Soccer

UEFA maintains World Cup boycott threat after Gianni Infantino’s crisis meeting

James Robson, The Associated Press 3 minute read 11:47 AM CDT

European soccer's governing body has retained its threat to boycott FIFA competitions despite FIFA apologizing for its failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

UEFA on Thursday reiterated that it had lost confidence in FIFA president Gianni Infantino and said conditions to withdraw its boycott threat had not been met.

“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions," it said in a statement. "First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.

“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in it’s statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.”

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Soccer

Calgary Wild routs Mont-Royal Outremont 4-0 in quarters of W Canadian Championship.

The Canadian Press 1 minute read 1:16 AM CDT

CALGARY - Mya Jones scored twice as Calgary Wild FC routed CS Mont-Royal Outremont 4-0 on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the W Canadian Championship.

Taylor Otto and Serita Thurton added goals for Calgary of the Northern Super League.

CS Mont-Royal Outremont competes in Ligue1 Québec.

The next quarterfinal is on Aug. 12 between the NSL's Montréal Roses FC and Simcoe County Rovers FC of the Ontario Premier League.

Soccer

A vehicle carrying FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives for a senior leadership meeting in Sale, Morocco, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (AP Photo)

Gianni Infantino gets internal support at crisis meeting to remain as FIFA president

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Gianni Infantino gets internal support at crisis meeting to remain as FIFA president

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:39 PM CDT

FIFA said Wednesday it had apologized for errors made over Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and that senior staff in attendance at a crisis meeting in Morocco “reaffirmed their full support” for his presidency.

World soccer's governing body attempted to present a unified front amid the turbulence caused by Infantino's controversial plans, with calls for him to step down.

In a statement, FIFA said Secretary General Mattias Grafström and members of the management board in attendance in Rabat had given their support to the embattled president.

Referring to the plans to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the statement said “mistakes made were acknowledged” and that the “process should have been handled differently."

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:39 PM CDT

Soccer

Vancouver Whitecaps fall 1-0 to Atlante FC in Leagues Cup opener

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

Vancouver Whitecaps fall 1-0 to Atlante FC in Leagues Cup opener

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:34 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - Controlling the ball wasn't enough for the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday.

Having more shots didn't make a difference, either.

Many statistics may have been in the home team's favour, but Vancouver still opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Atlante FC.

“It was a difficult match," said defensive midfielder Andres Cubas. "I think we played well. They have not so many chances, and they score. I think we create more chances, and we couldn't score.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:34 AM CDT

Soccer

FILE - Newly elected FIFA President Gianni Infantino, of Switzerland, right, is congratulated by fellow candidate Prince Ali Al-Hussein, of Jordan, left, after the second election round during the extraordinary FIFA congress in Zurich, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

Former FIFA VP Prince Ali cites ‘blackmail’ by Infantino-led soccer body over unpaid prize money

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Former FIFA VP Prince Ali cites ‘blackmail’ by Infantino-led soccer body over unpaid prize money

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

GENEVA (AP) — Former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein criticized the soccer body’s leadership headed by Gianni Infantino on Tuesday, describing prize money withheld from his Jordan national team as a kind of blackmail.

Prince Ali said the Jordanian federation he leads still has not been paid money due for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup played last December in Qatar.

In a social media post, Prince Ali said that during the World Cup — where Jordan made its debut in June — he was told if he endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino “it would go a long way to helping our FA out.”

Infantino is under pressure to save his 11-year presidency amid a fierce backlash from global soccer leaders about his now-failed plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to investors led by Joshua Kushner.

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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Soccer

New MLS commissioner Larry Berg aims to continue the league’s growth trajectory

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

New MLS commissioner Larry Berg aims to continue the league’s growth trajectory

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Incoming Major League Soccer Commissioner Larry Berg sees his role as continuing the trajectory of the league under his soon-to-be predecessor, Don Garber.

The 30-team league that Graber grew during his 27-year tenure now looks to Berg to capitalize on the success of the World Cup this past summer and guide the transition to a new international schedule next year.

“I think one of the reasons that I raised my hand is I feel like I have the enthusiasm and the passion to hopefully have other people, in some cases, see it through my eyes and understand where we’re going and where it can go and what what it can be," Berg told The Associated Press. ”I’m very proud of where we already are. I think we’ve come a very, very long way."

Berg, a co-owner of LAFC, will formally take over as commissioner at the start of next year. Garber, who has served as the league’s commissioner since 1999, will help guide the transition before moving into a new role as chairman.

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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Soccer

Canada's Cyle Larin (9), Ali Ahmed (20), Promise Akinpelu (24), Jacob Shaffelburg (14) and Alistair Johnston (2) celebrate Larin's goal during the second half of a World Cup Group B soccer match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Toronto, on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canadian men’s soccer team to meet United States in Minnesota friendly in October

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian men’s soccer team to meet United States in Minnesota friendly in October

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

The Canadian men's soccer team will play the United States in October.

The match on Oct. 6 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn., will be the first meeting between the two countries since Canada beat the United States 2-1 for third place in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Canada has won its last two matches against the U.S., including a 2-1 victory in Kansas City in 2024 that ended Canada's 67-year winless streak on American soil.

Both countries reached the round of 16 in this summer's men's World Cup, which Canada and the U.S. co-hosted along with Mexico.

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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

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World Cup match days kicked up spending in Toronto and Vancouver: Visa data

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

World Cup match days kicked up spending in Toronto and Vancouver: Visa data

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

TORONTO - New Visa data suggests the FIFA World Cup brought a rise in spending among consumers in Canadian host cities.

The credit card company said Tuesday that match day spending rose as much as 24.6 per cent in Toronto and 12.7 per cent in Vancouver, when compared with the same days a year ago.

Toronto saw the largest game day increase in spending when Germany took on Ivory Coast on June 20, while Vancouver's peak came when Australia faced Turkey on June 13.

When Canada played Qatar in a group-stage match in Vancouver on June 18, there was a 4.9 per cent increase in spending in the city, said Visa, which is a World Cup sponsor.

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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Soccer

Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will be the next MLS commissioner

Anne M. Peterson And Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will be the next MLS commissioner

Anne M. Peterson And Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC, will be the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, the league announced Monday.

At the start of the new year, Berg will take over for Don Garber, who has served as the league’s commissioner since 1999.

The 60-year-old Berg, who will divest his ownership interest in LAFC, will be officially introduced on Tuesday at MLS headquarters in New York.

“I’m honoured to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” Berg said in a statement. “Thanks to the vision and commitment of so many people, Major League Soccer has achieved tremendous success, but I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead. We have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen our connection with supporters, and continue elevating Major League Soccer’s place in the global game.

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Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Soccer

Golen scores winner for Ottawa Rapid FC in 3-2 win over Halifax Tides

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Golen scores winner for Ottawa Rapid FC in 3-2 win over Halifax Tides

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

HALIFAX - Nicola Golen scored in extra time for the Ottawa Rapid FC in a 3-2 quarterfinal win over the Halifax Tides in the W Canadian Championship on Monday.

Canada Soccer launched an inaugural W Canadian Championship this summer as a path to the 2027 CONCACAF W Champions Cup and the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.

The eight participating clubs features all six from the Northern Super League and two clubs from Premier Soccer Leagues Canada.

Ottawa stormed back from a two-goal deficit with late goals by Florence Belzile and Jazmine Wilkinson.

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Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Soccer

Mauricio Pochettino stays as US coach, agrees to 4-year contract extension through 2030 World Cup

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Mauricio Pochettino stays as US coach, agrees to 4-year contract extension through 2030 World Cup

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Mauricio Pochettino is staying with the U.S. soccer team, agreeing Monday to a four-year contract to coach the Americans through the 2030 World Cup.

A 54-year-old who took over in October 2024, Pochettino led the U.S. to the World Cup round of 16, where the tournament co-hosts were eliminated with a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

Still, he helped the seeded U.S. to a pair of firsts in the expanded 48-nation tournament, clinching advancement from the group stage with a game to spare and winning three games in a single World Cup. The team captivated American fans with excited audiences in stadiums and record television viewers.

“The magic thing that happened during the World Cup, the connection with the people, of course with the whole organization and everything was a key point,” Pochettino said during a Zoom news conference from his home in Barcelona, Spain.

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Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Soccer

CF Montreal's Matty Longstaff (8) takes a header against the New England Revolution during first half MLS action in Montreal on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

CF Montreal rallies in second half to salvage 2-2 draw with New England

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

CF Montreal rallies in second half to salvage 2-2 draw with New England

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

MONTREAL - CF Montreal head coach Philippe Eullaffroy did not mince words when discussing his team’s poor start to Saturday's game against the visiting New England Revolution.

“It was the worst (half of the season); we didn’t do anything right."

In the midst of a six-game winless run, playing the third-best team in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference seemed only to reinforce the fact that such a poor first half could be fatal.

Fortunately for the hosts, two second-half goals in seven minutes helped Montreal salvage a point against the Revolution at Stade Saputo.

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Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

Soccer

Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller (13) and Los Angeles FC's Eddie Segura (4) vie for the ball as Aaron Long (33) watches during the first half of an MLS soccer match, in Vancouver, on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Muller scores on late penalty as Whitecaps earn 1-1 draw with LAFC

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Muller scores on late penalty as Whitecaps earn 1-1 draw with LAFC

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps put on a dominating performance against Los Angeles FC on Saturday but managed just a 1-1 draw in a Major League Soccer game.

Midfielder Thomas Muller scored on a penalty kick late in the second half to salvage the point for Vancouver after forward Son Heung-min gave LAFC the lead in the 37th minute.

The Whitecaps had 20 shots on goal compared to five for LAFC. Shots on target were 4-1 for Vancouver. The Whitecaps took 11 corner kicks compared to one for LAFC.

“We went for it,” said Vancouver coach Jesper Sorensen. “We were in good control, and we also created some good opportunities. We were close to scoring a couple of times.”

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Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

Soccer

Hunter leads AFC Toronto to 6-0 NSL victory over winless Calgary Wild

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Hunter leads AFC Toronto to 6-0 NSL victory over winless Calgary Wild

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

CALGARY - Kaylee Hunter's early two goals paced AFC Toronto to a 6-0 win over the host Calgary Wild FC in the Northern Super League on Saturday.

Hunter struck in the 21st and 33rd minutes for her brace for Toronto (7-4-3), which earned a third straight win and ranked third in the Canadian women's pro soccer league behind leader Ottawa and Montreal.

Sarah Rollins, Colby Barnett, Lauren Rowe and Kaila Novack also scored for Toronto at McMahon Stadium.

Hunter's goals were her sixth and seventh this season. She and teammate Rowe, with her seventh, trailed only Montreal's Elyce Bennett and Ottawa's Delaney Pridham at eight apiece in the race for the Golden Boot scoring award.

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Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

Soccer

Infantino abandoned his World Cup equity plan; here’s what to know

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

GENEVA (AP) — Gianni Infantino truly looked the “King of Soccer,” as U.S. President Donald Trump likes to call him, as the two allies sat together watching the World Cup final less than two weeks ago.

Sure, there were some boos inside MetLife Stadium near New York, when the two men walked across the turf to present the trophy and medals to Spain and Argentina players on July 19.

Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer. Infantino could look ahead to his likely reelection coronation next March.

The sunny scene must now feel an age ago since Infantino caused a seismic rift in global soccer.

Soccer

FILE — FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures as he meets the media at the FIFA World Cup closing press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

UEFA wants accountability for Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup equity plan

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

UEFA wants accountability for Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup equity plan

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

GENEVA (AP) — Successfully stopping Gianni Infantino’s FIFA plan to sell World Cup profits to private investors was the first half of a high-stakes game in global soccer politics.

The second half kicked off Saturday with what seemed a clear aim of ending Infantino’s decade-long presidency.

“No option should be off the table,” said European soccer body UEFA, whose president Aleksander Čeferin has led the fight against Infantino in a seismic week for FIFA.

“The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.”

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Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

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