Alejandro Orellana

U.S. men’s national team Weston McKennie’s standout January earned him Juventus’ Player of the Month award after scoring three goals in seven appearances. While his influence on the pitch continues to grow, contract negotiations remain unresolved, with Serie A rivals monitoring the midfielder’s situation closely.

With the World Cup just five months away, GOAL takes a look at how El Tri’s squad could shape up next summer.

New York City FC’s proposed move for Mali international Moussa Sylla collapsed late, sending the 26-year-old back to Schalke. The German club blasted NYCFC over a disputed medical, insisting contracts were signed, and insisting the striker is fit. With the deal off, NYCFC will pivot as Schalke keep a key scorer. The striker was set to be a Designated Player before talks unraveled abruptly, publicly.

Minnesota United are in talks with James Rodríguez over a potential move that would bring the Colombian star to MLS, according to The Athletic. The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Club León and remains a key figure for Colombia ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite not playing since late 2025.

New York Red Bulls have completed the signing of Mexican international Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas UNAM, securing one of Liga MX’s most promising attackers. The 24-year-old joins MLS on a long-term deal through 2029, with the club viewing him as a key piece of their attacking project moving forward. Michael Bradley’s side has also strengthened their roster with the addition of Cade Cowell from Chivas.

Obed Vargas is set for a major step forward, leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atlético Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético plan to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he is expected to join the first team. Vargas impressed as a homegrown player for Seattle, making 91 appearances.

Allan Saint-Maximin’s brief spell with Club América came to an abrupt end after the French forward revealed his children were victims of a racist incident in Mexico. The situation deeply affected the player, who requested his release amid growing doubts about continuing in Liga MX, closing a short but intense chapter in Coapa.

Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over Atlético Nacional in Medellín, with Luis Suárez on the scoresheet and Germán Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miami’s first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.

Inter Miami have completed the signing of Mexican international Germán Berterame from CF Monterrey, adding another attacking weapon to their squad ahead of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old arrives as a Designated Player after a prolific spell in Liga MX and will reunite with Lionel Messi and company following a deal valued at around $15 million.

Former Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang is enjoying one of the best stretches of his season in the Championship, scoring his ninth league goal - three in his last four matches - for Derby County. With the World Cup set to be played on home soil, Agyemang is sending a clear message to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino as he tries to kick the door down and force his way into the squad.

Villarreal have completed the signing of U.S. international Alex Freeman on a deal that lasts through 2032. The 21-year-old arrives from Orlando City after a breakout season, as the Yellow Submarine add a full back viewed as ready to compete immediately in LaLiga. The Yellow Submarine are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino declined to engage in the debate over World Cup ticket prices, stressing that neither he nor his players should comment on FIFA’s decisions. Responding to remarks made by Timothy Weah, Pochettino reiterated that the sole responsibility of the USMNT is to prepare, compete and perform on the pitch.

Crystal Dunn, a cornerstone of the USWNT’s most successful era, announced her retirement at 33. A World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist and NWSL MVP, Dunn steps away after a career defined by versatility, big-game performances and a lasting impact on and off the field. At club level, she starred with the North Carolina Courage, Washington Spirit, Chelsea and other top teams.

Inter Miami’s preseason has suffered an early setback after the club confirmed that Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón sustained a significant knee injury during the friendly against Alianza Lima. While surgery has been avoided, his availability for the MLS season opener remains uncertain as recovery timelines are evaluated.

MLS announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new weekly marquee matchup designed to create a must-watch Saturday appointment for fans throughout the 2026 regular season. The initiative will debut during the league’s Opening Weekend with one of the most anticipated matches of the season, as defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF face LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

FC Cincinnati are finalizing a loan agreement to sign Polish youth international goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek from Liverpool, according to The Athletic. The deal includes an option to buy, giving Cincinnati flexibility depending on the goalkeeper’s adaptation and performance in Major League Soccer. Mrozek spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Forest Green Rovers.

Major League Soccer is formalizing its approach to prediction markets through a new multi-year partnership with Polymarket, a deal that combines fan engagement ambitions with tighter league oversight. Soccer United Marketing, the league’s commercial arm, announced the agreement Monday, naming Polymarket an official partner of MLS and Leagues Cup in the United States.

Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an all–Liga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before Germán Berterame delivered the decisive moment.