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World Cup

World Cup Overview

Spain bounce back GFX

How Spain bounced back from Euro 2025 to be World Cup favourites

Spain's devastation after defeat in last summer's European Championship final was palpable. There is perhaps no crueller way to lose than on penalties and that theory was backed up by the heartbreak on show by La Roja's players and staff after England fought back to take the game in Basel to extra time and then defeat the world champions 3-1 via spot-kicks. "Very cruel," was how Aitana Bonmati, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner, put it. "It will hurt for some time."

AnalysisSpain
FBL-WC-2026-DRAW

A new front has opened in the ongoing debate over inclusion in international sport. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called for transgender individuals to be barred

The US President is seeking to strengthen his influence in the world of football. This strategic push, though light on specifics so far, is being watched closely by stakeholders across the sport. From domestic leagues to international governing bodies, officials are weighing how the White House might leverage diplomatic, economic, and cultural levers to expand American interests on and off the pitch. In recent years, football—or soccer, as it is known in the United States—has emerged as a powerful soft-power tool for nations seeking to project influence, attract investment, and build global partnerships. The world’s most popular sport commands billions of fans, making it an attractive arena for political leaders aiming to amplify their messages and forge new alliances. While the details of the President’s plan remain unclear, several potential avenues are under consideration. These include hosting high-profile tournaments, investing in youth development programs, and using the sport as

USA vs JapanUSA
Lionesses World Cup ladder GFX

Lionesses World Cup squad: Who will make the cut in 2027?

England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway. The Lionesses started it with a 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday and will continue their quest to secure a place in Brazil when hosting Iceland on Saturday. As runners-up in 2023, few would not expect Sarina Wiegman's side to achieve as much, but who the manager will choose to represent the European champions in South America is a little less certain.

AnalysisEngland
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World Cup, fixtures & results

Monday 14 August
Spain badge
Spain
ESP
2
Sweden badge
Sweden
SWE
1
FT
Tuesday 15 August
Australia badge
Australia
AUS
1
England badge
England
ENG
3
FT
Friday 18 August
Sweden badge
Sweden
SWE
2
Australia badge
Australia
AUS
0
FT
Saturday 19 August
Spain badge
Spain
ESP
1
England badge
England
ENG
0
FT
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Standings

Eastern

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
1Tampa Bay Rowdies crestTampa Bay Rowdies5410103713
D
W
W
W
W
2Louisville City FC crestLouisville City FC6411149513
D
L
W
W
W
3Detroit City FC crestDetroit City FC531162410
W
D
W
L
W
4Hartford Athletic crestHartford Athletic62317709
L
D
D
W
D
4Miami FC crestMiami FC62317709
D
D
W
W
D

Western

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
1Orange County SC crestOrange County SC742173414
W
W
L
W
W
2El Paso Locomotive FC crestEl Paso Locomotive FC5410145913
W
W
W
W
D
3San Antonio FC crestSan Antonio FC733153212
D
L
D
W
W
4Sacramento Republic FC crestSacramento Republic FC62317439
D
W
L
D
D
5Oakland Roots SC crestOakland Roots SC52217618
D
L
D
W
W
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Betting spotlight

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips: Survival meets ambition
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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.