Soccer

ZURICH (AP) — Sweden is happy to be “flying under the radar” at the Women’s European Championship, but if it ousts defending champion England that might not be the case anymore. The two nations face off in Thursday’s quarterfinal in Zurich.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA banned Montenegrin soccer club Arsenal Tivat from European competitions for 10 years on Wednesday in a match-fixing case and banned a player and club official for life.

MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid continues to boost its squad for next season, signing young American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis. The 23-year-old Cardoso arrived on a five-year contract, Atletico said Wednesday.

MADRID (AP) — Lucas Vázquez, an important player for Real Madrid during one of its most successful eras, is ending his stint with the Spanish powerhouse. The club and the player said Wednesday that he is not returning for another season.

TORONTO (AP) — The 2026 World Cup being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States is less than a year away and FIFA's protocols for matches affected by wildfire smoke remain unclear. The 48-team World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

HALIFAX — Lauren Rowe's goal in the 79th minute snapped a scoreless tie and lifted the visiting AFC Toronto to a 1-0 Northern Super League victory over the Halifax Tides on Tuesday at Wanderers Grounds.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to put their Major League Soccer season back on the rails. After enjoying one of the best starts in team history the Whitecaps have lost two MLS matches in a row and four of their last five.

DERBY, England (AP) — Second-division club Derby County signed United States forward Patrick Agyemang to a four-year contract Tuesday after paying a reported fee of $7.7 million to Major League Soccer team Charlotte.

While some organizations have published clear air quality thresholds or contingency protocols for wildfire smoke, FIFA's plans remain unclear less than a year out from the 2026 World Cup.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles FC defender Aaron Long will miss the rest of the season after having surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles.