Rodrygo scores and Brazil beats Ecuador 1-0 in South American World Cup qualifying

CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) — Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored a goal in the first half and Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 on Friday end a three-match losing streak in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old Rodrygo scored with a shot from outside the box that was...

Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo dies in hospital days after collapsing during game in Brazil

SAO PAULO (AP) — Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo died Tuesday at a hospital in Brazil five days after collapsing during a game at Sao Paulo. He was 27. Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo said in a statement that the Nacional defender died at 9:38 p.m. local time following...

Suárez gets stoppage-time goal, Uruguay beats Canada 4-3 in shootout for 3rd place in Copa America

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Luis Suárez still has a knack for big plays. The 37-year-old Suárez, Uruguay’s career scoring leader, tied the score two minutes into second-half stoppage time, and Uruguay beat Canada 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw on Saturday night to finish...

Uruguay beats Canada 4-3 on penalty kicks to beat Canada to take third place in Copa America after 2-2 draw

Colombia, Argentina concerned about safety at Copa America final after semifinal brawl

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Argentina and Colombia expressed safety worries ahead of Sunday night's Copa America final, days after Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez and a handful of his teammates went into the stands amid a brawl following a semifinal loss to Colombia. “I’m concerned...

Lionel Messi looks to lead Argentina to record 16th Copa America title in duel with Colombia

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi is one win from leading Argentina to a record 16th Copa America title. Colombia will do everything in its power to make sure that doesn't happen in a matchup that pits the juggernaut against the surging force in the final. It’ll happen...

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa says players deserve apology, not sanctions after Copa America fight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa thinks his players deserve an apology, not sanctions, for going into the stands at Bank of America Stadium and participating in a fight with Colombia fans following his team’s 1-0 Copa America semifinal loss. An angry Bielsa...

Uruguay players defend decision to enter crowd to protect families amid Copa America brawl

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates’ decision to enter the stands following a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the Copa America semifinals, saying the action was necessary to defend families and supporters. After a physical and emotional game that...

Colombia beats Uruguay 1-0 and will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Copa America final

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Colombia is headed to the Copa America championship game for the first time in 23 years after a contentious win over Uruguay in which it played the second half a man short and players brawled with fans in the stands following the final whistle. Jefferson...

Darwin Núñez, Uruguay teammates enter stands as fans fight after Copa America loss to Colombia

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Darwin Núñez and about a dozen Uruguay teammates went into the stands as fans brawled at Bank of America Stadium following a 1-0 loss to Colombia in a Copa America semifinal on Wednesday night. After a physical and contentious match, a melee broke out...