Mexico's youth gamble sparks a victory in the World Cup's opening match

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexico’s dire performance at the last World Cup in Qatar served as a wake-up call for this year’s event. The message was clear: El Tri needed new players if it wanted a different ending on home soil in 2026.

Belgium midfielder Witsel 'not staying at Girona'

RENTON, Wash. (AP) – While preparing for Belgium’s World Cup opener against Egypt, midfielder Axel Witsel said he has no intention of returning to Girona after one season with the La Liga club.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants Portugal focused on good start

Portugal traveled to the United States on Friday with Cristiano Ronaldo saying the team needs to focus on getting off to a good start instead of thinking ahead about contending for its first World Cup title.

Larin scores in 78th minute to rally Canada to 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina

TORONTO (AP) – Late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute and co-host Canada earned its first point in its third World Cup appearance – and first on home soil – by rallying for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.

England crush Sri Lanka in Women's T20 World Cup

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) – England launched its home Women’s Twenty20 World Cup in style by crushing Sri Lanka by 87 runs at Edgbaston on Friday.

A's activate SS Jacob Wilson and place OF Brent Rooker on injured list

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was activated off the injured list on Friday, and designated hitter Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Tuesday because of a bone bruise in his left knee.

PWHL's Minnesota Frost re-sign Lee Stecklein, Grace Zumwinkle

Defender Lee Stecklein and forward Grace Zumwinkle are staying put in Minnesota after the PWHL’s Frost re-signed both players on Friday.

Visa denial sidelines Thomas Partey for Ghana's World Cup opener

TORONTO (AP) – Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team’s World Cup opener Wednesday after Canada denied his visa application while he awaits trial in London on multiple charges of rape.

New Zealand great Kane Williamson retires mid-series in England

LONDON (AP) – Kane Williamson put the New Zealand team first to the very end.