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UPCOMING

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SOC--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

FORMATS: LiveVideo, Text, Video, Photo

1. WITH: SOC--WCUP-US-BELGIUM

2. DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE — The United States tries to win back-to-back World Cup knockout games for the first time and reach its first quarterfinal since 2002 when it faces No. 9 Belgium. By Ronald Blum. Match starts at 8 p.m. EDT. Text, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 07/06/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--WCUP-PORTUGAL-SPAIN

5. DESCRIPTION: ARLINGTON, Texas — Portugal and Spain renew their neighborhood rivalry in the World Cup round of 16 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys nearly a year after Portugal’s riveting win in the UEFA Nations League final. By Schuyler Dixon. Match starts at 3 p.m. EDT. Text, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 07/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC--WCUP-NORWAY-FAIRYTALE RUN

8. DESCRIPTION: Erling Haaland and Norway delivering the best World Cup in national team history is stirring up pride among fans in the U.S. and also back home. Haaland after beating Brazil said he wished he were in Oslo celebrating. Norway is happy he’s on the field instead. The Viking Row has become a signature part of the tournament, with Norway reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. Haaland hopes the success outlives this summer and makes players take pride in playing for their country, and teammates want to be an inspiration for the next generation. By Stephen Whyno and Steve Douglas. Text, photos.

9. SENT: By 07/06/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--WCUP-WOMEN’S SOCCER-IMPACT

11. DESCRIPTION: TORONTO While other North American leagues took long breaks during the World Cup, the women’s professional Northern Super League in Canada — in just its second year — continued play. The National Women’s Soccer League just resumed play after an extended break. Both leagues hope to capitalize on the so-called Summer of Soccer. By Lexi Linderman. Text, photos.

12. SENT: By 07/06/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: Alex Ovechkin is returning to the Washington Capitals, part of a busy offseason in which the team added plenty of help for the NHL’s career leader in goals. By Noah Trister. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/06/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-ROLLING STONES

DESCRIPTION: NASCAR recruited a couple of its youngest drivers for a key component of its partnership with the Rolling Stones for promoting the band’s new album. By Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 07/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-BALOGUN-BELGIUM-TRUMP

Trump says World Cup referee’s red card call was ‘horrible’ but insists he left outcome to FIFA

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is taking credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued at the World Cup against the United States’ star forward but says he did not demand an outcome. Trump told reporters Monday all he did was “ask for a review.” The Republican president confirms he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for another look at the punishment against Folarin Balogun in the United States’ 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week in California. Trump says FIFA made the final call to lift Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle. The change allows Balogun to play in Monday’s round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle.

WORDS: 1025 - MOVED: 07/06/2026 1:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b5f509db64ecca71c4fe0cd860755478&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-BALOGUN FALLOUT

Historic World Cup furor at FIFA decision to meet Trump’s wish and let US forward Balogun play

SUMMARY: An all-time controversy in the World Cup’s 96-year history has raged on Monday ahead of the co-host United States facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake. The Belgian soccer federation is challenging FIFA’s ruling to let Balogun play despite getting a red card in his previous game. Belgium’s statement came just 11 hours before kickoff in Seattle. European soccer body UEFA has criticized FIFA’s “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” UEFA says FIFA “crossed a red line” with its decision not to enforce Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban after coming under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

WORDS: 155 - MOVED: 07/06/2026 12:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d32fc2e13728cef9317feeb7b72c279b&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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SOC--WORLD CUP

Coverage of round of 16 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.