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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1. WITH: FBN--TOP 5-TIGHT ENDS

2. DESCRIPTION: A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers votes on the top five tight ends in the NFL. By Pro Football Rob Maaddi. 500 words, photos.

3. SENT: By 07/17/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

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BBO--DODGERS-YANKEES

DESCRIPTION: Gerrit Cole starts for the New York Yankees and Rosi Sasaki for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers as the teams start the second half. 300 words, photos, starts 7:05 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 07/17/2026 7:05 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

4. WITH: SOC--WCUP-INFANTINO

5. DESCRIPTION: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected to speak at the United Nations and be available at a fan panel ahead of the World Cup Final. Text, photos.

6. ON MERITS: By 07/17/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC--WCUP FINAL-ARGENTINA

8. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez are expected to speak at a news conference ahead of facing Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 07/17/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--WCUP FINAL-SMOKE

11. DESCRIPTION: With less than 48 hours to go before the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, it’s unclear how much - if at all - smoke from Canadian wildfires will affect the air quality for players, coaches, staff and 80,000 fans in attendance at the stadium in the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 07/17/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: SOC--WCUP FINAL-SPAIN

14. DESCRIPTION: Spain undergoes its final preparations for the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, with an extra day of rest an advantage since beating France in the semifinals on Monday. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

15. UPCOMING: By 07/17/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--TOP 5-TIGHT ENDS

Trey McBride is voted the NFL’s top tight end by an AP panel

SUMMARY: Trey McBride was voted the No. 1 tight end in the NFL in a preseason survey by The Associated Press. He received five first-place votes from a panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers who ranked the top five players at the position, basing selections on current status entering the 2026 season. George Kittle finished second with three first-place votes. Brock Bowers came in third, followed by Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts.

WORDS: 533 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 12:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1799f280c65dd991197f9657760427bb&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-MESSI-YAMAL PHOTO

Lionel Messi once held baby Lamine Yamal in his arms. Now they will battle for the World Cup title

SUMMARY: Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until years later when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal. Now those images of Messi and an infant Yamal have exploded in popularity in the runup to Sunday’s World Cup final, when Messi’s Argentina will play Yamal’s Spain for the biggest trophy in the sport.

WORDS: 701 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 12:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ef3ef3da74cdc02731dee63718d91229&mediaType=text

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ATH--MILE-RECORD-KERR

Storied men’s mile record set 27 years ago in sights of British runner Josh Kerr

SUMMARY: The storied men’s mile record in track that has stood for 27 years will come under attack Saturday from Britain’s Josh Kerr. Kerr is the 2023 world champion over the 1,500 meters metric mile and has called his record attempt “Project 222.” That’s for the 222 seconds he aims to take in breaking Hicham El Guerrouj’s mark of 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds. The race is at London Stadium that hosted track and field at the 2012 Olympics. The mile is not a championships event yet has iconic status in track history. The four-minute barrier was finally broken in 1954 by Roger Bannister.

WORDS: 378 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 12:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:633c821a5859164e04c8a49298a7014e&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-BELGIAN GP PREVIEW

Kimi Antonelli reveals advice from Roger Federer to get back on track in F1 title fight

SUMMARY: Kimi Antonelli heads into the Belgian Grand Prix with a piece of advice he picked up recently from tennis great Roger Federer. After a run of car problems cut into the Italian’s Formula 1 standings lead, Antonelli’s chat with Federer in the Royal Box at Wimbledon offered a fresh perspective on how to stop these blips turning into a slump. So far, Antonelli seems to be staying focused, even as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton threaten Mercedes’ supremacy. He doesn’t seem to have lost any of his race-winning pace, unlike last year when his confidence hit rock-bottom after errors on the European tracks he was meant to know best.

WORDS: 720 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 12:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f6c879f4bdeaadd5721fe52b0f421ae&mediaType=text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

Schmid wins long 13th stage of the Tour and Pogacar safely keeps overall lead

SUMMARY: Swiss rider Mauro Schmid has edged Colombian Harold Tejada in a two-way sprint to win the 13th stage of the Tour de France. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar has safely kept his overall lead. Schmid attacked with 200 meters left and lifted his front wheel at the line in celebration. Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock finished third. The stage was the longest in this year’s race at 206 kilometers (128 miles). Pogacar’s yellow jersey group cruised in a few minutes later. Four-time Tour champion Pogacar remains 3 1/2 minutes ahead of two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard overall.

WORDS: 276 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 12:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a5a7cbd4b9721efd9242f46a06a0813&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN-RECORD SCORING

Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns match the major championship record with 62s at the British Open

SUMMARY: Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns have each matched the major championship scoring record of 62 in the British Open, with one celebration far different from the other. Herbert missed a 5-foot par putt on the tough 18th hole at Royal Birkdale on Friday that would have given the Australian the record alone. Two groups later, Burns capped off an astonishing birdie-birdie-birdie finish for the American by holing out from a greenside bunker on the 18th for his 62 on the par-70 Royal Birkdale links. The record was first set by Branden Grace in 2017, also at Royal Birkdale. It had been matched four times since then at two majors.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 11:40 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8d1ea730d2595c7b54bfdae01cc16d26&mediaType=text

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SOC--FRANCE-NEXT COACH

With Deschamps stepping down after 14 years, France needs a new coach and Zidane is in pole position

SUMMARY: Adieu Didier. Bonjour Zinedine? Coach Didier Deschamps takes charge of his last game for France on Saturday against England at the World Cup in the third-place match. It is a disappointing end after many observers backed his star-studded attack to win another World Cup for France. Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be confirmed as France’s new coach in the coming days by the French soccer federation. France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018 and lost in two other major finals. Zidane won three straight Champions League titles as Real Madrid coach before his departure in 2021. He has not coached since.

WORDS: 869 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 11:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a992bc740b769b6875d6582948f12550&mediaType=text

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ENT--WCUP-PLAYLIST

10 songs to get hyped for the World Cup final

SUMMARY: To get in the spirit for the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, The Associated Press has made a themed playlist. The list includes Shakira and Burna Boy’s official anthem “Dai Dai,” which blends Afrobeats and Latin rhythms. Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, Megan Thee Stallion and EJAE also contribute with “DNA (More Than A Game).” Classics like Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka” are featured, too. These tracks capture the excitement and unity of the World Cup, making them perfect for match day.

WORDS: 1056 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 11:21 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2dc9e49fe69765c3db1bd286df57d3fb&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN-MCILROY

Rory McIlroy makes the cut at British Open but needs a big weekend for a 2nd claret jug

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy has done enough to make it to the weekend at Royal Birkdale. He’ll have to do much, much more to lift the claret jug. The world No. 2 bounced back with a 3-under 67 in the second round at the British Open and moved to 1-under par overall. The projected cut is currently at level par. McIlroy is seven shots off the clubhouse lead held by Lucas Herbert. McIlroy, the 2014 champion, struggled on the greens in shooting 72 on Thursday and says he still hasn’t figured them out.

WORDS: 432 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 11:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3416f9b173b877525ad48bd08dd5c881&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN

British Open comes to life with 62s by Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns on day of low scoring at Birkdale

SUMMARY: Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns have brought some life to the British Open with record-tying scores. Each shot a 62 just 20 minutes apart. Herbert has the early lead by two shots over Jackson Suber and Cameron Young. Burns was three behind. Burns wasn’t even planning to be here. His wife was due the week of the British Open but gave birth earlier than expected. He birdied his last three holes to match the major championship record now done seven times. Rory McIlroy could only manage a 67 and was seven shots behind. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler played in the afternoon.

WORDS: 381 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 10:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0056361d011417a6ae53765105dbf949&mediaType=text

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US--WCUP-PHOTO GALLERY

This year’s World Cup has generated countless images. AP photographers pick their favorites

SUMMARY: For news organizations, the World Cup is one of the most complex recurring stories on the planet. It’s not just about match results. It’s politics, economics, culture, human rights, celebrity, nationalism, and spectacle. And all are unfolding in real time, across dozens of countries, with audiences who care deeply. This year’s World Cup was spread over three countries and numerous time zones — and featured 40 more matches than the previous edition. It has showcased The Associated Press’ extensive photographer presence across North America and Mexico, with staff photographers covering many matches in their home cities.

WORDS: 293 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 10:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66049e6baa84ddef225415560f6cc74e&mediaType=text

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SOC-WCUP-BEER SALES

World Cup beer sales are hopping. Brewers hope the stout demand outlasts the tournament

SUMMARY: The World Cup has been a bonanza for beer in the United States. Bars in Boston reported needing emergency deliveries to keep taps from running dry on some game days. FIFA says fans downed a total of 290,000 stadium beers during the six matches in Philadelphia. But all that frothy foam obscures a cold reality: Beer sales have been struggling globally for about a decade. Many consumers are cutting back on alcohol for health reasons. Brewers say they’re hopeful the World Cup will remind people how much they like to socialize over beer. It’s unclear if soccer’s world championship tournament can reverse the trend despite having three countries as co-hosts this year.

WORDS: 1035 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 8:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3f9a7246bfd1b0185ffdfbc58e662515&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN-COLE

Eric Cole was checking flights home from the British Open. Then he shot 64 at Birkdale

SUMMARY: Eric Cole had everything go wrong at the British Open and started looking at early flights home to Florida. Then the 38-year-old American had everything go right. He was 12 shots better in the second round of 64 that should keep him around for the weekend. Cole had three straight birdies on the front nine and made four in a row on the back nine. He’s the son of South African golfer Bobby Cole who twice played at Royal Birkdale. Eric Cole made a few memories of his own. He went from three double bogeys one day to seven birdies the next.

WORDS: 483 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 7:38 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:981d268072073dc96a0802a1c1a8aab7&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FINAL-REFEREE

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to referee World Cup final as FIFA picks a European for Argentina-Spain game

SUMMARY: The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be refereed Sunday by Slavko Vinčić of Slovenia. FIFA announced the pick late Thursday. It’s the second straight World Cup final where Argentina will have a European referee to face a European opponent. FIFA has faced criticism during the current World Cup, including from the coaches of Egypt and South Africa, for Argentina seeming to benefit from some refereeing decisions. FIFA director of referees Pierluigi Collina has said “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials.” In his three games so far at the 2026 World Cup, Vinčić has shown seven yellow cards and one red card, and awarded no penalty kicks.

WORDS: 582 - MOVED: 07/17/2026 6:56 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83fca515639ed6cc70723f08ba2bb027&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

Preview coverage of the World Cup final.

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN

Coverage of the third round of the British Open at Royal Birkdale.