Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BBC--COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: BBC--CWS-NORTH CAROLINA-WEST VIRGINIA

2. DESCRIPTION: OMAHA, Neb. -- North Carolina plays West Virginia looking to lock up its first appearance in the College World Series finals since 2007. The Mountaineers would have to win this game and a rematch Thursday to make the finals in their first CWS. By Eric Olson. 500 words. Game starts 2 p.m. ET.

3. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BBC--CWS-OKLAHOMA-GEORGIA

5. DESCRIPTION: OMAHA, Neb. -- Oklahoma, which beat Georgia 4-3 on Monday, needs another win over the Bulldogs to reach the College World Series finals. Georgia must beat OU twice to make the finals. By Eric Olson. 500 words. Game starts 7 p.m. ET.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--WORLD CUP

FORMATS: Photo, LiveVideo, Alternate Headlines, Video, Text

7. WITH: SOC--WORLD CUP-CANADA-AHMED’S RETURN

8. DESCRIPTION: VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Ali Ahmed’s move from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Norwich City ahead of the 2026 MLS season did little to diminish his standing among local supporters. While in Toronto for Canada’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, fans who gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival at Vancouver’s Freedom Mobile Arch erupted when Ahmed’s No. 20 flashed on the substitution board. By Ben Kule.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-CROATIA

11. DESCRIPTION: ARLINGTON, Texas — Harry Kane and England face Croatia in a World Cup opener that is a rematch from the 2018 semifinals, won by Croatia. By Schuyler Dixon.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--JETS-SMITH-REICH

DESCRIPTION: FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Frank Reich has been around many excellent quarterbacks during a long NFL coaching career. The New York Jets offensive coordinator was effusive in his praise of Geno Smith, who he says puts the team in “good shape” because of how impressive he has been during offseason workouts with a football mind that’s “elite.” By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--US OPEN

FORMATS: Text

13. WITH: GLF--US OPEN-DISTANCE

14. DESCRIPTION: SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. -- The USGA plans to move forward with a new distance standard for golf balls in 2030 but now is taking a wider look at other facts to reign in how far elite golfers are hitting the golf ball. By Doug Ferguson. 600 words, photos.

15. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: GLF--US OPEN

17. DESCRIPTION: Flags above Shinnecock Hills were still early Wednesday morning, but not to worry. Wind is as inevitable as the “Trade Parade” traffic on the Montauk Highway, the strongest defense for a U.S. Open that has never been easy on this historic course. By Doug Ferguson.

18. UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN--BULLS-SPLITTER

DESCRIPTION: The Chicago Bulls formally introduce Tiago Splitter as their new coach. Splitter was the interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers this past season. By Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKW--PWHL DRAFT

DESCRIPTION: Caroline Harvey has the overall skill. Abbey Murphy the tenacity. And Laila Edwards has the size and powerful shot. All three U.S. Olympians lead a deeply talented prospect pool entering the PWHL draft in Detroit on Wednesday. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words.

UPCOMING: By 06/17/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-CRAIG

Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL

SUMMARY: The Vegas Golden Knights have promoted Ryan Craig to head coach, replacing John Tortorella. Craig has been the organization’s American Hockey League coach in Henderson, Nevada. Craig will address reporters on Thursday.

WORDS: 55 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 1:16 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1aea4d73ae14e10f4abefb8709af7f38&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-CAPE VERDE-GOALKEEPER-MOTHER

Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother gets visa to attend next World Cup match

SUMMARY: The mother of Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States in time for her 40-year-old son’s next World Cup match. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced it Wednesday. Vozinha became an early sensation of the World Cup after making key saves in a 0-0 draw with Spain, one of the tournament favorites that was expected to rout tiny Cape Verde. After the match, Vozinha said his mother had not been able to secure a visa to enter the U.S. to see him play. Jeffries says all fees have been waived and travel arrangements are being made to get her to Cape Verde’s next game Sunday against Uruguay in Miami.

WORDS: 428 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 11:38 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9dea87cf2940d955e02beb8fac5501b5&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-REESE-HAPPY-LANDING

Angel Reese is enjoying first season in Atlanta as her double-doubles are helping Dream earn wins

SUMMARY: Angel Reese looked like a perfect fit for Atlanta when she was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Dream. After 13 games, the fit still looks perfect. As the team prepares for back-to-back games against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, Atlanta has one of the best records in the WNBA. Reese has been on a double-double tear, providing the inside presence on the boards and clutch points to keep the offense balanced even while All-Star center Brionna Jones continues to recover from a knee injury. Reese and the Dream are winning and the two-time All-Star can’t stop smiling.

WORDS: 847 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 11:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2bf4faba75fb2c8734bf6b820c4a2a23&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA SCHEDULE

WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season

SUMMARY: The WNBA is expanding its schedule to 50 games per team next season — the most in the league’s 30-year history. The new collective bargaining agreement that was ratified earlier this year allows the league to play up to 50 games for the next two seasons. There can be up to 52 regular-season games in 2029 and for the rest of the CBA. The league is playing 44 games again this season. Over the next few seasons the WNBA is adding three new teams through expansion. Cleveland is joining in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. Connecticut is moving to Houston next year.

WORDS: 289 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 11:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71e0b5b215abf6fd1f5de41c78734d11&mediaType=text

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HKN--MAPLE LEAFS-HILLER

Maple Leafs hire former LA Kings coach Jim Hiller to replace Craig Berube

SUMMARY: The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in franchise history. The 57-year-old returns to Toronto after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015-19. Hiller replaces Craig Berube as part of an offseason overhaul led by new general manager John Chayka. Most recently, Hiller served as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, compiling a 93-58-24 record over parts of three seasons. The Kings fired Hiller on March 1 following an 8-1 loss to Edmonton. A native of Port Alberni, British Columbia, Hiller spent 11 seasons coaching junior hockey before moving to the NHL ranks. The Leafs fired Berube on May 13 after two seasons.

WORDS: 299 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 10:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ef24d1faef020711d331c8b700768da4&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-HYDRATION BREAKS

FIFA hydration breaks spark backlash and blamed for killing momentum at World Cup

SUMMARY: FIFA has implemented mandatory breaks midway through each half at all matches for this World Cup to allow players to hydrate because of the extreme heat in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the near-six-week tournament. Coaches are taking advantage. While player welfare is an important consideration with temperatures expected to exceed 90 F (32 C) for some games, the enforced breaks have been criticized for ruining the flow of the action and also giving coaches chance to tactically shift momentum in their team’s favor.

WORDS: 960 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 10:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7ce3876a8bda67d13cf691bc4ec402d&mediaType=text

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AF--SUDAN-WOMEN’S SOCCER

Far from the World Cup, a girls team tries to revive soccer dreams for war-ravaged Sudan

SUMMARY: Sudan’s women’s national soccer team has made its first international appearance since civil war erupted in the country. The team traveled to Morocco for Olympic qualifiers, facing heavy defeats against Comoros. Many players are inexperienced, with some having fled the war. Sudan’s soccer federation entered a younger team to maintain its place in the qualifiers. The war in Sudan has halted sports activities, including the women’s soccer league. Despite challenges, the team aims to keep women’s soccer alive in the country. The players face societal hurdles, but their passion for the game remains strong.

WORDS: 1072 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 9:55 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8185adbc08b77a0ceae5a66b65a8407&mediaType=text

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GLF--US OPEN-CHARTING THE COURSE

US Open host Shinnecock shares a complicated past with golf and American history

SUMMARY: On Thursday, 156 players from around the world will tee it up for the sixth U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills. Among those playing in 1896, the first time the USGA brought the open to the outer reaches of Long Island, was John Shippen. Shippen was the African-American golf teacher and club maker who as a 16-year-old joined Shinnecock tribe member Oscar Bunn on the tee sheet. They are believed to be the first two American-born players to play in the U.S. Open.

WORDS: 1015 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 9:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9cffa5a5565a3e79ec9c70c0b85900ea&mediaType=text

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SOC—WCUP-PRIDE MATCH

Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle’s World Cup ‘Pride Match’

SUMMARY: Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive countries for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Both countries have asked for the celebrations to be canceled. In Iran, same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges. Egypt has arrested and prosecuted gays and lesbians on the basis of vague indecency laws, and has cracked down on expressions of Pride, especially rainbow flags. Seattle organizers hope the match will contribute to positive change.

WORDS: 654 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 7:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c7229ef5c7e05b6c2b58e0522797b91&mediaType=text

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SOC—WCUP-TURKISH COMMENTATOR

Turkish state broadcaster drops veteran World Cup commentator over Iran-New Zealand mix-up

SUMMARY: Turkish state broadcaster TRT has removed a commentator from its World Cup roster after he mixed up the Iran and New Zealand teams. TRT says Murat Ekrem Çimen will not continue to comment on matches during the tournament. Turkish media reports that he confused Iran’s attacks with New Zealand’s moves during the opening minutes of the broadcast. The teams shared a 2-2 draw on Monday night in Group G. TRT called the mistake “unacceptable” and apologized to viewers, emphasizing that such errors do not meet its broadcasting standards.

WORDS: 171 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 7:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:77f9c8476455b58c163dba2ba8f330d8&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE

Tale of the ticker tape: The quirky history behind the Knicks’ first NYC parade

SUMMARY: The New York Knicks’ ticker-tape parade will be a first. The new NBA champions have won the title before, in 1970 and ’73. But they weren’t honored then with New York’s signature procession. The ’70s wins came at a time when then-Mayor John Lindsay had reined in the confetti-tossing spectacles. Current Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted that Thursday’s celebration might be “the largest parade in New York City history.” New York’s ticker-tape tradition began in the late 19th century, when brokerage firm workers watched parades from office windows and flung out the narrow paper used by telegraph-era “stock ticker” machines.

WORDS: 754 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 6:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3422b672eef42f0e6bc843c6136717f0&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA DRAFT-GUARDS

Kansas’ Darryn Peterson is the headliner among top-flight 1-and-done guards in NBA draft

SUMMARY: Kansas’ Darryn Peterson headlines the top tier of one-and-done guard prospects for next week’s NBA draft. Peterson is considered a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick when the first round begins Tuesday. Peterson is a combo guard who averaged 20.2 points in his lone college season. But the uncertainty about his availability while missing 11 games at Kansas is a variable for NBA teams to evaluate. The list of top guards includes Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., and Houston’s Kingston Flemings. They’re all top-10 prospects.

WORDS: 1219 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bef67e874376586f301d211e186f013&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FANS-PHOTO GALLERY

World Cup fans flood stadiums and fan zones with dazzling costumes, facepaint and flags — in photos

WORDS: 42 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 5:53 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d86f9b4c972d1537f88f906b56d49d3&mediaType=text

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MMA-UFC-PEREIRA-GANE

Pereira fumes over ‘illegal shots’ after Gane’s interim UFC heavyweight title win

SUMMARY: Brazilian MMA star Alex Pereira has accused Frenchman Cyril Gane of landing multiple “illegal shots” during their fight for the interim UFC heavyweight title at the White House. Gane finished off Pereira in the second round on Sunday after sending him stumbling with a right jab followed by a hammer fist. The referee then stopped the fight 1:27 into the round after a left to the chin. After hitting Pereira with a jab, Gane launched a brutal floor sequence that included elbows to the back of the head. Pereira says on social media it was difficult to recover from those “illegal shots.” He criticizes referee Herb Dean, saying he should not have been picked for their fight.

WORDS: 237 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 4:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39bc7b7efe881c48347dcfc6f3be413f&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAQ-NORWAY

Erling Haaland scores twice in World Cup debut as Norway tops Iraq 4-1

SUMMARY: Erling Haaland scored his first two World Cup goals, including one off a defensive blunder, to propel Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I. It was the 56th and 57th international goals for the Manchester City striker and came in Norway’s first appearance in the tournament since 1998. Leo Ostigard added the third goal in the 76th minute off a corner kick from Martin Odegaard. An own-goal by Iraq’s Aymen Hussein gave Norway its final tally just before the final whistle. Iraq briefly equalized just nine minutes after Haaland’s first strike on a goal by Hussein.

WORDS: 550 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 2:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:000164c7c16cf67dfadbfa812eae3979&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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SOC--WORLD CUP

Coverage of group play in the US, Canada and Mexico.