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FIFA can’t start a 1,000-day countdown for the 2026 World Cup because it hasn’t set the opening date. But with *about* 1,000 days to go, some U.S. cities are worried about delays and waiting for answers, and action. nyti.ms/3EGLN4J

Via Rory Smith: The standard of play in the Saudi Pro League doesn’t matter when no one’s watching the games. nyti.ms/46f3fce

More than 135 players were lured by big promises to play for Bishop Sycamore and its previous incarnation, Christians of Faith Academy, until it fell apart on national television. Only one is believed to have played major college football: Mario Agyen. nyti.ms/3sRQLsR

The game started as a tense back-and-forth affair, but the Liberty took a narrow lead into halftime, and they never relinquished it. nyti.ms/3r9BXWa

For many runners, GPS watches are a remarkably useful training tool. But there are others who have a hard time understanding the fuss. To them, a smorgasbord of data is more hindrance than help. nyti.ms/48g6jXD

“It’s too many [races] for me, but we just have to deal with it,” said Max Verstappen of Red Bull after the F1 calendar’s release in July. “I think it’s a bit more logical the way it’s planned at least, so I guess that’s better for everyone.” nyti.ms/3EKNmP2

According to the statement, the Spanish players’ demands are based on “zero tolerance” toward members of the federation who have “had, incited, hidden or applauded attitudes against the dignity of women.” nyti.ms/45SpncY

“The runs just felt so much longer,” said Dylan Jacobs, 23, a three-time NCAA champion runner who recently turned pro. “That was one of my main problems with it.” nyti.ms/3LqePtm

Sepak takraw is exactly like volleyball in that the goal is to win points by smashing the ball onto the ground of your opponent’s territory. It’s exactly the opposite of volleyball in that you can use every part of your body except your hands. nyti.ms/45ST91a

“I just started running too fast on all my runs,” said Sam Prakel, who was was a five-time all-American at Oregon, “and it became harder to recover from them because I was so focused on my pace. I learned pretty quickly that it wasn’t good for me.” nyti.ms/3RjXLcd

How perfect that this year’s US Open would celebrate the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s successful push for equal prize money. And how fitting that on this golden anniversary, Gauff would win her first Grand Slam event. nyti.ms/48ilEXC

A rotating cast of former pro soccer players — most of them retired recently enough that rust has not yet set in — come to a field in England each week to take part in what may be the best game of pickup soccer in the world. nyti.ms/46fx7W5

Can the Lions keep the wins coming against the Seahawks? Who will prevail in the matchup between Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, quarterbacks who each signed contract extensions this year? nyti.ms/3PGJwg9

Markelle Taylor started running as part of the 1000 Mile Club in San Quentin State Prison. Now he’s returning as a mentor. nyti.ms/44Q7wC4

Jets vs. Cowboys is missing a star, but the real matchup — between Dallas' pass rush and Gang Green's offensive line — is still on. nyti.ms/3ZimkIx

Despite what some advised early in his career, Tim Flannery was never going to choose baseball over music. “Like having to choose between air and water,” he said. “I’ve got to have both.” nyti.ms/3Ln2Uw7

Sometimes it’s the sport itself that matters. nyti.ms/469Hef0

Zach Wilson struggled in his first start of the season. Facing pressure from the Cowboys’ defense, he completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions. nyti.ms/48h3oxP

A big settlement for a man injured during a Brazilian jujitsu class has prompted a wave on introspection in the martial art about whether safety standards should improve. nyti.ms/3PEMZfg

How perfect that the US Open helped lower the curtain on the Sports of The Times column, with a women’s sport providing the tournament’s apex moment. nyti.ms/3r7mAO0