World Cup flop Spain parts ways with emergency coach Hierro
MADRID (AP) Fernando Hierro is out as coach of Spain's national team after less than a month in charge and a disappointing four-game run at... JULY 8, 2018
Correction: WCup-Russia-Croatia story
MOSCOW (AP) In a story July 5 about Russia and Croatia playing at the World Cup, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Alexander G... JULY 6, 2018
Madrid to sign Spain right back Odriozola from Real Sociedad
MADRID (AP) Real Madrid has reached a deal to sign Spain right back Alvaro Odriozola from Real Sociedad. JULY 5, 2018
World Cup’s 4th substitutes more than just penalty takers
MOSCOW (AP) When FIFA allowed teams to make a fourth substitution in extra time at the World Cup, it was widely assumed they would bring on... JULY 5, 2018
Russia win in World Cup offers distraction as Putin benefits
MOSCOW (AP) Russia's surprise victory over Spain in the World Cup turned Moscow into one giant street party and the Kremlin was eager to jo... JULY 2, 2018
After high of beating Spain, Russia must adapt for Croatia
MOSCOW (AP) Coach Stanislav Cherchesov seems to be the only Russian not caught up in the euphoria of the country's biggest World Cup win in... JULY 2, 2018
Ecstatic Russians pour onto the streets after WCup win
MOSCOW (AP) Most Russian fans just hoped that this World Cup team would not embarrass itself at a home tournament. Now they are ecstaticall... JULY 1, 2018
Iniesta retires from Spain after World Cup loss to Russia
MOSCOW (AP) Andres Iniesta, the elegant midfielder who was a symbol of Spain's golden generation, retired from international soccer followi... JULY 1, 2018
RECAP: Host Russia stuns Spain in thrilling match, decided by penalty kicks
Host Russia shocks Spain with a thrilling extra time victory. JULY 1, 2018
A look at the shootout between Russia and Spain at World Cup
MOSCOW (AP) Russia advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals by beating Spain in a penalty shootout on Sunday. JULY 1, 2018
Andres Iniesta retires from Spain's national team after World Cup loss to Russia
MOSCOW (AP) Andres Iniesta retires from Spain's national team after World Cup loss to Russia. JULY 1, 2018
Japan’s plan at the World Cup is to play like … Japan
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) The plan is to play like Japan. The hope is to beat Belgium. JULY 1, 2018
Spain eliminated from World Cup, loses to Russia in penalty shootout
MOSCOW (AP) Spain eliminated from World Cup, loses to Russia in penalty shootout. JULY 1, 2018
Russia winger Cheryshev faces Spain, where his career began
MOSCOW (AP) He's getting ready to play for the country of his birth against the country where he grew up. JUNE 30, 2018
Column: Best-ever World Cup? It is shaping up nicely
KAZAN, Russia (AP) Wow. What a start. JUNE 29, 2018
Russia-Spain Preview (Jun 29, 2018)
MOSCOW (AP) The most successful Russia coach in recent times is among the multitude of people surprised the team is into a World Cup round... JUNE 29, 2018
Gods of soccer: Ronaldo, Messi like you’ve never seen them
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) Looking regal in his Russian uniform, Cristiano Ronaldo gazes out pensively with his arms folded and ''CR7'' em... JUNE 29, 2018
Happy hosts Russia wait for Spain team under fire at home
MOSCOW (AP) The most successful Russia coach in recent times is among the multitude of people surprised the team is into a World Cup round of 16 game against Spain. JUNE 29, 2018
Being a defending champion at World Cup isn’t always easy
VOLGOGRAD, Russia (AP) Being a defending champion at the World Cup has proven to be a tough challenge in recent years. JUNE 27, 2018
Spain concerned with defensive mistakes at World Cup
SOCHI, Russia (AP) Spain needs to get its defense together if it wants to stay in contention at the World Cup. JUNE 27, 2018
Screen plays: World Cup matchups turn on late video reviews
MOSCOW (AP) Fans in stadiums about 1,000 miles apart - and millions watching on multiple screens around the globe - were transfixed on a st... JUNE 25, 2018
AP PHOTOS: Spain, Portugal survive crazy Day 12 at World Cup
MOSCOW (AP) The first day of World Cup teams playing simultaneous matches to see who advances came down to the wire - and to video replays... JUNE 25, 2018
Spain draws 2-2 with Morocco, reaches World Cup round of 16
KALININGRAD, Russia (AP) It took a video review of an injury-time equalizer to give Spain first place in its World Cup group. JUNE 25, 2018
RECAP: Spain scores equalizer during stoppage time to draw Morocco, 2-2
Spain used the entire 90 minutes and then some to complete the comeback over Morocco, 2-2. The draw advances Spain to the round of 16 JUNE 25, 2018
Who’s in and who’s out at the World Cup
MOSCOW (AP) Eight teams have secured spots in the knockout stage at the World Cup after the chaotic conclusions of Monday's matches. Nine teams have been eliminated. Fifteen teams... JUNE 25, 2018