Sports

FIFA’s Infantino has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico to host World Cup games despite cartel violence

MEXICO CITY (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he has “complete confidence” in Mexico as a World Cup co-host despite days of cartel violence in the country that has left at least 70 people dead. FIFA says Mexico can still safely co-host the World Cup despite deadly cartel violence linked to a top drug lord’s death. On Monday, authorities report at least 70 deaths after cartel members burn cars and block roads in many states. The unrest follows the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” Some local league matches have already been postponed. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he trusts President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s authorities. He says FIFA is monitoring events closely. Some soccer leaders also express concern about playoff games scheduled in Mexico.

Commanders and Jaguars to host games in London next season, with Jacksonville playing twice

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to become the first NFL team to play two home games overseas. The Jaguars and the Washington Commanders were named hosts for three games scheduled for London in 2026. Jacksonville will play back-to-back games across the pond in October, with one at historic Wembley Stadium and the other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Commanders also will host a game at Tottenham, the official home of the NFL in Britain. Specific dates and opponents will be announced later. The Jaguars are making the move because stadium renovations will reduce capacity in Jacksonville to 42,507 this fall.

Vrabel calls for increased staffing at NFL replay center to help cut down on mistakes

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel called on the league to increase staffing at the replay command center to make sure that reviews from all games are treated equally in the future. Vrabel spoke at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday and was asked about comments earlier this week made by NFL executive Troy Vincent that there were a handful of mistakes made in replay last season in games played in the early Sunday afternoon window when as many as nine games were played at the same time.

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing aims for motorsports dominance

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing is surging in NASCAR with two wins to open the 2026 season. Tyler Reddick has won the Daytona 500 and last week at Atlanta, and he and teammate Bubba Wallace go to Texas this weekend ranked first and second in the Cup Series standings. At its headquarters called Airspeed, the team leans into an employee-first culture. It throws parties after wins and offers perks like a top gym and Jordan sneakers. The group also pushes bold marketing. Leaders say last year’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR never broke focus and the team now aims to set the standard.

US men’s hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women’s team will be honored ‘soon’

WASHINGTON (AP) — The gold medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team has visited President Donald Trump at the White House and later received about a 2-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address. Trump also announced that the women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win gold, will visit the White House. The women’s team had declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union due to the timing of the address. Trump also said goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby placed on injured reserve after getting hurt at the Olympics

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins will have to begin their playoff push without Sidney Crosby. The team has placed their longtime captain on injured reserve with a lower-body injury he sustained at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Crosby is expected to miss around four weeks. The 38-year-old Crosby leads the Penguins in points, goals and assists. Pittsburgh begins the post-Olympic break at home against New Jersey. The Penguins are trying to return to the playoffs following a three-year absence.

Brooks Koepka returns to the Cognizant Classic for his first start there since 2022

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Brooks Koepka returns to his hometown PGA event with plenty of comforts, and a few bruises, as he plays the Cognizant Classic. He says his toddler son hit him in the face with a hockey stick at home. Koepka called it painful but says he kept all his teeth. He will play this event for the first time since 2022 after nearly four years with LIV Golf. He says he wants to contend a few times before Augusta. The tournament now plays easier than it used to. Shane Lowry also hopes scoring gets tougher. The field lacks top-ranked stars.

Champions League playoffs: Atalanta scores late penalty after VAR call to advance past Dortmund

Atalanta has converted a penalty with the last kick of the game in the eighth minute of stoppage time following a video review to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and secure a place in the round of 16 in the Champions League. Lazar Samardzic’s spot kick clinched a 4-3 win on aggregate for Atalanta and ensured there will still be Italian representation in Europe’s top club competition. Later, Real Madrid protects a 1-0 lead over Benfica heading into the second leg and defending champion Paris Saint-Germain starts with a 3-2 advantage over Monaco. Juventus looks to overturn a 5-2 deficit to Galatasaray.

Portuguese soccer federation monitoring situation in Mexico ahead of friendly in March

LISBON (AP) — The Portuguese soccer federation says it is monitoring the situation in Mexico amid a surge in violence ahead of its friendly against the Mexican national team in March. The federation says it is “closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico” following the killing of the country’s most powerful drug lord by the Mexican army on Sunday. The killing sparked a surge in violence and put the country on edge. The World Cup warmup match is scheduled for March 28 at the renovated Azteca Stadium. The venue is scheduled to host the opening match of the World Cup on June 11.

Turmoil-hit 2030 French Alps Olympics lose CEO Cyril Linette in leadership shake-up

PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the 2030 French Alps Olympics have confirmed their CEO Cyril Linette has left after weeks of internal turmoil. They say the executive board formally acknowledged his departure over the weekend. Organizers added they wanted “new momentum” and renewed governance as planning enters a key phase. Tensions have grown for months after several resignations. Organizers say all stakeholders still back the project and the work continues. The Games face a tight timeline and a split venue plan. A full site map is not adopted yet.