Analysis

And there we have it. The 2025-26 European football season is in the books, capped by Paris Saint-Germain beating Arsenal in the Champions League final to defend their continental crown. Soon the past nine months or so will become distant memories, such is the speed at which the footballing world moves on, especially when major tournaments on the horizon.

GOAL breaks down who stood out and who has work to do after the U.S. win

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the team's pre-Senegal preparation in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

The USMNT's World Cup squad takes the field together for the first time as players battle for roles and momentum ahead of a friendly against Senegal.

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.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the opening two days of the U.S.'s camp in the first installment of the USMNT notebook.

Saturday's eagerly-awaited Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest is the classic clash of styles. Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded fewer goals (six) and kept more clean sheets (nine) than anyone else. The big question is, though, will Mikel Arteta's men be able to contain one of the most talented attacking teams in European football history?

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.

There was no real concern about recent rumors in USMNT camp as players, coaches and executives lock in on World Cup preparation

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.

Mic'd Up: Apple TV broadcaster Maurice Edu backed the U.S. for success on home soil and brushed off criticisms of the manager's squad selection.

The USMNT officially unveiled a roster that had already leaked on Tuesday afternoon, and a touch of World Cup fever might just be here

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.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad is set, and GOAL breaks down the key takeaways, including major trust in Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, and one lingering goalkeeper question.

GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers of Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, including the bold decisions to include Alejandro Zendejas and Gio Reyna.

Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.

Vancouver Whitecaps continued their Western dominance, while a teenager stood out in defeat in one of the more remarkable games in league history

For every USMNT player who gets the World Cup call, another is left to process the one that never comes. GOAL spoke to players and coaches about the pain of missing out, and why it can linger for years.

Weston McKennie soared at Juventus, Christian Pulisic faded late at AC Milan and Gio Reyna endured another frustrating club season as GOAL ranks the USMNT’s top European-based players.

Mic'd Up: The former USMNT midfielder talks Mauricio Pochettino, why Portugal will make a run, and the World Cup's impact this summer

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a tight race in Italy and crucial battles in the UK

So there we have it: England's 2026 World Cup squad is confirmed and it will go down as one of the most contentious of all time. Manager Thomas Tuchel has made it abundantly clear from the outset that he isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers with his decisions, and he has stayed true to his word with his divisive selections for the Three Lions' latest bid to end an agonising wait for a first major trophy since 1966.

In the end, Manchester United probably didn't have much other choice; after leading the club back into the Champions League during a remarkable interim tenure, Michael Carrick has been appointed head coach on a permanent basis. However, having already played down the achievement of returning to European football's top table, he will know the real work starts now.

The wait is over. Cristiano Ronaldo has finally done it. He's won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. The news will doubtless provoke nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders from an awful lot of people. Others will actually be quite bitter about it. What's interesting, though, is how much lifting a first major trophy with Al-Nassr clearly meant to Ronaldo.

GOAL sat down with the 22-year-old shotstopper to discuss his rise, what he's learned with the USMNT, and what comes next.

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, the South Korea forward insisted he will shake off his goalscoring struggles ahead of the World Cup

It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.

What was once unthinkable is about to become a reality for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola prepares to call time on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium. The revered manager is widely expected to step down at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a revolutionary era for both City and the English game as a whole. It is an impossible act to follow, but former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is waiting in the wings.

Brian Gutierrez’s growing role, Raul Rangel’s No. 1 case, and Edson Alvarez’s fitness are among the key storylines as Mexico face Ghana in Puebla on Friday. GOAL looks at five keys to watch in El Tri’s first pre-World Cup friendly.