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A new front has opened in the ongoing debate over inclusion in international sport. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called for transgender individuals to be barred

The US President is seeking to strengthen his influence in the world of football. This strategic push, though light on specifics so far, is being watched closely by stakeholders across the sport. From domestic leagues to international governing bodies, officials are weighing how the White House might leverage diplomatic, economic, and cultural levers to expand American interests on and off the pitch. In recent years, football—or soccer, as it is known in the United States—has emerged as a powerful soft-power tool for nations seeking to project influence, attract investment, and build global partnerships. The world’s most popular sport commands billions of fans, making it an attractive arena for political leaders aiming to amplify their messages and forge new alliances. While the details of the President’s plan remain unclear, several potential avenues are under consideration. These include hosting high-profile tournaments, investing in youth development programs, and using the sport as

Lionesses World Cup squad: Who will make the cut in 2027?

England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway. The Lionesses started it with a 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday and will continue their quest to secure a place in Brazil when hosting Iceland on Saturday. As runners-up in 2023, few would not expect Sarina Wiegman's side to achieve as much, but who the manager will choose to represent the European champions in South America is a little less certain.

Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup

All you need to know about Argentina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 World Cup: how many players can be selected and when are the squads announced?

All the information on the much-anticipated lists

Watch out, England & USWNT: Japan ARE World Cup contenders

With little over a year to go until the 2027 Women's World Cup kicks-off, some of the front-runners for the trophy are obvious. Spain, the reigning champions, and England, the 2023 runners-up, who beat La Roja in the European Championship final last summer, are right up there. The United States' Olympic triumph in 2024 saw them reinstate themselves at the top of the international game while Brazil, as hosts and South American champions, will fancy their chances, too. This month's Asian Cup, though, has served as a reminder that Japan should also be considered as being right in that mix.

Alexia Putellas Leah Williamson Sam Kerr split

Women's World Cup 2027: Full list of qualified teams

GOAL tracks all the qualification campaigns for the 2027 Women's World Cup, breaking down which teams have qualified and which nations could soon join them

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	العين	22	17	5	0	46	18	28	56	W W W W W
2	شباب أهلي دبي	22	16	4	2	52	11	41	52	L W W W D
3	الجزيرة	22	12	4	6	38	23	15	40	W L W W W
4	الوصل	22	10	6	6	28	23	5	36	W L W L L
5	الوحدة	22	9	9	4	33	21	12	36	D D L L D

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

العين

W
W
W
W
W

شباب أهلي دبي

L
W
W
W
D

الجزيرة

W
L
W
W
W

الوصل

W
L
W
L
L

الوحدة

D
D
L
L
D

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most MLS titles?

Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.

How many teams are in the MLS?

There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.

Who has made the most MLS appearances ever?

Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the MLS?

Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.

Who has the most assists in the history of the MLS?

Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.

Who is the oldest player ever in the MLS and how old was he?

Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.

Who is the youngest player ever in the MLS and how old was he?

Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.

Which famous players have played in the MLS?

Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.

Which famous managers have managed in the MLS?

MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.

What is the biggest stadium in the MLS?

The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.

Who is the most expensive player in the history of the MLS?

Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.