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World Cup

World Cup news

Saudi Arabia v United States - International Friendly

Lalas: McKennie should be on USMNT's World Cup squad

Alexi Lalas backed Weston McKennie for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup squad following his recall for the October friendlies. The Juventus midfielder had been absent from Mauricio Pochettino’s recent rosters, raising doubts about his role. But with the manager calling this group his potential A squad, McKennie’s inclusion is an encouraging sign.

Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7

Cannavaro takes new international job ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is all set to take up a shock new international job ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winning ex-Juventus star was without a job since Dinamo Zagreb parted ways with him in April this year. However, Cannavaro is now set to return to football management to lead Uzbekistan in their maiden appearance at the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco v Brazil: International Friendly

Ancelotti backs 'exemplary' Casemiro as the right man to lead Brazil

Casemiro has received the backing of his former Real Madrid and current Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to wear the captain's armband for the Selecao in the build up to next year's World Cup. Having marked his return to the national team setup after a prolonged absence, Casemiro hasn't lost the trust of Ancelotti, who has urged the resurgent Manchester United man to "set an example everyday."

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Deschamps explains what Pogba must do to earn France recall

France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted that he has no doubt that Paul Pogba's goal is to return to the national team ahead of next year's World Cup in the USA. At a press conference on Thursday, Deschamps explained what the 32-year-old must do in order to earn a recall to Les Bleus' squad, with the ex-Manchester United and Juventus player expected to make his Monaco debut later this month.

AC Milan v US Lecce - Coppa Italia

'Long may it continue' - Donovan applauds Pulisic's play

Former USMNT star Landon Donovan has changed his tone regarding Christian Pulisic following the winger's exceptional performances for AC Milan. Donovan, who previously criticized Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup, emphasized his support for the 26-year-old's success while explaining the reasoning behind his earlier comments.

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PSV v Go Ahead Eagles - Johan Cruijff Shield

'Unreliable' - Donovan says Pepi, Reyna World Cup spots at risk

Former USMNT star Landon Donovan is questioning the reliability of forward Ricardo Pepi and attacking midfielder Gao Reyna following their recent injury setbacks. The USMNT's all-time joint leading goalscorer suggested that availability issues could threaten both player’s roles in the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Serbia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

World Cup games to be scheduled after MIDNIGHT for England fans

Some matches at the World Cup next summer involving England and other European nations are likely to played after midnight UK time, as FIFA have spoken of their desire to combat extreme heat experienced in many areas of the tournament's host nations: the US, Canada and Mexico. The issues mirror those experienced at the Club World Cup in the US last summer, where matches scheduled earlier in the day in local time were often met with intense, at times, unsafe heat conditions.

President Trump Announces The FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Will Take Place At The Kennedy Center

FIFA insist Trump cannot change location of World Cup games

One of FIFA's vice-presidents has insisted that US President Donald Trump cannot decide which cities host games in the 2026 World Cup. Victor Montagliani, who is also president of CONCACAF, was speaking at a conference in London after Trump suggested he would move games away from cities he thought could be "even a little dangerous for the World Cup".

US-POLITICS-AWARD-UNGA

Lottery winners granted access to purchase World Cup tickets

Millions of soccer fans from around the world have the opportunity to buy tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in North America, as lottery winners from 4.5 million applicants were granted access starting Wednesday. FIFA said lottery winners were or will be informed of their status via email. The governing body expects demand will be high.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Ronaldo backed to be 'vital' player for Portugal at 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to be a "vital" player for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup "regardless of how long he stays on the field". The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now armed with a record-shattering new two-year contract at Saudi giants Al-Nassr, shows no signs of slowing down. His relentless pursuit of football immortality, including the dream of smashing through the 1,000 career goal barrier, has football fans wondering: just how long can this "machine" keep going?

Ceferin Trump

UEFA delay vote on suspending Israel amid Trump's war efforts

UEFA has delayed a vote on suspending Israel from European competition after United States president Donald Trump revealed a fresh attempt to end the war in Gaza. Trump has unveiled a 20-point peace plan and has given Hamas "three or four days" to respond or face the consequences. Given the circumstances, UEFA has now put a plan to vote on suspending Israel on hold.

Quinn Sullivan USMNT 2025

'Gutted' USMNT star Sullivan confirms devastating injury blow

USMNT star Quinn Sullivan has confirmed that he suffered a devastating ACL injury blow during the Philadelphia Union’s 6-0 victory over D.C. United. The 21-year-old midfielder lasted just six minutes of that contest before picking up a knock. He initially attempted to play on, but it soon became apparent that would not be possible. Sullivan is now sweating on his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for a home World Cup in the summer of 2026.

RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Beavers replaces Kochen in U.S. U20 World Cup squad

Barcelona’s decision to recall Diego Kochen, bringing him in as backup to Wojciech Szczęsny after No. 2 Joan García’s injury, prompted U.S. Soccer to make a late change to its FIFA U20 World Cup roster. The Blaugrana are also without Marc-André ter Stegen, who is dealing with a long-term injury. Brøndby’s Gavin Beavers has been called in as his replacement.

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Trump suggests he could move World Cup games from unsafe cities

U.S. President Trump suggested to reporters this week that he could move matches for next summer’s 2026 men’s World Cup away from U.S. host cities that are “even a little bit dangerous.” It is unclear how feasible it would be to change sites for World Cup games at this point in the process, as the event begins next June. 

Eric Dier Harry Kane

Helping Kane lift trophy curse still gives Dier 'goosebumps'

Eric Dier admits that memories of breaking his trophy duck, while helping Harry Kane to lift his silverware curse, still gives him goosebumps. The versatile England international became a title winner alongside his close friend and fellow former Tottenham star when helping Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga crown in 2024-25. Memories of that success will live with Dier forever.

US-POLITICS-AWARD-UNGA

FIFA reportedly unlikely to expand to 64-team 2030 World Cup

FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.

FIFA World Cup Mascots

FIFA unveils 2026 World Cup mascots for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

FIFA has unveiled the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, with each host nation represented by a unique character. Maple the Moose stands for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States, reflecting cultural diversity and shared passion for the global game. The 2026 World Cup kicks off next June.

Aleksander Ceferin UEFA

Revealed: When UEFA will make decision on potential Israel ban

UEFA is reportedly set to make a decision next week on whether Israel will be suspended from European competition. There have been calls for the continental governing body to take action amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. A UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel is committing genocide in that region. Sporting institutions are now being urged to take action.

Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

AFA president says Argentina to face Mexico in June friendly

The long-rumored clash between World Cup champions Argentina and Mexico is now set, according to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia said in an interview that the teams will meet in early June, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Javier Aguirre’s El Tri playing their first match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca.

Frequently asked questions

Orlando City and Louisville City share the record for the most USL Championship titles, each winning the championship two times. Orlando City won in 2011 and 2013, while Louisville City won in 2017 and 2018.

The 2024 season of USL will see 24 teams compete for the league. When the league was founded in 2011 as USL Pro, only 12 teams contested. That number rose to 14 in 2014, 24 in 2015, 30 in 2017, 36 in 2019, and now back at 24.

Jamaican midfielder Kenardo Forbes is the player with the most appearances in USL history, having featured in 303 games.

With 105 goals (and counting) in 249 games, Jamaican forward Dane Kelly is USL's leading goalscorer of all-time.

Axel Kei, a centre-forward, holds the record as the youngest-ever player in USL Championship history. He made his debut in 2021 at the remarkable age of 13 years and 282 days.

Jamie Vardy, Gareth Bale, James Maddison, John Stones, and Darren Bent are some of the most iconic players to have played in the Championship.

Alen Marcina, Mark Briggs, Trevor James, and Noah Delgado are among the most popular coaches in USL history.

Protective Stadium, which is where Birmingham Legion FC play their home games, is the biggest stadium in the USL with a capacity of 47,000.

Fanendo Ali is the most expensive player in USL history, being bought for $1 million (allocation money) by FC Cincinnati in a trade with Portland Timbers.