MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Iraq became the 48th and final team to secure a spot at the 2026 World C...

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Iraq became the 48th and final team to secure a spot at the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">2026 World Cup</a> with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff Tuesday, overcoming last-minute logistical problems and ending a wait of four decades.Ali Almahadi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Moises Paniagua tied it for Bolivia in the 38th and Aymen Hussein scored the clincher in the 53rd minute for Iraq. The Iraq team will join Group I along with France, Norway and Senegal.Iraq, coached by Australian <a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-bolivia-playoff-fifa-world-cup-2026-b92c40f43a5b0de15036633493b9f5d3">Graham Arnold,</a> will return to the global tournament for the first time since Mexico 1986. The Iraqi campaign kicks off Tuesday, June 16 against Norway at Foxborough, followed by games against France on June 22 at Philadelphia and Senegal at Toronto on June 26.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bolivia, which reached the final playoff with a win over Suriname, was aiming to qualify for its second World Cup.

TOPSHOT - Iraq's players celebrate after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between Iraq and Bolivia at the BBVA Stadium in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026.

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — In what was likely his final home appearance for Argentina’s natio...

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — In what was likely his final home appearance for Argentina’s national squad, <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> scored a goal and provided an assist in a 5-0 rout of Zambia on Tuesday night in a farewell friendly ahead of the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>.The 38-year-old Messi set up Julián Álvarez in the fourth minute and then scored in the 43rd at <a href="https://apnews.com/article/boca-juniors-stadium-argentina-62b02043ba729cd710ffbc8d33024d62">La Bombonera stadium</a> in Buenos Aires.The crowd gave him a standing ovation and pleaded with him to help Argentina win another World Cup. The global tournament kicks off June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nicolás Otamendi and Valentín Barco also scored for Argentina.The defending world champions raised some concern after their lackluster performance last Friday in a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-world-cup-2026-lionel-messi-bf4ab3caca1bd7d04d6468a06d49b9c4">2-1 victory</a> over Mauritania.In the lead-up to the Zambia friendly, coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that if the team didn’t improve its performance he would take drastic measures regarding the 26-man World Cup squad, which must be submitted by May 30.For the last home game before the World Cup, Scaloni started with a lineup similar to that one that defeated France in the 2022 final, with the notable exclusion of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who is recovering from a muscle injury and performed poorly against Mauritania.Argentina, which also won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, will open against Algeria on June 16 in Group J, followed by games against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.___AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a>

TOPSHOT - Argentina's defender #19 Nicolas Otamendi celebrates with teammate forward #10 Lionel Messi after scoring his team's third goal during a friendly football match between Argentina and Zambia at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on March 31, 2026.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter left the game in the first in...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter left the game in the first inning after fouling a pitch from Los Angeles Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani off his back foot Tuesday night.After a trainer came out to check on DeLauter, the rookie took a few practice swings and returned to the batter's box. He tried to run out a grounder to third, but was thrown out and then hobbled to the tunnel.He was diagnosed with a left foot contusion. X-rays were negative.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>DeLauter was replaced by CJ Kayfus in the bottom of the first.DeLauter was the American League rookie of the week after hitting four home runs in his first three games. He's just the second player to accomplish the feat, joining Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies in 2019.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians at bat against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on March 28, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

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PHOENIX (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he has no plans to end the league’s Rooney Rul...

PHOENIX (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he has no plans to end the league’s Rooney Rule despite recent objections from Florida’s attorney general, who wrote that the league’s minority hiring guidelines violate Florida state law.Goodell — speaking on Tuesday at the end of the NFL league meetings — acknowledged the changing political landscape for diversity initiatives in the U.S., but added that he didn’t believe there should be any legal issues with the league’s policy.“The Rooney Rule has been around a long time,” Goodell said. “We’ve evolved it, changed it. We’ll continue to do that.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to Goodell last week saying the league’s 23-year-old Rooney Rule amounts to “blatant race and sex discrimination.”The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager and coordinator positions. At least one minority candidate must be interviewed for the quarterbacks coach position.Goodell noted that similar diversity guidelines were used in other industries.“One thing that doesn’t change is our values and we believe in diversity and its benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell said. “We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing and evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those and we certainly will engage with the Florida AG or anybody else as we have in the past to talk about our policies.”Goodell also expressed support for the NFL Accelerator Program, which is returning in May after a hiatus in 2025. The program is used to promote diversity in leadership roles, and was expanded to include candidates of all backgrounds this year.First-year Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said Monday that diversity should still be a priority for the league.“Just from my position, especially being a Black man, there’s still work to be done,” Cunningham told The Associated Press. “Now that I’m in this position and have this platform, I’m going to be intentional about what we do from a grassroots effort to a director level.“I do think it’s important to give people of all races and sexes a chance to be in a position to further their career.”Preparing for replacement refsThe NFL’s competition committee approved a one-year rule for the upcoming season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct “clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game” in case of a work stoppage involving the NFL Referees Association.It was one of multiple rules changes announced Tuesday at the league’s annual meetings.The league is moving forward with plans to begin hiring and training replacement officials in the next several weeks because negotiations with the referees’ union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the discussions have told The Associated Press. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversations are private.The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBA expires May 31.“The negotiations haven’t progressed the way we hoped from a timing standpoint,” Goodell said Tuesday. “We obviously have obligations to fans and everyone in the National Football League to play. We’ll be prepared to play. We’re taking the appropriate steps to be ready, but we’re also keenly focused on negotiations.”The NFL’s last foray into replacement officials ended in embarrassment for the league when a botched call and confusion in a prime-time game led to the end of a lockout that marred the first three weeks of the 2012 season.More rules changesAnother rule change approved by owners allows the replay center in New York to consult with on-field officials when considering ejections for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts that weren’t called on the field.The change comes after Pittsburgh receiver DK Metcalf wasn’t ejected from a game at Detroit last season when he got into an altercation with a heckling fan. Because the on-field officials didn’t see when Metcalf swiped at the fan and so didn’t throw a flag, the replay center was unable to eject Metcalf.The league did suspend him for two games, but he was able to remain in the game at the time.There were also three rules that affect kickoffs, including one that permits the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game, regardless of the score. Previously, only teams that were trailing or tied could attempt an onside kick.Tisch updateGoodell said he has no plans to punish New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch under the league’s personal conduct policy after Tisch’s name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files released by the U.S. Justice Department in January.The NFL said in February that it would look into ties between Tisch and Epstein.“As we’ve said, we’re going to follow facts,” Goodell said. “We have been doing that and we’re very focused on making sure we understand everything that’s out there. We’ve engaged with others to make sure we have that information.”The team’s co-owners Steve, Laurie and Jonathan Tisch recently signaled their desire to transfer their shares of the NFL club to their children’s trusts.According to a memo, the Tisch siblings would move the remaining 23.1% of the Giants that they still own to the trusts after completing previous transfers in 2023 and ’24. The memo states, “Following the transactions, the sellers will no longer own any interest in the club.”Steve Tisch’s name came up more than 400 times in the files. Tisch at the time said he knew Epstein but denied going to his island.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 09: Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference after Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew Painter struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings in a fantastic major-league ...

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew Painter struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings in a fantastic major-league debut, and Kyle Schwarber and Adolis García homered to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Debut dealin' 😮‍💨 Andrew Painter struck out eight in his first career start! <a href="https://t.co/a9fpkNkug2">pic.twitter.com/a9fpkNkug2</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2039134530422833275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Jhoan Duran struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his second save. Brandon Marsh made a nice running grab of James Wood's deep drive to left field to end the game with the tying run on second base.The 22-year-old Painter lived up to the hype as the most promising Phillies pitching prospect to make his debut since Cole Hamels 20 years ago.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 6-foot-7 right-hander gave up four hits, one run, and walked one while throwing 84 pitches.At 22 years and 355 days old, Painter is the youngest Phillies pitcher to have at least eight strikeouts in a game since Aaron Nola had nine on May 14, 2016, against the Cincinnati Reds. Nola was 22 years and 345 days old.Painter (1-0) mixed curves, sweepers and sliders with a fastball that nearly touched 100 mph and flashed every bit of greatness that has been predicted of him since he was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and signed for a $3.9-million bonus.His Phillies' debut was delayed following Tommy John surgery in 2023 that forced him to miss two full minor-league seasons and pitch 118 innings last season, mostly at Triple-A Leigh Valley.Painter opened the game with a strikeout of Wood and struck out the side in the fifth. Painter tipped his cap to the cheering crowd as he left the mound in the sixth after allowing a one-out single to C.J. Abrams.Schwarber hit his second homer of the season in the second and García hit his first homer — both off reliever Zack Littell (0-1) — with the Phillies in the fourth for a 2-0 lead.The Phillies had seven hits in a needed win after dropping two straight games to Texas and losing the series opener to Washington on Monday. The Phillies hadn't held a lead in any of their three losses and Turner, Bryce Harper and Schwarber entered batting a combined .120 (6 for 50).Up nextNationals RHP Cade Cavalli (0-0, 4.91) starts on Wednesday in the series finale opposite Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez (1-0, 0.00).___AP MLB: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mlb">https://apnews.com/hub/mlb</a>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 31: Andrew Painter #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies high fives teammates in the dugout after being relieved in the sixth inning during his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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ATLANTA (AP) — Francisco Trincão scored in the 37th minute, João Félix added a goal in the 59th a...

ATLANTA (AP) — Francisco Trincão scored in the 37th minute, João Félix added a goal in the 59th and Portugal beat the United States 2-0 in a friendly on Tuesday night to deal the Americans their eighth consecutive defeat against European opponents.U.S. star Christian Pulisic was moved from a wing to the top of the attack but failed to convert a pair of good scoring chances.Pulisic, who played only the first half, is scoreless in eight national team games dating to November 2024 and in 12 games with AC Milan since Dec. 28.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Preparing to co-host the World Cup, the U.S. has been outscored 22-6 during its losing streak against Europe and is winless against the continent in 10 matches since 2021.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
João Félix com um belo golo 💥🇵🇹<a href="https://t.co/rdbcLYy0D0">pic.twitter.com/rdbcLYy0D0</a>— B24 (@B24PT) <a href="https://twitter.com/B24PT/status/2039139873274114400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino announces his World Cup roster on May 26, and the Americans play their last warmups against Senegal five days later and Germany on June 6. The Americans open the World Cup on June 12 against Australia, face Paraguay a week later and close the first round vs. Turkey on June 25.Before a pro-US crowd of 72,297 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Portugal went ahead after American midfielder Weston McKennie knocked a hard-to-control pass from Alex Freeman to Vitinha, who played a through ball to Bruno Fernandes. As defenders Chris Richards and Auston Trusty converged on the midfielder, he dropped a backheel pass to Trincão, who took a touch and slotted it past Matt Freese and inside the far post for his third international goal.Félix scored his 12th international goal following Fernandes’ corner kick. Left unmarked just outside the penalty area, Félix sent a half-volley in on two bounces off the far post.Freese was back in goal after his streak of 12 straight starts ended when former No. 1 goalkeeper Matt Turner played in Saturday’s <a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-belgium-score-804333332c86d6edace4183c6bd7c938">5-2 loss to Belgium</a>.Portugal, preparing for a World Cup group with Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, was <a href="https://apnews.com/article/cristiano-ronaldo-off-portugal-squad-injury-a2aacfbbfe2e7103fccd1427ae2ff04f">missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo (hamstring)</a>.___AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: João Félix #10 of Portugal celebrates scoring with teammate Ricardo Horta #24 during the second half against the United States during an International Friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods entered a not guilty plea in his driving under the influence cas...

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods entered a not guilty plea in his driving under the influence case in Florida on Tuesday, hours after a sheriff’s report said he had pain pills and showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash last week.The online court docket for Martin County, Florida, showed Woods entered a written plea of not guilty and planned to waive his appearance during an arraignment hearing next month.Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated and he had opioid pills in his pocket when interviewed at the scene of the crash, according to the arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Woods’ movements were slow and lethargic, he was sweating as he talked to deputies and told them he had taken prescription medication earlier in the morning, according to the report. Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped a truck in front of him, the report said.Deputies found two white pills, which were identified as the opioid hydrocodone used to treat pain, in his pocket, the report said.When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications, Woods said, “I take a few.”Woods’ agent at Excel Sports, Mark Steinberg, has not responded to multiple messages seeking comment.The golfer was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side, according to the sheriff’s office, which noted Woods showed signs of impairment.The truck had $5,000 in damage, according to the report.The truck driver and another person helped Woods out of his vehicle, with the golfer needing to climb out from the passenger side. Neither Woods nor the truck driver were injured.During a field sobriety test, deputies noticed Woods limping and that he had a compression sock over his right knee. The golfer explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations and that his ankle seizes up while walking. Woods, who was hiccupping during the questioning, continuously moved his head during one of the sobriety tests and deputies had to instruct him several times to keep his head straight, the report said.“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle,” the deputy wrote after the tests.Woods, 50, is the most influential figure in golf and has become as recognizable as any athlete in the world. The first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, he has captivated golf fans with records likely never to be broken.But his injuries kept him from accomplishing more, including those suffered in a 2021 car crash that damaged his right leg so badly he said doctors considered amputation.At this latest crash, Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but he refused a urine test, authorities said. He was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.No one from Woods’ camp or the PGA Tour -- he is on the board and is chairman of the committee reshaping the competition model -- have commented since his arrest.Woods, who has been involved in many crashes over the years, is charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He is scheduled for arraignment April 23. Online court records do not list an attorney for him.Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the practice area during the third round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.

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PHOENIX (AP) — The NFL’s competition committee approved a one-year rule for the upcoming season t...

PHOENIX (AP) — The NFL’s competition committee approved a one-year rule for the upcoming season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct “clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game” in case of a work stoppage involving the NFL Referees Association.It was one of multiple rules changes announced Tuesday at the league’s annual meetings.The league is moving forward with plans to begin hiring and training replacement officials in the next several weeks because negotiations with the referees’ union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the discussions have told The Associated Press. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversations are private.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBA expires May 31.The NFL’s last foray into replacement officials ended in embarrassment for the league when a botched call and confusion in a prime-time game led to the end of a lockout that marred the first three weeks of the 2012 season.Another rule change approved Tuesday allows the replay center in New York to consult with on-field officials when considering ejections for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts that weren’t called on the field.The change comes after Pittsburgh receiver DK Metcalf wasn’t ejected from a game at Detroit last season when he got into an altercation with a heckling fan. Because the on-field officials didn’t see when Metcalf swiped at the fan and so didn’t throw a flag, the replay center was unable to eject Metcalf.The league did suspend him for two games, but he was able to remain in the game at the time.There were also three rules that affect kickoffs, including one that permits the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game, regardless of the score. Previously, only the trailing team could attempt an onside kick.___AP Pro Football Writers Rob Maaddi and Josh Dubow contributed to this story.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 18: The officials have a laugh during an AFC Divisional Round game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans on January 18, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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PHOENIX (AP) — Fernando Mendoza won’t start right away for the Las Vegas Raiders if coach Klint K...

PHOENIX (AP) — Fernando Mendoza won’t start right away for the Las Vegas Raiders if coach Klint Kubiak has his way.The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-nfl-draft-fernando-mendoza-29a9a1884ccd098250be172d8187c3ba">Raiders</a> are expected to select the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft next month. Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship and became the overwhelming favorite to go first.“Ideally, you don’t want him to start from day one,” Kubiak said Tuesday. “You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from day one and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Aidan O’Connell is the only other quarterback currently on the Raiders after the team traded Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are among the veterans who remain unsigned.Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator for Super Bowl champion Seattle, replaced Pete Carroll and aims to rebuild a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the AFC championship game following the 2002 season.It starts with landing a franchise quarterback.“He’s a national champion, he’s a winner,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “He’s quick. He’s intelligent.”On defense, the Raiders still have five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby after his trade to Baltimore was voided because he failed a physical.Kubiak said he smiled when general manager John Spytek gave him the news about the nixed deal.“We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That’s great. Our team just got better,” Kubiak said.Crosby was back at the team facility rehabbing his knee the next day and Kubiak sees him quite often.“We’re happy to have Maxx back on the team. He’s the best player on our defense,” Kubiak said. “He’s going to be a leader on our team and a guy that we’re counting on to go win a lot of games with him.”Ravens coach Jesse Minter said the team was excited about adding Crosby and disappointed the deal fell through. Baltimore pivoted quickly and signed 2024 All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.“So much respect for Maxx,” Minter said. “Tons of respect for him as a player and the Raiders as an organization.”Geno’s teamJets coach Aaron Glenn has high expectations for Smith, who struggled badly in one season with the Raiders after reuniting with Carroll.The 35-year-old Smith led the NFL with 17 interceptions and was 2-13 in Las Vegas last season. He made the Pro Bowl in Seattle in 2022 and 2023 after replacing Wilson.“I just feel like he’s the guy who’s gonna lead us to the promised land,” Glenn said.The Jets have the longest active playoff drought in the NFL at 15 seasons.Deshaun’s comebackThe Browns are giving Deshaun Watson an opportunity to compete for the starting job along with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, hoping he could be the next quarterback to make a dramatic turnaround.Sam Darnold went from discarded to leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title.“There are a lot of quarterbacks who — it seems to be kind of the theme in the NFL — either started or did not start well and then take their team to a Super Bowl championship, right?” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters. “And what a great story that is for Sam Darnold. Deshaun started great, and the year before we signed him, he was rated the second-best quarterback in the NFL. And then the suspension and the injuries and all that piled up. Can he come back from that? He certainly had the ability at one point in time, and we’re cautiously optimistic. But we’ll see.”Watson is entering the final season of a $230 million, five-year fully guaranteed contract that has been a disaster for the organization. He’s started just 19 games, going 9-10. Watson hasn’t played since 2024 since twice rupturing his right Achilles tendon.New Browns coach Todd Monken said he doesn’t plan to divide reps in practice evenly but it’ll change daily based on performance. That means Sanders, who finished last season as the starter, could open with the most. Monken said Sanders has been in the building quite often throughout the offseason.Team USA flag footballCount Broncos coach Sean Payton among those who doesn’t believe NFL players are needed on <a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-flag-football-nfl-7f51c9e5301b32584b2ccbaf73f78212">Team USA</a> men’s flag football roster.“I’ll be surprised if there’s one NFL player on that roster,” Payton said.He coached one of the two teams that went 0-3 in a round-robin tournament against the men’s national team on March 21.___AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">https://apnews.com/hub/NFL</a>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand and Tajikistan secured places at the 2027 Asian Cup on Tuesday in the fin...

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand and Tajikistan secured places at the 2027 Asian Cup on Tuesday in the final round of qualifying.Lebanon will have to wait, though, because its match against Yemen was postponed because of the Iran war. The game was scheduled to be played in Qatar.The regional conflict also forced the Asian Football Confederation to postpone the April 11 draw for the 24-nation tournament in Saudi Arabia.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>There was late drama in Bangkok, where Thailand needed a win over Turkmenistan to finish first in Group D and qualify. With a minute remaining, the score was 1-1 before German-born defender Manuel Bihr netted to give the hosts a 2-1 victory.Tajikistan, which reached the quarterfinals in its Asian Cup debut in 2023, topped Group A with a 1-1 draw with the Philippines.Singapore, Syria and Vietnam had already secured top spots in their groups, while Lebanon will join them if it beats Yemen on the rescheduled date of June 4.The six group winners will join the 18 teams that advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifying — including former champions Japan, South Korea, Australia and Iran — who had already secured their places at the Asian Cup.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Thailand football team celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers between Thailand and Turkmenistan at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 31, 2026.

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Thailand, Tajikistan qualify for 2027 Asian Cup

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have extended the contract of general manager Jim Nill for ...

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have extended the contract of general manager Jim Nill for two years, keeping in place the architect of the team headed to the playoffs again after advancing to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/stars-nhl-playoffs-benn-rantanen-deboer-b51458b93a01db6e49f0d8b3b180c10c">Western Conference final</a> each of the past three seasons.Nill has been the Stars GM since 2013, and his contract was only through this season until the announcement on Tuesday. His extension through the 2027-28 season was finalized less than 24 hours after a prominent job opened when the Toronto <a href="https://apnews.com/article/brad-treliving-fired-leafs-46e6207df98982cb9e4a28e93c9b037e">Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving</a>.“Jim has established himself as one of the most respected general managers in the NHL,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said. “Through his roster management and talent evaluation, he has positioned our franchise to be amongst the best teams in our league in both the present and future. I’m thrilled that he will continue to guide the Stars.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Going into a game Tuesday night at Boston, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/stars-gulutzan-nill-070673c232b382b6426ce439bbd4f3ea">Stars' 100 points</a> rank second in the NHL behind Central Division foe Colorado. Dallas has already qualified for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.The 67-year-old Nill was selected as the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nhl">NHL's top GM</a> each of the past three seasons by a panel that includes all of the league's general managers. The only current GMs that have been with their teams longer are Kevin Cheveldayoff in Winnipeg and Doug Armstrong in St. Louis.Since Nill began with the Stars before the 2013-14 season, their 63 postseason wins are the second most in the NHL. They've qualified for the playoffs nine times in that span, and made the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He was previously in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings.“I’m fortunate to work with incredibly talented and passionate individuals that have helped our franchise become one of the best in the NHL,” Nill said. “I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to continue as general manager of the Stars.”___AP NHL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nhl">https://apnews.com/hub/nhl</a>

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 28: Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars addresses the audience after winning the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award during the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held on June 28, 2023, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated and he had h...

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated and he had hydrocodone pills in his pocket when interviewed <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiger-woods-car-crash-florida-10be5faefb91c86ce5da36a3590e86a1">at the scene of his car crash</a> last week in Florida, according to a sheriff’s office report released Tuesday.Woods’ <a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-golf-tiger-woods-dui-dcec962e03e2bae3c8940c104d2575c1">movements were slow and lethargic</a>, he was sweating as he talked to deputies and told them he had taken prescription medication earlier in the morning, according to the incident report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped a truck in front of him, the report said.Deputies found two white pills, which were identified as the opioid hydrocodone used to treat pain, in his pocket, the report said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications, Woods said, “I take a few.”The golfer was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side, according to the sheriff's office, which noted Woods showed signs of impairment.The truck had $5,000 in damage, according to the sheriff's report.The truck driver and another person helped Woods out of his vehicle, with the golfer needing to climb out from the passenger side. Neither Woods nor the truck driver were injured.During a field sobriety test, deputies noticed Woods limping and that he had a compression sock over his right knee. The golfer explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 leg operations and that his ankle seizes up while walking. Woods, who was hiccupping during the questioning, continuously moved his head during one of the sobriety tests and deputies had to instruct him several times to keep his head straight, the report said.“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle,” the deputy wrote after the tests.Woods, 50, is the most influential figure in golf and has become as recognizable as any athlete in the world. The first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, he has captivated golf fans with records likely never to be broken.But his injuries kept him from accomplishing more, including those suffered in a 2021 car crash that damaged his right leg so badly he said doctors considered amputation.At this latest crash, Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but he refused a urine test, authorities said. He was arrested and released on bail eight hours later.Woods’ agent at Excel Sports, Mark Steinberg, has not responded to multiple messages seeking comment. No one from <a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/tiger-woods-golf-46cea636624aaf144bd8983a48e7518d">Woods’ camp or the PGA Tour</a> -- he is on the board and is chairman of the committee <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiger-woods-car-crash-ryder-cup-pga-tour-masters-c257fb253100d73cae7a42d65c50dd0e">reshaping the competition model</a> -- have commented since his arrest.Woods, who has been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiger-woods-driving-80-mph-crash-suv-los-angeles-fc7405d255d84faa036614c566899086">involved in many crashes</a> over the years, is charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He is scheduled for arraignment April 23. Online court records do not list an attorney for him.Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.___AP Golf Writer Doug Ferguson in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed to this report.___Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mikeysid.bsky.social">@mikeysid.bsky.social</a>.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JULY 21: Tiger Woods watches his son Charlie Woods play during the first round of the U.S. Junior Amateur at Brook Hollow Golf Club on July 21, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The world’s tallest college basketball player is on the move.  Florida’s...

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The world’s tallest college basketball player is on the move.Florida’s Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center from Canada and the most popular athlete on campus, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWjMXLOjWmX/?igsh=MTlhbGpvamwwa28zNw==">announced Tuesday</a> he is entering the transfer portal. The portal officially opens April 7.Rioux played sparingly in two years with the Gators, redshirting as a true freshman during the team’s national championship season and then getting on the court in mop-up duty this past season. He played 15 total minutes, finishing with seven points, six rebounds and an assist.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He set a Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest teen before he stepped foot on campus. Now 20, he’s looking for a chance to play more as a third-year sophomore.“After taking time to reflect on my journey and what’s best for my future, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” Rioux wrote in an Instagram post.Rioux became the tallest person to ever play college basketball when he made his debut in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-florida-florida-basketball-score-fee65e912bc0ebcff12df479d58da69a">a 104-64 victory over North Florida</a> last November. He <a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrimack-florida-score-bee06cc0bd6f9aede7199859d2d51848">scored three games later</a>, making a free throw after getting fouled. He also recorded his first rebound.Rioux is 2 inches (5 centimeters) taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley. He already owned <a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/9/canadian-confirmed-as-tallest-teenager-in-the-world-675836">a spot in the Guinness record book when he signed with Florida in 2024.</a>Golden <a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-gators-olivier-rioux-tallest-teenager-897a48d6f01a3b65f7d20cf2a6548537">gave Rioux the option of playing sparingly as a true freshman or taking a redshirt season and working on his game</a>. Rioux chose the latter. Nonetheless, he was a walking viral video, from riding his custom-made bike on campus, to ducking under every doorway, to cutting down nets while standing flat-footed during Florida’s NCAA Tournament run.Golden made it clear before the season that Rioux would only play late in blowouts, the result of having all four frontcourt players returning. But <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-florida-rioux-c6c3dfd62641e9778a7bdaaff407ae63">Rioux doubled down on wanting to be at Florida</a> and welcomed the challenge of playing against Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten in practice and behind them in games.He was always the bigger — literally — attraction.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball</a>

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators looks on during the second half of the game against the Saint Francis Red Flash at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on December 17, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida.

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Adin Hill made 22 stops and the Vegas Golden Knights opened the John Tortorella ...

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Adin Hill made 22 stops and the Vegas Golden Knights opened the John Tortorella era with a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night.One day after the Golden Knights fired Bruce Cassidy, who led the team to a Stanley Cup title in 2023, they treated Tortorella to a come-from-behind victory.Rasmus Andersson, Shea Theodore, Reilly Smith and Cole Smith each scored for Vegas.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Evander Kane and Brock Boeser scored for the Canucks, while Kevin Lankinen made 29 saves.Tortorella, who coached Tampa Bay to the Stanley Cup title in 2004, met with the players earlier in the day, as general manager Kelly McCrimmon is hoping the 67-year-old veteran coach can reignite a locker room just three years removed from a championship season.The team found its spark in the second period, when Andersson tied the game midway through to overcome its first one-goal deficit, and then again when Theodore made it 2-2 five minutes after Boeser's goal.Reilly Smith scored the game-winner near the end of the third, while Cole Smith's empty-netter provided the final margin.The Golden Knights brought a three-game skid into Monday and opened their final eight-game stretch with a much-needed win. Vegas, which had lost six of its past seven games, is in third place in the Pacific Division just one point behind the Edmonton Oilers.The Golden Knights remain in playoff position despite the recent play that saw them enter having lost 12 of their past 17 since the Olympic break.Tortorella has been signed for the remainder of this season and the playoffs.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 30: Head coach John Tortorella of the Vegas Golden Knights looks on during the first period of a game against the Vancouver Canucks at T-Mobile Arena on March 30, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Parker Messick tossed six scoreless innings and the Cleveland Guardians broke ...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Parker Messick tossed six scoreless innings and the Cleveland Guardians broke the game open with three runs in the seventh inning to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 on Monday, spoiling the two-time World Series champions' perfect start.The Dodgers were 3-0 after rallying in every game of their opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They nearly pulled it off again, scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth off closer Cade Smith, who had two wild pitches.But their offense mostly went cold, with Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman combining to go 3-for-16.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Betts' RBI double and Freeman's RBI groundout in the ninth were the Dodgers' only runs.Messick (1-0) allowed five runs and struck out five.The Guardians led 1-0 on Steven Kwan's RBI double in the right-field corner off Roki Sasaki, the first of three consecutive Japanese starters scheduled for the Dodgers in the series.Sasaki (0-1) got pulled after giving up a leadoff single to Angel Martinez in the fifth. The 24-year-old right-hander struggled to find the strike zone in his first start since May 9. Sasaki allowed one run and four hits in four innings, struck out four and walked two.The Guardians extended their lead to 4-0 in the seventh. Justin Wrobleski loaded the bases on consecutive singles to Austin Hedges, Martinez and Kwan. After two outs, pinch-hitter Rhys Hoskins fell behind 0-2 before Wrobleski missed with a slider, walking Hoskins and forcing in Hedges.It was the first run allowed by the Dodgers' bullpen to start the season.Daniel Schneemann followed with a two-run double.Third baseman José Ramírez went 1-for-5 playing in his 1,614th game for Cleveland, tying Nap Lajoie for second all-time. Ramírez could potentially overtake Terry Turner, who played in 1,619 games, this weekend at home.Up nextCleveland’s RHP Tanner Bibee (0-0, 5.40 ERA) starts Tuesday against RHP Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 2.87), who makes his season debut on the mound.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

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ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Otto Addo has been released from his contract as head soccer coach of Ghana, ...

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Otto Addo has been released from his contract as head soccer coach of Ghana, just two months before the team plays its first match at the World Cup."The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have parted ways with the head coach of the senior men's national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo effective immediately," it said in a statement Monday on its website.It gave no further details on a replacement for Addo, or the reasons for the termination.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The firing came after a 2-1 loss to Germany in Stuttgart on Monday. Ghana ⁠also lost 5-1 in Austria last Friday and has lost four friendlies in a row.Addo was on his second spell as coach of the team after Borussia Dortmund agreed to release him from his role in talent development at the end of the season in March 2024. Addo already coached Ghana on an interim basis for much of 2022, including at the World Cup in Qatar, when Ghana beat South Korea but was still eliminated in the group stage.During his playing career, the Hamburg, Germany-born Addo won the Bundesliga with Dortmund and played for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup.Ghana, which ⁠reached the World Cup for the fifth time, is in Group L with Croatia, England and Panama. It plays its first match on June 17 against Panama at Toronto.

29 March 2026, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart: Soccer: National team, press conference before the international match against Germany, Stuttgart Arena, Otto Addo, Ghana national coach, speaks at the press conference. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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CINCINNATI (AP) — Chase Burns allowed one hit in five innings for his first major-league win, lea...

CINCINNATI (AP) — Chase Burns allowed one hit in five innings for his first major-league win, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.Burns (1-0) walked three and struck out seven, including Jared Triolo with two on and two outs in the fourth. Jose Franco retired five batters before leaving with two on. Graham Ashcraft struck out Henry Davis to end the seventh and fanned two more in a scoreless eighth. Conner Phillips walked Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O'Hearn before retiring three straight for his first career save.Elly De La Cruz singled leading off the fourth against Braxton Ashcraft (0-1) for the Reds but was thrown out trying to steal second. Sal Stewart walked, took third on a single by Eugenio Suárez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Spencer Steer. Suárez scored on a triple by Will Benson to cap the scoring in a third straight win for Cincinnati.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Braxton Ashcraft (0-1) gave up two runs on four hits and four walks over six innings in his ninth career start. Isaac Mattson pitched the seventh and Justin Lawrence struck out the side in the eighth.Stewart, the reigning NL player of the week, went 1 for 2 and walked twice. He is 8 for 12 at the plate through the first four games.Burns went 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA in eight starts over 13 appearances for the Reds last season.Up nextPirates RHP Bubba Chandler will square off with Reds LHP Brandon Williamson on Tuesday in their first starts of the season.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 30: Pitcher Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on March 30, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Deniz Undav turned up the pressure on Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann t...

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Deniz Undav turned up the pressure on Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to select him for the World Cup after he scored the 2-1 winner against Ghana on Monday to back up strong club form.Undav hadn’t played for Germany since June but seven goals in his last six Bundesliga games helped him earn a recall. Germany was playing the friendly at the home stadium of his club Stuttgart and fans chanted for Undav long before he came off the bench.The game seemed to be fizzling out to a draw when he flicked the ball over Ghana’s goalkeeper in the 88th minute to give Germany a seventh successive win.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ghana’s Abdul Fatuwu earlier scored on the counter to cancel out Kai Havertz’s penalty for Germany.After Florian Wirtz’s spectacular attacking display in Germany’s 4-3 win against Switzerland, Germany was expected to score high against an opponent coming off a 5-1 loss to Austria. It ended up being a subdued win in constant driving rain.Nick Woltemade started in one of four German changes but his main impact was heading against the bar in the second half.Havertz put Germany ahead with his penalty just before halftime after Jonas Adjetey blocked a shot with his arm. Ghana leveled on the counter in the 70th when Germany-born Derrick Köhn surged down the left flank, beat defender Josha Vagnoman and crossed low for Fatawu to score.Ghana defender Kojo Peprah Oppong of Nice had to be helped off the field after injuring his left leg challenging Woltemade. Germany has further pre-World Cup friendlies against Finland in May and co-host the United States in June before facing Curacao, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E of the tournament.Ghana has lost four friendlies in a row. It’s in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia.

LUDWIGSBURG, GERMANY - MARCH 30: Deniz Undav of Germany celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between Germany and Ghana at MHP Arena on March 30, 2026 in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

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MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — American defender Chris Richards has recovered from a knee injury and says h...

MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — American defender Chris Richards has recovered from a knee injury and says he can play in the United States’ friendly against Portugal on Tuesday but midfielder Johnny Cardoso is hurt and will leave camp ahead of the game.Richards, the top American central defender, missed Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Belgium.Richards sustained a slight injury during Crystal Palace’s Europa Conference League match at Larnaca on March 19.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>“I’m fine,” he said Monday. “I had a bad tackle in my last game with Palace and so just a little bit of knee pain, knee soreness, but I’ve been training individually all week and I’m available for tomorrow.”Cardoso started against Belgium and was replaced by Cristian Roldan for the start of the second half. Cardoso was to return Monday night to Atletico Madrid.“Johnny arrived from Madrid with some small things, issues,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “The plan was to play 45 minutes, but when finished after 45 minutes he feel again this type of uncomfortable things in some part of his leg.“I think he was good during 45 minutes.” Pochettino said. “I am happy with his performance, commitment and intention to play.”<h3>Pulisic's goal drought</h3>Pochettino said he may tinker with the positioning of Christian Pulisic, who usually is on a wing with the national team. Pulisic is scoreless in his last 12 games with AC Milan and his last seven for the U.S. dating to November 2024.“Maybe we help a little bit to go a little bit more closer to the goal,” Pochettino said. “Maybe we can do some tests also to play with maybe more midfielder and less offensive player.”Pochettino said he never felt comfortable during Saturday’s loss to Belgium. Weston McKennie put the U.S. ahead in the 39th minute and the Americans allowed five straight goals.<h3>Reflecting on loss to Belgium</h3>“You saw my face when we scored,” Pochettino said, drawing his lips and trying to show no emotion. “My gut feeling, it wasn’t good. You say why? Because when we scored, we should be the third goal, not the first goal.”<h3>Comparing lack of aggression to dieting, bingeing</h3>Pochettino said maintaining aggressiveness is the same as dietary control following weight loss.“After you need to have discipline, no? No big intention to eat the nice food and everything like this,” he said. “I won but then it’s nice, no, the chicken, the steak, the lasagna, the pasta?”<h3>Chris, Christian, Cristian can be confusing</h3>Pochettino laughed about having to learn which name or nickname to use referring to each player.“I have Christian Pulisic, Cristian Roldan, Chris is Richards and sometimes now they make me to change: Cristian Rolan is Roldy, Roldan, and Antonee Robinson is Jedi,” he said. “I am learning how to call after nearly after two years these guys.”___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

MARIETTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 30: Chris Richards of team United States warms up durings a training session before an international friendly match against Portugal at Atlanta United FC Training Ground on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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PHOENIX (AP) — Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are still unsigned...

PHOENIX (AP) — Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are still unsigned for the 2026 season.Options vary for the four accomplished veteran quarterbacks.The 42-year-old Rodgers can return to Pittsburgh and play for new coach Mike McCarthy if he doesn’t choose to retire. Steelers owner Art Rooney II told reporters Sunday he expects a decision from the four-time NFL MVP before the NFL draft next month.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cousins finished last season strong, leading Atlanta to four straight wins down the stretch but the Falcons still missed the playoffs and coach Raheem Morris lost his job. The 37-year-old Cousins threw for 876 yards in those four games with seven touchdowns, two interceptions and had a 93.6 passer rating. Overall, he was 5-3 as a starter after opening the season backing up Michael Penix Jr.The Falcons hired coach Kevin Stefanski, signed Tua Tagovailoa and released Cousins, who will likely have to settle for a backup role somewhere unless another starter is injured in the offseason. He could end up in Pittsburgh if Rodgers retires and the Steelers want to turn to another veteran QB after going from Wilson in 2024 to Rodgers in 2025.Stefanski said Tagovailoa and Penix will compete for the starting job in Atlanta. Penix, a first-round pick in 2024, is coming off surgery last November to repair a torn ACL and it’s uncertain when he’ll be ready to go.“He has had great success in this league when doing a lot of things that we believe in,” Stefanski said of Tagovailoa. “He’s looking for an opportunity and we can provide that.”Garoppolo has an opportunity to go back to Los Angeles for a third season to play behind NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. If not, Cousins would be an option for the Rams and coach Sean McVay. They were together in Washington when McVay was the offensive coordinator.Wilson began last season starting for the Giants and finished behind rookie Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston. The 10-time Pro Bowl pick also is out of starting options and doesn’t appear to be drawing much interest as a backup even though he was supportive of Dart in that role last season.A.J. Brown's futureEagles coach Nick Sirianni said “nothing’s changed” regarding Brown, the three-time Pro Bowl receiver who has been involved in trade speculation.“A.J. is an Eagle,” Sirianni said.The Eagles have listened to offers for the veteran and also signed veteran wideouts Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore, who was Brown’s roommate at Mississippi. Miami’s trade of Jaylen Waddle to Denver for a first-round pick along with a third and fourth raised the bar for A.J. Brown’s market value.Switch for Lions' Penei SewellLions coach Dan Campbell said three-time All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is ready to switch over to the left side to protect Jared Goff’s blind side.The Lions need to replace Taylor Decker, who was released. Sewell played left tackle at Oregon before Detroit selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft.Proposal withdrawnThe Browns withdrew their proposal that would allow teams to trade draft picks five years into the future instead of three, a person with knowledge of the decision told the AP. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Cleveland’s decision wasn’t announced.Owners will be voting on other proposals by the NFL competition committee and a proposal from the Steelers about contacting players during the free agent negotiating period.Any changes need to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams.Josh Allen's recoveryBills quarterback Josh Allen is no longer wearing a protective boot on his right foot after breaking a bone in it during a game in Week 16. The 2024 NFL MVP had surgery after Buffalo lost to Denver in overtime in the AFC divisional playoffs.“His foot, I don’t want to say it’s 100 percent, but he’s good,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters on Monday. “When he gets back in April, we expect him to be full-go.”___AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">https://apnews.com/hub/nfl</a>

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: A general view of the NFL logo painted on the field prior to the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

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