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United States v Japan - International Friendly

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.

Paris Saint-Germain FC v AC Milan - Dubai Challenge Cup

Bato on his relationship with Ancelotti: He named his dog after me

Former Rossoneri star looks back on his fondest memories

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Lyon	8	7	0	1	18	5	13	21	W W W W L
2	Aston Villa	8	7	0	1	14	6	8	21	W W W W W
3	FC Midtjylland	8	6	1	1	18	8	10	19	W D W L W
4	Real Betis	8	5	2	1	13	7	6	17	W L W W W
5	FC Porto	8	5	2	1	13	7	6	17	W D W W D

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Lyon

W
W
W
W
L

Aston Villa

W
W
W
W
W

FC Midtjylland

W
D
W
L
W

Real Betis

W
L
W
W
W

FC Porto

W
D
W
W
D

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most Europa League titles?

Spanish dark horses Sevilla are currently the most accomplished club in Europa League history, winning the competition seven times. Los Nervionenses won their maiden title in 2006, beating Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final. They defended their crown in the next season, before completing a hattrick of wins in 2014, 2015, and 2016 under Unai Emery.

How many teams are in the Europa League?

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams. Traditionally, all games were two-legged knockout ties. From 2004 to 2009, 40 teams competed. In the 2009-10 season, when the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League, a total of 48 teams featured.

Who has made the most Europa League appearances ever?

Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Bergomi, with 96 appearances, holds the record of making the most Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) appearances in history.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the Europa League?

If we consider goals scored in qualifying games and when it was the UEFA Cup, then Swedish icon Henrik Larsson leads the charts with 40 goals. However, without qualifying games taken into account, it's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is Europa League's top goalscorer ever with 34 goals.

Who has the most assists in the history of the Europa League?

Sparta Prague legend Borek Dockal has the most assists in Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) history. Dockal made an impressive 24 assists in 62 games in the competition.

Who is the oldest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?

Ratko Svilar is the oldest player to ever have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup), with the former Antwerp man taking to the pitch at the age of 44 years and 130 days.

Who is the youngest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?

Former Swedish striker Roger Lindevall is the youngest player to ever appear in a Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) game. Lindevall was just 15 years and 335 days when he came on as a substitute for Djurgardens IF in their 2-1 win over Feyenoord on September 29, 1976.

Which famous players have played in the Europa League?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cristiano Ronaldo, Granit Xhaka, Rui Patricio, Giuseppe Bergomi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Dimitri Payet, and Florian Wirtz are among the most famous players to have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup).

Which famous managers have managed in the Europa League?

Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Giovanni Trapattoni, Franz Beckenbauer, and Diego Simeone are some of Europa League's (formerly the UEFA Cup) most famous managers ever.