Sports Connections Hints: Sep 21, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Sports Connectionspuzzle published on Sep 21, 2026 (2026-09-21). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full boardwhen you're ready.

Meta: Sports puzzle #1078

Puzzle #1078 · 2026-09-21 · sports

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1078 for 2026-09-21, edition sports, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: DISTINCTION, DC SCHOOLS, USMNT ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORERS and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

DISTINCTION
DC SCHOOLS
USMNT ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORERS
_____ WAGNER

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

DISTINCTION

HONOR

AWARD

ACCOLADE

PRIZE

DC SCHOOLS

AMERICAN

GEORGETOWN

GEORGE WASHINGTON

HOWARD

USMNT ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORERS

DEMPSEY

DONOVAN

ALTIDORE

WYNALDA

_____ WAGNER

FRANZ

HONUS

BILLY

ASHLEY

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.