Alex Labidou

Millions of soccer fans from around the world have the opportunity to buy tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in North America, as lottery winners from 4.5 million applicants were granted access starting Wednesday. FIFA said lottery winners were or will be informed of their status via email. The governing body expects demand will be high.

The Chicago Fire are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but Inter Miami won't be thrilled the visitors' postseason ticket came at their expense in a 5-3 defeat at home. Luis Suarez rolled back the years with two goals, but his brilliance wasn’t enough to cover for the Herons’ season-long defensive frailties, as they shipped three before halftime.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Luna's excellent playmaking performance

With Pulisic delivering one of his best performances for Milan, GOAL US writers discuss the heights he can reach this season

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic sitting on top of Serie A's scoring charts

U.S. international Max Arfsten has reportedly extended his contract with MLS side Columbus Crew, ending speculation over the near future for the wingback. Arfsten was linked with a move away from Columbus, with Middlesbrough reportedly being the most interested club. Now the Crew secure a player whose stock is rising under USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.

With CONMEBOL lobbying for further expanded competition, GOAL US writers debate the viability of a 64-team tournament

FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with CONMEBOL leaders in New York on Tuesday as the South American confederation pushed a proposal to expand the already sprawling 2030 World Cup - set to feature six host nations across three continents - from 48 to a proposed 64 teams, a move that would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL members a spot.

GOAL US writers debate if Dembele deserved the Ballon d'Or and who could be the first American to win the award

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Freese's goalkeeping heroics for NYCFC

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Pulisic's third goal in four Milan matches

At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s two goals and clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United on Saturday night, giving Inter Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t straightforward, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.

There are several notable names on coach Marko Mitrović's U.S. men's national team roster for the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile, announced Friday by the federation. Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, now with Parma on loan, leads a squad that features several rising MLS stars, along with Dortmund's highly-touted prospect, Cole Campbell.

U.S. international goalkeeper Matt Freese has agreed to a five-year extension with New York City Football Club, the team announced. The 27-year-old’s stock soared in 2025, as he rose from USMNT outsider to one of the standout performers in the Gold Cup - positioning Freese as the possible starter for the 2026 World Cup.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Weah in Le Classique after historic UCL goal

GOAL US writers discuss the Champions League, which featured high-profile matches and last-second heroics

Mallorca turned heads last season as the resourceful club finished 10th in La Liga after contending for European places. That momentum hasn't carried over early in the 2025-26 season as Los Bermellones sit in the relegation zone at 19th. Stu Holden, part of a high-profile North American ownership group, expects things will turn around.