Philadelphia Union news

Union boss breaks silence on Bafana's Makhanya going AWOL

The MLS side coach has finally spoken out regarding the mysterious absence of the Bafana Bafana defender. The 22-year-old has failed to report for training following South Africa's 2026 World Cup campaign, sparking intense speculation about a potential move to the Scottish Premiership or Belgium.

Broos defends Cross and Makhanya World Cup picks

The experienced coach has left supporters and pundits alike scratching their heads after including an uncapped duo in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician, known for his firm convictions, officially unveiled his travelling party for the North American showpiece during a high-profile announcement at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse.

Bradley Carnell fired after 6-4 loss to Messi's Inter Miami

On the same day that fellow countryman Olwethu Makhanya and The Union defender was selected for the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad, the 49-year-old reigning MLS coach of the year discovered his services were no longer required following a disastrous start to the current campaign that has left the club at the bottom of the table.

Union fire 2025 MLS COY Carnell after historically poor first half

Bradley Carnell, recipient of the 2025 MLS Coach of the Year award, has been fired by the Philadelphia Union as part of a major revamp following the club's historically poor first half of the season. In addition, Jon Scheer has been promoted from interim to full-time Sporting Director of the club. It is unclear if former Director Ernst Tanner is still a part of the Union.

Messi has hamstring issue but reportedly expected for World Cup

Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”

MLS midseason tiers: Miami, SJ impress, but Atlanta raise concern

Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.

Evander makes it look easy for Cincinnati, the Cavan show begins

Vancouver Whitecaps continued their Western dominance, while a teenager stood out in defeat in one of the more remarkable games in league history

Luis Suarez shows his quality, but Miami suffer Messi scare in win

Inter Miami came from behind in a frenetic 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union but suffered a major injury scare when Lionel Messi exited in the second half. Luis Suarez scored three as Miami showed resilience in the second-highest scoring match in MLS history. Attention now turns to Messi’s health with fewer than three weeks until the World Cup.

It's Cavan's time now: Philly's management of Sullivan a bright spot

Philadelphia Union’s season has gone sideways, but Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS goal offered a glimpse of why the club’s patient approach with its teenage star may still pay off.

WATCH: Future Man City forward Cavan Sullivan scores first MLS goal

Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS league goal is another milestone in one of American soccer’s most-watched young careers. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union standout helped spark a late rally against Orlando City SC, adding to a resume that already includes a pro contract at 14 and two CONCACAF Champions Cup goals earlier this year against Defence Force F.C. Despite his efforts, the Union suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat.

Top American managers ranked: Marsch, Berhalter, Matarazzo, Arena

Trailblazing Americans have made their coaching marks not only in MLS and with the USMNT, but in England, Germany and France

MLS Managers on the Hot Seat (04.14.2026)

MLS managers on the hot seat: Is Bradley Carnell done in Philly?

Two MLS clubs have fired their coaches less than two months into the season, and there is plenty of reason to believe that further managers could leave in the coming weeks.

‘He's going to crack line-up for PL team’ - Sullivan prediction

A move to Manchester City forms part of Cavan Sullivan’s sporting destiny, and Freddy Adu has told GOAL why the teenage wonderkid will one day “crack the starting line-up for a Premier League team”. For now, there is still much work for the exciting 16-year-old to do when it comes to unlocking full potential in his game. If he can achieve that, then the top-flight in England should be illuminated at some point in the not too distant future.

Sullivan warned of Man City transfer mistake he must avoid

Cavan Sullivan has been warned of the transfer mistake that he must avoid when linking up with Manchester City, as ex-USMNT star Freddy Adu tells GOAL of the career roadmap that the teenage wonderkid needs to follow. Record-shattering MLS sensation Sullivan is due to join Premier League heavyweights when he turns 18, at which point a loan move is expected to be sanctioned.

‘Should have started more games’ - Adu airs Sullivan concern

Freddy Adu knows all about the challenges of being a teenage wonderkid and is hoping that Cavan Sullivan will soon be shown the level of trust by the Philadelphia Union that his exciting potential deserves. The MLS history-making 16-year-old remains part of the first-team fold in Philly, but ex-USMNT star Adu has told GOAL why the youngster “should have started more games than he has”.

NXGN 2026: Top 50 teenage wonderkids in 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, Rodrygo, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Vicky Lopez in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

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'Cavan Sullivan does not fit' - Twellman on Carnell, Union's woes

The Apple TV analyst caught up with GOAL to talk about why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been inconsistent, and speculated how a potential Robert Lewandowski arrival could change MLS.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire FC, February 2026

Is Mbokazi proving Broos wrong? Ex-Pirates captain makes strong claim for Bafana defender

The 20-year-old has risen rapidly in his club career, making notable strides in a short space of time. Since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already secured a move overseas and continues to attract praise as a player destined for greatness. However, his switch to America did not earn a nod from his national team coach.

CF America vs Philadelphia Union: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

How to watch the CONCACAF Champions Cup match between CF America and Philadelphia Union, as well as kick-off time and team news

Rodriguez finally makes debut and is Noonan's time up in Cincy?

Week 4 of MLS didn't disappoint as several high-profile signings made their debuts and is Pat Noonan's seat getting hotter at FC Cincinnati?

MLS managers on the hot seat: Should Greg Vanney be nervous in LA?

Less than a month into the season, a club has already fired their manager. And that might just leave the door open for a few others who could be feeling the heat.

WATCH: Mbokazi misses chance for last-gasp winner in 0-0 stalemate

The 20-year-old started his third Major League Soccer match in a row and played well in keeping a clean sheet for his club. However, the centre back will have sleepless nights over a late chance that would have secured victory for his side.

Sullivan tipped to make immediate City exit on two-year loan

Cavan Sullivan will link up with Manchester City once he turns 18, with the USMNT hopeful being tipped to head out of the Etihad Stadium on a two-year European loan immediately after a move to England is completed. The American wonderkid is just 16 years of age, but Tab Ramos has told GOAL what the long-term future could look like for the hottest of prospects.

Mbokazi hailed as one of the most popular players in MLS

When the 20-year-old moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire, it triggered a massive upsurge on the Chicago club's social media, which saw 180,000 followers join in the first 48 hours. That figure has since grown to over half a million South African social media accounts now following the club, making up a quarter of their entire online audience.

Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

How to watch the Major League Soccer match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC, as well as kick-off time and team news

Better than Mbokazi! England, Germany, France interest in Bafana hopeful!

Calls for the 21-year-old defender to be included in the National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to grow louder, with some believing he has done enough to earn his place in the squad. The centre-back has steadily built his profile during his three years in the United States, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. Crucially, he has tested himself against some of the best attacking talents in the game, such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

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