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Japan news

Hayes is 'proud' of Wilson's performance vs. Japan

Sophia Wilson, after giving birth to her daughter Gigi in September, returns to the USWNT and the starting lineup for the first time since 2024. Wilson, who earned her 59th cap and 41st start on the night, hadn’t shared the pitch with fellow “Triple Espresso” member Trinity Rodman in 17 months. After a brief feeling-out period, though, the pair looked like they hadn’t missed a beat up top.

Lavelle steals the show as Wilson makes long-awaited return in win

The USWNT won their 10th-straight game, defeating Japan 2-1 to open up a series of three games against their long-time rival this month. Rose Lavelle scored and added an assist to push the USWNT past the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions.

USWNT vs Japan five keys: Wilson’s comeback begins

Sophia Wilson is back, the midfield is settling and key roster battles are heating up as the USWNT face Japan in a crucial three-game stretch.

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

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

Before the US and Iran… historic clashes that took place at World Cup stadiums

Doubts surround Iran's participation in the World Cup

Ella Toone Manchester United 2025-26-WSL

Toone out of crucial Man Utd & England games as return date revealed

Lionesses star Ella Toone is not expected to return from injury until after the April international break, dealing a significant blow to both England and Man Utd. It's a delay that means the playmaking midfielder will miss United's upcoming games with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, as well as the Lionesses' crucial clash with Spain in World Cup qualifying.

AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia Final - Japan v Australia

Japan crowned Asian champions as Hamano's goal beats Australia

NXGN 2026: Top 25 teenage talents in women's football

The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Lena Oberdorf and Linda Caicedo in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

Ballon d'Or Feminin: Who will end Bonmati's dominance?

Aitana Bonmati has won each of the last three Ballons d'Or Feminin - but the accolade will go to someone else in 2026. Will it be two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas who reasserts herself as the best player in the women's game? Or could there be a new name on the honour roll when the Golden Ball is handed out in Paris in October?

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

RANKED: How the Asian Cup will effect WSL clubs

The Women's Asian Cup began on March 1, kickstarting a month that was set to see two of the major tournaments in the women's game take place, with the Africa Cup of Nations to follow on March 17. Incredibly, the latter was postponed just 12 days before it was due to start, but the impact the Asian Cup will have on the continuing club competitions will still be fascinating, as teams across the women's game say goodbye to some of their best players for a few weeks.

United States v Italy - International Friendly

USWNT to face Japan three times in April at NWSL venues

The U.S. Women’s National Team will return to action in April with a three-game series against longtime rival Japan during the FIFA window. The matches will be played April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, April 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and April 17 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, providing the USWNT with a high-level test against one of the world’s top teams.

Mexico and Japan negotiating for friendly in September

El Tri has already confirmed friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey for the June FIFA dates

Why WSL clubs are filling their squads with Japanese talent

Representing Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and more, the number of players representing the Asian nation in the English top-flight has more than doubled

Betting spotlight

Chelsea vs Manchester City Predictions: City inflict blues at Bridge

See more betting articles

10 years of NXGN: Top 10 women's wonderkid success stories

After the launch of NXGN 2025, GOAL picks out 10 success stories from previous editions, from USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw to Lionesses winger Lauren James

10 years of NXGN: Where are 2024's best women's wonderkids now?

GOAL selected the 25 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2005 – but where are they now?

10 years of NXGN: Where are 2023's best women's wonderkids now?

GOAL selected the 20 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2004 – but where are they now?

10 years of NXGN: Where are 2022's best women's wonderkids now?

GOAL selected the 20 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2003 – but where are they now?

10 years of NXGN: Where are 2021's best women's wonderkids now?

GOAL selected the 10 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2002 – but where are they now?

10 years of NXGN: Where are 2020's best women's wonderkids now?

GOAL selected the 10 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2001 – but are they living up to their potential?

NXGN 2025: Football's 25 best women's wonderkids

The annual NXGN lists are back for another year, highlighting 25 of the most incredible female talents to have been born on or after January 1, 2006

USWNT stock up, stock down: Sentnor, Yohannes state case

The USWNT took down good teams in Colombia and Australia before falling to a great one in Japan, but plenty of reason for optimism

'We’ll be back' - USWNT's Hayes both disappointed, defiant

It was a night to forget for the U.S., although the mistakes that led them here likely won't be forgotten too quickly

Disbelief? Dicey defending dooms U.S. to first loss in Hayes era

The USWNT fell for the first time in 18 matches in the Hayes era as Japan took their first SheBelieves Cup - and it surely wasn't a fluke

Frequently asked questions

You must be a club member to purchase an official ticket through the club to see Manchester City play at the Etihad Stadium.

There are two types of Cityzens memberships – Matchday Membership, for adults (ages 18 and above) between £25 and £35, and Junior Membership, for youth supporters (ages 17 and below) at £20.

Memberships offer fans a range of benefits, from priority access to tickets to a discount in the club shop.

Adult

Full Price: £35
Base Membership: £25

Junior

Full Price: £20

To buy a Manchester City season ticket, you must first be a Cityzens Matchday or Junior Member, as season tickets are not sold to the general public. However, season tickets for the 2025/26 season are currently sold out, and only a limited number of Flexi Season Tickets were offered to eligible members based on their match attendance history and purchase activity.

Renewals for existing ticket holders have closed, and new tickets will not be widely available until at least the 2026/27 season, when the Etihad Stadium expansion is expected to release more seats.

To prepare for future availability, you should purchase a Cityzens Matchday Membership through the official Manchester City website and attend as many home games as possible. Priority for season tickets is based on loyalty and attendance, so building your history now increases your chances.

Flexi Season Tickets, which offer a more flexible commitment while still providing benefits, are another route, but also subject to eligibility.

Due to high demand, getting your hands on Premier League tickets for Manchester City matches is not easy, though it is typically not as tough as it is for their rivals.

Unsurprisingly, that can lead many fans to head to secondary resale sites such as StubHub in their efforts to bag tickets, though even then, it is not a foregone conclusion.

The best way to get tickets for Manchester City matches is to ensure you have a membership and browse the individual match options available. Remember, games against lower Premier League opposition or non-rivals will likely be easier to find.

The best way to buy cheap Manchester City tickets is from the club's official website, looking for tickets in the more cost-friendly portions of the Etihad Stadium.

Second-hand resale sites such as StubHub and Ticombo may also offer cheap tickets at short notice, with prices likely at their lowest the closer you get to the game.

You can indeed book a tour around the Etihad Stadium. Several websites offer deals and discounts on tours around the Citizens' home.

RedLetterDays currently offer stadium tours from £28 for one adult through £72 for two adults and two children. The time lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes an interactive portion that allows guests to greet a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press room and access the club shop.

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