National Sports

ZURICH — FIFA set a new target Tuesday of finalizing North American host cities for the 2026 World Cup — if the COVID-19 pandemic allows. The 23 candidate cities likely need to be cut to 16. FIFA said it could confirm them at the end of the the year.

TORONTO — Like their Canadian counterparts in Major League Soccer, the Toronto Arrows are wondering where they will be able to play this year.

Suzanne Birt can book her ticket for the Calgary bubble. The veteran skip wants to make sure she's wearing familiar Prince Edward Island colours when she's there.

With British star Chris Froome and Ottawa's Michael Woods leading the way this year, Canadian-born co-owner Sylvan Adams has big plans for the Israel Start-Up Nation team. And they go well beyond mere success in the cycling world.

CALGARY — Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe says backup goaltender Jack Campbell will be out "weeks" with a leg injury.

OTTAWA — A field of 35 teams will compete in the Canadian mixed doubles curling championship this season, Curling Canada said Tuesday in a release. The March 18-25 competition will be held at Calgary's Markin MacPhail Centre.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks have re-signed four players, including all-star punter Richie Leone. The Redblacks also signed defensive back Randall Evans, offensive lineman Mark Korte and receiver Anthony Coombs on Tuesday.

At age 29, Martavis Bryant believes he still has plenty of football left in him. The former NFL star signed with the Toronto Argonauts on Monday through the 2022 season, following multiple suspensions for substance abuse violations.

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — A jersey, puck and stick signed by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky are among Ontario museum items up for auction. The 42-year-old a Guinness World Records Museum in Niagara Falls permanently closed in September.

VANCOUVER — A single hat flew to the ice as seasoned Vancouver Canucks centre Brandon Sutter scored the first hat trick of his NHL career on Monday.