World Cup 2026: complete group stage schedule

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, the Mexican national team’s all-time top scorer, signed a two-year contract with the option of a third with Atlético Dallas, an expansion club that will begin competing next year in the USL Championship, the second division of professional soccer in the United States.

“I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for soccer, its diversity and its future. I want to help create a winning culture, inspire young players in North Texas and give our fans a team they can believe in from the beginning. I didn’t come here simply to finish my career. I came here to help build the future of soccer in Dallas,” Hernández said in a statement.

The 38-year-old forward played in three World Cups with Mexico and set a mark of 52 goals in 109 international matches. His club career includes stints at Manchester United (2010-2014, 37 goals in 103 appearances), LA Galaxy in MLS (2020-2023, 38 goals in 74 games) and a recent season with Guadalajara in Liga MX. He was also an analyst on the FOX broadcast for the 2026 World Cup.

Brian Corcoran, athletic director of Atlético Dallas, highlighted the player’s contribution:

“Javier brings world-class quality to us on the field, but, just as important, he brings professionalism, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to winning. Those qualities become contagious within a locker room, and are exactly what we want this club to represent from day one. His willingness to coach, combined with the qualities he will bring on the field, makes this the perfect inaugural signing for our club.”

The team, which will debut in the USL Championship in 2027, already named Peter Luccin, a former LaLiga and Ligue 1 midfielder, as its first coach last February.

Mexico maintains a firm step in the medal table

The Mexican delegation remains unstoppable in the Central American and Caribbean Games. At the end of the third day, he has accumulated 27 gold medals, 23 silver and 20 bronze, a total of 70 medals. Colombia, its main pursuer, has 12 golds and 38 in total. Cuba (10 golds, 27 total) occupies third place, followed by Venezuela (7 golds, 30 total) and the host Dominican Republic (6 golds, 26 total).

Iker Casas keeps his promise

Judoka Iker Casas, 26, was crowned champion in the -80 kg category by beating Colombian Miguel Trejos 2-0 in the final. He declared without hesitation: “I did not feel pressure at any time. I had a promise that I had to keep. I was not going to return to Mexico without achieving this goal.”

Kenia Lechuga and Alexis López conquer rowing

At the Presa de Rincón Rowing and Canoeing Center, Kenia Lechuga, a two-time world medalist, won gold in the individual short rowing event with a time of 7:54.49 minutes. She surpassed the Cuban Loraidis Echavarría (8:10.61) and the Venezuelan Kimberlin Meneses (8:12.79). “I am always motivated to dedicate my competitions to my country, my family, friends and even my dogs,” said Lechuga, 32 years old.

For his part, Alexis López García won with 7:23.11 minutes, leaving behind the Dominican Ignacio Vásquez (7:25.69) and the Cuban Leduar Suárez (7:32.53).

Colombia responds in track cycling

On Monday, Colombia celebrated two gold medals in the team pursuit. The female quartet (Lina Marcela Hernández, Elizabeth Castaño, Luciana Osorio and Camila Valbuena) recorded 3:56.353 to leave Mexico with silver and Venezuela with bronze. In the men’s branch, Brayan Sánchez, Bryan Gómez, Juan Arango and Jordan Parra clocked 4:13.655 and beat the Mexican team.

Local gold in judo and expectation in surfing

Dominican judoka Robert Florentino won the -90 kg category by beating Puerto Rican Derik Rodríguez by ippon in the first round. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico maintains hopes of gold in surfing: Mariecarmen Rivera and Nimsay García will compete in the SUP final on Wednesday after winning their semifinals.

The next Premier League season will bring a change aimed at stopping goalkeeper simulations. The English Football Association (FA) announced on Monday that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a trial for the 2026-27 season.

“English football has received approval from the IFAB to introduce a new goalkeeper injury test as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining the pace and flow of matches,” the FA said.

What does the test consist of?

If a match is stopped due to an injury to the goalkeeper, the coach must designate a field player to leave the field of play immediately. That player will remain out for a minimum of one minute after the restart. If the coach does not designate anyone within 10 seconds, the team captain will be automatically chosen.

The measure seeks to prevent goalkeepers from interrupting the momentum of the match, slowing down play or giving coaches time to give tactical instructions. The FA said the trial was “collectively driven” by the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League and other entities.

Exceptions planned

The rule will not apply when the goalkeeper receives a free kick for a foul, when there is a collision with a field player or if the goalkeeper is bleeding. The first match to include the test will be the English League Cup clash between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday.