AP – Sports
June 4, 2026
AP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations
ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) — Iran is heading to the World Cup amid tensions with the main host nation, creating a unique situation in tournament history. Two Iranian players shared their struggles to stay focused on soccer. Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder, said it’s challenging to manage the political situation while preparing for his third World Cup. The team has been training in Turkey and plans to move to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa issues. Mohammad Ghorbani, attending his first World Cup, emphasized the importance of playing for their people. He said the team aims to bring joy and pride to Iranians.
NBA bans two people from arenas after one runs onto court during Game 1, attempts selfie with Wemby
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The NBA banned two people for life from its arenas on Thursday, after one of them was arrested shortly after running onto the court during Game 1 of the NBA Finals and appearing to take a selfie next to San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. A second fan was banned for his involvement in Wednesday night’s incident, which occurred midway through the fourth quarter of the game between the Spurs and New York Knicks. The NBA did not disclose specifics of that person’s involvement. Play was stopped for 1 minute and 29 seconds before the game resumed with a jump ball. Wembanyama did not appear bothered by the incident, either as it was happening or afterward.
No handshake and no photo as Andreeva of Russia beats Kostyuk of Ukraine to reach French Open final
PARIS (AP) — Russian player Mirra Andreeva has beaten Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-1, 6-3 to reach the women’s French Open final. There was no post-match handshake between them and the players had separate photos taken as they each stood next to two children on their respective side of the net. Usually the players pose for the same photo, standing right next to each other by the net. Kostyuk and countrywoman Oleksandra Oliynykova have spoken out during the tournament about the impact Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is having on their country.Later Thursday, the other semifinal featured left-handed players Diana Shnaider of Russia and Maja Chwalinska of Poland.
Serena Williams’ tennis comeback to begin with 19-year-old doubles partner Victoria Mboko
LONDON (AP) — Serena Williams will make her return to professional tennis playing doubles alongside a partner who is 25 years younger. Victoria Mboko is a 19-year-old Canadian ranked No. 9. Mboko has revealed she will have the “honor” of playing with the 44-year-old Williams as a wild-card entry at the Queen’s Club next week. They practiced on the grass courts in west London on Thursday. Mboko says in a post on Instagram: “The Queen is back.” Mboko says “an honor to share the court with one of the greatest athletes of all time this week. Even more excited to play doubles together!
Captain Clutch: Jalen Brunson comes up with late-game heroics, Knicks top Spurs in Game 1 of finals
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jalen Brunson gave the New York Knicks a huge scare in the first quarter, limping off and leaving the floor to deal with what appeared to be some sort of knee and ankle issues. He wasn’t gone for long. And by the fourth quarter, all that was forgotten. Brunson won the NBA’s clutch player award in 2025, and in case anyone forgot why, he provided a series of reminders in a scintillating final 7 1/2 minutes that helped the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA finals on Wednesday night.
Argentina seeks a glorious end to the Messi era with another World Cup title
BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Lionel Messi is preparing for what could be his final World Cup with Argentina, aiming to retain the trophy he won in Qatar in 2022. At nearly 39, Messi will play in his sixth World Cup, an unprecedented record. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, relies on 17 players from the previous World Cup-winning squad, despite some not being in peak condition. Injuries, including Messi’s hamstring strain, are a concern. Scaloni lacks a clear replacement for Ángel Di María, but forward Julián Álvarez is emerging as a key player. Messi acknowledges other favorites like France and Brazil but remains hopeful.
Original Vegas Golden Knights make an early impact in the Stanley Cup Final
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The original Vegas Golden Knights wasted no time making an impact early in their third trip to the Stanley Cup Final. William Karlsson, Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb are the only three players who have been around for all nine seasons of the franchise’s existence and hoisted the Cup in 2023. Karlsson and Theodore each scored in a Game 1 victory at Carolina, and Brayden McNabb had the first three-assist performance of his NHL career. The value of experience is showing through for Vegas.
Sherpa guide missing for a week on Mount Everest rescued while crawling to base camp
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A Sherpa guide was found crawling to base camp on Mount Everest a week after he went missing. Dawa Sherpa was last seen around May 29 descending the mountain, but he did not reach base camp. He was located Thursday morning by a cleaning crew near the Khumbu Icefall, just above the base camp. Dawa was quickly carried to safety and flown to a hospital in Kathmandu, where his family was waiting. His wife and daughter already had begun funeral rituals, believing he was dead. Dawa was guiding a Polish climber during the busiest climbing season ever on Everest.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred worries cap proposal could lead to repeat of 1994-95 strike
NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred worries the owners’ salary cap proposal could lead to a work stoppage like the one that canceled the 1994 World Series. Owners last week made their first cap proposal since then, citing the failure of the luxury tax system. Manfred says the current system isn’t working and emphasized the need for a framework to address competitive balance. Players have vowed to fight the cap. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and management is expected to impose a lockout. MLB would limit spending in 2027 and establish a payroll floor to force some teams to spend more.
Brazilian players from a Rio de Janeiro favela find hope and opportunities thanks to soccer
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — João Victor Gonçalves, from one of Rio de Janeiro’s poorest favelas, has achieved a dream by playing soccer internationally. Last month, he and nine other boys traveled to Mexico for the Street Child World Cup, representing Brazil. The tournament, featuring teams from 30 countries, was organized ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The Brazil team won, making the experience even more thrilling. The Street Child United Brazil project in Rio’s Penha favelas offers an escape from violence and poverty, providing a sense of safety and hope. The initiative began in 2014 and now involves around 100 youths.
