For the first time since the 1980s, the West Pasco Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Association is hosting the Dixie Softball World Series.

Dozens of teams across 10 states will compete at Starkey Ranch beginning on Saturday, July 25, through Tuesday, July 28.

West Pasco is sending two teams to the tournament: the Belles in the 13-15 division and the Debs in the 16-19 division.

For two Debs standouts, the tournament is more than a title chase. It is the final chapter of a 15-year run.

"We have sisters on the field that aren't even sisters. We created that bond," Kyanna Olampo said.

WATCH: West Pasco girls softball league hosting Dixie Softball World Series

That sisterhood started when Kyanna Olampo and Kiley Collins first picked up a glove.

"Kiley has been there since we started playing softball," Olampo said.

"We've been pitcher and catcher with each other for 10 or 12 years now, I'd say," Collins said.

With both players aging out of the league, they will take the field together one last time in the Dixie Softball World Series.

"To a lot of outsiders it might not be a big deal, but to us, especially girls that have been playing longer than 2-3 years, it's quite a big deal. It's like our home run. This is like the College World Series for us," Collins said.

For Olampo, a championship would mean even more.

When she was just 3 years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

"I lost all my hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, everything," Olampo said.

After two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, she returned to the diamond at just 6 years old.

"I played right after my treatment was over, basically," Olampo said.

Collins said she did not learn about her teammate's battle until years later.

"I actually didn't find out she was a cancer survivor until I was about 13 or 14. 'Oh my gosh, you've been keeping it from me,'" Collins said.

"She's come a long way and doesn't let it show," Collins said.

Now, the teamates have one last chance to finish their Dixie careers the way they have always dreamed.

"This is it for us," Collins said.

BERLIN (AP) The Womens Tennis Association is introducing one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The WTA updated its womens eligibility policy to include gender screening based on biological sex this week to preserve the integrity of womens professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players.

The new policy takes the organization in line with the eligibility policy introduced by the International Olympic Committee in March to align with U.S. President Donald Trumps executive order on sports ahead of the 2028 Games.

The WTA is complying with what is effectively an order from the IOC that Olympic sports bodies are following, though it remained unclear how many, if any, transgender women are competing at Games level.

Players are to be tested for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the presence of testes.

In this policy, biological male means an individual who, regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has an SRY gene and therefore has or previously had testes or streak testes; and biological female means an individual who, regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has no SRY gene and therefore has or previously had ovaries or streak ovaries.

The WTA said the policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, and that there is no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person.

The mandatory gender screening already conducted by the governing bodies of track and field, skiing and boxing has been criticized by human rights experts and activist groups.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

In spectacular fashion, Spain has defeated Argentina by a score of 1 to 0 to be crowned the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.

In a match that was still tied 0-0 after regular time, Ferran Torres' goal in the 106th minute of extra time helped propel Spain to victory. It's the country's second World Cup championship and first since 2010.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | The 2026 World Cup is officially the most attended ever, according to FIFA

Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time but barely.

And in the opening moment of the second 15-minute period of extra time, Torres pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card, meaning Argentina was forced to finish the match with only 10 players. Fernandez was carded for a reckless play that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately.

Another foul about two minutes after play resumed gave Lamine Yamal a chance to win it from about 22 yards out on a free kick. Yamals strike was curling toward the right post, and Martinez dived to knock it away for his 10th save of the afternoon the most ever in a World Cup final.

He leaped to his feet, punching the air and imploring the crowd to get loud. Not long after that came the whistle, sending the game to extra time.

RELATED STORY | Cheapest World Cup Final seats cost more than average monthly US pay

Spain took 15 shots in regulation, Argentina none. Spain took nine corners, Argentina one. And somehow, 90-plus minutes of that sort of dominance wasn't enough.

With its victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men's and women's soccer.

It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions 308.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires that has engulfed the Northeast in haze is expected to mostly clear from the New Jersey area just in time for the World Cup final on Sunday, thanks to thunderstorms passing through the area, meteorologists say.

Warnings of unhealthy air quality remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States. At MetLife Stadium, where the final is taking place, it rained heavily and thunder boomed. State police urged people to leave the stadium seating bowl and field and take shelter. Volunteers and staff dashed inside for cover as ponchos were handed out. The sky was the same thick, soupy gray it has been for days.

RELATED STORY | Dangerous wildfire smoke chokes Midwest and Northeast

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill warned residents Saturday about the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes, flash flooding and large hail, and flooding caused scattered street closures in New York. Spains training session ahead of the final against Argentina was suspended at a field near the stadium because of the storms and lighting in the area. And FIFA said it was in close contact with local authorities as it continues to monitor the impacts from the wildfire smoke and the storms on the conditions on field at MetLife Stadium.

Storms will help clear the air

This storm front will largely move the smoke out of the Northeast before the final between Spain and Argentina, said Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. MetLife Stadium, which has been renamed the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the matches, is an open-air stadium.

There could be some lingering smoke that would make things hazy, but very faint," Roys said. "In terms of the thickest smoke, the smoke that has really been eye-popping and leads to poor air quality, that is not expected across New York City or much of the Northeast.

Meteorologist says the air quality for the game wont be dangerous'

WFLA-TV Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli, in Tampa, Florida, echoed that, saying the storm front would sweep the atmosphere clean," leaving only a thin smoke that World Cup spectators may still smell in the air.

The air quality index shows an improvement from unhealthy air for sensitive groups on Saturday to moderate air quality Sunday in East Rutherford, which means little to no health risk for the general public.

RELATED STORY | Canadian wildfire smoke sparks calls for sanctions from Republicans

It won't be dangerous anymore, Berardelli said. It's going to be dramatically better.

Air quality at the field is measured every 10 minutes, said David Lu, CEO and co-founder of Clarity Movement, the environmental technology company providing air quality monitoring services. In the past two days, the readings have swung between the level where the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups and the level where it's very unhealthy, Lu said. He said Saturday afternoon he expects to see improvement in the readings within hours because of the rain.

Temperatures are forecast to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), with light breezes and low humidity for the start of the final.

You couldnt have asked for much better weather for the World Cup, Berardelli added.

Both Roys and Berardelli expect the heavier smoke Sunday to be concentrated closer to the fires, hanging over parts of the Midwest and the Great Lakes region.

There are hundreds of active fires in Canada

Wildfires have been igniting across Canada and northern Minnesota this month. Berardelli said they are burning longer and faster because of climate change. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System showed hundreds of active fires Saturday. Environment Canada issued air quality warnings across the country and into the Northwest Territories.

The fires prompted evacuations, including in Nova Scotia where there's a large fire that local and provincial crews have been fighting since Wednesday, and in northwestern Ontario, where some of the most intense fires are burning.

In Ontario, nearly 200 wildfires have already scorched more land than all of last years fires. In Thunder Bay, Ontario, Fire Chief Dave Tarini said this fire season is unprecedented in his more than 35 years as a firefighter.

In British Columbia, about 100 fires are burning, a huge jump from the 20 firefighters were facing Wednesday. The BC Wildfire Service says the fires are largely the result of 4,000 lightning strikes that hit the province Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said hed impose new tariffs on Canada over the wildfire smoke but made no mention of the World Cup final.

We are holding Canada responsible, the president posted on his social media site. He added that the U.S. is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the topic of U.S. officials complaining about smoke from Canadian wildfires during a news conference Thursday. Carney said climate change is the responsibility of everyone, including the United States.

A 27-year-old world record fell Saturday in London when Great Britains Josh Kerr ran the mile in 3:42.66, breaking Hicham El Guerroujs previous mark of 3:43.13 set in 1999.

Kerr made no secret that he was targeting the long-standing record at Saturdays Diamond League event in London. Earlier this week, he revealed he ran 2:42.45 in a 1,200-meter time trial. His sponsor, Brooks, dubbed the effort Project 222, referencing the number of seconds in 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

This is the moment Josh Kerr stands to make history and bring the mile record home, the shoe company said Friday.

Kerr has emerged as one of the worlds top middle-distance runners, winning bronze in the 1,500 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before turning professional, Kerr starred at the University of New Mexico, where he won multiple NCAA titles. He also set an NCAA indoor mile record of 3:35.01 in 2018.

There have been other high-profile attempts to break major distance records, though some were not recognized officially because they were held outside sanctioned competition.

Kenyan marathon star Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon in under 2 hours in 2019, but the performance was not eligible for world-record status because it was not conducted under standard race conditions.

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon also attempted to become the first woman to run a sub-4-minute mile, though she fell short. Still, her time of 4:06.42 would have broken the womens world record had it been set during an official competition.

Kerrs record-setting run came during the Diamond League, an established international circuit of professional track and field events. American Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:45.69.

The World Cup Final is Sunday, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal set to face off for the trophy. Millions of Americans have been watching the sport all month but most of them have been calling it something different than the rest of the world.

So why do Americans say "soccer" while nearly everyone else says "football"?

It all starts in 1848, when students at Cambridge University wrote the first set of rules for the game we know today. Those rules centered on kicking a ball with your foot hence, football. In 1863, the Football Association was founded in London.

But another version of the game was gaining popularity, one where players carried the ball with their hands. That version was especially popular at a school in Rugby, Warwickshire, a town in England. Those players eventually created what became the Rugby Football Union.

RELATED STORY | Cheapest World Cup Final seats cost more than average monthly US pay

Now there were two games: association football and rugby football.

Both eventually crossed the Atlantic and arrived in the United States. In 1869, Rutgers and Princeton competed in a game considered a cross between the two and it's recognized as the first American football game. A few years later, a college coach helped turn it into what we think of today as American football.

Back in England, teams kept playing both rugby football and association football. Rugby Football was shortened to "Rugby" or "Rugger." A 1905 letter in the New York Times explained that it was a fad at Oxford and Cambridge to add "-er" to the end of many words.

That fad, however, created a problem for association football. There was no clean place to attach the "-er" ending. So a new term was born: "soccer" a loose abbreviation of "association."

RELATED STORY | World Cup beer sales are hopping and brewers hope the stout demand continues

So while Messi and Yamal will be playing in the World Cup Final, you can thank the British for the fact that Americans call it soccer even if the British, and most of the world, still call it football, because of the whole foot-and-ball thing.

Sunday's World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina will start at 3 p.m. ET

A lawmaker sponsoring a key piece of federal college sports legislation said he believes the bill likely has the support it needs to make it through the upper chamber.

We probably have 60 votes, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said Friday at the Associated Press Sports Editors meeting.

Schmitt called the next two weeks critical for the Protect College Sports Act.

He said leaders from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences, both of which oppose the bill as it is written, have met with him and other top sponsors including Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.. to negotiate changes in the bill in an effort to gather their support.

RELATED STORY | Trump's executive order reshapes college athletics amid the NIL era

Without the bill, Schmitt said the trajectory of this in three years will be even further unrecognizable, predicting a scenario in which womens sports teams fold under financial strain.

College sports has been struggling to find a fair way to pay players for their name, image and likeness since payments to players were approved by a federal court last summer.

The legislation introduced by Cruz and Cantwell offers the NCAA and conferences limited liability protection and moves to preempt the patchwork of state laws that govern NIL payments. It also opens the option for conferences to pool their media rights a move proponents say could generate extra billions but that the SEC and Big Ten do not support.

In a letter to school presidents last month, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey outlined worries that the bill could create more problems than it solves. Sankey suggested rewriting a section of the bill that allows athletes to file civil lawsuits in certain cases, saying as it was written it could create more litigation instead of reducing it.

RELATED STORY | NCAA transfer portal rules, NIL could change under new bipartisan Senate bill

Even if the bill passes the Senate, it would face an unlikely run through the narrowly divided House, where both Democrats and Republicans have found a number of flaws with another bill the SCORE Act that never came to a floor vote.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began with 48 teams playing over 39 days. Now it comes down to one final match Sunday in New Jersey.

As Argentina and Spain prepare to take the pitch, a sprawling network of federal agents, local law enforcement, and private companies continue with a "game plan" two years in the making to ensure the final is safe.

Offense on the pitch, defense everywhere else

A joint operations center in New York has helped oversee security and monitor threats in host cities throughout the tournament, with thousands of personnel on the ground and a team with an eye on the skies.

The FBI has seized hundreds of drones flying in restricted airspace near stadiums during the tournament. For Sunday's match, FBI Special Agent Adam Kachhia-Patel says, "We'll be getting live feeds and monitoring any drone activity in the area to see if there's anything that we need to do there from a threat perspective."

RELATED STORY | Cheapest World Cup Final seats cost more than average monthly US pay

The final will include a beefed-up Secret Service perimeter, with President Trump attending the trophy presentation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says: "His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history."

When Trump attended an NBA Finals game last month in New York, police shut down several city blocks around the arena and fans were forced to wait in extra-long lines to go through enhanced security.

The World Cup final is a Level 1 Special Event the highest possible security designation with added resources from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the FBI.

No one will be allowed to simply walk up to the stadium or drive a personal vehicle. Those with a ticket must take approved transportation to the game and should arrive early to make their way through the stepped-up security.

Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make decisions.

The tablets have access to video and league-provided data, and also included a custom tab where teams could access other programs. MLB made the custom tabs inaccessible to teams starting Wednesday night, when the second half of the season started.

"In many cases, the custom tab had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches," MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword wrote in a June 11 memo to general managers, assistant GMs and video coordinators.

The memo, first reported by The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.

RELATED STORY | Chatbots could be at risk of spreading government restrictions on online speech

A review by the competition committee found clubs had been compliant with the regulations.

"Instituting this prohibition beginning with the second half of the season is intended to provide clubs that have relied on the custom tab with appropriate lead-time to make any necessary adjustments," Sword wrote.

MLB started a pilot program allowing use of iPads in dugouts with restrictions late in the 2015 season and expanded their use in 2016 under a deal with Apple. Video was eliminated in the 2020 COVID season following the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, then returned in 2021.

The World Cup final is Sunday, and if youre thinking about a quick trip to see the game in New York, youll need a large suitcase of cash.

The cheapest ticket on resale sites currently for sale is about $7,700. Thats nearly identical to what the median U.S. household earns in an entire month.

If you want to sit in the lower bowl of the stadium, be prepared to spend at least $10,000.

RELATED STORY | Messi bathed Yamal as a baby, now they face off in a World Cup Final

FIFA has faced criticism over the high ticket prices, which it says reflect strong global demand.

Tickets for the third-place game in Miami start at about $700.

According to Forbes, this year's World Cup Final could end up being the most expensive sports ticket in U.S. history.

Tampa Bay holds a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East and the best record in the American League entering the second half of the season. Rays TV analyst and former major league pitcher Brian Anderson broke down what is driving the team's success.

At the center of the offense is slugger Junior Caminero, whose growth as a hitter has been on full display. Anderson pointed to a moment last year during a series against the Angels as a turning point.

Watch interview with Kevin Lewis

"A couple of change-ups and had him looking foolish on two swings. Then he tried to run a fastball, missed as a ball," Anderson said when describing Junior's at-bat against Tyler Anderson. "[Anderson] tried to run another fastball in there. Junior was able to foul it off. He comes back with the change-up, which is exactly what I would've done. Now, I'm going to come with the change-up and finish him. And he came back with the change-up 430 feet later [he hit a home run]."

Caminero is not the only weapon in Tampa Bay's lineup. The Rays team batting average of .259 is third-best in the Major Leagues. Anderson described the offense as one built on adaptability.

"All these players can do a lot of different things. They play a version of old-style baseball," Anderson, a 13-year MLB veteran, outlined. "But, for the most part, that offense has to be versatile. And it is. And now you've seen the power component come alive the last couple of weeks. It just makes them all the more dangerous."

On the mound, the Rays pitching staff ranks among the best in the majors. Right-hander Griffin Jax has emerged as a standout, making a successful move from the bullpen to the starting rotation mid-season something the Rays organization has done before.

"For the fourth time in the last six seasons, the Rays have taken a guy out of the bullpen and transitioned him into the starting rotation," Anderson noted. "Not in the offseason. Not in spring training. They've done it during a competitive major-league season, when the games count. And he's throwing the ball as well as the other guys and can go out and be as efficient as they are, also."

Anderson, who has been part of the Rays organization for nearly two decades, also weighed in on the long-discussed topic of a new stadium and said this time feels different.

"I've kind of watched this all through those years. As all of the fans have, too," he recalled. "Finally, to be this close to the finish line. Wow! What a location. What a building. And when you finally see what they envision it looking like at the end, you just get that much more excited."

The NHL released the regular season schedule for the Lightning's 2026-2027 season on Thursday.

The Bolts' home opener will be Saturday, Oct. 3, when they host the Washington Capitals.

Good Morning Tampa Bay anchor Deiah Riley will be at the game as she enters her third season with the Bolts, introducing a new Lightning Community Hero at every home game. These are ordinary people in our community, often working quietly and humbly with local nonprofits to make the Tampa Bay area a better place for all of us.

If youd like to nominate someone for the Lightnings Community Hero Award, you can click here.

The World Cup has been a bonanza for beer in the U.S. Bars in Boston reported needing emergency deliveries to keep taps from running dry on some game days. Fans downed a total of 290,000 stadium beers during the six matches in Philadelphia, FIFA organizers said.

But all that frothy foam obscures a cold reality: Beer sales have been struggling globally, and it's unclear if soccer's world championship tournament can reverse the trend despite having three countries and 16 cities as co-hosts this year.

In the U.S., beer consumption has fallen steadily for a decade, according to the Brewers Association, a trade group for craft brewers. Canada has seen a similar decline, according to the national statistics agency. The Brewers of Europe trade association says the story is the same in the European Union.

Many consumers are cutting back on alcohol for health reasons. Last year was the first time in Gallup's polling that a majority of Americans 53% -- said drinking "one or two drinks a day" was bad for one's health.

RELATED STORY | A behind the scenes look at the digital brains of the World Cup

While sales of non-alcoholic beer have grown, they still make up only around 1% of the U.S. market, according to the Beer Institute, a trade group for brewers.

Economic worries also have taken a toll on sales. U.S. consumption of all types of alcohol including wine and spirits fell 5% last year, and affordability concerns were partly to blame, beverage market research company IWSR said.

Craig Purser, the president and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, said he thinks smartphones and Netflix have taken consumers away from socializing with a cold beer in hand.

"If you have this behavior where we're cocooning and we're not spending time with other folks, that's going to affect beer consumption," Purser said.

Enter the World Cup and the soccer fans who traveled from around the world to support their national teams and engage in communal celebration or sorrow.

In the first four weeks of the tournament, beer sales in bars, restaurants, stadiums and other venues rose 14% in U.S. host cities compared to the same period last year, according to the Beer Institute. The bump extended beyond host cities; sales were up 4% nationally, the institute said.

RELATED STORY | The 2026 World Cup is officially the most attended ever, according to FIFA

Jim Koch, the brewer, founder and CEO of the Boston Beer Co., which makes Samuel Adams and other brands, said the company had to make two emergency deliveries to its Sam Adams Boston Taproom on the first day that Scotland's fans were in town.

"At one point, we were pouring them a Sam Adams Boston Lager every 12 seconds. What a wonderful group of people," he said.

But that wasn't all that warmed Koch's heart.

"I didn't see a single soul on their phone," he said, "They had a beer in their hand and they were talking to each other. They were doing what beer is meant to do, which is helping people enjoy each other's company."

The plentiful drinking on display in stadiums stood in stark constrast to the World Cup held four years ago in Qatar, where the government banned the sale of alcoholic beer in match venues.

Brewers leaned heavily into this year's tournament. Budweiser and Michelob Ultra maker AB InBev, the World's Cup's official beer sponsor, doled out marketing support to bars and hosted 200,000 watch parties in 40 countries.

Molson Coors said it would spend 60% more than last year on marketing in June and July; it also debuted a limited edition soccer ball that can hold 12 cans of Miller Lite.

Maybell Romero, a law professor at Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, usually prefers cocktails over beer. But she says she opts for beer during the World Cup since it has lower alcohol content than liquor or wine and watching games can be an all-day affair.

"If I drink cocktail after cocktail, I will not be functional after a few hours," Romero said.

RELATED STORY | Beer price mystery: Why prices are up for some beers, but not others

Romero, who has been watching this year's matches at bars in Mexico City, said she's enjoyed trying new beers, especially those with novel ingredients like champagne yeast. She might order an occasional beer once the World Cup ends but expects to go back to mostly drinking cocktails.

Beer consumption was expected to fall in some markets even before the World Cup ended. Shares in AB InBev and Constellation Brands which owns the U.S. rights to Mexican beer brands like Corona and Modelo tumbled after Mexico and Brazil were eliminated from the tournament.

Romero observed the mood shift in Mexico City after those losses.

"The city is collectively depressed," she said. "Everything is a lot quieter, and people aren't going out as much."

Purser remains hopeful the World Cup will remind people how much they like to gather and cheer on athletes, especially with the Summer Olympics heading to Los Angeles in 2028. Occasions are expanding, he said; college and professional football games are now played on more nights of the week, for example. And beer's consumer base is widening as more brands put out low- and no-alcohol versions, he said.

In May, the NCAA reversed its long-standing ban on alcohol advertising during March Madness, allowing makers of beer, wine, spirits and hard seltzer makers to sponsor the college basketball tournaments for the first time starting next season.

The Boston Beer Co.'s Koch said he's not fretting until then.

"People worry that the beer business has declined for a few years, and I always remind them that beer has been a part of human society, human civilization, for 10,000 years," he said. "Beer will always be a part enhancing our enjoyment of our lives and the time we spend on this earth."

The 2026-2027 schedule is out. Sports Anchors Kevin Lewis and Kyle Burger break down key matchups for the season.

Watch the full episode:

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 the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.

Now those images of the longhaired Messi, his hands covered in soap suds as if anointing Yamal as soccer's Next Big Thing, have become the most talked about and gawked about 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.

"I have never been a believer or thought that anything was destined to occur, but I am beginning to have my doubts. This is beyond all reasonable explanations," Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.

Monfort, who works as a freelance photojournalist for the AP, took the photos in 2007 as part of a charity calendar produced by local newspaper Sport and UNICEF.

RELATED STORY | Spain advances to World Cup final with 2-0 win over France

Luck dictated that Yamal's mother, who appears in the calendar photo, won a raffle of families in the city of Matar, near Barcelona, who wanted to participate. Soccer destiny then deemed that her baby boy, who would become a star for Barcelona some 15 years later, was paired up with the Argentine who would become the greatest of all time.

A tearful Messi left Barcelona in 2021 when the club was in financial trouble. Yamal erupted at the club two years later. The journey is now complete, from bathtub to World Cup final, when the 19-year-old Yamal will face a Messi who is 20 years his senior.

Monfort had no recollection of the photos until Yamal's father posted one on social media during the 2024 European Championship, when a teenage Yamal was enjoying his international breakout and led Spain to the title.

The photo went viral then. But now, with the World Cup final looming, Monfort said, interest in his photos has skyrocketed.

"This has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the U.S. has given it the extra push," Monfort said. "And now this has culminated with the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script."

Monfort said that he has been bombarded by queries for the photos by professional media outlets, while also seeing his images reproduced countless times on social media and the internet without any credit or compensation.

Like many Barcelona fans, Monfort's loyalty is split. It is common to see children wearing both Yamal's Barcelona and Spain shirts, as well as any Messi shirt, whether from his Barcelona years or Argentina or his current club, Inter Miami, on the city's streets.

RELATED STORY | Argentina surges past England with late goals to win 2-1 and advance to World Cup final

Monfort, 58, is considering traveling to see the final in New Jersey, but whether he watches it in person or at home, he said he will have trouble cheering for one team or the other.

"My heart is split. I don't know if I want Messi or Yamal to win," said Monfort, a lifelong Barcelona supporter.

"I have an everlasting love for the best player of all time (Messi)," he said, but "Yamal has broken the mold here" and represents a new, diverse Spain, thanks to his parents from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea. "Maybe they can both win. I wouldn't rule it out after everything we have seen."

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced its 2026-2027 regular-season schedule on Thursday, with a total of 84 games.

In previous seasons, the Bolts played 82 games, but this season they will play each Atlantic Division opponent four times, twice at home and twice on the road, for a total of 28 divisional matchups.

The Lightning will also play an even split of 42 home games and 42 away games. Their longest home stands will be a six-game run from Nov. 14 to Nov. 27, and Feb. 12 to Feb. 23. November is the month with the most games at Benchmark International Arena for the Lightning, so if you're looking for your opportunity to catch the Bolts at home, that is your best chance!

The team announced yesterday it will host the Washington Capitals in its first home game of the season on Oct. 3. Some other notable matchups include Nov. 25 when the Lightning take on the reigning Stanley Cup champs, the Carolina Hurricanes, at Benchmark, and Dec. 31 when the Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens in a rematch of their 2026 first-round playoff series.

The Bolts won't play their state rival, the Florida Panthers, at home until March 23, 2027.

Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets can begin buying Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. during the general public sale. Special ticketing options will begin throughout the week of August 10.

For the full schedule, click here.

For ticketing information, click here.

Two of the eight men indicted in an alleged drone and sniper plot to attack President Donald Trump's UFC cage-fighting show on the White House lawn pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal conspiracy charges.

Clothed in jail garb and shackled, Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, entered the pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. in Ohio, where the case has been consolidated. They and the other six defendants are each charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official.

Sargus scheduled their trial to begin Sept. 14.

What would have happened or could have happened, that's never going to be clear, because, thank God, there was an intervention here and this thing was disrupted, U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II told reporters last week as he detailed the group's July 9 indictments. But, in my view, when I look at what's been alleged there, it seems pretty likely that someone or multiple people were driving to Washington, D.C., to do something.

Attorneys for Proper and Scaggs declined to comment after the hearing.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | $60M and 7 federal agencies required to stage Trump's UFC fight at White House

According to the indictment, the plot began in May. Members of the group citing grievances about government corruption, water-guzzling data centers and the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files began amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communications equipment and other items.

The attack was planned to take place at the cage-fighting show dubbed UFC Freedom 250, which was held on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Law enforcement officials said they learned of the possible threat four days before the event was scheduled to take place.

One of the defendants told investigators that they planned to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and then shoot panicked crowd members as they fled, according to a federal affidavit.

The Justice Department announced charges against seven people from across the country last month, including from Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska and California. Officials said the suspects harbored fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government.

Four alleged conspirators charged in Missouri, Nebraska and California the weekend of the event and two more charged about a week later in Washington and Missouri are still in the process of being moved to Ohio to face charges. They are likely to be tried as a group.

Scaggs was arrested separately later, but was brought to Ohio ahead of the other out-of-state defendants.

No Hand of God this time. Argentina didnt need it.

Instead it was the hallowed feet of Lionel Messi and the unbreakable spirit of a team that has repeatedly fought back at this year's World Cup that is now one step away from back-to-back titles.

Trailing 1-0 going into the 85th minute, Argentina rallied for a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday with goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez.

I dreamed it, I swear. I told Alexis (Mac Allister) that I was going to score. I told him that I was going to come on and I was going to win it," Martinez said. "I can tell you this team keeps showing what its made of.

At the final whistle, Messi fell to his knees in celebration while England players collapsed in disbelief again.

Add 2026 to 1986 and 1998 on the list of games when Argentina has extinguished English hopes at the World Cup.

Im gutted for the team, the staff, the fans," England captain Harry Kane said. We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting.

The defending champions will take on European champion Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The best that South America has to offer against the best of Europe.

The loss for England will hurt a new generation of fans in a similar way to Diego Maradonas infamous handball goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals and the penalty shootout loss in 1998 when David Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone.

The difference is there can be no sense of injustice this time, even if England had victory in its sights after Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal in the 55th minute.

The English were hanging on as the game wore on. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves while Mac Allister sent a header off the post as wave after wave of Argentina attacks came.

Messi had largely been kept quiet. But when hes on the field, anything seems possible.

He fed the ball to Fernandez to sweep in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute. And two minutes into stoppage time, Messi sent in a cross for Martinez to head in the winner.

RELATED STORY | Spain advances to World Cup final with 2-0 win over France

It almost felt inevitable. Especially given the amount of times Argentina has simply refused to give in at this year's World Cup. From Cape Verde to Egypt, Messi and Co. always seem to find a way.

It is a show of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in, the fight to the very end that weve got, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. We were ready to go home, sad, knowing that we had left everything on the pitch, but after they scored we really proved ourselves.

England, in contrast, came up short in the World Cup semifinals for the third time after losses to Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. And it's another occasion in recent years when Englands players have squandered a winning position in the later stages of a major tournament.

They led 1-0 against Croatia in the semifinals eight years ago and lost 2-1. They were up 1-0 against Italy in the European Championship final in 2021 and lost on penalties.

On Wednesday, England coach Thomas Tuchel's substitutions seemed to be more intent on holding on, rather than killing the game off with another goal.

Argentina played with more risk, played with more rhythm, played with the feeling maybe that they have nothing to lose anymore, which freed them up and held us back because we played suddenly with a feeling that we have a lot to lose, Tuchel said.

Argentina is now one step away from history. Messi, now 39 and likely playing at his last World Cup, is one win away from further strengthening his case to be considered the greatest soccer player of all time.

Were going to try to win, were going to leave everything out there, Scaloni said. Its very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. Its incredible. We are unique, truly, and its not arrogance, its from the heart. We are unique."

This summer, more than 3,000 athletes competed at the Special Olympics national competition in Minnesota, celebrating the power of sports and inclusion.

One local Special Olympian competes year-round in multiple sports, but he's true to his first love. 21-year-old Corey Madden started powerlifting five years ago and never stopped. He said the Special Olympics have become a defining part of his life.

WATCH: Local powerlifter finds strength and inclusion through sports

"I love lifting heavy weights. I love the other athletes. I just love the environment," Madden said prior to a midweek workout at Pinellas Barbell.

That environment includes a coach who pushes him to believe in himself. Powerlifting coach Tim Scholz said the relationship between athlete and coach is built on trust.

"If he knows that we believe he can do it, he believes he can do it. It's that simple with it," he explained. "When he's having a hard time struggling, it's like 'Hey, we put that weight on the bar for you. We know you can do that. Let's see it."

Scholz said the Special Olympics plays a crucial role in building mental fitness for its athletes.

"It gets them out. It gets them out in an environment where they're not different. They're just like everybody else," he added.

For Madden, the Special Olympics unlocked something he had been searching for since childhood.

"It feels like I'm part of something bigger. Something bigger than myself, which I always wanted like ever since I was little," he said.

Corey's mother, Heatherlee Madden, has watched that transformation firsthand.

"It has just been the most wonderful thing for him," she beamed. "He had issues growing up, not always fitting in, not always being accepted. The second he found Special Olympics, he's blossomed."

Madden said he channels a mix of nerves and excitement when it's time to step onto the platform.

"I take a deep breath, and I basically do my lift. I see the expressions on everyone's face. It makes me get that adrenaline," he described. "When I lift that weight up and put it down, I know I did everything I could do. There's no better feeling."

His mother said watching him compete never gets old.

"Just to see him out there and to see him just shine. He thrives we call it he thrives on the platform. He's a kid that really enjoys competition," she added. "It's friendly, but he still enjoys it."

Madden's goals are straightforward.

"Becoming the best version of myself and rising to the occasion. I want to go all the way. I want to go as far as I can go."

He said the Special Olympics is about more than medals and competition.

"It's basically good for mental health and physical health. Special Olympics is a place for inclusion and acceptance."

Heatherlee Madden said she couldn't be prouder.

"He shines within Special Olympics, and it just melts my heart."

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host multiple youth training camps in 2026 for players of all skill levels to practice ice hockey.

For more information on training camps and the Lightning's community and hockey development programs, visit here.

The Dunedin Blue Jays are turning last season's weather woes into a fashion statement with a new "rain delay jersey" they will debut on July 18.

The Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays faced 24 weather delays, six postponements, and 10 cancellations during the 2025 season. Rather than lament the lost time, the team decided to commemorate it by putting the Tampa Bay 28 weather radar on a jersey.

WATCH: Dunedin Blue Jays debut 'rain delay jersey' featuring Tampa Bay weather radar this weekend

General Manager Matt Woak said the idea came out of a brainstorming session and reflects the team's approach to dealing with Florida's unpredictable summer weather.

"We have your classic summer pattern coming through here. Lots of lightning strikes on a Friday at 6 PM," Woak said.

The jersey features a map of Tampa Bay with colorful weather fronts moving across it. Woak said the alternate uniform fits into a broader minor league tradition of creative identities designed to draw fans to the ballpark.

"In minor league baseball, we tend to do a lot of crazy jerseys, alternate identities to get people into the ballpark. This was one of the ones we said, 'You know what? We can't beat the weather, might as well wear it,'" Woak said.

Woak said the 2025 season tested the entire staff.

"We were pulling the tarp three or four times a day. Typically in April and May we don't get as much bad weather. But in 2025, we had so many delayed games, rain delayed games," Woak said.

He said the jersey is also a way for the organization to keep its sense of humor.

"We have to laugh at ourselves every now and then or we're going to go insane here. We're making a joke and a little light here from some of the bad situations we had," Woak said.

The team will auction off the jerseys on July 18.

England and Argentina resume one of the fiercest rivalries in international soccer in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday.

The two teams meet in Atlanta and the winner will play Spain in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

I mean the two shirts are just iconic and the historic matches are iconic, England coach Thomas Tuchel said.

A fierce rivalry

The World Cup rivalry between the nations dates back to 1962, but it was England's 1-0 win in the quarterfinals four years later that saw it intensify. Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose death was announced on Saturday, was sent off in a bad-tempered match. England went on to win the World Cup for the first, and still the only time, in its history.

Twenty years on in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored the infamous Hand of God goal that helped Argentina to a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals on the way to becoming world champion for a second time.

That game also saw Maradona score what many believe to be the greatest World Cup goal ever when he dribbled the ball from the halfway line before beating England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

That will be forever in our hearts. It was just such a beautiful goal, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. Anybody who loves football will remember that in the best way possible.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | The 2026 World Cup is officially the most attended ever, according to FIFA

England felt aggrieved again in 1998 when David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone before losing the round-of-16 game on penalties.

Beckham got his revenge four years later by scoring a penalty in a 1-0 win that contributed to Argentina being eliminated at the group stage.

Given the heated rivalry, Tuchel has tried to manage the emotions of his players ahead of the semifinal.

If a fixture provides so many iconic moments you cannot just say its just another football match, but as a coach we do exactly that, he said. We dont speak about the historic events. We dont speak about the iconic moments.

Route to the semifinals

Neither team has had a smooth ride to the semifinals.

Argentina survived scares against Cape Verde and Egypt earlier in the knockout rounds and needed extra time to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

RELATED STORY | Atlanta tightens security for England-Argentina World Cup semifinal

England had to rally for wins against Congo and Norway after going a goal down. It also endured a physically exhausting game played at altitude, and being down to 10 men, to beat co-host Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16.

Messi vs. Kane and Bellingham

The seemingly ageless Lionel Messi has been Argentina's talisman once again, scoring eight goals and also providing crucial assists.

England has relied on its big hitters in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Both have six goals so far, with Bellingham scoring twice in each of England's last two games.

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced the date and opponent for the 2026-2027 season home opener.

The Bolts will play the Washington Capitals on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena. In a "Mean Girls" inspired post on X, the Bolts posted a burn book with the teams, date, and time on it.

On October 3rd he asked us what day it was. It's the Bolts home opener pic.twitter.com/60v6d5kF25

The Lightning will open the season on the road against the New York Rangers on Oct. 1.

Junior Caminero feared the worst when a 98 mph sinker that didnt sink struck him in the left hand in the All-Star Game.

For the Tampa Bay Rays slugging third baseman, Caminero considered himself fortunate the hit-by-pitch was more a scare than a season-ender.

You are thinking the worst and honestly thought something may have been broken, Caminero said through a translator. But thank you to God, its fine and just a little bit sore. But were all good.

Caminero was struck on the outside of his left hand by St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien with the high hard one in the top of the third inning with the American League up 3-0 on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old Caminero, fourth in the major leagues with 28 home runs, stayed down for a few moments before he popped up and ran straight into the clubhouse.

X-rays were negative.

Sinker on hands that didnt hit my bat at all, Caminero said. So look, it was a scary moment. But you know right now, we feel really good.

The Rays resume their season Friday with a doubleheader in Boston.

O'Brien, who has 24 saves this season for the Cardinals, checked in with Caminero in the AL clubhouse.

I told Ryan I really appreciate the gesture, Caminero said. He came into the clubhouse, and he took a few seconds to apologize, but I told him it was part of the game. He was really worried, but I told him look, these things happen. We are here to have fun, and we are here to enjoy the night.

Caminero was replaced by Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox. Vargas hit a solo homer for the American League in the eighth inning for game's first extra-base hit.

Caminero hit 17 total home runs a night earlier at Citizens Bank Park in the Home Run Derby. He hit 45 home runs with 110 RBIs last season, and this season has led the Rays to the top of the AL East.

He batted fourth on Tuesday and became the first Ray to start an All-Star game in two straight seasons. Caminero grounded out in his first at bat against Phillies' ace and NL starter Cristopher Snchez.

Caminero who advanced to the final round of last season's Home Run Derby before losing a close contest to Seattle slugger Cal Raleigh this season become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after a heady play by teenager Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro added another goal and Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.

A day after his 19th birthday, Yamal was denied a goal on a close offside call that came soon after Porro's give-and-go with Dani Olmo in the 58th minute had put Spain up 2-0. But it was Yamal's smart play against a veteran defender that put Spain in the lead.

Spain will face either defending champion Argentina or England on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They face each other on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Kylian Mbapp and France, FIFAs top-ranked team, were trying to become only the third team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. They instead will play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, the day before the final at MetLife Stadium across the river from New York City.

RELATED STORY | Atlanta tightens security for England-Argentina World Cup semifinal

This win on soccers biggest stage marked the third summer in a row that Spain beat France in a tournament semifinal match. Yamal scored in a 2-1 win in the 2024 European Championship semifinals just days before his 17th birthday, and La Roja won 5-4 in Nations League play last year.

After a quarterfinal win over Belgium last Friday, Yamal said he believed France should fear Spain. Those words certainly proved true.

Oyarzabals penalty kick in the 22nd minute came after Yamal drew a foul when kicked by defender Lucas Digne.

After a poor first touch with his head, Digne was trying to clear the ball when Yamal raced in from behind to challenge in the penalty area. The ball hit off the elbow of the leaping teen before he was kicked by Digne, playing in his 63rd game for France only six days before his 33rd birthday.

Oyarzabals fifth goal of this years World Cup marked the first time either team has trailed in their seven games in this tournament. It was his 30th goal in 60 international games for Spain.

Bryan Baker has been one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball this season. His 25 saves rank second in baseball and on Tuesday night, he'll take the field at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia for the first time in his career.

It's a milestone Baker didn't see coming.

"It's a huge shock. Not something you look forward to or expect to happen. It's probably the last thing I expected that day," Baker said.

WATCH: Rays closer Bryan Baker earns first All-Star selection in breakout season

When the news arrived, Baker wasted no time sharing it with the people closest to him.

"Mom and dad... well, I texted the wife first. Just a feeler message, you know. Just be aware of this," Baker said.

Baker credits the Rays pitching staff for helping him unlock the best season of his career.

"Just surrounded by a lot of professionals that know what they're doing. I've embraced it and tried to trust everyone around me. They seem to get us in the right spot and allow us to be the best version of ourselves," Baker said.

Baker will share the All-Star experience with Rays teammates Drew Rasmussen, Yandy Diaz, Nick Martinez and Junior Caminero. Five Rays selected for the All-Star Game marks a franchise record.

"I'll be following Ras, Cami and Yandy for the most part. Just soaking it all in. I think it will be really fun," Baker said.

Rasmussen, also making the All-Star roster, described what Baker can expect.

"It's overwhelming. It's a pretty busy two days. Your schedule is booked out from 10 a.m. to midnight. It truly is the experience of a lifetime. Excited for Bake to get to experience it for his first time," Rasmussen said.

For Baker, the trip to Philadelphia means trading in his usual All-Star Break routine.

"It will be a lot different from what I'm normally doing. I'm usually sitting on the beach for 3-4 days for the All-Star Break. It's a good sacrifice to my normal tradition. I haven't been an All-Star, even in the minor leagues. It'll all be new to me," Baker said.

Security and police presence will be increased for Wednesdays England-Argentina World Cup semifinal match in Atlanta.

The matchup is considered one of the tournaments highest-risk games because of longstanding tensions between the two nations stemming from the 1982 Falklands War.

Videos circulating online appear to show England and Argentina fans clashing in Miami, where England played Norway over the weekend.

Atlanta police said additional personnel and resources are already in place and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around event venues for Wednesdays match.

RELATED STORY | The World Cups final four is set. Here's who's in as the final week begins

While Argentina is the defending champion, England has not won a World Cup since 1966. It is also the first time since England's World Cup win in 1966 that its national team has earned a berth in the semifinals.

In addition to claiming three World Cup titles, Argentina has been the tournament's runner-up twice.

RELATED STORY | Jayden Adams dies at 25 shortly after South Africas World Cup run ended

Were going to miss this World Cup when its over next week.

We were treated to two brilliant quarterfinals over the weekend, which saw both England and Argentina advance to the last four at the expense of Norway and Switzerland.

For England, it was all about one name: Jude Bellingham. Ive given up on guessing where the 23-year-old plays, hes sort of just everywhere on the pitch and he netted twice to inspire his team past Erling Haalands Norway.

As for Argentina, it has Julin Alvarez to thank after the striker scored an absolute worldie in extra time to help the team through to the semifinal (with a little help from a controversial VAR call).

It means the last four is now complete, so with no games until Tuesday its time to meet our semifinalists.

The Main Thing: Meet the semifinalists

Despite this being a tournament full of underdog success stories and surprise results, weve ended up with the four highest-ranked teams in the semifinals. In many ways, this is the final four that many would have predicted, but it certainly hasnt been straight forward.

RELATED STORY | The 2026 World Cup is officially the most attended ever, according to FIFA

Lets start with England. Being a fan myself, I dont think Ive felt fully comfortable watching any of the games so far this tournament. Yes, it all started well with a 4-2 win against Croatia, but the Three Lions have seemingly struggled to properly kick on and have scrapped their way to this point.

Its done so off the back of two players, really. Both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored six goals in the competition, and England would have been knocked out much earlier if it didnt have these two superstars to rely on.

Even if the team looks disjointed and vulnerable at the back (it really does, most of the time), the talents of those two attackers can get it out of jail. While Kane is a pure goalscorer, Bellingham offers that bit of bite and nastiness that has made England such a hard team to knock out this summer.

With the country looking for its first World Cup title since 1966, there is immense pressure on the shoulders of those two men to keep producing match-winning moments.

England was last in a World Cup semifinal in 2018 but lost on that occasion to Croatia.

Englands opponent, Argentina, is quite similar in many ways. The defending champion has also relied on moments of brilliance to sneak through the knockout rounds, flirting with elimination on more than one occasion.

The team has naturally relied of Lionel Messi to get it out of trouble, and the magic man has duly obliged so far despite last night being all about his teammate Julin Alvarez.

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Much like England, Argentina isnt a beautiful team to watch, but it knows how to win ugly, and thats all that counts in tournament soccer sometimes. It is worth noting, though, that Argentina has scored the most goals out of anyone in the competition (17).

It also has the added bonus of experience, with many members of the current squad winning the title back in 2022. Youve just got a feeling that this semifinal on Wednesday is going to be special so expect fireworks.

We spoke about the other semifinal in a previous edition of this newsletter, but lets have a quick recap of what to expect on Tuesday. First, lets focus on France.

Considered by many to be the tournament favorite, France has barely gotten out of first gear so far this summer. While other teams have crawled to this point in the World Cup, Les Bleus has waltzed its way through the rounds, relying on its ridiculously talented front line.

Kylian Mbapp has been superb yet again, with his pace and directness proving highly effective on the international stage. But hes supported by the brilliant Ousmane Dembl and a host of other attackers who makes the team so frightening.

With legendary manager Didier Deschamps leaving his role after this tournament, France will be looking to replicate its 2018 success by sending him away with another World Cup winners medal.

The unenviable task of playing France falls to Spain. La Roja was also expected to do well in North America, and while its got to this point, it hasnt set the world alight with its performances.

We are still yet to see teenage superstar Lamine Yamal really thrive, which might have to do with the injury he was nursing coming into the tournament. But the midfield and defense are looking strong, and the team has conceded just one goal the entire tournament (though you feel that stat might be tested when it faces France).

Despite France being the narrow favorite, recent history points more to Spain. After all, Spain beat France in the semifinals of Euro 2024, a tournament it went on to win. It also beat Les Bleus in the Nations League last year.

Whoever wins this semifinal will likely be favorite to win the whole thing on July 19. I cant wait to find out who it will be.

The Tampa Bay Rays added an experienced and highly decorated arm to their bullpen in May with the signing of Craig Kimbrel.

WATCH: Catching Rays with Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel, 38, has put together a Hall of Fame resume over the last 17 seasons.

He has locked down 440 saves in his career, which ranks fifth all-time behind Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Kenley Jansen and Lee Smith. Hes a nine-time All-Star, World Series champion (2018) and National League Rookie of the Year (2011).

Kimbrel has given so much to the game, but what has baseball given him?

Tampa Bay 28 sports anchor Kyle Burger grabbed a glove and played catch with Kimbrel under the Tropicana Field roof to find out.

The two had a "Catching Rays" conversation about Kimbrels unique pitching delivery, life on and off the field, and how his perspective of the game may have shifted as hes gotten older.

Police said Monday they are investigating the death of South Africa World Cup soccer player Jayden Adams, after his body was discovered this weekend at a property in the city of Cape Town.

The 25-year-old Adams died two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.

Authorities have not released a cause of death.

"Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday," police said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. "Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."

Police said the body was discovered at a property in the Cape Town neighborhood of Schotsche Kloof at around 11 a.m. on Saturday, but gave no more details.

RELATED STORY | Jayden Adams dies at 25 shortly after South Africas World Cup run ended

Adams' father, Juanito Adams, told South African TV news station eNCA on Sunday that the family were waiting for the results of an autopsy and had not yet made any funeral plans.

"As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it," Juanito Adams said. "It won't be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won't. You just learn to live with it."

Adams played in all three of South Africa's group games as it produced its best performance at the World Cup. He did not feature in the 1-0 loss to Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said Adams had played in his team's group game against Czech Republic hours after learning that his grandmother had died. McKenzie asked the public and media to "exercise restraint and compassion" and not speculate on the cause of Adams' death while authorities conduct an investigation.

There were moments of silence and tributes for Adams at the England vs. Norway and Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal games on Saturday.