By the luck of the draw: Iran and Egypt, two countries that criminalize homosexuality and impose severe punishments for it, are slated to play in the Pride Match in Seattle next June 26 as part of the World Cup soccer tournament. (Facebook via Sick Chirpse) By FARNAZ FASSIHI Long before the World Cup draw last week determined which teams would play where and when, one game was designated as the Pride Match. The game in Seattle on June 26 will go all out with rainbow banners,

Cafeteros of Yauco setter Kevin Rodríguez By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation announced the Men’s All-Star Team for Week #7 of the 2025 Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM by its initials in Spanish), highlighting the most outstanding players in each position. The undisputed star: Kevin Rodríguez (#55, Cafeteros of Yauco), who was named Player of the Week and Best Setter. Among the most lethal attackers were Pelegrín Vargas (#14, Caribes of San Sebasti

It felt fitting that the final season at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale -- and the last game of this first chapter of Messi in Miami -- ended with an MLS Cup trophy. It also felt appropriate that it was delivered by Lionel Messi’s brilliance. (Instagram via golazoamerica) By PAUL TENORIO / THE ATHLETIC It was nearly two hours after the final whistle sounded on Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup, but Lionel Messi still hadn’t taken off his pink cleats as he stood next to the o

Calvin Estrada scores a run for the San Juan Senators in the opening game of a doubleheader against the Mayagüez Indians at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey on Sunday. San Juan (8-15) took the first game 3-1, while Mayagüez (11-11) won the nightcap 2-1. By THE STAR STAFF The Santurce Crabbers, San Juan Senators, Mayagüez Indians and Carolina Giants all secured victories on Sunday in Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC by its initials in Spanish) play. The Cr

The Bucaneros of Arroyo will play the Guapos of Dorado in the COLICEBA finals. (Aldwin Santiago) By THE STAR STAFF The Bucaneros of Arroyo defeated the Azucareros of Yabucoa 12-1 on Friday at José “Cheo” Cruz Stadium in Arroyo and will play the Guapos of Dorado for the COLICEBA championship. Right-hander Yadier Rolón was dominant on the mound, pitching five scoreless innings to earn the victory for Arroyo. Julio Morales, Brian Ortiz, Edwin Sánchez and Ian Martínez pitched in

Sammy Hernández had a hit in each of his at-bats as the Ponce Lions defeated the Santurce Crabbers 4-2 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey on Saturday night. By THE STAR STAFF The Caguas Criollos, Carolina Giants and Ponce Lions all earned victories in Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC by its initials in Spanish) games on Saturday night. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez drove in four runs to lead the Criollos to a 4-1 victory over the San Juan Senators (Senador

The Team Puerto Rico preliminary 35-player roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic was submitted to Major League Baseball this week. The final roster of 30 players must be submitted to MLB by Feb. 3. By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation earlier this week submitted its 35-player preliminary roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a requirement of Major League Baseball as part of the national team selection process. The roster will not be made public unt

Fans cheer for Spain at Circulo Espanol during the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands in New York, July 11, 2010. Spain that year became the eighth country to win the World Cup (by beating the Netherlands 1-0 at Soccer City in Johannesburg), and is one of the favorites to win next year’s World Cup, which starts in June. (Marcus Yam/The New York Times) By JACK LANG / THE ATHLETIC The 2026 World Cup, once a dot on the horizon, starts to come into full view this w