AP Sports Digest

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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SOC--WCUP-TEAM FORMATIONS-EXPLAINER

DESCRIPTION: It’s number-crunching time when it comes to the team’s formations at the World Cup. Every team starts with a goalkeeper in front of the net, but then it’s up to the 48 coaches to try to set up their teams the best way they see fit considering the players they have and the opponents they’ll face. Here’s a look at the nine different formations used in the first round of matches at the World Cup. By Tales Azzoni.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT ___

GLF--US OPEN-OPENER

DESCRIPTION: SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The USGA is preparing for what could be a rugged week at the U.S. Open. With winds expected to blow at 30 miles per hour and above, organizers plan to water the greens during first and second rounds and do their best to keep them from running too fast. By Eddie Pells.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA DRAFT-FORWARDS

DESCRIPTION: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is a favorite to go No. 1 overall in the NBA draft, and he’s the headliner of a top tier of one-and-done forwards. The list includes Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

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

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CONGRESS-COLLEGE SPORTS

DESCRIPTION: The Senate Commerce Committee meets to consider bipartisan legislation aimed at overhauling the college sports system.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-CRAIG

DESCRIPTION: Ryan Craig is formally introduced as the Vegas Golden Knights’ new coach.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--BREWERS-MISIOROWSKI

DESCRIPTION: Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski isn’t content with being the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in the game. He wants to be the best. Lately, he’s been just that. By Steve Megargee. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2026 5:25 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-COLOMBIA-UZBEKISTAN

Luis Díaz sparks Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in its World Cup opener

SUMMARY: Luis Díaz had a goal and an assist in his debut on soccer’s biggest stage, sparking Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in its World Cup opener. Daniel Muñoz, also playing in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a pass from Díaz, who scored the tiebreaking goal in the 65th. Fayzullaev Abbosbek scored in the 60th minute for Uzbekistan in its first World Cup appearance. Jaminton Campaz added a goal in second-half stoppage time for the Colombians, who are ranked 13th in the world and were heavy favorites over 50th-ranked Uzbekistan. Colombia moved atop Group K, ahead of Portugal and Congo.

WORDS: 496 - MOVED: 06/18/2026 1:28 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5de7dba181a536122765d55092a9180b&mediaType=text

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HKW--PWHL DRAFT

Vancouver Goldeneyes select US Olympian Caroline Harvey with the 1st pick in the PWHL draft

SUMMARY: Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey was selected by the Vancouver Goldeneyes with the first pick in the PWHL draft in the latest major milestone achievement for the U.S. gold medal-winner and three-time college champion. The selection came on the same day Harvey was named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year, and further cements the 23-year-old’s case as being her generation’s most accomplished player. The two-time Olympian and tournament MVP at the Milan Cortina Games, Harvey stands out from a deeply talented draft class that features four U.S. teammates.

WORDS: 915 - MOVED: 06/18/2026 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e40fcbe05d90717279dbcb3b21018015&mediaType=text

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SOC-WCUP-CLIMATE-HEAT-HYDRATION-BREAKS

FIFA hydration breaks have sparked criticism from different groups. But what do they actually do?

SUMMARY: FIFA’s new hydration breaks midway through each half were implemented to help players stay cool in the summer heat of Mexico, Canada and the United States, which some experts have warned could be the hottest World Cup in history. But these mandatory pauses have sparked criticism from two very different groups: Those who say they are killing the game’s flow, and scientists who say the breaks are too short to make a significant impact on cooling and rehydration. Here’s a look at what hydration breaks actually do.

WORDS: 1067 - MOVED: 06/18/2026 12:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fca3f5cb73cbbb15816b7a09fbda1ce&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE

New Yorkers are set to fete the Knicks with a ticker-tape parade

SUMMARY: New York is celebrating the Knicks in classic style. The city is throwing a ticker-tape parade Thursday for the team that brought home the NBA championship that fans have longed for since 1973. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted that Thursday’s parade might be one of the biggest such events in the city’s history. Knicks legends Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Patrick Ewing are expected to participate in the parade. That’s according to a person familiar with the plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the details before they were publicly announced. Alicia Keys has been tapped to perform.

WORDS: 533 - MOVED: 06/18/2026 12:08 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3a701ffd169009d5cfb418334734646b&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-CROATIA

Harry Kane ties England’s record for World Cup goals in 4-2 win over Croatia

SUMMARY: Harry Kane scored twice to equal the English record for World Cup goals, Jude Bellingham added another two minutes into the second half and England beat Croatia 4-2. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa answered each of Kane’s first-half goals in a rematch of the 2018 semifinal game won by Croatia. Musa’s goal came on the final play before the whistle ending the first half. After Bellingham’s goal, Marcus Rashford padded the lead in the 85th minute. Kane is up to 10 World Cup goals. That ties Gary Lineker’s mark from the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.

WORDS: 717 - MOVED: 06/18/2026 12:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1bca89bb4a4897fbfa57b2804608426&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 11:10 p.m. EDT

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

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BKN--KNICKS-YANKEE STADIUM-FIRST PITCH

Brunson and Hart throw out first pitches at Yankee Stadium as Knicks celebrate NBA title

SUMMARY: The New York Knicks’ victory tour following their first NBA championship since 1973 made another stop Wednesday night when Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart threw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium. Before the Yankees played the Chicago White Sox, Brunson and Hart were met with a standing ovation and loud cheers from fans as they took the field to a montage of highlights from the title run. Standing in front of the mound, Brunson made his toss to backup catcher J.C. Escarra while Hart threw to utilityman Max Schuemann.

WORDS: 644 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 11:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:039b523f708a84aec4462913b9dbd1c4&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-OLDEST-YOUNGEST

A look at how World Cup stars young and old are faring after first week

WORDS: 455 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 10:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29dd0853b5110bc57decbdc6adef52b8&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-PORTUGAL-CONGO

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal held to a 1-1 draw by Congo at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in their opening match of the World Cup. Congo became the second African nation to make a strong start in the tournament against European competition following Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday. João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the sixth minute. Yoane Wissa equalized for Congo with a header in stoppage time at the end of the first half. It was Congo’s first World Cup goal in the country’s history. Ronaldo missed shots wide right in the 68th and 73rd minutes. He shook his head in disgust after both.

WORDS: 663 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 5:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f6285ac20424ef53b1548999fa625a1&mediaType=text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-CRAIG

Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL

SUMMARY: After having previously hired established head coaches, the Vegas Golden Knights this time stayed within the organization and promoted Ryan Craig on Wednesday from its American Hockey League affiliate in suburban Henderson. Craig, 44, replaces John Tortorella, who was hired with eight games left in the regular season and led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final before they lost to Carolina. The club announced Tuesday that Tortorella wouldn’t be returning. Craig was the Silver Knights’ coach the past three seasons. Henderson went 39-21-12 this season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 5:24 p.m. EDT

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

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GLF--US OPEN

US Open braces for a tough and windy Shinnecock Hills

SUMMARY: The U.S. Open is bracing for a tough and windy Shinnecock Hills. USGA officials have taken a close look at the forecast for strong wind and are planning for it by keeping the green speeds slower than usual. The idea is to be tough but fair. Shinnecock hasn’t been viewed as being all that fair the last two times. John Bodenhamer is the chief competitions officer for the USGA. He uses words like “problematic” to describe greens when they get too dry in the right wind. The opening round starts Thursday with Scottie Scheffler going for the career Grand Slam.

WORDS: 875 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 4:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:93f4bcd1b46ecf58d3f54faadf097c70&mediaType=text

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BBO--PRIDE NIGHT-WHAT TO KNOW

MLB warned players about altering Pride Night caps, and Republicans took notice. Here’s what to know

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball is facing challenges with LGBTQ+ inclusivity as some players resist participating in Pride events. During the San Francisco Giants’ Pride Night, several players added Bible verses to their caps or chose not to wear the themed caps. MLB issued a warning, stating that writing on caps violates league policy, saying the issue wasn’t with the messages themselves. This has sparked reactions from Republican politicians like Vice President JD Vance and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley. Similar incidents have occurred on other teams, and MLB is unique in having regular-season games during Pride Month. Other leagues have also faced issues with Pride events.

WORDS: 920 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 4:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e128155721c53a34af6c312b6692f7c8&mediaType=text

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ATH--SIMPSON-MEDICAL EPISODE

Olympic medalist Jenny Simpson collapses after medical episode while pacing mile group at event

SUMMARY: Olympic bronze medalist and world champion 1,500-meter runner Jenny Simpson collapsed after suffering a medical episode while pacing a mile group at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday night. Simpson underwent CPR at the track and an automated external defibrillator was also used before taking her to the hospital. The 39-year-old Simpson was taking part in a community track event hosted by Sir Walter Running, with runners of all levels encouraged to attend. The event featured a chance to meet Simpson. She won the bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

WORDS: 203 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 4:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36bf7222ed4200847ee37d316e16c5fb&mediaType=text

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FBN--SORSBY-PRO DAY

Brendan Sorsby plans July workout for NFL teams before supplemental draft, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the plan says Brendan Sorsby is tentatively planning to work out for NFL teams before the supplemental draft. That follows the quarterback’s decision to end an unprecedented legal fight to retain his eligibility after he acknowledged impermissible bets while playing college football. The person told The Associated Press that Sorsby plans to have his pro day July 10 at a Dallas-area high school. The deadline for entering the draft is Monday. That rarely used supplemental draft would be completed before the start of training camps in late July.

WORDS: 579 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 4:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6f5eb5b27fd19b65584452bf1e17769&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-PULISIC

Christian Pulisic still training separately, increasing concern for the US at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Christian Pulisic trained apart from his U.S. teammates for the third straight day of World Cup practice because of his calf injury. That’s raising concerns about his availability to face Australia on Friday in the Americans’ second game. Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans’ historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week, but came off at halftime after feeling stiffness from a calf injury incurred in training. He hasn’t worked out with his teammates this week at their training base in Orange County, instead doing individual work largely in the gym.

WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 3:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:395f56394938d06b726f5c1dc7dc5c4a&mediaType=text

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GLF--US OPEN-DISTANCE

USGA and R&A want deeper study of distance beyond new golf ball test in 2030

SUMMARY: The USGA and R&A are moving forward with a new golf ball distance standard set for 2030. They also announced they will expand their study to explore other areas that might help control distance. The study will involve more direct input from tour players. The goal is to prevent distance from making golf too one-dimensional and causing courses to lengthen. The governing bodies updated the “Overall Distance Standard” test in 2023. Feedback from the golf community led to a single-date implementation in 2030. The USGA and R&A are considering alternative approaches to address distance increases without disrupting the golf market.

WORDS: 730 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 3:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ef28904d58cf53e1755d0d6c482c596&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-HAT TRICK

World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts

SUMMARY: At age 38 and playing in his sixth World Cup, Lionel Messi has his first hat trick in soccer’s biggest tournament and Argentina’s defense of the trophy is off to a flying start. Messi’s three goals in the 3-0 win against Algeria on Tuesday saw him become the joint highest scorer in men’s World Cup history alongside Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 in total. It was also the first hat trick of this year’s tournament and the 55th in World Cup history. Here’s what to know about hat tricks.

WORDS: 592 - MOVED: 06/17/2026 2:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e60514b95936b00f064104d3a47b7f4e&mediaType=text