Soccer

MILAN (AP) — Leon Goretzka marked his return to international soccer by scoring what could prove to be a crucial goal for Germany’s Nations League chances.

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans, calling their work there a “fishing expeditio

CALGARY — As the clock ticked down to the Northern Super League's launch, president Christina Litz made the rounds to check in on its clubs' final preparations.

TORONTO — Toronto FC has sent fullback/wingback Richie Laryea to England to see a specialist to get a handle on his hamstring injury.

LONDON (AP) — England captain Harry Kane has praised Thomas Tuchel's methods ahead of the coach's first match in charge, hoping that his straightforward approach will help England finally win a second World Cup.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium’s most successful club, Anderlecht, has fired coach David Hubert and replaced him with Besnik Hasi until the end of the season. Thursday's move came as the Belgian league enters its playoff phase.

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Chelsea is spending more than 74 millions euros ($80 million) on two youngsters from Sporting Portugal, continuing its strategy of building a squad around highly rated promising players.

ROME (AP) — Roma’s attempt at returning to the Champions League took a hit with the announcement on Thursday that Paulo Dybala will undergo left thigh surgery — ruling the Argentina playmaker out for the rest of the season.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — There was outcry in the English media: In its bid to end its decades-long wait for a trophy, England's national team turned to a German .