MLS NEXT Pro news

Fire II: Ted Lasso's Fernandez trained with team earlier this month

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the beloved Apple TV series Ted Lasso, trained with MLS's Chicago Fire last month, the club confirmed Wednesday. GOAL reported the Mexican-born actor was on trial with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive earlier this week, and could yet receive a contract. Fernandez played academy soccer in Mexico as a teenager.

MLS NEXT Pro unveils 2026 schedule with expansion to 30 clubs

MLS NEXT Pro officially announced its 2026 regular season schedule, marking the league’s earliest start to date and the expansion to 30 teams with the addition of Connecticut United FC. The season will feature 420 matches, run through the FIFA World Cup, and include key milestones such as a Decision Day, new venues, and increased pathways to MLS first teams.

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Julian Hall: The 15-year-old MLS starlet on Europe's radar

The prodigiously gifted left-winger is already making history and megaclubs across the pond are taking notice

Eldin Jakupovic is mentoring the next generation in MLS Next Pro

The 40-year-old shot stopper, who has featured for clubs in England, Greece, Switzerland and Russia, has found an unlikely home in the United States

MLS NEXT unveils 'Quality of Play Rankings' for U13, U14 levels

MLS NEXT made the groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, as they look to promote development at the youth levels

FC Harlem brings in Toulouse FC star McKenzie as Club Ambassador

FC Harlem have announced the addition of the USMNT center back as an official club ambassador, strengthening their connection to professional soccer

WATCH: Quakes' López scores spectacular half-line goal in NEXT Pro

The Quakes designated player made a memorable impact in his rehabilitation appearance as he scored an incredible goal from his own half

Scouting Forfor: The aspiring USMNT fullback in Crew's ranks

GOAL spoke with Forfor about his aspirations as a footballer, and his quick rise through the academy in 2025 into MLS NEXT Pro

MLS names Altchek EVP, Curtis president of MLS NEXT Pro

MLS announced Charles Altchek has been named as Executive Vice President of Club Performance and League Growth while Ali Curtis takes over as President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of MLS Sporting Development. Altchek will work directly with team owners and executives to drive business growth, while Curtis takes control of MLS's developmental league.

Inter Miami training Benjamin Cremaschi training center

Inter Miami tryouts: Everything you need to know

Discover all you need to know about Inter Miami tryouts and getting scouted with GOAL's comprehensive guide.

Caraballo headlines rising talent at 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game

MLS has revealed the complete rosters and event details for the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate on Tuesday

Robles addresses changes in MLS NEXT as U.S. eyes 2026 success

GOAL Convo: Robles on MLS NEXT rule changes, including three-period games, meant to American soccer forward

MLS Next Pro's penalty rules are changing youth soccer

League rules stipulate that every draw goes straight to penalty kicks, a rule that has had a major impact in MLS Next Pro and beyond

MLS academies walk tightrope between development, winning

MLS academies face a constant battle between winning and ensuring that their players develop in the right way

East defeats West 4-3 in thrilling MLS NEXT All-Star Game

A second half that included five combined goals summed up a riveting MLS Next match to kick off All-Star week

Betting spotlight

Bundesliga top four odds: Who to back as four sides battle for two spots

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Ellis named MLS NEXT U19 MVP after stellar Orlando City SC season

MLS NEXT has announced the winners of its annual MVP and Goal of the Year awards for the 2024-25 regular season, with Ellis winning the U19 MVP honor

How to cancel Paramount Plus subscription

GOAL's guide to cancelling your Paramount Plus subscription on every single device, where to go and how to do it in easy-to-follow steps

Sullivan shares insights ahead of MLS NEXT All-Star Game

The rising star took to social media to offer advice to the 44 young talents selected for the All-Star Game

WATCH: 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan scores brace for Union II

Sullivan scored an emphatic brace and bagged his strike in the ensuing shootout as Union II claimed two points

Bradley finds perfect fit in Klopp's Red Bull coaching pipeline

With help from Klopp and Jesse Marsch, the long-time USMNT midfielder is developing into the coach he always wanted to be

Bradley: Klopp, Red Bull system inspired RBNY II move

Bradley was introduced in the new role, and shared why he decided to go back to the club that launched his career

Taka: MLS NEXT looks to 'shift the paradigm' at U13, U14 levels

GOAL sat down with MLS NEXT technical director Luis Robles to discuss the significance of Taka and how it's being implemented

Galaxy U16s stun Eindhoven in Generation Adidas Cup thriller

The MLS side’s academy team produced a memorable performance in the semifinals of the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup

St Louis City U16 beat Bayern Munich in Generation Adidas Cup

The MLS side’s U16 side beat FC Bayern Munich's youth side in a thrilling penalty shootout

WATCH: NYCFC throwback to exquisite Shore goal in NEXT Pro

The New York City FC's starlet has continued to impress since his transition to the first team

WATCH: Sullivan scores, continues MLS Next Pro dominance

The Philadelphia Union II rising young player was at it again as the Union drew 2-2 to Huntsville City FC in the MLS Next Pro

WATCH: Sullivan opens 2025 account with stunning free kick

The Philadelphia Union II star kicked off his 2025 campaign in style with spectacular goal in their home opener

WATCH: Outrageous bicycle kick for Minnesota academy's Giel

Young talent showcases world-class skill with acrobatic goal against Houston Dynamo academy

Tacoma Defiance's Omar Hassan pulls off an audacious chip

The young midfielder signed with Seattle Sounders’ developmental side in January and has already impressed with his performances

Frequently asked questions

: Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club. Their most recent victory came in 2020, but there is a club from Manchester hot on their heels...
: A total of 745 clubs will be participating in the 2024-25 FA Cup, spanning from the Premier League down to Level 9 of the English football league system, with teams from the Level 10 acting as stand-ins in case a team from the aforementioned levels drops out from the competition. The inaugural FA Cup in 1871-82 had just 15 teams participating in it.
: Former Liverpool defender Ian Callaghan, with 88 appearances, is FA Cup's record-appearance maker in history.
: The all-time top scorer in the FA Cup is Ian Rush, with 41 goals in 62 games, primarily scored during his time as a centre forward for Liverpool.
: Paris Hamilton-Downes became the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup, debuting at 13 years, 11 months, and one day.for Carshalton Athletic in 2019.
: The FA Cup has featured many football legends, including Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Modern-day superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero have also made their mark on the competition.
: Legendary managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to success in the FA Cup. Notably, Wenger holds the record for most FA Cup victories as a manager, with seven titles to his name.

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