Siddhant Lazar

U.S. international Weston McKennie scored a pivotal goal to put Juventus 2-1 ahead in their fifth Champions League group-stage match against Bodo/Glimt, completing a rapid response after conceding early. McKennie met a precise Fabio Miretti cross with a well-placed header, shifting momentum firmly back in Juve’s favor.

U.S. international Trinity Rodman said she is still weighing her next move as her contract with the Washington Spirit nears its end, noting that emotions and timing are shaping a decision she hasn’t made yet. Her deal expired after Sunday’s NWSL final against Gotham FC, officially making her a free agent and leaving her at a potential career crossroads.

A legal settlement has been reached related to the disruptions at the 2024 Copa América final, with organizers and venue operators agreeing to pay $14 million to fans affected by access and safety issues at Hard Rock Stadium. The class action was filed after security problems prevented some ticket holders from entering the venue and created unsafe conditions for others inside.

Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development (SFD) has taken a major step into global football development through a new agreement with FIFA to provide up to $1 billion in concessional loans for sporting infrastructure projects. The partnership is designed to help close facility gaps in developing nations while supporting broader social and economic development tied to football investment.

Celtic have reportedly taken a key step in their managerial search by formally approaching the Columbus Crew about Wilfried Nancy, with talks now advancing. The Scottish champions have been led by an interim staff since Brendan Rodgers’ resignation in late October, and discussions with the MLS coach appear to be moving forward.

U.S. international Christian Pulisic said AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan underlined the team’s determination and showed they can be serious contenders in Serie A this season. He also praised goalkeeper Mike Maignan, calling the France international’s display “one of the best goalkeeper performances” he has seen in his career.

Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak in the MLS Cup Playoffs, netting his ninth goal in seven matches to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The Argentine legend struck in the 18th minute, showcasing his aerial ability as he rose to meet a pinpoint cross from young winger Mateo Silvetti, silencing the packed crowd inside TQL Stadium.

Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock in the 54th minute of the Derby della Madonnina, finishing from close range after Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer could only parry Alexis Saelemaekers’ long-range effort. The chance came from a swift counterattack, with Milan recycling the break before Pulisic reacted quickest in the box to slot home the opener.

U.S. Soccer icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan have each pointed to a clear shift in the USMNT's temperament - a willingness to scrap, defend one another, and press relentlessly - crediting Mauricio Pochettino’s influence for hardening the squad’s identity. Howard said that fighting edge first emerged during the Gold Cup and has since been reinforced by the return of key senior players.

USMNT icon Landon Donovan expressed disappointment over Ricardo Pepi’s limited minutes during the November 2025 window, saying the young striker has slipped in the team’s forward pecking order - now behind Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright - and that the coach’s selections make that clear. Donovan expressed particular concern about Pepi's complete absence in the USMNT's impressive victory over Uruguay.

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill said that defender Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season with a severe Achilles injury, a setback that also threatens his chances of representing the United States at next summer’s World Cup. Carter-Vickers has 19 USMNT caps and was in contention for a potential spot next summer.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds claimed their first USL Championship title on Saturday, defeating FC Tulsa 5-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw through regulation and extra time at ONEOK Field. Both teams were locked in defensively throughout, with each goalkeeper producing key saves to send the final to a shootout.

Marcelo Balboa backed Mauricio Pochettino’s recent comments after the United States’ win over Uruguay, saying the coach is setting firm expectations for the squad. Balboa noted that Pochettino wants every player - including those based in Europe - to match the required intensity and compete for their place, adding that club form alone won’t guarantee a spot.

U.S. international Malik Tillman capped a sweeping Bayer Leverkusen move in the 33rd minute at Volkswagen Arena, racing onto a threaded pass before holding off a defender and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. The well-taken strike - his third of the 2025–26 Bundesliga season - completed a scintillating team sequence that began deep in Leverkusen’s half. Die Werkself won 3–1.

The U.S. Women’s National Team will open 2026 with its annual January training camp in Southern California, holding sessions at Dignity Health Sports Park from Jan. 17–27. The camp will include a friendly against Paraguay on Jan. 24, featuring a special retirement celebration for Los Angeles native Christen Press, before a second match on Jan. 27 that will be announced at a later date.

Trinity Rodman has received a contract offer from DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League that reportedly exceeds what the Washington Spirit or the NWSL can match. The U.S. forward’s contract with the Spirit expires next month, and negotiations over an extension have stalled. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has stressed her league will fight to keep the American star.

MLS has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, which opens Feb. 21 with St. Louis CITY SC hosting Charlotte FC and later features Inter Miami’s debut at Miami Freedom Park on April 4. The league will pause from late May to mid-July for the FIFA World Cup before returning with marquee rivalry matches. Opening Day will feature a full slate of 15 matches over the MLS is Back Weekend.

Black Players for Change (BPC) and Vans have introduced a limited, made-to-order Vans x BPC collection based on the Eras silhouette. Featuring two minimalist colorways and the BPC emblem on the heel, proceeds from the release will benefit BPC initiatives. BPC is a player-led nonprofit within MLS that works to advance racial equality in soccer and local communities.