Soccer – Brandon Sun

FILE - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Ireland and Portugal in Dublin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)

Hamstring injury keeps Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal friendlies against US and Mexico

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 9:53 AM CDT

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — A hamstring injury will keep Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico ahead of the World Cup in North America.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo hasn’t played since February 28 when he limped off the field while his Al-Nassr team beat Al-Fayha 3-1 in a Saudi Pro League match.

As expected, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez did not include the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad he announced on Friday.

Portugal plays Mexico in Mexico City on March 28 before facing the United States in Atlanta on April 1.

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David headlines Canada soccer roster with Davies unavailable for Toronto friendlies

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

David headlines Canada soccer roster with Davies unavailable for Toronto friendlies

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:33 PM CDT

A spate of injuries to some of the country's top men's soccer players has Canada's head coach rejigging his preparation for this summer's World Cup.

Jesse Marsch expected to bring the core of the national team together for a pair of friendlies in Toronto this month. Then the ailments started piling up.

Star left back Alphonso Davies went down with a hamstring strain after returning from a torn knee ligament.

Striker Promise David suffered a hip muscle injury that required surgery. A recovery deep-tissue massage gave midfielder Stephen Eustáquio a hematoma.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:33 PM CDT

Canada's Jonathan David (10) shoots on Australian goalkeeper Paul Izzo (12) during an international men's soccer friendly in Montreal on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Canada Soccer’s 26-player men’s roster for March international friendlies

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:00 AM CDT

TORONTO - Canada Soccer’s 26-player roster for March friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, with age, hometown and notable Canadian youth club:

Ali Ahmed, 25, Toronto, Ont., North Toronto SC

Moïse Bombito, 25, Montréal, CS St-Laurent

Tajon Buchanan, 27, Brampton, Ont., Brampton YSC

Whitecaps eliminated from CONCACAF Champions Cup with loss to Sounders

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Whitecaps eliminated from CONCACAF Champions Cup with loss to Sounders

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 12:16 AM CDT

SPOKANE - The Vancouver Whitecaps are out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup after falling 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday.

Seattle takes a 5-1 aggregate win over the two-legged round-of-16 series after beating Vancouver 3-0 last week.

Jeevan Badwal opened the scoring for the 'Caps with a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 24th minute. Danny Musovski replied for Seattle with a header in the 79th minute.

Paul Rothrock gave the Sounders their first lead of the game with a right-footed shot in the 83rd minute. Seattle will face either fellow Major League Soccer side Cincinnati FC or Liga MX club Tigres in the quarterfinals.

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Yesterday at 12:16 AM CDT

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei, right, collides with teammate Jackson Ragen, centre, as he vies for the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White, left, during the second half of a CONCACAF Champions Cup soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

For 10, it’s 900: Inter Miami star Lionel Messi scores milestone 900th goal, joining Ronaldo in club

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

For 10, it’s 900: Inter Miami star Lionel Messi scores milestone 900th goal, joining Ronaldo in club

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi has reached another milestone, getting his 900th career goal in the opening minutes of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville on Wednesday night.

The back-to-back Major League Soccer MVP, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion got it as would be expected — with his left foot, like the majority of his career goals for club and country. He took a pass in the middle of the box in the seventh minute, controlled the ball, spun and lined a low shot past two defenders and into the far corner of the net.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other men's player with more than 900 goals — at least, by official counts. It took Ronaldo about 100 more matches to get to the milestone than Messi needed; Ronaldo was 39 when he got to 900 goals in September 2024, while Messi doesn't turn 39 until June.

There are some who have suggested Brazilian legend Pelé topped 1,000 goals for his career, though his “official” total is closer to 800. Different sources, counting different sets of games, list Pelé’s goal totals anywhere from around 650 in league matches to somewhere near 1,300 in all matches — some against low-level competition.

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Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi leaves the field in the rain after a draw against Nashville SC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 soccer match, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Ruling overturns Senegal’s title at Africa Cup of Nations and declares Morocco the champion

The Associated Press 1 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

CAIRO (AP) — Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday by appeals judges that overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final in January.

The Confederation of African Football said its appeal board ruled Senegal is “declared to have forfeited the Final” and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco.

In the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, Senegal left the field in protest during stoppage time for 15 minutes, and fans tried to storm the field when Morocco was awarded a penalty.

When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time.

Former Germany coach Joachim Löw voices safety concerns about World Cup

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Former Germany coach Joachim Löw voices safety concerns about World Cup

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — Former Germany coach Joachim Löw has raised concerns about safety at the World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“We had debates before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and calls for a boycott before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But playing in a country that is actively at war is even more dangerous,” Löw told the Cologne Express newspaper in comments published Tuesday. “The political situation completely overshadows the tournament.”

The U.S.-and-Israeli war with Iran is ongoing, and a wave of violence followed the Mexican army’s killing of cartel chief Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” last month.

Löw, who led Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil in 2014, spoke on Monday evening at an event, focused on previous World Cups, with Rainer Bonhof, who helped West Germany win the 1974 tournament, and other World Cup winners.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - Former Germany head coach Joachim Low arrives for the Women's Euro 2025 final soccer match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

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Toronto FC agrees to contract extension with winger Daniel Salloi through 2027 season

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Toronto FC agrees to contract extension with winger Daniel Salloi through 2027 season

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

TORONTO - Toronto FC agreed to a one-year contract extension with winger Daniel Salloi that includes an option for the 2028 campaign, the Major League Soccer team said Tuesday.

Salloi, 29, has scored twice over four MLS games since joining TFC in the off-season.

He notched the game-winner in a victory over FC Cincinnati on March 8.

Salloi spent 10 years with Sporting Kansas City FC before joining Toronto FC.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

Toronto FC's Daniel Salloi (20) celebrates scoring his team's opening goal during first half MLS action against the New York Red Bulls in Toronto on March 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Iran’s Mexico Embassy says Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup matches

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Iran’s Mexico Embassy says Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup matches

The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Iran’s Embassy in Mexico on Tuesday said the country is negotiating with FIFA to move Iran’s World Cup matches from the U.S. to Mexico after President Donald Trump discouraged the team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.

It was unclear whether such talks are happening with FIFA, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iranian officials have previously said it is up to FIFA and the U.S. to keep the team safe during the World Cup.

The Embassy posted a statement attributed to Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj saying Iran wants to move its group stage matches to Mexico to ensure the safety of players and officials.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” the statement said. “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - Irans's players pose for a team photo before an Asian group A qualifying soccer match against North Korea for the 2026 World Cup, June 10, 2025, at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, file)

Canada Soccer unveils new World Cup jerseys, gets funding for youth initiatives

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canada Soccer unveils new World Cup jerseys, gets funding for youth initiatives

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 16, 2026

TORONTO - When a young soccer player asked Jonathan Osorio if Canada was going to win the men’s World Cup, his answer was direct.

“Yes,” said Osorio during a question-and-answer period Monday at a children’s soccer camp in Toronto’s Downsview Park.

The panel with Osorio, teammate Richie Laryea, Canadian soccer great Dwayne De Rosario and Adam van Koeverden, the secretary of state for sport, was part of the grand unveiling of Canada’s kit for the upcoming World Cup. The federal government also announced that it was giving Canada Soccer $300,000 to expand youth engagement initiatives across the country.

After taking some questions from youth players, Osorio tempered his bold prediction.

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Monday, Mar. 16, 2026

Canada's Richie Laryea reacts after being fouled during International friendly action against Ecuador in Toronto on Thursday November 13, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Asian Football Confederation says Iran is still set to play at the World Cup

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Asian Football Confederation says Iran is still set to play at the World Cup

The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 16, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A leading soccer official in Asia says Iran is still set to play at the World Cup which kicks off in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Also on Monday in Tehran, a government spokesman again stressed it was for FIFA to explain why U.S. President Donald Trump suggested last week Iran players' “life and safety” could be at risk by playing at the World Cup.

In a social media post last week in reaction to comments from Trump, Iran’s soccer team said “no one can exclude” it from the global tournament where it should be a strong contender to advance to the knockout rounds.

On Monday, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John said it had heard nothing to suggest Iran won't contest the World Cup.

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Monday, Mar. 16, 2026

White scores twice as Whitecaps earned 6-0 home win over Minnesota United FC

Carol Schram, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

White scores twice as Whitecaps earned 6-0 home win over Minnesota United FC

Carol Schram, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

VANCOUVER - Less than 72 hours after being shut out in CONCACAF Champions Cup play, the Vancouver Whitecaps bounced back with a dominant 6-0 win over Minnesota United FC on Sunday afternoon at B.C. Place.

“It was more than we even hoped for,” said Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen. “Even though it was only two-and-a-half days since we played the last game, I think the players looked fresh. We looked really eager to come out here and push the pace and play with great quality. It was a great game.”

Brian White led the way with his fourth and fifth goals of the year, becoming the first Whitecaps player to log 100 goal contributions across all competitions in the Major League Soccer era. Sebastian Berhalter, Mathias Laborda, Emmanuel Sabbi and Cheikh Sabaly also scored for Vancouver (4-0).

“I think all around the field, guys are happy for each other,” said Berhalter, who also logged a pair of assists. “Guys are working for each other.”

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Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White (24) celebrates his goal against Minnesota United with Emmanuel Sabbi (11) during the first half of an MLS Soccer match in Vancouver, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Laporta set to win another term as Barcelona president after opponent concedes election

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Laporta set to win another term as Barcelona president after opponent concedes election

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press 1 minute read Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Joan Laporta is on course to be officially reelected as the president of FC Barcelona for another five years after a leadership vote among members of the Spanish soccer powerhouse on Sunday.

His only rival, Víctor Font, congratulated Laporta on Sunday night “for his unquestionable victory” after Laporta had received nearly 70% of the votes with 50% of them counted so far.

The club said that more than 48,000 of Barça’s 114,000 club members cast ballots at Camp Nou Stadium or at four other voting stations across Catalonia in northeastern Spain and in Andorra.

Laporta successfully presided over Barça from 2003-10 during the glory years of coach Pep Guardiola and a young Lionel Messi. He returned to power in 2021.

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Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

Joan Laporta, center, reacts as he poses with players Gavi, left, and Ronald Araujo after the voting for the election to be president of FC Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

5th member of Iranian women’s soccer team gives up asylum in Australia

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

5th member of Iranian women’s soccer team gives up asylum in Australia

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 1 minute read Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A fifth member of the Iranian women’s soccer team who accepted a refugee visa to stay in Australia has left the country, the Australian government said on Monday.

The player's departure shortly before midnight on Sunday leaves two of an initial seven squad members in Australia, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s office said.

Burke reported on Sunday that two players and a team support staff member had left Sydney for Malaysia on Saturday.

Iran’s team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup last month, before the war in the Middle East began on Feb. 28.

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Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

FILE - Iran players pose for a team photo ahead of the Women's Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP,File)

McGuire, Ojeda score as Orlando City beats Montreal 2-1 in interim coach Mark Perelman’s debut

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

McGuire, Ojeda score as Orlando City beats Montreal 2-1 in interim coach Mark Perelman’s debut

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Duncan McGuire and Martín Ojeda each scored a goal on Saturday, Javier Otero had four saves, and Orlando City beat CF Montreal 2-1 to snap a three-game Major League Soccer losing streak in interim coach Mark Perelman's debut.

Orlando City (1-3-0) and longtime coach Oscar Pareja mutually parted ways on Wednesday.

Ojeda put away a first-touch shot from just beyond the penalty spot to make it 2-1 in the 31st minute. Iván Angulo ran onto a through ball played ahead by Marco Pasalic and tapped a pass backward to Ojeda for the finish.

McGuire's first goal of the season opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Angulo's shot from the left side of the area bounced off the near post and McGuire tapped the rebound into a wide-open net from the edge of the six-yard box.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda, left, moves the ball past CF Montreal midfielder Victor Loturi during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Another 3 members of Iran’s women’s soccer team decide against staying in Australia as refugees

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Another 3 members of Iran’s women’s soccer team decide against staying in Australia as refugees

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Another three members of the Iran's women’s soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to their homeland, an Australian government minister said on Sunday.

The departure leaves three of an initial seven squad members in Australia.

“Overnight, three members of the Iranian Women’s Football Team made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.

“After telling Australian officials they had made this decision, the players were given repeated chances to talk about their options,” Burke added.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

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