Major League Soccer news

With the 2026 World Cup less than six months away, GOAL looks at the state of the shot-stoppers vying for a spot next summer

After months of speculation about their long-term future in Vancouver, the Whitecaps appear to have found a path forward in the Canadian city. Fresh off their first MLS Cup final appearance, the club announced plans with the City of Vancouver for a new stadium. After more than a decade at BC Place, Vancouver are preparing to negotiate the construction of a purpose-built venue at Hastings Park.

The LA Galaxy are in advanced talks to acquire Philadelphia Union center back Jakob Glesnes, according to a report from The Athletic. The proposed deal would reportedly exceed $1 million in General Allocation Money and include performance-based incentives, a valuation that reflects Glesnes’ standing as one of MLS’s top defenders.

The 2025 MLS Cup delivered record-breaking viewership on Dec. 6, drawing a combined 4.6 million viewers across platforms and setting new benchmarks for fan engagement. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF capped the night by winning their first MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium.

The first stop of Lionel Messi's India tour took an unexpected turn as angry fans ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch as chaos descended at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The unsavoury scenes came due to fan disgruntlement at Messi's brief 20-minute appearance, where they 'could not see his face'. The event organiser has been detained as a result of the incident and an enquiry is ongoing.

Mohamed Salah has been urged to follow Son Heung-min's example and head to Major League Soccer in January, with Chris Waddle insisting the Liverpool legend should consider a new life in America as age and tactical demands catch up with him. With tensions under Arne Slot still raw, the Egyptian winger is again being pushed toward an Anfield exit as speculation intensifies.

The Colorado Rapids are expected to appoint Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells as their next head coach, according to a report from The Athletic. Wells, 37, would be stepping into his first senior managerial role and would become one of the youngest head coaches in MLS when he arrives ahead of the 2026 season.

Mic'd Up: The Apple TV analyst breaks down Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win, explains why Messi still decides everything, backs MLS’s move to a fall-spring calendar, and tips LA Galaxy to rebound in 2026.

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.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly encouraged Mohamed Salah to consider a move to the United States amid escalating uncertainty over the Liverpool star’s future. With his relationship with manager Arne Slot fractured and interest growing across the Atlantic, Garber urged the Egyptian to speak directly with Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller to learn how transformative MLS life can be.

Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio has explained why he would always urge youngsters to follow the “example” of Cristiano Ronaldo over that of Lionel Messi. The two all-time greats have reached the very top of their chosen profession, but took different paths en route to the summit. Portuguese icon Ronaldo has always been about hard work, while Argentine GOAT Messi is more naturally gifted.

Lionel Messi has been caught on camera speaking English. The Argentine superstar has been plying his trade in the United States since 2023. He forms part of a large Spanish-speaking community in Miami, but has clearly been working on becoming bilingual. He was captured putting his language skills to the test in footage obtained by the match referee during the 2025 MLS Cup final.

Messi has lifted the trophy, but the real work starts now. Miami have decisions to make, Philadelphia's prodigy Cavan Sullivan is waiting for his chance, and every contender is hunting the right signing before February.

Wilfried Zaha is returning to the Ivory Coast fold after a prolonged spell away, with the 33-year-old earning a surprise recall for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The Charlotte FC winger had been absent from the national team squad for two years, having initially slipped out of contention following disagreements with former coach Patrice Beaumelle. As a consequence, Zaha missed Les Éléphants' triumphant campaign on home soil in 2023.

Former USMNT star Tim Howard reflected on Inter Miami’s 3-1 MLS Cup win over Vancouver, acknowledging the significance of the title while warning of challenges ahead. He said the trophy cements the club’s place in MLS's history after years of high-profile signings and marketing. He also cautioned that next year could provide challenges for Lionel Messi and warned Vancouver are on the rise.

Son Heung-min said Tottenham will "always be my home" on an emotional return to his former club. The South Korean ended a 10-year stay with Spurs this summer as he completed a move to Los Angeles FC. But on Tuesday night, he got the chance to return to his old stomping ground and deliver a speech to the fans before the north London team's Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

Miami got the trophy. But Thomas Muller's Vancouver might have gotten something even more valuable: proof that they’re good enough to win it next year.