Sports

Wout van Aert is abandoning the Tour de France after learning that his pregnant wife's labor is "imminent." He's seen here earlier this week, ascending Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in the French Alps.

Wout van Aert leaves Tour de France to be with pregnant wife: 'It's an easy decision'

10:06am July 20, 2023

by Bill Chappell

The talented Belgian will miss the last few days of cycling's biggest race. "On the one hand it's a strange feeling but it's not a dilemma," he said. "It's an easy decision."

Sports

As the Women's World Cup kicks off, the U.S. hopes to win its third in a row

5:05am July 20, 2023

by Laurel Wamsley

The Women's World Cup kicks off today, and the U.S. team hopes to become the first team ever to win three tournaments in a row.

Sports

As the Women's World Cup gets underway, a look at the history of the sports bra

5:05am July 20, 2023

by Claire Murashima

The return of the Women's World Cup could mean more iconic shots of shirtless celebrations revealing sports bras. The garment has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

An armed New Zealand police officer stands at a road block in the central business district following a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, July 20, 2023. New Zealand police are responding to reports that a gunman has fired shots in a building in downtown Auckland.

New Zealand gunman kills 2 people on the eve of the Women's World Cup

8:59pm July 19, 2023

by The Associated Press

Police said there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which took place near the hotel where Team Norway has been staying.

In this photo from July 7, 2019, U.S. players hold the trophy as they celebrate winning the Women's World Cup final soccer match against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. The 2023 Women's World Cup will be spread across nine cities in Australia and New Zealand.

5 storylines to watch as the Women's World Cup kicks off

5:16pm July 19, 2023

by Laurel Wamsley

It's Megan Rapinoe's last World Cup, and it could be Marta's, too. From winter weather to new faces to watch, here's what to know about this year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Grass vs. turf: The debate over the best playing surface for soccer rages on

5:15pm July 19, 2023

by Jason deBruyn

It's an ongoing debate in soccer circles whether artificial turf is good for the sport. To host an international soccer game, a university recently had to truck in grass to cover its turf.

New countries and a changing U.S. team: what to expect for the Women's World Cup

4:42pm July 19, 2023

The FIFA Women's World Cup opens in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with soccer writer Sophie Downey about what to expect in the championship.

Queue Listen Now

Sports

Debate continues over whether artificial turf is good for soccer

5:11am July 19, 2023

by Jason deBruyn

There's debate in soccer circles about whether artificial turf is good for the sport. To host an international soccer game tonight, UNC-Chapel Hill had to truck in grass to cover its turf.

Tour de France heads to the final stages with leader changes and crowd control issues

5:27pm July 18, 2023

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Patrick Redford from the Defector about the progress of the Tour de France.

Queue Listen Now

Spain's special tennis pipeline keeps producing great players

6:06pm July 17, 2023

by Rob Schmitz

One of the all-time greatest tennis players, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, isn't at this year's French Open. But Carlos Alcaraz, also of Spain, is dominating. What is it about the Spanish tennis pipeline?

Queue Listen Now