Sports

The World Cup draw is here. Here’s why it matters — and how it will work
FIFA is about to determine which teams all 48 participating countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will face in the group phase of the tournament, which the U.S., Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.
Minnesota Wild lose 4-1 to the Calgary Flames
Dustin Wolf made 26 saves, Jonathan Huberdeau ended a scoring drought and the Calgary Flames beat the surging Minnesota Wild 4-1 on Thursday night. The Flames handed the Wild their first regulation loss since Nov. 6. Minnesota was 10-0-2 during the run.
In 2021, U of M Men’s Gymnastics was one of several athletic programs the University cut. With no NCAA affiliation or monetary support from the school, the program had to sustain itself. Now, for the first time as an independent club program, the team has its own 14,000-square- foot facility in St. Paul to call home.
Anthony Edwards’ late layup forces OT, as Timberwolves edge Pelicans 149-142
Anthony Edwards scored 34 of his season-high 44 points in the second half, including a driving layup to force overtime, and Julius Randle scored eight points in the extra period to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 149-142 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Edwards sent the game into overtime with 2.3 seconds left. 
Wallstedt earns 4th shutout of the season as Wild beat Oilers 1-0
Jesper Wallstedt made 33 saves to record his fourth shutout of the season in just 10 games as the Minnesota Wild carried their torrid pace from last month into December, emerging with a 1-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Jonas Brodin scored the lone goal for the Wild, who have achieved at least a point in 12 straight games. 
Steelers sign wide receiver and former Viking Adam Thielen to practice squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to their practice squad. The move came shortly after the Minnesota Vikings released the 35-year-old to allow him to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere. 
Coyne Schofield, Frost thump Charge 5-1 in rematch of Walter Cup final
Kendall Coyne Schofield’s hat trick lifted the Minnesota Frost to a dominant 5-1 win over the Ottawa Charge on Tuesday night. The home crowd at TD Place Arena turned the stands pink to support Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod, who announced her breast cancer diagnosis on Saturday.
WNBA and players union extend CBA deadline to Jan. 9
The WNBA and players union agreed to an extension of the current collective bargaining agreement to Jan. 9 just before their current extension ran out Sunday night.
Team Cory and Korey: Minnesota curlers preparing for 2026 Winter Olympics
Three years after teaming up to chase their shared Olympic dream, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse of Duluth will represent the U.S. in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.