Sports Breaking News

Baseball

Jays get a huge lift from Okamoto’s monster shot, Kirk’s return to action

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

TORONTO - On any other night, the monster home run from Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto hit into the fifth deck in the first inning would have dominated the post-game chatter.

But Okamoto’s 423-foot blast, the first since Josh Donaldson slammed one into the 500 level, took a back seat to the return of veteran catcher Alejandro Kirk on Friday night.

Kirk was back behind the plate for the first time since he suffered a fractured left thumb 62 games ago. He returned in style with a three-hit, two-RBIs and a walk in the Blue Jays’ (34-36) 8-5 series-opening win over the New York Yankees (41-27).

He also successfully challenged the first pitch tossed by starter Trey Yesavage that home-plate umpire John Tumpane incorrectly called a ball.

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Golf

Bud Cauley tees off on the second hole during the third round at the RBC Canadian Open in Caledon, Ont., on Saturday, June 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Suber takes third-round lead at RBC Canadian Open; Yellamaraju low Canadian

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Suber takes third-round lead at RBC Canadian Open; Yellamaraju low Canadian

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:39 PM CDT

CALEDON - Jackson Suber was trying not to look at the RBC Canadian Open leaderboard throughout his third round but when he came to the 18th tee box he knew what he had to do.

Suber birdied the par-5 hole at TPC Toronto to take a one-stroke lead after 54 holes on Saturday at the national men's golf championship. It capped a 4-under 66 round and put him at 13 under overall.

"I saw the lead was at 13 at one point, but I've been trying not to look at the leaderboards too much," said Suber. "But I saw on 17 that the leaders were at 12 under and so I knew that whoever was at 13 maybe had made a bogey.

"I figured that, but it really didn't matter too much. I knew that there's still tomorrow, so a birdie was nice there, but didn't try to force it or anything."

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:39 PM CDT

Soccer

Boualem Khoukhi’s goal on header in stoppage time earns Qatar a 1-1 World Cup draw with Switzerland

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Boualem Khoukhi’s goal on header in stoppage time earns Qatar a 1-1 World Cup draw with Switzerland

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:34 PM CDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Qatar might be able to finally move forward from its forgettable home World Cup four years ago, scoring a stoppage-time goal to earn a shocking 1-1 draw with Group B favorite Switzerland on Saturday.

And oh, what a miss by the mighty Swiss.

One TV headline back home at French language public broadcaster RTS blared: “QATARSTROPHE.”

Boualem Khoukhi scored the equalizing goal on a header in the fourth minute of injury time to give Qatar its first-ever point at the World Cup in front of 67,966 spectators at Levi's Stadium.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:34 PM CDT

Soccer

A point in hand, Canada’s next goal is first FIFA World Cup victory

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

A point in hand, Canada’s next goal is first FIFA World Cup victory

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:26 PM CDT

TORONTO - Canada salvaged a point in its FIFA World Cup opener. An elusive victory is next on the to-do list.

Everything is lined up nicely for a 30th-ranked team that is moving from Toronto to Vancouver for its next two group-stage games. A matchup against No. 56 Qatar is up on Thursday ahead of a meeting with No. 19 Switzerland on June 24.

Cyle Larin's 78th-minute goal in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina electrified Toronto Stadium on Friday but more scoring punch will be needed if Canada is going to make a move in Group B.

"Getting that first game out of the way, it's a point, something no one else has ever done before," said Canadian midfielder Liam Millar. "We'll take that on board. We'll take the positives from it and try to do better next game."

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:26 PM CDT

Soccer

Peru police disguised as World Cup mascots arrest a suspected drug dealer in Lima

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Peru police disguised as World Cup mascots arrest a suspected drug dealer in Lima

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 12:41 PM CDT

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Two Peruvian police officers disguised as World Cup mascots Clutch and Maple helped to arrest a suspected drug dealer in Lima.

Colonel Carlos Alcántara, head of the Green Squadron —a unit that combats common crime — said they captured Carlos Cabrera, 48, with the help of the two undercover agents on Thursday during the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.

“Thanks to intelligence work, we realized that this person was a diehard football fan and was caught up in World Cup fever," Alcántara said. "Therefore, we decided to disguise personnel as World Cup mascots so we could approach him without raising suspicion and apprehend him.”

The officers as mascots used a metal sledgehammer to break down a door to enter with colleagues.

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Yesterday at 12:41 PM CDT

Soccer

‘A great field to play on’: World Cup players approve of Vancouver’s temporary grass

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘A great field to play on’: World Cup players approve of Vancouver’s temporary grass

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: 7:01 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - The grass playing field at BC Place has passed muster with some of the world's top soccer players.

The temporary playing surface saw its first FIFA World Cup action on Saturday as Australia beat Turkey 2-0 in the first game ever held in Vancouver.

"The pitch was great quality tonight, especially when it was nice and wet. The ball was rolling really well," said Patrick Beach, Australia's starting goalkeeper.

"I think the stadium is very, very nice and unbelievable. I think when the boys, all of us, came out yesterday, once we landed and we had a pitch inspection … everyone was buzzing, they loved it, thought it was pretty cool."

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Updated: 7:01 AM CDT

Toronto Tempo's Marina Mabrey (3) and Toronto Tempo's Brittney Sykes (20) celebrate during overtime WNBA action in Toronto, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Citron hits winning jumper at the buzzer as Mystics trip Tempo 86-85

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Citron hits winning jumper at the buzzer as Mystics trip Tempo 86-85

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sonia Citron scored 17 points and made the winning jumper as time expired, rookie Lauren Betts scored a season-high 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, and the Washington Mystics beat the Toronto Tempo 86-85 on Friday night.

Betts, the No. 4 overall pick in the WNBA draft, played a career-high 21 minutes in the absence of second-year forward Kiki Iriafen (ankle).

Michaela Onyenwere also scored 17 points for the Mystics (5-6).

Shakira Austin had 12 points and 11 rebounds for her fifth double-double this season. The fifth-year centre also had a career-high nine turnovers, the most in a WNBA game this season. Washington had a season-high 22 turnovers and were 2-of-18 from 3-point range.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

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Soccer

Canadian striker Cyle Larin (9) celebrates his goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Sam Balkansky)

‘They can shut up’: Cyle Larin silences doubters in Canada’s World Cup opener

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘They can shut up’: Cyle Larin silences doubters in Canada’s World Cup opener

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

TORONTO - Cyle Larin took a quick pass, steadied himself and lashed his right boot at the ball.

The veteran, much-maligned striker was disappointed not to start Canada's World Cup opener in his backyard.

After thumping the country's first-ever goal at the tournament on home soil, Larin had a message for his critics Friday.

The 31-year-old scored moments after subbing on in the second half as the Canadians salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina to kick off Group B play.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Golf

Matthew Anderson, of Mississauga, Ont., signs autographs after finishing the second round of the RBC Canadian Open in Caledon, Ont., on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Locals Anderson, Pendrith low Canadians after two rounds at RBC Canadian Open

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

Locals Anderson, Pendrith low Canadians after two rounds at RBC Canadian Open

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

CALEDON - Fourteen hours made all the difference in the world for Matthew Anderson.

When the 26-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., teed off at 9:12 a.m. on Friday in the second round of the RBC Canadian Open there was an expectant gallery waiting for him. When he reached No. 14 at TPC Toronto, the signature hole of the PGA Tour event dubbed "The Rink," fans stood and sang "O Canada." They then roared their approval when he pulled on a Toronto Blue Jays jersey before teeing off on the par-3 hole.

It was a stark contrast from the previous evening when, as the last golfer on the course, he surged up the leaderboard into a six-way tie for first at the men's national championship in front of only a handful of fans.

"I definitely had some more followers from the beginning, which was awesome," said Anderson. "I threw on the Jays jersey at The Rink, which definitely did pretty well. Unfortunately, that putt just missed low, but you can't make 'em all.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Golf

Matthew Anderson, of Mississauga, Ont., putts on the eighth hole during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open in Caledon, Ont., on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

PGA Tour debutant Ben James takes one-shot lead at RBC Canadian Open

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

PGA Tour debutant Ben James takes one-shot lead at RBC Canadian Open

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

CALEDON - Ben James certainly knows how to make a splash.

The 23-year-old American had an eagle on his first hole and didn't slow down in a bogey-free 7-under round on Friday to put him a shot ahead of the field at 10 under overall at the RBC Canadian Open. James officially turned pro on Thursday when he teed off in the PGA Tour event's first round.

"I wasn't really thinking about results at all this week," said James after signing his scorecard at TPC Toronto. "Just worried about getting comfortable, making new friends and having fun, and just seeing where everything kind of falls. Just seeing where my game stacks up."

China's Haotong Li (67) and Americans Sam Burns (67) and Jackson Suber (65) were in a three-way tie a shot behind James after the morning wave. Sweden's Jesper Svensson (65) and Keith Mitchell (64) of the United States caught up to them in the afternoon for a five-way tie for second.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Soccer

Canadian players practice during a Team Canada World Cup training session in Toronto on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Canada opens the tournament Friday against Bosnia-Herzegovina. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

The Canadian Press 11 minute read Preview

The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

The Canadian Press 11 minute read Updated: 12:58 AM CDT

Here are the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times Eastern:

1:56 a.m.

Australia scores a 2-0 victory over Turkey in World Cup play at BC Place. The Aussies received goals from Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda, and a standout performance from 22-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Beach. Beach, a surprise starter ahead of veteran keeper and team captain Mat Ryan, made eight saves as Turkey outshot Australia 29-9 and held an 8-4 edge in shots on target.

__

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Updated: 12:58 AM CDT

Soccer

Canada earns first-ever World Cup point after 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canada earns first-ever World Cup point after 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

TORONTO - In many ways, a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina felt like a victory for Canada on a historic day for the host side at the FIFA World Cup on Friday.

An upset loss was a real possibility for the Canadians as they couldn't convert despite many glorious opportunities. Cyle Larin finally provided relief when he scored the equalizer in the 78th minute to send the capacity crowd at Toronto Stadium into a tizzy.

It was the first Canadian goal scored on home soil in this tournament and the first point for the country in seven all-time World Cup games.

"An amazing feeling, just to score a goal at home," Larin said. "I haven't scored in a while, but I knew it was coming. I've always (come) up when Canada needed me."

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Sports Breaking News

Canada's Stephen Timothy Maar (7) spikes the ball against the block of Germany's Jan Zimmermann (17), Simon Valentin Torwie (33) and Moritz Reichert (5), in Volleyball Nations League action in Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Canada men defeat Olympic champion France for first time in Volleyball Nations League

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada men defeat Olympic champion France for first time in Volleyball Nations League

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

OTTAWA - Canada’s men’s volleyball team came away with a 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 21-25, 27-25) victory over Olympic champion France in Volleyball Nations League action on Thursday.

It's the first time that Canada has beaten France since VNL began in 2018.

Xander Ketrzynski had a match-high 20 points for Canada, which improved to 1-1 at TD Place.

Eric Loeppky had 18 and Stephen Maar added 12.

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Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

Golf

Justin Matthews, right, of Little Britain, Ont.,and caddie Braeden Cryderman of Bracebridge, Ont., talk about a shot from the rough on the eighth fairway during the Canadian Open in Caledon, Ont., on Thursday, June 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Matthews of Little Britain, Ont., making most of local knowledge at RBC Canadian Open

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

Matthews of Little Britain, Ont., making most of local knowledge at RBC Canadian Open

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

CALEDON - Most golfers have a few tricks in their golf bag, but Justin Matthews has one carrying his around TPC Toronto at this week's RBC Canadian Open.

Braeden Cryderman, the course's director of instruction, is Matthews's caddie at the men's national golf championship. The 22-year-old Matthews has been coached by Cryderman for nearly a decade and considers TPC Toronto his home course.

"The advantage for me would be that, he is my golf coach, so to have him like caddie for me, it's pretty cool," said Matthews, who added that he's actually played the North Course more than Cryderman. "He knows my game so well.

"I've worked with him since I was 13, so he knows my game so well, so the caddie/coach combination is pretty good."

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Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

Soccer

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, left, greets Italian midfielder Bryan Cristante after the countries' penalty shootout in Zenica, Bosnia, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

Edin Dzeko available for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s World Cup opener against Canada

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Edin Dzeko available for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s World Cup opener against Canada

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

TORONTO - Edin Dzeko is ready to go.

Bosnia-Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez says the 40-year-old striker will be available for the country's World Cup opener against Canada on Friday.

Dzeko hasn't played since mid-May due to a right shoulder injury originally suffered when the Bosnians upset Italy in a European playoff over two legs back in March to qualify for the expanded 48-team event.

The former Manchester City man, who now plays for German club Schalke, has scored 73 times across 148 international appearances.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Soccer

Canadian defender Moïse Bombito (15) sprints during a World Cup training session in Toronto on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Moïse Bombito available for Canada’s World Cup opener; Alphonso Davies confirmed out

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Moïse Bombito available for Canada’s World Cup opener; Alphonso Davies confirmed out

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

TORONTO - Moïse Bombito won his World Cup fitness race.

Alphonso Davies, meanwhile, will have to wait a little longer.

Head coach Jesse Marsch announced Bombito — a key central defender — will be available when Canada opens its tournament on home soil Friday against Bosnia-Herzegovina

His status was unknown leading up to Thursday's roster deadline as he worked back from a broken leg, but the Montreal product was included in the country's 26-man squad.

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Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

June 14, 2026

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