Weston McKennie has explained why he is finally happy taking his “shirt off at the pool”, with the USMNT star revealing changes that have been made to his physical conditioning at Juventus. Those tweaks behind the scenes should serve McKennie well with club and country as the countdown continues to a World Cup finals on home soil in the summer of 2026.
After scoring for the U.S. men's national team during the international break, Folarin Balogun built on that momentum on the club level, scoring his side's only goal in Monaco's 1-1 draw with Angers. The strike is his second of the season, with the first coming back on Aug. 31. Les Monégasques now sit fifth in Ligue 1.
USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman opened up about how the upcoming 2026 World Cup influenced his $40 million summer transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, stressing the importance of playing at the highest level in Europe to secure his place in Mauricio Pochettino's squad. Tillman transferred to Leverkusen in July after a standout season at PSV.
Spain have strengthened their grip atop the FIFA men's world rankings following the October international window, with the three North American World Cup co-hosts having mixed fortunes. The USMNT remained No. 16 and Mexico held steady at No. 14, while Canada dropped two positions to 28th in the latest rankings by football's governing body.
Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert are among the headliners on a 21-player squad that will represent the United States in the upcoming U17 World Cup. Gonzalo Segares announced his squad on Thursday, and it includes plenty of firepower, headlined by the Philadelphia Union midfielder and the rising Borussia Dortmund star. The roster features players from 15 clubs.
Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly furious after star forward Christian Pulisic sustained an injury while on international duty with the United States during a friendly against Australia. The USMNT captain was forced off the pitch in the 30th minute after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury. Milan are said to be frustrated that Pulisic was risked in the match, especially considering he had played only 17 minutes as a substitute in the team’s previous friendly against Ecuador.
FIFA has hinted that U.S. President Donald Trump will have the authority to strip cities of 2026 World Cup hosting rights if they are considered to pose too much of a safety risk. A global gathering of elite sporting talent is due to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. As things stand, 11 venues across the USA are due to welcome fans from around the globe to their front door.
Former national team player Alexi Lalas raised concerns about USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s experimentation with the team's roster, acknowledging the coach’s right to try options, but saying he's surprised there is not yet a settled starting XI ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino's side drew Ecuador and beat Australia over the last week.
Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas praised Haji Wright following the striker's match-winning brace against Australia, calling it a defining performance that establishes the Coventry City forward in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the 2026 World Cup. Wright scored both goals in the USMNT's 2-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday night.
AC Milan and United States forward Christian Pulisic limped off with an injury in the first half of the USMNT’s friendly match against Australia. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic was taken off due to a hamstring issue, causing concern for the Serie A side and coach Massimiliano Allegri with another star added to their growing injury list.
Atlanta United goalkeeper and former USMNT stalwart Brad Guzan announced that he will retire following the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season. Guzan’s decision marks the end of a distinguished career that included 64 caps for the USMNT, a key role in Atlanta United’s formative years, and a significant tenure in both MLS and the English Premier League.
U.S. international Auston Trusty says he’s in some of the best form of his career, even after missing out on several national team call-ups. Determined to prove he deserves a spot among the U.S. centerbacks, Trusty - appearing on GOAL's The Rondo - noted positive differences between USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and former boss Gregg Berhalter.
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