AP – Sports
May 26, 2026
Reyna, Berhalter, Zendejas on US World Cup roster, while Luna and Tessmann left off by Pochettino
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced his 26-man World Cup roster. It includes Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter. Alejandro Zendejas also made the squad, while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left out in the announcement Tuesday. Sergiño Dest, Tyler Adams, and Haji Wright return after missing March friendlies due to injuries. Half of the roster are holdovers from the last World Cup, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. The team opens against Paraguay on June 12 in California. This year’s average age is nearly 27, with Tim Ream potentially becoming the oldest American to play in a World Cup.
Supreme Court won’t intervene in discrimination suit led by Black ex-head coach Flores against NFL
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in a discrimination lawsuit led by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores against the NFL, allowing the case to proceed toward trial. The justices Tuesday rebuffed an appeal from the league, which wanted the case handled through its arbitration process rather than open court in New York. Flores sued the league and three teams in 2022, alleging the league was “rife with racism” regarding its hiring practices when it comes to Black coaches. Flores was joined in the lawsuit by fellow Black coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. The NFL says it respects the Supreme Court decision but is prepared to defend itself as the case proceeds.
Sabalenka’s necklaces sparkle in the sun during win at sultry French Open. Gauff and Osaka advance
PARIS (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka’s diamonds sparkled in the sunshine when she won her first-round match at the heat-soaked French Open. Top-ranked Sabalenka looked light on her feet on Court Philippe-Chatrier despite wearing two thick necklaces in a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Temperatures at Roland Garros hit 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). Coco Gauff began her title defense with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Taylor Townsend and Naomi Osaka beat Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3). Former men’s No. 1 Daniil Medvedev lost but 17-year-old Moïse Kouamé advanced on his French Open debut. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner played in the night session.
World Cup transit sticker shock hits fans with tickets to matches in some US host cities
Fans heading to the World Cup in the U.S. are facing a new source of sticker shock: mass transit. In New Jersey and Massachusetts, some train fares tied to matches will cost fans far more than normal NFL gameday trips. That is drawing criticism from international fans used to free transit at past World Cups. Some supporters are now organizing their own transportation to the stadiums. A group of Scottish fans booked school buses to Scotland matches near Boston for about half the official price. Transit experts say the high costs could further hurt the United States’ image with foreign visitors.
Tampa Bay Rays sign veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to shore up bullpen
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract in hopes of shoring up their bullpen. The Rays placed right-hander Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist strain to make room for Kimbrel on the active roster. The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment on Friday after the nine-time All-Star allowed 10 runs over 15 innings in 14 appearances. He signed a free agent contract with the team in January. The 37-year-old Kimbrel has 440 saves with 10 teams in his 17-year career. He won a World Series with Boston in 2018 and was the 2011 NL rookie of the year. The Rays have the AL’s best record at 34-17, but their bullpen’s ERA of 4.40 is 21st in the majors.
From McEnroe to Medvedev, meltdowns on tennis courts are part of the sport’s mental challenge
PARIS (AP) — The tennis season is heating up with the French Open underway. That means that racket-smashing moments can’t be far off. In a sport known for its mental challenges, it’s part of the game to see top players lose their cool on court. In recent weeks Daniil Medvedev and Daniel Altmaier have each had memorable racket-smashing meltdowns on Europe’s clay courts. So what goes on inside players’ heads that results in temper tantrums before packed stadiums? Former top-five player Andrey Rublev says in tennis “you are alone and they are watching you” and that he’s “one of those guys” who let emotions “take over me.”
The Guardiola era is over. So what next for Man City and English soccer?
The Pep Guardiola era in English soccer is officially over after the outgoing Manchester City manager oversaw a transformative decade of trophy after trophy, spellbinding play and tactical shifts. The final sendoff came Monday night when sporting and music aristocracy including basketball great Michael Jordan and Oasis mastermind Noel Gallagher gathered in person and on video to pay tribute to Guardiola during a parade through the city center followed by an after-party. There were tears, laughs and so many memories. This is a look at what might be next for City, Guardiola and the English game as a whole in the next few years.
US beats Austria to set up a quarterfinal against Canada at ice hockey world championship
ZURICH (AP) — The United States set up a quarterfinal showdown with fierce rival Canada at the ice hockey world championship by beating Austria 4-1. The U.S. and Canada met in the final at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February, when the Americans prevailed 2-1 in overtime to take the gold medal. The victory lifted the defending champion to fourth place in Group A. That means it next faces Canada, which has already clinched the top spot in Group B before facing Czechia later Tuesday. Sweden beat Slovakia 4-2 in Group B in Fribourg to advance to the quarterfinals. Ivar Stenberg, a top prospect for next month’s NHL draft, scored the winning goal.
PWHL expansion upends the job market for coaches and GMs as Hockey Canada starts search
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Hockey Canada has announced that general manager Gina Kingsbury will not return after eight years with the national women’s team. The organization now needs to find a new GM and coach. The PWHL has significantly changed the job market in women’s hockey, expanding by four teams next season. Kingsbury is currently the GM of the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres, while former coach Troy Ryan has joined the PWHL’s expansion team in San Jose.
Women’s soccer star Alexia Putellas leaves Barcelona after 14 seasons
MADRID (AP) — Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is leaving Barcelona after 14 seasons. The club says Putellas will officially bid farewell at an event at Camp Nou stadium on Wednesday, calling her “a role model on and off the field and who has helped women’s football to grow across the globe.” The 32-year-old Putellas on Saturday helped Barcelona win the Champions League title for the fourth time in six seasons. Speculation in Spain is she may join the fast-emerging London City Lionesses. Putellas attended a Lionesses game in London in January.
