The jig is up for Ruben Amorim. After 14 unforgettable months as head coach, he has been sacked by Manchester United. He broke many records for the wrong reasons, lost a European final to Tottenham and was dumped out of the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier side Grimsby Town. Yet it is only now that those upstairs at Old Trafford have decided to pull the trigger.
From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.
Landon Donovan took issue with Australia manager Tony Popovic’s reaction to the 2026 World Cup draw, calling the confidence he projected “unusual.” The USMNT legend said Popovic’s response suggested Australia view Group D as winnable, with the Americans joined by Paraguay and a UEFA playoff winner. Donovan added that Popovic’s comments made him wish he could return to face the Socceroos.
Thierry Henry says the USMNT benefits when its players test themselves in Europe, but he also cautioned against using national-team selections as the sole measure of Major League Soccer’s growth. The French legend believes overseas experience helps American players - even as MLS continues to play an important role in their development.
The USMNT will play Senegal on May 31 in its second-to-last World Cup warmup friendly, U.S. soccer announced Thursday morning. The 19th-ranked African side will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to face off Mauricio Pochettino's side, a week before the U.S. host Germany in Chicago. The two teams have never played in an international competition.
Thierry Henry offered a measured assessment of the United States’ World Cup prospects, acknowledging that Group D is favorable but still far from simple. He noted that host nations often ride energy and momentum to deep runs, and said a fast start and a strong connection with home support could tilt the tournament in the USMNT’s favor.
The draw delivered clarity, confidence and a challenge. Now Pochettino and his players know the route - and, inspired by Herb Brooks and the Miracle on Ice, they’re daring to dream big.
USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has admitted to harbouring a desire to make a Premier League return after coming "so close" to winning the title with Tottenham. The Argentine has confessed that he still feels the pull of the English top flight, even as he prepares to lead the United States men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Alexi Lalas was upbeat after the United States landed in Group D for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of Play-Off C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo). He called the group not just good, but “great,” and said the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino should be expected to advance.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.
Gio Reyna has been set a 2026 World Cup challenge. Former USMNT star Brad Friedel, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, has told the talented Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker what needs to happen in order to make Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for next summer’s tournament, with nobody - regardless of their ability - guaranteed a place in those plans.
Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.
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