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Soccer

FILE - England's manager Sarina Wiegman attends a news conference at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, England, Monday Oct. 27, 2025. (Jacob King/PA via AP, File)

England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman awarded with honorary damehood

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:05 PM CST

LONDON (AP) — The head coach of England women's soccer team, Sarina Wiegman, has been awarded an honorary damehood in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list.

The 56-year-old Dutch coach led the Lionesses to a second straight Euros title in the summer, having also steered the team to the World Cup final in 2023.

“When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support,” Wiegman said. “Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one, then there is recognition for all.”

Also, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the ice dancing duo who won a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, were awarded top honors, with Torvill receiving a damehood and Dean a knighthood. Retired marathon runner Paula Radcliffe was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE).

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First-half blitz sends Roma into top four of Serie A with 3-1 win over Genoa

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 4:09 PM CST

ROME (AP) — Roma scored three times in a one-sided first half to beat Genoa 3-1 on Monday and move into fourth place in Serie A.

Matías Soulé’s neatly taken goal after 13 minutes was followed quickly by an opportunistic strike by Manu Koné as the home side overran its lowly opponent.

On-loan Irish striker Evan Ferguson pounced on a parried shot to poke the ball home and make it 3-0 just past the half-hour mark.

Jeff Ekhator got a late consolation goal for Genoa with a deflected shot.

Host Morocco and South Africa join Egypt in Africa Cup knockout stage as Salah gets a rest

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Host Morocco and South Africa join Egypt in Africa Cup knockout stage as Salah gets a rest

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:33 PM CST

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Host nation Morocco and South Africa advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations’ knockout stage on Monday, when Egypt star Mohamed Salah got a rest with his team already through.

Morocco made sure of its place in the last 16 with a 3-0 rout of Zambia. The hosts topped Group A to stay on course for having all their knockout games in Rabat’s near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also stage the final on Jan. 18.

Other teams celebrate

Results in Group A, where Comoros finished third with two points, and Group B, where Angola did likewise, set off celebrations elsewhere. That's because teams with more than two points and already assured of at least third place in their groups have reached the last 16.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:33 PM CST

Egypt's Mohamed Salah, center, smiles as he sits on the bench ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Egypt's Mohamed Salah, center, smiles as he sits on the bench ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Whitecaps FC to settle class-action lawsuit with fans over Messi no-show in Vancouver

Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Whitecaps FC to settle class-action lawsuit with fans over Messi no-show in Vancouver

Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:22 PM CST

VANCOUVER - When soccer superstar Lionel Messi was a no-show for Inter Miami's match with the Whitecaps in Vancouver in May 2024, they let their feelings be known with chants of "Where is Messi?"

But some in the crowd of more than 51,000 went further — they took the matter out of BC Place stadium and to the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Now Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the disgruntled fans have reached a proposed settlement in the class-action lawsuit which accused the club and Major League Soccer of misleading supporters in promotions for the match, in which Miami stars Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets also failed to take the field.

The tentative deal was announced Monday in a statement from Evolink Law, representing the fans, and was confirmed by the Whitecaps.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:22 PM CST

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (10) leaps over Vancouver Whitecaps' Sebastian Berhalter (16) during the second half of the MLS Cup final soccer match, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (10) leaps over Vancouver Whitecaps' Sebastian Berhalter (16) during the second half of the MLS Cup final soccer match, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Toronto FC signs Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from Portugal’s Santa Clara

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Toronto FC signs Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from Portugal’s Santa Clara

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:18 AM CST

TORONTO - Toronto FC has signed Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from Portuguese side CD Santa Clara through the 2027-28 MLS season, with a club option for 2028-29.

The 25-year-old, who can also play on the wing, joined Santa Clara in July 2024 and went on to make a combined 49 appearances in all competitions.

Pereira will likely join Canadian international Richie Laryea at Toronto's first-choice fullback pairing. 

Laryea, a former TFC designated player who made $1.17 million (all figures in U.S. dollars) last season, can play both sides and did everything when healthy for TFC last season, also playing at wingback, centre back and midfielder for Toronto. 

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:18 AM CST

A general view of BMO Field as the game presentation is displayed before Toronto FC play Nashville SC in MLS soccer action in Toronto, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
A general view of BMO Field as the game presentation is displayed before Toronto FC play Nashville SC in MLS soccer action in Toronto, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

Ronaldo wants to reach 1,000 goals before ending his soccer career. He’s up to 956

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ronaldo wants to reach 1,000 goals before ending his soccer career. He’s up to 956

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 4:38 AM CST

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his determination to score 1,000 goals by the end of his career.

And the 40-year-old Portugal superstar is in no doubt he'll get there.

“I will reach that number for sure, if no injuries,” Ronaldo said late Sunday at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was named as the best player in the Middle East.

Ronaldo moved onto 956 career goals by scoring twice for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. His tally includes men's international record of 143 goals for Portugal, which Ronaldo is set to lead into next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Yesterday at 4:38 AM CST

FILE - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
FILE - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)

From ‘lazy’ to title challengers: Aston Villa is the big surprise in the Premier League this season

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

From ‘lazy’ to title challengers: Aston Villa is the big surprise in the Premier League this season

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 4:23 AM CST

When Aston Villa was on a five-match winless run to start the Premier League season, the team looked more like a potential relegation candidate than a title contender.

Manager Unai Emery was describing his players as “lazy.” Villa's big names — including England internationals Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers — were showing no form at all. There were major concerns about the club’s lack of activity in the summer’s transfer window.

How, then, to explain the position Villa finds itself in heading into its final game of 2026?

On the back of 11 straight victories in all competitions, Villa is on its best winning streak in more than a century and is being viewed as a legitimate challenger for the Premier League title.

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Yesterday at 4:23 AM CST

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, left and Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah vie for the ball, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Aston Villa, at Stamford Bridge, in London, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, left and Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah vie for the ball, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Aston Villa, at Stamford Bridge, in London, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Ivory Coast and Cameroon draw at Africa Cup as France great Zidane watches Algeria go through

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ivory Coast and Cameroon draw at Africa Cup as France great Zidane watches Algeria go through

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Defending champion Ivory Coast and five-time winner Cameroon drew 1-1 after a mighty tussle at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, while Algeria reached the last 16 with prominent fan Zinedine Zidane again watching on.

Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo might have won the late game with the last kick, only to be thwarted by Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou, who threw himself in front of the ball and received its full force between his legs.

Neither team backed down. Cameroon’s performance showed the team is united under new coach David Pagou, after predecessor Marc Brys was fired weeks before the tournament as federation president Samuel Eto’o brought their public dispute to a conclusion, with a list of grievances against the Belgian coach.

The Cameroon players danced their way into the stadium in Marrakech, where TV cameras showed Barcelona defender Jules Koundé and Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni – both French internationals – sitting side by side to watch the game, with France superstar Kylian Mbappé also in attendance.

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane kicks the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Burkina Faso in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane kicks the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Burkina Faso in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

South Africa coach Hugo Broos blasts lack of ‘AFCON vibe’ at Africa Cup in Morocco

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

South Africa coach Hugo Broos blasts lack of ‘AFCON vibe’ at Africa Cup in Morocco

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — South Africa coach Hugo Broos isn’t getting that usual Africa Cup of Nations feeling in Morocco.

Broos, who led Cameroon to the title in 2017 in Gabon and took South Africa to third place at the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast, said Sunday there was a lack of enthusiasm for the 35th Africa Cup.

“In the Ivory Coast and in Gabon, every second of the tournament you felt that you were in a tournament,” Broos said. “The people were – when we went with the bus to train – the people were waving and they were with flags, and here you see nothing. So, I don’t know, but yeah, there is no vibe, there is no typical AFCON vibe. I don’t feel it here.”

The Belgian coach was speaking in Marrakech ahead of South Africa’s final group game against Zimbabwe on Monday. The Bafana Bafana opened with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Angola in Marrakech and then lost 1-0 to Egypt in Agadir.

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

South Africa's head coach Hugo Broos sits on the bench ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and South Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's head coach Hugo Broos sits on the bench ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and South Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Calvert-Lewin advances England claims by scoring in 6th straight game for Leeds. Spurs beat Palace

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Calvert-Lewin advances England claims by scoring in 6th straight game for Leeds. Spurs beat Palace

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

With each goal in his career-best scoring run, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is advancing his claims for a recall to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

The striker netted for the sixth straight game to earn Leeds a 1-1 draw at Sunderland, which missed a chance to climb to fifth place in the Premier League on Sunday.

By staying injury-free and being on the hottest streak as a professional, Calvert-Lewin is making a convincing case to be Harry Kane's back-up for England for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

His equalizer at the Stadium of Light came in the 47th minute and was a trademark close-range, one-touch finish, turning in a cross from U.S. forward Brenden Aaronson.

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, center, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match in Sunderland, England, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, center, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match in Sunderland, England, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Pulisic ends 2025 with AC Milan goal. He’s hoping for more with US at home World Cup in 2026

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Pulisic ends 2025 with AC Milan goal. He’s hoping for more with US at home World Cup in 2026

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Christian Pulisic is on pace for the best season of his career — in a campaign that will conclude with a home World Cup for the United States.

The American standout scored the opening goal for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday to raise his total to 10 goals and two assists in 15 matches across all competitions with the Rossoneri.

The victory kept Milan within one point of Serie A leader Inter Milan, which won 1-0 at Atalanta.

Defending champion Napoli, which won 2-0 at Cremonese, remained two points back in third.

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi asks fans to stop whistling the team at Africa Cup

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi asks fans to stop whistling the team at Africa Cup

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has appealed for the host nation’s supporters to stop whistling the team at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It’s not normal for the supporters to whistle,” Hakimi said Sunday before Morocco’s final group game against Zambia on Monday. “We need that 12th man.”

The Moroccan players were subjected to whistles from the home fans at half time and again at full time after their disappointing 1-1 draw against Mali on Friday.

“We need the fans,” Hakimi said. “But we have to respect our rivals. They’re not easy opponents.”

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi shakes hands with teammates ahead of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Morocco and Mali in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi shakes hands with teammates ahead of the African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match between Morocco and Mali in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

From gunshots to the Africa Cup, Sudanese players endure brutal war to bring hope

Akram Oubachir, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

From gunshots to the Africa Cup, Sudanese players endure brutal war to bring hope

Akram Oubachir, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — When Sudan player Ammar Taifour first heard gunfire outside his hotel room, he shrugged it off and went back to sleep. He had a soccer match to play.

But hours later, gunfire erupted again and gunmen surrounded the hotel in Omdurman, central Sudan, trying to seize control of the area. Taifour, a 28-year-old American-Sudanese midfielder, didn't realize the shots marked the beginning a brutal war that would claim tens of thousands of lives and displace millions.

“We saw them from the windows all around the hotel holding guns,” Taifour told The Associated Press at the Africa Cup of Nations this week. “They were shooting at army aircraft. It was completely unexpected.”

Taifour and his teammates, coaches and medical staff were trapped inside the hotel for more than two days, as food and water supplies ran low. They left only after the gunmen withdrew, and Taifour flew back to the United States, leaving his career in Sudan behind as he searched for a new team.

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Sudan's players pose for the team picture before the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Sudan's players pose for the team picture before the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Juventus wins 2-0 at promoted Pisa for its 3rd straight win in Serie A

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Juventus wins 2-0 at promoted Pisa for its 3rd straight win in Serie A

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

ROME (AP) — Late goals from Pierre Kalulu and Kenan Yildiz earned Juventus a 2-0 win at promoted Pisa on Saturday as the Bianconeri won their third straight in Serie A.

It was a challenge for Luciano Spalletti’s side, though, as Pisa threatened by twice hitting the woodwork.

Following morale-boosting victories over Bologna and Roma, Juventus moved up to third place – four places higher than when Spalletti was hired to replace the fired Igor Tudor two months ago.

Edon Zeghrova provided a burst of energy for Juventus when he came on just after the hour mark and his work down the left flank led to Kalulu finishing off a counterattack from close range.

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Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

Juventus' Pierre Kalulu celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A soccer match between Pisa and Juventus in Pisa, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
Juventus' Pierre Kalulu celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A soccer match between Pisa and Juventus in Pisa, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Osimhen steers Nigeria into Africa Cup knockout stage, Senegal made to wait

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Osimhen steers Nigeria into Africa Cup knockout stage, Senegal made to wait

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Victor Osimhen scored a rare Africa Cup of Nations goal and Nigeria booked its place in the knockout stage with an ultimately nervy 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles almost squandered a three-goal lead as Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back in the 74th minute and Ali Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th.

Osimhen missed two good chances with headers early on as the Nigeria made a good start, but he finally made one count before the break with a header to Ademola Lookman’s cross.

It was just Osimhen's second Africa Cup goal in his career.

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Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

A senegal fan cheers during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A senegal fan cheers during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Arsenal stays top as Man City and Aston Villa apply the pressure and Liverpool resurgence continues

James Robson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Arsenal stays top as Man City and Aston Villa apply the pressure and Liverpool resurgence continues

James Robson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Arsenal resisted a late fightback from Brighton on Saturday to keep hold of first place in the Premier League, but Manchester City and Aston Villa are in hot pursuit.

It is a three-way fight at the top with just three points separating first and third in the standings.

City briefly held top spot after a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, but when Arsenal beat Brighton by the same score later in the day, it returned to the summit with a two-point advantage over Pep Guardiola's team.

Villa is just a point further back in third after extending its remarkable winning run to 11 games in all competitions with a comeback 2-1 victory at Chelsea.

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Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, left, celebrates with Erling Haaland after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, in Nottingham, England, Saturday Dec. 27, 2025. (Barrington Coombs/PA via AP)
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, left, celebrates with Erling Haaland after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, in Nottingham, England, Saturday Dec. 27, 2025. (Barrington Coombs/PA via AP)

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