra time. The go-ahead score for Argentina was credited as an own-goal after Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges in the 111th minute. Messi scored early in regulation, his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. Argentina advanced to face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.

WORDS: 749 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 10:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5fc400cd5adfd51747c6a09eed0ed0ad&mediaType=text

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BBO--ANGELS-TROUT

Mike Trout hoping to return from injury for Angels next week ahead of Philly All-Star Game

SUMMARY: Mike Trout believes he can return from a hamstring injury for the Los Angeles Angels next week, giving him enough time to be ready for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia this month. Trout has been out since June 17, when he strained his right hamstring while running the bases. He performed his normal pregame routine before the Angels opened a series against the Boston Red Sox, and he expects to hit on the field this weekend. The 34-year-old Trout hasn’t been officially selected for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, but the two-time All-Star Game MVP is expected to be elected.

WORDS: 308 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 9:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45b839299130972e8b1718839a148525&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-CHICAGOLAND

Kyle Larson looks to break winless drought as NASCAR returns to Chicagoland

SUMMARY: When it comes to 1.5-mile tracks, Kyle Larson is always confident. With NASCAR returning to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, there is even more reason for optimism for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Larson has a successful history on the bumpy asphalt of Chicagoland, a D-shaped oval circuit. He has four top-five finishes in six Cup Series starts at the speedway about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. His 6.17 average finish is tops in track history among drivers with multiple starts. Sunday’s eero 400 is the first Cup Series race at Chicagoland since 2019, but Larson participated in two days of testing at the track in April.

WORDS: 539 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 7:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d7a791c192efc65ec8f96f2c35b1fb03&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-BALOGUN

US striker Folarin Balogun says a yellow card, not red card, would have been ‘fair’ at the World Cup

SUMMARY: United States forward Folarin Balogun says he respectfully disagrees with his red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup. Balogun was sent off Wednesday for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. Before Friday’s practice at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle, Balogun said a yellow card would have been fairer. He automatically is suspended from Monday’s Round of 16 game against Belgium. He’ll be available for the quarterfinals if the U.S. advances. Balogun says he’s experienced a roller coaster of emotions of late.

WORDS: 723 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 6:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:809b17c4ed5bca84f777ef5aeb170be8&mediaType=text

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HKN--FLYERS-DUCKS-CARLSSON OFFER SHEET

Flyers sign Ducks center Carlsson to 5-year, $90 million offer sheet; Anaheim has 7 days to match

SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Flyers are prepared to pay Anaheim center Leo Carlsson the highest annual salary at $18 million since the salary cap era began in 2005, now giving the Ducks seven days to match the offer. The Flyers tendered the five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Carlsson on Friday, which would require four of the Flyers first-round draft picks in each of the next four seasons as compensation. The Anaheim Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement. General manager Pat Verbeek will not comment until the process is complete.

WORDS: 317 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 6:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6aae21a5cda32e02991bae5c9be2dc8c&mediaType=text

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FBN--SWIFT-KELCE WEDDING-SPORTS

Teammates of Travis Kelce and others around sports attend his wedding to Taylor Swift

SUMMARY: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cooper Kupp and many other NFL players and other prominent sports figures made up part of the star-studded crowd for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden. Kareem Hunt was one of Kelce’s many current or former Kansas City Chiefs teammates spotted in New York ahead of the wedding, which was also expected to be attended by retired Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning brother Jason, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and others from football, golf and beyond.

WORDS: 332 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 5:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd040d49c46be3842320ea8892cbd315&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Novak Djokovic earns 105th match win at Wimbledon to equal Roger Federer record

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic is rewriting the Wimbledon record books. The 39-year-old Djokovic dove to hit a backhand volley winner on match point for a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) record-equaling victory over Arthur Rinderknech in the third round at Wimbledon. Djokovic’s 105th match win at the All England Club ties Roger Federer on the men’s list for most singles match victories. By next weekend, Djokovic would love to equal Federer’s men’s record of eight singles titles. Defending champion Jannik Sinner beat Jenson Brooksby in straight sets to advance to the fourth round. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will meet for a spot in the quarterfinals after both players won in straight sets Friday.

WORDS: 677 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 4:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a83d23471eba4845599febb7c0ac8e02&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SINNER-PARENTS

Jannik Sinner’s parents skip the chance to sit in Royal Box at Wimbledon

SUMMARY: Don’t expect to see Jannik Sinner’s parents in the Royal Box at Wimbledon anytime soon, even though they’re more than welcome. The defending champion was asked why his mother and father weren’t in attendance for his opening match on Centre Court on Monday, when last year’s women’s winner Iga Swiatek had her father and sister in the Royal Box the next day. Turns out Sinner’s parents were also invited, but that kind of fancy affair apparently isn’t their thing. Sinner says; “I know my parents. I asked them, but it was impossible.”

WORDS: 236 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:916c5a38b811142e9493633f6cbc5294&mediaType=text

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BKL--ALL-STAR-PLAYER VOTE

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote, AP source says

SUMMARY: More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each are 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

WORDS: 496 - MOVED: 07/03/2026 2:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6cc2756b046361b08db626cac1962e78&mediaType=text