ATLANTA -- U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson addressed the White House’s involvement in the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension, saying President Donald Trump “is able to do what the President wants to do.” Trump’s call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino before Balogun’s one-match ban was suspended has drawn widespread criticism, although FIFA has maintained that its disciplinary process was independent.
President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House confirmed Thursday afternoon. Last year, Trump presented Chelsea FC with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and has built a well-known friendship with Gianni Infantino. The American President, however, found himself in controversy as he acknowledged reaching out to FIFA about Folarin Balogun's red card - which was ultimately suspended.
Enzo Fernandez has courted controversy once again after appearing to troll England on social media following Argentina's dramatic World Cup semi-final win, with the Chelsea midfielder's celebrations and online antics drawing fierce backlash from Three Lions supporters and even forcing his own club into an embarrassing U-turn.
Nicky Butt has launched a scathing, X-rated attack on Thomas Tuchel following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The former Manchester United and England midfielder believes the German coach’s position is now untenable after a series of controversial tactical decisions cost the Three Lions a place in the final, and has already identified two potential replacements.
U.S. Women's National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is eligible to make her long-awaited debut for the Denver Summit against the Portland Thorns at Centennial Stadium - which is less than 35 miles away from her hometown, Golden, Colo. Heaps, 32, signed a pre-contract with the first-year club prior to the NWSL season, after starring with French giants OL Lyonnes for the past four years.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a stinging assessment of England's latest World Cup failure, telling the squad to "look in the mirror" after their semi-final exit. The legendary Swedish striker questioned the true quality of the Three Lions after they fell short against Argentina, marking yet another major tournament disappointment.
Harry Kane has admitted to feeling "empty" after England were dumped out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage following a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. The Three Lions captain took to social media to share his devastation as the nation's 60-year wait for a major global trophy continues.
Youri Tielemans has described Manchester United as the "perfect club for me" following his £35 million move from Aston Villa. The Belgian midfielder arrives at Old Trafford with significant experience and a burning ambition to restore the Red Devils to the pinnacle of English and European football.
Lautaro Martinez was unable to contain his emotions on the pitch after firing Argentina into the 2026 World Cup final with a dramatic winner against England. The Inter captain broke down in tears during a post-match TV interview in Atlanta, reflecting on a journey that has taken him from his humble beginnings to the verge of a second global crown.
Social media sensation IShowSpeed has issued a desperate plea to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The viral streamer is begging the Barcelona starlet to prevent Lionel Messi from lifting back-to-back world titles and further pulling away from his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. With Argentina set to face Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the stakes for the "GOAT" debate have never been higher.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his total commitment to the England job despite the crushing disappointment of a World Cup semi-final exit. The German tactician insists he is the right man to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028 on home soil, and has identified a "big problem" that must be resolved to finally end the nation's trophy drought.
England legend Michael Owen has launched a blistering attack on Thomas Tuchel, comparing his ultra-defensive tactics to those of a local pub team. Following the Three Lions' heartbreaking 2-1 World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, the former striker labelled the defensive approach "rubbish" and the absolute opposite of brave.
Atlanta did not need the World Cup to manufacture a soccer culture. Eight matches and more than half a million fan-festival visitors only confirmed what the city had spent nearly 60 years building.
Aston Villa are closing in on a major midfield reinforcement, with Joao Gomes reportedly set to undergo his medical ahead of a move from West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian midfielder has already departed Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal to finalise the details of his switch to Villa Park.
Spain have begun their preparations for the 2026 World Cup final, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh while sitting out La Roja’s latest training session ahead of Sunday's showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Michael Olise has communicated a final decision on his future to Bayern Munich following intense speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The France international, who has been a revelation at Allianz Arena since his 2024 move from Crystal Palace, is reportedly eager to extend his stay with the Bundesliga champions.
Highly-rated Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco has reportedly completed his long-awaited transfer to Manchester United. Having finally celebrated his 18th birthday, the former Fortaleza midfield prodigy is ready to integrate into the Old Trafford set-up.
Borussia Dortmund are increasingly confident of keeping star striker Serhou Guirassy after a host of European giants failed to activate his cut-price release clause. The Guinea international, who was one of the most prolific scorers in the Bundesliga last term, saw his exit option expire at midnight on Wednesday.
France defender Lucas Digne has opened up on the "immense disappointment" of Les Bleus' World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The experienced left-back was at the centre of the game's turning point, conceding the penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that allowed La Roja to break the deadlock.
Former England international Andros Townsend has fiercely defended manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' agonising 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina. Townsend dismissed the widespread backlash over Tuchel's defensive changes, arguing the tactical adjustments were "smart" manoeuvres that were ultimately let down by the players on the pitch.
Marc Guehi has appeared to question Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead in Atlanta, sparking a wave of criticism regarding the manager's decision to retreat into a defensive shell.
Arsenal have reportedly reached a total agreement with Club Brugge for the transfer of Christos Tzolis. The Gunners are set to pay a fee in the region of £34 million to bring the Greece international back to the Premier League.
Como are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah ahead of Crystal Palace and Inter. The ambitious Serie A side have moved quickly to secure the centre-back, offering him the chance to play under the guidance of Chelsea cult hero Cesc Fabregas.
Lionel Scaloni could not hide his pride after watching Argentina secure a monumental comeback victory against England to book their place in the 2026 World Cup final. The Albiceleste boss lauded his players' unique psychological approach, claiming they play with the freedom of children despite the immense pressure of the global stage.
Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the 2026 World Cup final. The captain said the victory was "a gift" for the late icon before turning his focus towards one more chance at football history.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly knocked back an opening bid from Nottingham Forest for Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The 20-year-old has emerged as the priority target for the Tricky Trees as they look to reinvest the massive windfall from Elliot Anderson's departure to Manchester City.
Liverpool are close to tying Dominik Szoboszlai to a new long-term contract after reaching an outline agreement with the Hungary international. The midfielder, who has become one of the club's standout performers since arriving from RB Leipzig, is expected to remain a key figure under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Thomas Tuchel is about to learn the true meaning of an England tournament post-mortem - something the country does best. The inquest is well underway, with widespread calls for the manager's head in the wake of Wednesday's bitterly disappointing World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of the holders Argentina, as a defensive shift backfired and Tuchel's side slumped to defeat in stoppage time, despite leading in the 85th minute.
Spain captain Rodri Hernandez has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates as La Roja prepare for their second-ever World Cup final. Despite a dominant tournament run, the Manchester City midfielder insists that the job is far from finished ahead of a heavyweight clash with Argentina in New Jersey.