National Sports

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — All the focus on Randy Waldrum’s criticism of the Nigerian soccer federation and the rebuke he received in return will count for very little Friday when the Super Falcons open their Women’s World Cup campaign against Canada

Northwestern has been added to a long list of American universities to face a scandal in athletics and may eventually join the trend of making large payouts following allegations of sexual abuse.

VANCOUVER — Ali Ahmed is both grateful and humble. He's grateful for the trust his coaches have placed in him. He also deflects praise and says he's just doing his job.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Canada looked relaxed at training Wednesday ahead of its FIFA Women's World Cup opener against Nigeria, although several players appeared to be working at their own pace.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Experience gets its due Thursday night when Canada opens play against Nigeria at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino could make no guarantee Wednesday that the member federations will distribute the $30,000 payments promised to every player at the Women's World Cup.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — In a country known more for its love of rugby than women’s soccer, New Zealand is aiming to win fans as well as matches.

SYDNEY (AP) — Soccer Australia on Wednesday said the Socceroos will play Mexico in an international friendly in Dallas on Sept. 9 during the men's international window.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — International visitors are greeted at the arrivals hall in Auckland’s airport by a display promoting the Women’s World Cup with such detail it includes carpeting resembling a soccer pitch.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball had a night of offense not seen in 129 years, with 12 teams scoring double-digit runs. Three games ended 11-10 on the same day for the first time.