From discounted tickets and free fan festivals, to 24-hour pitches and a visit to Rikers Island, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani tells GOAL how his administration sought to make the World Cup accessible - and what he hopes it will leave behind.
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.
Red Bull New York academy product Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick at 18 years and 50 days old, passing Ricardo Pepi’s previous mark of 18 years and 196 days. Hall now has nine goals and two assists this season, emerging as a major bright spot for a Red Bulls team that has found new life under first-year head coach Michael Bradley.
Mic'd Up: The New York Red Bulls great and Apple TV broadcaster had his name etched into his home stadium, but ahead of the World Cup, his focus lies elsewhere
The ex-Usuthu staffer has lifted the lid on the dramatic transfer saga that saw the South Africa international slip through the club's fingers. Despite having a contract drafted and ready for the defender, the Durban-based side were left stunned when the Sea Robbers swooped in at the eleventh hour to secure the youngster.
The centre-back's move from the Soweto giants to the USA may have divided opinion in the coaching dugout, but there is no debating the financial windfall the young defender has secured. The South Africa international has traded the PSL for Major League Soccer in a deal that has catapulted him into a different stratosphere of wealth.
The Men in Red coach has addressed the high-profile error made by Mbekezeli Mbokazi during a disappointing Major League Soccer defeat. The South African youngster saw a misplaced pass lead directly to an opposition goal in a tight contest against FC Cincinnati.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed again as he could not help the Men in Red see out a chaotic game where his team were unable to capitalize on a man advantage, nor profit from a 90th minute penalty, as they conceded at the death to to slip to defeat at Soldier Field.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed he could not help his team see out the game and secure the win over their Western Conference rivals that would have seen them through to the quarterfinals of America's premier cup competition.
With the future of the Argentine still uncertain after the World Cup, GOAL assesses some potential successors for the manager should he decide to walk away from the job.
The 20-year-old South African defender was rested ahead of a challenging run of cup and league matches and watched from the bench as his fellow countryman got his first start of the season. Dithejane joined Mbokazi on the bench after a disappointing hour of play with his side one goal to the good.
The New York Red Bulls unveiled their new $112 million training facility on Wednesday, welcoming club icons including Thierry Henry, Dax McCarty, and Bradley Wright-Phillips, among others. Red Bull Global Head of Sport Jurgen Klopp also attended the ribbon-cutting, joking that the pristine complex made him consider a return to coaching.
Former United States international Taylor Twellman has praised two exceptional teenage prospects currently making waves in Major League Soccer. However, the prominent analyst refused to burden these rising American stars with premature comparisons to legendary footballing figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also outlining the established core needed for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil.
German Berterame finally got among the goals and Inter Miami created chances aplenty, but defensive lapses cost them in an enthralling 2-2 draw with New York Red Bulls. Lionel Messi, too, was uncharacteristically quiet, yet the visitors offered plenty of attacking quality and were good value for the result.
From Lionel Messi's Inter Miami having their homecoming spoiled to Julian Hall leading the way for the Red Bulls, MLS delivered another compelling weekend of football
Jesse Lingard completed a stunning move to Corinthians early last month after turning down an offer from MLS. The former Manchester United midfielder was convinced to move to Brazil following a recommendation from his former team-mate Memphis Depay and a pitch from agent Fernando Martins.
U.S. international Josh Sargent made his long-awaited Toronto FC debut on Saturday, coming off the bench in the 70th minute for Robin Fraser’s side. The 26-year-old was welcomed with a loud roar from the BMO Field crowd and nearly made an immediate impact, but Toronto had to settle for a 1-1 draw after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s late equalizer.
Matchday 2 of MLS brought a signature comeback win for Inter Miami, and a continuation of form for the Red Bulls. But it might be time to worry about Atlanta.
MLS’s opening weekend delivered surprise results and standout performances - but also plenty of drama and controversy, even from its biggest star, Lionel Messi.