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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BKC--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament:

BKC--NCAA-UConn Transfers -- It is the first Final Four appearance for former Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr., who has been a dominant force in the first four NCAA Tournament games for UConn, and former Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr. The last time UConn won the national championship, that team also included two key transfers. Reed and Demary are looking for the same outcome with the Huskies. By Jim Fuller. Text, photos.

SENT: By 04/01/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

BKW--NCAA-Undefeated UConn -- Geno Auriemma is taking an undefeated UConn team into the women’s Final Four for the ninth time. This group, while extremely talented like the rest, is a bit different than those previous ones for the veteran coach. But these Huskies have All-America teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, and are 38-0 going to Phoenix. By Stephen Hawkins. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/01/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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SOC--US-THE WAIT

DESCRIPTION: Now comes the wait, soccer’s ultimate FOMO. American players across the United States and Europe will count down the eight weeks until coach Mauricio Pochettino picks his 26 World Cup players. By Ronald Blum. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-MENDOZA

DESCRIPTION: Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the feature attraction when he works out during Indiana’s Pro Day on Wednesday. Mendoza did not work out at the NFL’s annual scouting combine last month, in part because the national championship game and combine were too close together. He is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in next month’s draft. By Michael Marot. Players are scheduled to talk at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--CELTICS-HEAT

DESCRIPTION: The Boston Celtics, chasing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, visit the Miami Heat. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/01/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--US WOMEN-JAPAN

Naomi Girma set to return home to San Jose for USWNT match against Japan

SUMMARY: Naomi Girma is going to play at home in Northern California with the U.S. team this month for the first time since a send-off game for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Coach Emma Hayes announced Wednesday that Girma will be on the roster when the U.S. plays the first of three matches against Japan on April 11 at San Jose’s Pay Pal Park. Girma was born in San Jose and played at nearby Stanford. Her Stanford teammate, Sophia Wilson, was named to her first roster in 15 months after taking last year off for the birth of her daughter.

WORDS: 784 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 1:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3b3916e4d7a31241cd192d9473a9b050&mediaType=text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-PIONEER PROGRAMS

Pioneer women’s basketball powers fade into the shadows full of pride as money reshapes the game

WORDS: 1356 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 12:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0b6c0487815656e7bf6ae19eab71bf8&mediaType=text

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SOC--WORLD CUP-TICKETS

FIFA appears to have technical difficulties with World Cup ticket sales

SUMMARY: FIFA appears to have had technical issues with World Cup ticket sales following the 48-team field being finalized. Some fans were misdirected when trying to purchase tickets during the “last-minute sales phase” on Wednesday. FIFA later said the links were working properly. Not all tickets for the 104 games in the U.S., Mexico and Canada are available yet, with more to be released gradually. This phase allows fans to buy specific seat locations for the first time. Dynamic pricing has sparked criticism for making the event financially exclusionary. FIFA also has a resale market, taking a 15% cut from both buyers and sellers.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 12:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4bb8a9eb9aa285f55caa4b9405fb182&mediaType=text

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US--QUADRUPLE AMPUTEE-SHOOTING

Quadruple amputee cornhole player acted in self-defense when shooting car passenger, lawyer says

SUMMARY: A Maryland judge has denied bail to a quadruple amputee professional cornhole player accused of fatally shooting a passenger in his car last month. District Court Judge ordered Dayton James Webber to remain jailed without bail during a hearing by videoconference Wednesday. An attorney for Webber says his client acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells, and that he expects “a lengthy trial” to prove it. The 27-year-old Webber, whose arms and legs were amputated at 10 months old to save his life from a disease, is charged with murder and other counts. He hasn’t entered a plea and is due back in court May 6.

WORDS: 466 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 12:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a988cb3ce8c2d0159a7c51c51f980bc8&mediaType=text

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SOC--SPAIN-ANTI-MUSLIM CHANTS

Yamal condemns anti-Muslim chants in Spain’s game against Egypt as police open investigation

SUMMARY: Spain star Lamine Yamal has condemned the anti-Muslim chants made by Spanish fans during a friendly soccer game in the latest incident to dent the nation’s sporting image. The Spanish government and the soccer federation also condemned the chants. Police said they were investigating the action by fans during Tuesday’s game between Spain and Egypt in the city of Barcelona. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants made by part of the fans at RCDE Stadium were disrespectful and intolerable. He said it didn’t matter that the chants were not directed at him personally.

WORDS: 712 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 11:31 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fbe332c157c7ba1da84b3bd47a2d111&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-INSIDE THE NUMBERS

UConn carries an 18-game winning streak in Sweet 16 or later into a stacked Final Four

SUMMARY: When UConn makes it past the opening weekend of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the Huskies are almost impossible to stop. UConn has won 18 straight tournament games in the Sweet 16 or later on the way to winning four titles since 2011. That’s the longest winning streak in those rounds since the Sweet 16 started in 1975 after the tournament expanded to 32 teams. The only team ever to win more consecutive games in the regional semifinal or later was John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty with 38 straight from 1964-74.

WORDS: 1217 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 10:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d4fb348e7f51733c5c037be63812aa06&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-TAKEAWAYS

World Cup qualifying was long, wacky and historic. This is what we’ve learned

WORDS: 1059 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 9:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:145db57002baa7c9772683c32da862c4&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ITALY’S FAILURES

5 reasons why Italy has failed to qualify for 3 consecutive World Cups

SUMMARY: Italy won’t get a chance at redemption for Roberto Baggio’s miss in the 1994 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl. The four-time champion isn’t even going back to North America for this year’s tournament after a penalty shootout loss to 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs. It’s the third straight World Cup that Italy will miss after getting eliminated at the same stage by Sweden ahead of the 2018 World Cup and by North Macedonia in 2022. Reasons why the Azzurri continue to struggle include a lack of standout players, Serie A’s decline, the rise of Italian tennis and other sports, and a lack of organized fans and modern stadiums.

WORDS: 748 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 8:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:526d1402c0859fd5f5530963bd31a6ce&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP PLAYOFFS-ITALY OUT

Italy’s latest World Cup failure labeled ‘3rd apocalypse.’ It’s the new norm for the 4-time champion

SUMMARY: The first time was considered a fluke. The second was treated as a crisis. Now with Italy failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, it has become almost expected for the once-proud soccer nation. The four-time champion’s penalty shootout loss to 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs comes after the Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia at the same stage for the last two World Cups. A front-page editorial in the Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday labeled the latest ouster “The third apocalypse” and noted “there’s no longer a feeling of shock or an unexpected catastrophe. It’s becoming the norm.”

WORDS: 565 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c41b58511967df48ab3e548f52873f9d&mediaType=text

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SOC--CONGO-WORLD CUP-CELEBRATIONS

Congo’s World Cup qualification unites a troubled country and brings a rare moment of joy

SUMMARY: Congo has erupted in joy overnight after an extra-time goal against Jamaica sent the country back to the World Cup for the first time in more than half a century. Across the African country, people danced, yelled, and hugged each other in what became a rare moment of joy for a nation battered by conflict in its mineral-rich eastern region. Congo’s World Cup qualification came courtesy of Axel Tuanzebe’s goal following a corner to secure a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Tuesday night’s game in Guadalajara, Mexico.

WORDS: 521 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:98a8438c0b5fe3f596861afa986de919&mediaType=text

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SPORTS--THE NERVE FACTOR

Yes, the pros get nervous, too. Here’s how Stephen Curry and others deal with it

SUMMARY: Even some of the greatest professional athletes like Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry get nervous with the game on the line. Curry smiles and embraces the moments when he needs to make two free throws in crunch time. Others find their own techniques, such as deep breathing or leaning on their preparation. Many say that by Curry acknowledging his angst it might just help others know they aren’t alone coping with stressful situations.

WORDS: 1340 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bcce62f0cf2aec4e2f0839eb1ab0ca97&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Arsenal to defend a 3-1 lead against Chelsea in second leg of Women’s Champions League quarterfinal

SUMMARY: Arsenal takes a two-goal lead into its second leg against Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. The teams meet on Wednesday after Arsenal won 3-1 in the first leg last week on Tuesday. That match marked the first time two clubs from the same city played in this competition. Chelsea overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit at home in the quarterfinals last year against Manchester City. The winner plays Wolfsburg or Lyon. Manchester United also travels to Munich after losing 3-2 to Bayern in the first leg.

WORDS: 209 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 5:27 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b9afb37939376c452a1c6899370a199&mediaType=text

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SOC--US-PULISIC

Christian Pulisic scoreless streak for US extends to 8 games since 2024 as World Cup approaches

SUMMARY: As the World Cup nears, Christian Pulisic’s scoreless streak for the United States stretched to a career-high eight games. He says after a 2-0 defeat to Portugal in a friendly: “It’s frustrating, but I’m just going to stay positive.” Pulisic hasn’t scored an international goal since a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica on Nov. 18, 2024, and he’s scoreless in 12 games with AC Milan since Dec. 28. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino moved the 27-year-old from a wing to striker for the first time since taking over in October 2024 in an effort to get him more chances closer to goal.

WORDS: 608 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:adcefe195334462f1071ae3ccec6b8a9&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI’S START

Shohei Ohtani’s quest for Cy Young Award begins with 6 shutout innings as Dodgers beat Guardians

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani opened his season on the mound with six scoreless innings and a win for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar allowed one hit, struck out six and walked three in a rainy 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. At the plate, Ohtani went 1 for 3 with two walks to extend his on-base streak to 36 games, tying the longest of his career. The Dodgers have waited for Ohtani to pitch a full season after elbow surgery kept him off the mound in 2024 and he had limited outings last year. He says he feels looser than last season, even with flaws to fix. His regular-season scoreless streak has reached a career-best 22 2/3 innings.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 2:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59352db11609577458106977fc86497a&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP PLAYOFFS-EUROPE

Italy is out again. The 4-time champion misses 3rd straight World Cup with shootout loss in Bosnia

SUMMARY: One of soccer’s historic powers has reached a once-unfathomable low. Four-time champion Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after getting beat in a penalty shootout with 10 men at 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs. Moise Kean scored early on for Italy but then Azzurri center back Alessandro Bastoni was sent off with a direct red card before the break and Bosnia substitute Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th to send the game into extra time. The defeat added more misery for Italy’s once-proud national team after being eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in the playoffs for the last two World Cups.

WORDS: 1080 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 2:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95f7299d0fd2c7a0f223f2d9a15c42d2&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FIELD COMPLETE

World Cup qualifying marathon ends with Iraq securing the 48th and final spot

SUMMARY: The 48-team field for FIFA’s biggest ever World Cup is complete after a qualifying process that spanned more than two and a half years. Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico on Tuesday to secure the 48th spot. Congo took the next-to-last place after a 1-0 extra-time win over Jamaica at Guadalajara. There were six World Cup places on the line on the last day of qualifying: four in Europe and two in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico. Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced after upsetting Italy on penalties. Sweden, Turkey, and Czechia also qualified.

WORDS: 367 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 2:27 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81eab4bf45b1888a6847900356a33d2f&mediaType=text

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BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-FERNANDEZ

Diamondbacks 3B Jose Fernandez becomes 7th MLB player since 1900 with 2 homers in debut

SUMMARY: Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez strode to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning during his first big-league game in a pressure-packed spot against four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen. The three-run homer that followed capped one of the most powerful MLB regular-season debuts in modern history. The Venezuelan became just the seventh player since 1900 to hit two homers in his debut, and it led the Diamondbacks over the Detroit Tigers 7-5 on Tuesday night.

WORDS: 360 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 1:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20c684379fe70204dbb50be7f1a6ccb5&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKW--AP COACH OF THE YEAR

The Associated Press announces its women’s basketball coach of the year as chosen by the national media panel that votes on the weekly Top 25. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Moving around 3 p.m. EST.

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BKW--AP PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The Associated Press will announce its player of the year in women’s college basketball, chosen by the media who votes for the weekly Top 25. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Moving around 4 p.m. EST.

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BKW--POLL AT 50-DELTA STATE

From a quiet 1973 debut with little fanfare, Delta State women’s basketball quickly rose into an early national powerhouse. Though its prominence has faded since debuting as the No. 1 team in the women’s basketball poll 50 years ago, its legacy still endures. By Alanis Thames.