National Sports

MONTREAL — Ali Araqi says he couldn't believe it when Morocco beat Portugal last week to qualify for Wednesday's World Cup semifinal. Araqi, 26, a Moroccan-Canadian originally from Marrakech, said he thought he was dreaming.

MONTREAL — The culture of hockey needs to change, Canada's sports minister said Tuesday in response to news that two former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League players have been charged with sexual assault.

After the most stressful two weeks of her season, Maddie Szeryk and her family are returning to Canada for a relaxing Christmas break with her extended family in London, Ont.

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for the first time. And, at 35, he could hardly be playing any better.

TORONTO — Canadian international Jonathan Osorio's recent experience at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar played a massive part in his decision to stay home and re-sign with Toronto FC.

OTTAWA — The Coaching Association of Canada announced a new mental health and sport project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada on Tuesday. The National Mental Health and Sport project will be launching in February 2023.

The CFL has released its 2023 season schedule on Tuesday, with a bit of a twist. For the first time since 2008, divisional playoff games are set to be played on Saturdays, with the semifinals taking place on Nov.

OTTAWA — Former Supreme Court judge Thomas Cromwell says it's apparent a "serious effort" was made to improve diversity, gender balance and range of experience on Hockey Canada's board of directors.

OTTAWA — Skate Canada has updated its policies so that ice dance or pairs teams competing domestically can be composed of any two athletes.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A Spanish court has acquitted soccer star Neymar and his fellow defendants in a fraud and corruption trial related to the Brazilian’s 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona.