MORNING ROUNDUP

Cities dropped as possible World Cup sites

Cleveland, New Orleans and Pittsburgh have been dropped as potential host cities for the 2026 World Cup.

The North American bid committee said Wednesday it also cut Indianapolis and San Antonio, along with Birmingham, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida. The Canadian cities of Ottawa and Regina, Saskatchawan, also were eliminated.

Thirty-two areas remain in contention, including 25 from the United States, four from Canada and three from Mexico.

Mickelson eager to start PGA Tour season

Four days after a strong showing in the United States’ victory in the Presidents Cup, Phil Mickelson begins his 27th PGA Tour season Thursday seeking his first individual win since 2013 in the seasonopening Safeway Open.

Mickelson, winner of 42 career PGA Tour events including five majors, will be joined at Silverado by 12-time PGA Tour winner Zach Johnson as well as Emiliano Grillo and Adam Hadwin, who also played in the Presidents Cup.

“I’m really excited to play because I have been playing well,” the 47-year-old Mickelson said. “I am excited to get back into competition. I am going to have a good chance.”

Soccer star apologizes

Alex Morgan has apologized on social media for an incident at Disney World over the weekend.

Morgan, a star for the World Cup-winning U.S. national team who also plays for the Orlando Pride, was among three soccer players kicked out of an Epcot park restaurant on Sunday. Authorities say the players were verbally aggressive with park security and other guests.

MLS players Donald Toia and Giles Barnes of Orlando City SC were also ejected. A sheriff’s report says the group began arguing with other guests and workers after Barnes cut in line at the United Kingdom Pavilion pub.

Morgan apologized on social media on Wednesday.

“I want to apologize for my actions that occurred over the weekend. I will learn from this (and) make sure it does not happen again,” she posted, adding the hashtag “liveandlearn.”