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The U.S. controlled much of the match against a World Cup team, eventually getting the equalizer - but should have earned more

Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The World Cup holders were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

AC Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini has praised Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez, crediting the Mexico forward for positively impacting the USMNT star's form. Ambrosini, who won multiple titles with Milan from 1995 to 2013, said both have impressed since joining the club. Pulisic has scored 38 goals in 108 appearances, while Giménez has netted seven in 27.

Ivan Toney could make a sensational return to the Premier League in a last-gasp bid to be included in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans. Toney left Brentford last year to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but has dropped down the Three Lions’ pecking order and could make a dramatic move to force his way back in.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has launched a passionate defence of Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal. There has been increased media attention on the teenage winger, who only turned 18 in July, and Mbappe has urged critics to leave the Barca star alone as he continues his establish himself as one of the best footballers in the world.

Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl Rangel have been the goalkeepers most often called up by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre since he took over last year. Both are vying for the starting spot at the 2026 World Cup — but Aguirre had a clear warning: don’t get too comfortable. The list of contenders keeps growing, and legend Guillermo Ochoa won’t be guaranteed anything at that position.

Portugal remain focused on landing the greatest prize in world football after Bruno Fernandes vowed the team are playing to win the World Cup for the entire nation. Portugal have a 100 per cent record heading into the Group F qualifier clash with Ireland, and Fernandes has spoken of the emotion he and his team-mates feel ahead of the tournament.

The Soweto giants have cleared the air on the composition of their technical team for the rest of the 2025/26 season. They have officially parted ways with the men who were their head coach and are now preparing to begin a new chapter with trainers who know they are left to be fully in charge of the team.

Germany made it back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins in routine fashion as they battered minnows Luxembourg in Sinsheim on Friday night. Goals from David Raum, Serge Gnabry and a Joshua Kimmich brace capped a dominant performance from Julian Nagelsmann's side as they eased past their visitors, who were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half to compound a miserable evening.

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes that Arne Slot is 'lucky' to have inherited this title-winning Liverpool squad. Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss last year and won the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield. By comparison, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has had to build his squad as the north London side look to pip the Reds to first this season.

After being frustrated by the Warriors, Bafana's hopes now largely depend on the results from Nigeria and Benin. The Super Eagles will host their West African counterparts in a match that carries a lot of stakes in determining the winner of the group.

Manchester United title winner Michael Owen has taken aim at club legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville. The duo have criticised United boss Ruben Amorim for his stubbornness not to ditch the 3-4-2-1 setup, which has caused division among the fanbase. Owen though feels it is embarrassing to place the blame for United's poor season on the formation which Amorim used during his Sporting days.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has admitted he hasn't spoken to former boss Eddie Howe following his Newcastle exit. Isak left the Magpies for the Premier League champions as a long-running summer saga drew to a close on deadline day. The Swede, though, doesn't want to dwell on the past as he looks to move on from the controversy surrounding his big money move to Anfield.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has opened up about feeling vulnerable to mark World Mental Health day. Bellingham has revealed that he used to search for his name on social media during his time at Birmingham but has hope that one day football fans can overcome an old fashioned outlook about mental health as the England international admits he has learned to brush off criticism.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not have been entirely truthful when insisting Manchester United had no plans to sack under-fire boss Ruben Amorim, according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman. The INEOS chief’s gestures and expressions reportedly revealed “tension” and “secrecy” during a recent interview, hinting that the club’s stance on Amorim’s future may not be as clear-cut as suggested.

The financial benefits of Manchester United moving to a new multi-purpose stadium are becoming clear with a new forecast predicting a £100 million ($133.4m) windfall if they sign a lucrative deal with the NFL. United have recently announced plan for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater ‘New Trafford’ which would be located next to the famous current ground, but plans are still in the very early stages.

Lionel Messi was rested for Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela, a 1-0 win, at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, keeping alive the possibility he could feature for Inter Miami against Atlanta United on Saturday. Earlier in the day, head coach Javier Mascherano said Messi’s availability would depend on whether he played against Venezuela, noting that Argentina would make the final decision.

After their points were deducted by FIFA, South Africa needed to win against the Warriors in order to boost their chances to qualify for the global showpiece. However, they were unable to get the crucial points against their group opponents, who were disadvantaged after Knowledge Musona was sent off.

The Super Eagles were lucky to go home with maximum points following a 2-1 win over Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. While the West Africans were not at their very best, they collected maximum points on the road and kept themselves in contention to go to the global tournament.

GOAL ranks the top soccer players from each of the country's four regions, including USMNT players both past and present

Newcastle United are set to land Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson as their new Sporting Director, dealing a major blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ club. The 41-year-old has reportedly agreed terms to move to St James’ Park, where he will succeed Paul Mitchell. Wilson’s appointment marks another major step in Newcastle’s off-field restructuring under Saudi ownership.

Liverpool’s record signing striker Alexander Isak has been hammered for his behaviour during the protracted move away from Newcastle this summer. Isak effectively went on strike, refusing to train for the Magpies, but finally completing his switch to the Premier League champions in a £125 million ($166.7m) deadline day move. And the Sweden striker’s conduct has now been called out by former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison.

Jack Grealish has been told he is now at a club where his undoubted talents can flourish and finally bring an end to his Manchester City nightmare. Grealish has made a thrilling start to his loan spell at Everton and can become a “maverick again” following his “sour spell” at Man City, according to former Toffees midfielder Don Hutchison.

After over one season under the Tunisian, Amakhosi are set to begin a new era since the tactician has left the club. As the spotlight focuses on the Glamour Boys under their co-coaches, fans will be eager to see where Nabi will head after leaving PSL.

The former Cape Town City forward has struggled to impress the South Africa national team coach even when he was in top goal-scoring form. His situation with the Belgian became worse when he moved to North Africa, where he could not replicate the form that saw him being scouted from the PSL. Now, his father gives him some advice.

Cristhian Mosquera has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s personal touch convinced him to join Arsenal this summer despite the fierce competition posed by defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The £13 million signing from Valencia has already made an impression in north London, proving to be one of the Gunners’ shrewdest recruits this summer.

Football legend Michel Platini believes Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is being played out of position. The former Juventus midfielder says the young Turkish talent, who now wears the club’s iconic No. 10 shirt, should be operating through the middle rather than on the wing. Platini says it is a common issue in modern football that doesn't just apply to Yildiz.

Although he was heavily linked with Amakhosi, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star ended up signing for Buccaneers. The Bafana midfielder has gone on to stamp authority in Bucs' first team despite the competition for starting berths in the team.