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.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

SOC--WORLD CUP PREVIEW

FORMATS: Photo, Text, Video

1. WITH: SOC--WCUP-INFANTINO

2. DESCRIPTION: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to reporters in Mexico City at a rare news conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup. By Carlos Rodriguez.

3. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--PORTUGAL-NIGERIA

5. DESCRIPTION: Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal conclude their World Cup preparations with a warmup match against Nigeria in Leiria.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT

___

MMA--UFC-WHITE HOUSE

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON -- UFC week at the White House kicks off with a media day. By Dan Gelston.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

___

HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

7. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

8. DESCRIPTION: The Vegas Golden Knights were 2-2 in each of their first two playoff series and went on to win in six games each. Now here they are again. The difference? Vegas had home-ice advantage in the first two rounds. Not this time.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-HURRICANES

11. DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes have leveled their Stanley Cup Final series against Vegas for what is now a best-of-3 with two games set for home ice. One question to watch is whether Brandon Bussi is now the guy to take them to the finish line. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-MUST-SEE FINAL

14. DESCRIPTION: The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes has been must-see entertainment every night. One big reason is that no lead is safe. This is the first time in NHL history that a team has rallied from a multigoal deficit to tie the score in each of the first four games of the final. That included Carolina coming back from down four in Game 3 at Vegas before losing in double overtime on a bounce off the end boards. The Golden Knights and Hurricanes have combined to score 33 goals, the most through four games since 1981. This was the most-watched final through three games since Chicago-Tampa Bay in 2015. By Stephen Whyno and Josh Dubow. Text, photos.

15. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

___

BKN--NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

16. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS

17. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks bring a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs into Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where the road team has won every game so far. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. Game starts at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

18. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

LT--MEXICO-WORLD-CUP

Celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico on the eve of the World Cup

SUMMARY: Mexico City welcomes the world with the opening ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, but social tensions are rising. A protest camp threatens to shut down the event’s main fan festival on opening day. Critics say the government has focused too much on international visitors at the expense of residents. Teachers have blocked roads and toppled World Cup statues. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing political challenges, including a deteriorating relationship with the U.S. and security concerns. Despite the excitement, some locals feel priced out of the festivities, highlighting a divide between international visitors and residents.

WORDS: 838 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 1:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:06fd8a8c293de1b4fb1e420a9bee02b2&mediaType=text

___

HKN--OILERS-BABCOCK

Players’ union asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him, AP sources say

SUMMARY: The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets before any team hires him as coach. This request comes amid reports that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in Babcock. The NHL had dropped its investigation when Babcock resigned in September 2023 after criticism over privacy issues with players. Babcock, once a top coach, has faced allegations of bullying. The Oilers are seeking a new coach after firing Kris Knoblauch. They also sought permission to talk to Bruce Cassidy, but Vegas denied the request since Cassidy remains under contract.

WORDS: 496 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3865d9ba56d9cacfd4e965ed54da72e2&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-REF-DENIED-ENTRY

Somali soccer referee denied entry to US for World Cup is welcomed home as a hero

SUMMARY: Omar Artan, the soccer referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup tournament, has returned home to a hero’s welcome by supporters and officials. Artan was set to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament. He was named as Africa’s best male referee in 2025. The U.S.’s unusual move to deny a FIFA-appointed match official permission to enter a World Cup host country drew global outrage and raised questions about America’s capacity to host. Artan is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best match official in 2025.

WORDS: 634 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a73dfeb3a960a3ffa858a419bdb8a8f1&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-HUMAN RIGHTS

After troubled World Cup lead-in, UN human rights chief urges ‘rethink’ of US immigration policy

SUMMARY: The United Nations’ top human rights official called Wednesday for a “massive rethink” of immigration policies especially in the United States ahead of the World Cup. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk cites issues around “racial profiling, surveillance and immigration enforcement.” He notes “we have seen some of the scenes” ahead of the World Cup starting Thursday. The U.S. is hosting the 48-team event with Canada and Mexico. Türk says he hopes the issues “are not going to affect this World Cup in the way that they have already done.”

WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 10:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:58fd22fa00291fa471f00f9fdd00d5dc&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-US-THINKING BIG

Pochettino says no Americans among top 100 players yet US can win World Cup

SUMMARY: Mauricio Pochettino has been blunt about American soccer talent. He noted that the U.S. lacks players in the top 100 in the world, unlike many top nations. Christian Pulisic, ranked 116th, and Tim Weah, at 183rd, were the top Americans in last year’s Guardian survey. Despite this, U.S. players and staff are optimistic about their World Cup chances. Pulisic believes in the talent and says the Americans aim to prove themselves. The U.S. has won only one knockout game. Goalkeeping, once a strength, has become a concern. Playing at home might provide an advantage with supportive crowds.

WORDS: 787 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a5e434560f12e29aa5c5312351df3dc&mediaType=text

___

FBC--ON FOOTBALL-THE SORSBY DILEMMA

College sports is suddenly facing a major question that hinges on gambling, the ‘unpardonable sin’

SUMMARY: The controversy over gambling in college sports has intensified with Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s court victory. College players betting on their own teams is widely condemned, but resolving the issue is complex. This week, Nebraska and Georgia urged their coaches not to schedule games with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, the Big 12 is debating its response. The case highlights the challenges of regulating college sports, especially with legal sports gambling widespread and lucrative sponsorships involved. Without legal protections, the NCAA struggles to enforce rules, leaving the future of college sports governance uncertain.

WORDS: 1018 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:589692aa5b7609e055ebc59127f5c125&mediaType=text

___

BKL--STORM-MALONGA

Seattle Storm banking on Dominique Malonga to get franchise on track

SUMMARY: The Seattle Storm’s Dominique Malonga is being counted on to help get the franchise back on track, even though her second season was briefly derailed when she suffered a concussion in a May 13 loss to the Toronto Tempo. She did not return until coming off the bench in an 88-68 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. It isn’t entirely surprising Seattle has scuffled to start the season. The Storm lost a pair of perennial All-Stars to free agency and the youthful roster is still getting acclimated to playing under new head coach Sonia Raman. As the Storm embrace a youth movement, it will be Malonga at the forefront.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34ad4c1a1d3812641779080817879282&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-BETTING

Bettors taking a chance on the longshot US in World Cup, though France and Spain remain favorites

SUMMARY: Fox Sports is promoting the idea of an underdog American team winning the World Cup, reminiscent of the 1980 Miracle on Ice when the US hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the Olympics. But the United States faces long odds in the World Cup. Longtime handicapper Bruce Marshall isn’t convinced by U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino’s track record. Still, patriotic bettors are putting money on the U.S., creating potential liabilities for sportsbooks. France and Spain are the favorites.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8cc1c88d6fe1c324bd6712bdc81eb415&mediaType=text

___

HKN--STANLEY CUP

A wild Stanley Cup Final swings again as Hurricanes win 5-3 to make series 2-2 with Golden Knights

SUMMARY: Jordan Staal scored his second goal of the game at 6:32 of the third period to put the Carolina Hurricanes ahead for good in their 5-3 victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final over the Vegas Golden Knights. The win on Tuesday night evened the series after four games. Game 5 is Thursday night at Carolina. Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, Logan Stankoven scored a goal. Brandon Bussi made 18 saves. Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden scored goals for the Golden Knights, and Carter Hart made 23 saves

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 2:11 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f67cff193af67fef7d4547fade5e803e&mediaType=text

___

——————————

MOVING TOMORROW

——————————

BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NBA postseason.

___

HKN--NHL POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NHL postseason.

___

SOC--WORLD CUP

Coverage of group play in the US, Canada and Mexico