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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SOC--WCUP-TROPHY

DESCRIPTION: What to know about the World Cup trophy and the Italian designer who created it.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the 2026 World Cup

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBA-JAMES’ FUTURE

DESCRIPTION: LeBron James may be ready to shed some light on his future plans. The NBA’s all-time scoring king — and free agent — is scheduled to speak publicly Thursday afternoon, meaning it’s possible that James will be revealing where he plans to play this coming season or at least give some updates on where he is in the decision-making process. By Stephen Whyno and Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-BELGIAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Formula 1 drivers speaking with the media ahead of the the Belgian Grand Prix, the 10th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Stories on merits.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

DESCRIPTION: Stage 12 is mostly flat and again favors the sprinters

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--NHL SCHEDULE

DESCRIPTION: The NHL announces its regular-season schedule, the first for an expanded 84 games. Text, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 1:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL-RESILIENT FEVER

DESCRIPTION: All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell found her voice during the Indiana Fever’s early season struggles. She challenged teammates to improve defensively, focus on the details and maintain their perspective when the outside world saw a season teetering on the brink after a 4-4 start. Yet amid the circus-like environment, the 30-year-old Mitchell emerged as a steadying influence just as she had during last season’s improbable playoff run, and now the Fever is starting to look like the title contender everyone, including Mitchell, expected when the season began. By Michael Marot. 725 words, with photos by 2 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--TOP 5-EDGE RUSHERS

DESCRIPTION: A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers votes on the top five edge rushers in the NFL. By Pro Football Josh Dubow. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--TOP 5-TACKLES

DESCRIPTION: A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers votes on the top five off-ball linebackers in the NFL. By Pro Football Josh Dubow. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKO--USA BASKETBALL-COACHES

DESCRIPTION: Mark Daigneault, J.B. Bickerstaff and Mark Few are set to become USA Basketball assistant coaches through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pending nominations on Thursday. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--HEAT-ANTETOKOUNMPO

DESCRIPTION: Giannis Antetokounmpo gets formally introduced by the Miami Heat on Thursday, with the two-time MVP hoping the deal that ended his time in Milwaukee gets him back into championship contention. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--ACC MEDIA DAYS

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: FBC--ACC-VIRGINIA TECH

2. DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Virginia Tech is upping its financial investments in athletics in hopes of finding a spark. That includes the arrival of James Franklin as football coach. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: FBC--ACC-CLEMSON

5. DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney enters his 18th full season after posting his lowest win total in 15 years and creating a stir with public allegations of tampering against an SEC school. By Steve Reed. Text, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--MLS--NASHVILLE ON TOP

DESCRIPTION: Nashville has enjoyed the World Cup break sitting atop the Major League Soccer standings. Now it’s time to get back to work starting Friday night with a roster featuring a league-high four All-Stars. By Teresa M. Walker.

UPCOMING: By 07/16/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-ARGENTINA-MESSI

Lionel Messi delivers again for Argentina as defending champions reach another World Cup final

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi delivered for his teammates. With one more win, he’ll be delivering another World Cup trophy for Argentina. Messi didn’t add to his tournament-leading goal total, but the 39-year-old assisted on two late strikes that carried La Albiceleste to another stunning comeback and a 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals Wednesday. Eight days after an improbable rally against Egypt in the round of 16, Messi returned to Atlanta to produce another stellar moment in a career that might already be the best ever. Messi is the World Cup career scoring leader with 21 goals.

WORDS: 713 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 9:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:568cd28ef9d7a1b4ac581885250f0a4a&mediaType=text

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SOC-WCUP-JAIL WATCH PARTY

NYC’s Rikers Island jail hosts World Cup watch party for inmates

SUMMARY: More than 100 inmates at the sprawling Rikers Island correctional facility gathered in a gymnasium at the complex’s main intake center to watch Wednesday’s semifinal match between England and Argentina. Arriving inmates dressed in tan uniforms took seats at tables facing a projection screen showing the game. Colorful balloon towers topped by soccer ball balloons framed the screen. The special event is for inmates who have shown good behavior, including being incident free for at least 30 days. The jail has been hosting watch parties since the tournament kicked off last month.

WORDS: 701 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 9:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd54ffefd40ebaed6972bc97829f3dc7&mediaType=text

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BBO--SECOND HALF

Expanded playoffs make it hard to predict whether Skubal, Chapman, Gray get dealt

SUMMARY: Expanded playoffs in baseball make trade predictions tricky, especially for players like Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. Twenty-three of the 30 teams are within four games of a playoff spot as the season’s second half begins Thursday. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is a major trade possibility. The 29-year-old left-hander returned to the mound in June after elbow surgery. The Tigers, who have improved since June, are close to a wild-card spot. Their performance in upcoming games will decide their trade strategy. Other pitchers like Joe Ryan and Freddy Peralta might be dealt.

WORDS: 824 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 7:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8503082b4ebeeedebeb43b24a6d0c206&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-ARGENTINA

Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1

SUMMARY: Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final. Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and Co. had other ideas. Argentina pushed for an equalizer and the pressure eventually led to Fernandez scoring in the 85th minute. Martinez headed in the winner two minutes into injury time. Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

WORDS: 754 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 7:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ae6a218ae88248db6565ffd13f60d38&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN

England’s Tuchel: ‘Easy to say that it was wrong’ to play defensively with lead vs. Argentina

SUMMARY: England desperately wanted to protect its lead as time was winding down in the World Cup semifinals. Coach Thomas Tuchel made lineup and strategy changes to build a wall in front of goal. Argentina and Lionel Messi simply kicked it down. England led 1-0 late in the second half before Messi assisted on goals by Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez in the second minute of injury time to give Argentina a wild 2-1 victory and a spot in the World Cup final against Spain. Tuchel’s tactical choices will likely be scrutinized and criticized for years.

WORDS: 728 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 7:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2226041fb9ac67fa38d150cb2cb6b290&mediaType=text

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FBN--SAINTS-KAMARA

Running back Alvin Kamara has a new deal with the Saints for 2026, agent says

SUMMARY: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has agreed to restructure his contract for the coming season. Kamara’s agent, Bradley Cicala has confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press and says Kamara’s goal is to remain with the Saints. Kamara’s future with New Orleans became cloudy in March, when New Orleans signed free-agent running back Travis Etienne to a four-year $52 million contract. Kamara was entering the final season of a two-year, $24.5 million extension he’d signed before the 2024 season. Kamara will be 31 years old this season. While the new deal is expected to keep Kamara in New Orleans, it does not preclude the Saints from trading him.

WORDS: 299 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 6:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7c368f7afe9b476402488f70bc2714e7&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FINAL MATCHUP

The World Cup final is set, with Messi and Argentina facing Yamal and Spain for the title on Sunday

SUMMARY: The World Cup final is set for Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featuring a clash between Argentina and Spain. Argentina is led by Lionel Messi., the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Spain, led by Lamine Yamal, has the best defense. Argentina seeks its fourth title and aims to be the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Spain is after its second title, having won in 2010. Both teams have impressive unbeaten streaks, with Spain unbeaten in 37 matches overall and Argentina in 13 World Cup games.

WORDS: 652 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 6:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:55077ce5c4728c4207a39cc4aa8a41a1&mediaType=text

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BBO--ASTROS-BREWERS TRADE

Brewers bolster rotation by getting Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon in a deal with the Astros

SUMMARY: The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and left-hander Colton Gordon from the Houston Astros for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder. Houston agreed to pay Milwaukee $4,227,273 to offset most of McCullers’ remaining salary, leaving his cost to the Brewers at $2.5 million. Milwaukee cleared space on the 40-man roster by sending left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny to the 60-day injured list.

WORDS: 557 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eedd7516decb20aade5b8abc10016937&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR DRAFT

A’ja Wilson is drafted No. 1 as Cooper and Weatherspoon pick WNBA All-Star teams

SUMMARY: Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson was selected first in the WNBA All-Star draft for the exhibition game that will be played on July 25 in Chicago. Acting as honorary general managers, WNBA greats Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon each drafted All-Star teams from players that previously were either voted as starters by fans, media and fellow players, or chosen as reserves by the league’s coaches. Paige Bueckers headlines Cooper’s team and Caitlin Clark is atop Weatherspoon’s squad. Joining Bueckers in the starting lineup playing for coach Becky Hammon are Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard and Gabby Williams. Weatherspoon picked Wilson, Olivia Miles, Aliyah Boston and Jessica Shepard, who will play for coach Cheryl Reeve.

WORDS: 334 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 4:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9eff46caeed6701486d904a313e4aa02&mediaType=text

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LT--VENEZUELA-EARTHQUAKE-BASEBALL

A 12-year-old baseball standout trains through tears after Venezuela quakes leave him homeless

SUMMARY: There were many casualties in the earthquakes that rocked parts of Venezuela last month. Thousands of lives were lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods devastated. In the hardest hit state of La Guaira, the nation’s most popular sport is providing solace and hope. Many baseball fields have been repurposed as campgrounds for the estimated 18,000 people made homeless by the twin temblors. And one abandoned baseball stadium provides a space for young players to train, remember and commiserate. Venezuela has long been an incubator for Major League Baseball stars, and coaches still believe that some of the boys have a future in the sport despite the hardship and loss.

WORDS: 1177 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3052584e75a1f585aea600512d31ce36&mediaType=text

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FBN--TOP 5-WIDE RECEIVERS

Jaxon Smith-Njigba voted the NFL’s top wide receiver by AP panel

SUMMARY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba was voted the NFL’s top wideout by The Associated Press in a preseason survey. Smith-Njigba received four first-place votes, three thirds and a fourth from a panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers, who ranked the top five receivers entering the 2026 season. Ja’Marr Chase got two firsts and Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua each received one. Smith-Njigba was the AP Offensive Player of the Year and won the Super Bowl last season before the Seattle Seahawks gave him the biggest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ba0cd0823af93d92ee0c8be9507657c&mediaType=text

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US-AMERICA-250-OBJECTS-THE WAX PACK

Stacks and stacks of wax packs, now obsolete, summon the joy of baseball-card childhoods

WORDS: 462 - MOVED: 07/15/2026 2:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a0d1c09965abdeacb6316f1da2adeb9&mediaType=text

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