Brad Friedel has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - sought to play down expectations around “poster boy” Christian Pulisic, but considers four other players to sit alongside ‘Captain America’ in the USMNT’s “undroppable” pool. The United States are considered to be working with a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent as a home World Cup is taken in.
It's September 13, 2024, and Mauricio Pochettino is all smiles. Dressed in a blue suit with a big U.S. Soccer pin on the lapel, Pochettino is being introduced to the wild world of American soccer for the very first time. Flanked by his new bosses, Pochettino seems determined to make the right first impression; in America, first impressions are generally best made by being bold.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
Christian Pulisic looked back to his best, Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun impressed, and the USMNT offered real reason for World Cup optimism against Senegal.
A new study reveals the average Airbnb cost in all 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kansas City ranks as the most expensive destination for fans, while Guadalajara offers the best value. Here's how accommodation prices compare across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and what supporters can expect to pay during the tournament.
Brenden Aaronson briefly left USMNT camp for his wedding, giving teammates a chance to reflect on family, growth and the bonds that have shaped this World Cup group.
USMNT strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi have become the subject of Premier League transfer predictions, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that both could end up in the English top-flight. It is suggested that the former may link up with one of the “big boys”, while the latter would benefit from using “mid to lower teams” as another career stepping stone.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is almost certainly his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role within the Portugal national team is once again under intense scrutiny. As the Al-Nassr striker eyes the only trophy missing from his glittering cabinet, former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has suggested that his presence actually hinders a squad packed with world-class talent.
ATLANTA -- USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly had a meeting with the Milan hierarchy over their vacant managerial role. The Argentine, who is about to lead the U.S. into a home World Cup, will see his contract expire after the tournament. Milan fired their head coach and sporting director earlier this week after failing to secure Champions League football.
Mauricio Pochettino has seen prominent coaching posts filled by leading clubs in Europe, so could he stay on as USMNT boss beyond the end of a home World Cup cycle in 2026? Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL how the Argentine - with spells at Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on his CV - can help American soccer to grow and rival established brands in American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
FIFA has been hit with legal subpoenas by authorities in the United States as an investigation is launched into the ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. Officials in New York and New Jersey are demanding answers over allegations of "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans" ahead of the tournament in North America.
The USMNT World Cup squad is here, but now comes the next question: who starts? GOAL looks at who could line up in Mauricio Pochettino’s XI when the tournament kicks off in June.
NEW YORK -- USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino backed Gio Reyna to contribute at the World Cup after naming the Borussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder to his final squad for this summer’s tournament. Reyna has played sparingly for his club this season, but Pochettino made clear he expects to call on him in key moments in the weeks ahead.
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