The World Cup opens as the Knicks win their first title since 1973
The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams for the first time, began with matches in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. An opening ceremony was held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico won its opening match 2-0 against South Africa at that stadium.
Further opening ceremonies were held at Toronto Stadium and at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Canada earned a first World Cup point by drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Qatar earned a first World Cup point by drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada and missed the opener against Panama in Toronto. Canadian authorities cited ongoing proceedings on rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Iranian Americans protested outside SoFi against the Iranian government and the team's participation, and the Lion and Sun flag was seen despite a FIFA ban on it at matches.
The New York Knicks, already up 3-1 after rallying from 29 points to beat San Antonio 107-106 in Game 4, won the series in Game 5. OG Anunoby's tip-in with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4 was the largest comeback in Finals history, past Boston's 24-point rally in 2008. In Game 5 the Knicks won 94-90 for a first championship since 1973 and a third overall.
Carolina beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to win the Stanley Cup in six games, a first title since 2006. Toyota won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, its first win there since 2022 and sixth overall. In the UFL, the Louisville Kings beat the DC Defenders 27-20 for a first United Bowl in their first season.
Curacao, the smallest nation to reach a World Cup, scored a first tournament goal in a 7-1 loss to Germany. The UFC Freedom 250 card, named for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, was held on the South Lawn of the White House on Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Police later arrested 63 people outside Madison Square Garden after ten officers were injured during Knicks celebrations.
