Mexico and South Africa opener sets English-language viewership record

The World Cup game between host Mexico and South Africa drew 7.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched opening match for an English-language broadcast in the United States.

Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show.

Norway embraces Viking theme for World Cup return and provokes some debate

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (AP) – First it was their fans performing a synchronized “Viking row” in the stands at matches.

Uruguay's Maxi Araújo scores equalizer in 1-1 World Cup draw with Saudi Arabia

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) – Maxi Araújo finally gave the crowd of mostly Uruguay fans in South Florida something to cheer about with his tying goal late in Monday’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

Belgium and its 'Golden Generation' veterans get off to unimpressive World Cup start

SEATTLE (AP) – Seeking to avoid a repeat of its early World Cup exit in 2022, Belgium got off to an unimpressive start.

Zack Wheeler strikes out 9 to lift Phillies to 7-0 win

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Zack Wheeler struck out nine in six scoreless innings of two-hit ball, Gabriel Rincones Jr. homered for his first career hit and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Miami Marlins 7-0 on Monday night.

García and Crews key 5-run 5th inning as Nationals beat Royals 7-3

WASHINGTON (AP) – Luis García Jr. hit a go-ahead single, Dylan Crews added a three-run homer and the Washington Nationals scored five times in the fifth inning to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Monday night.

Dustin May perfect into 7th inning as Cardinals blank Padres 3-0

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Dustin May took a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing a one-hitter as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 3-0 on Monday night.

Colt Keith has 3 home runs and 6 RBIs as Tigers blow past Astros 9-3

HOUSTON (AP) – Colt Keith hit three home runs and six RBIs as the Detroit Tigers took down the Houston Astros 9-3 on Monday night.