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FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

'Anything is possible' - Henry believes USMNT could win group

Thierry Henry offered a measured assessment of the United States’ World Cup prospects, acknowledging that Group D is favorable but still far from simple. He noted that host nations often ride energy and momentum to deep runs, and said a fast start and a strong connection with home support could tilt the tournament in the USMNT’s favor.

'Feels more real' - After WC draw, U.S. eyes the impossible

The draw delivered clarity, confidence and a challenge. Now Pochettino and his players know the route - and, inspired by Herb Brooks and the Miracle on Ice, they’re daring to dream big.

United States v Ecuador - International Friendly

'I'm always thinking about returning' - Pochettino wants EPL comeback

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has admitted to harbouring a desire to make a Premier League return after coming "so close" to winning the title with Tottenham. The Argentine has confessed that he still feels the pull of the English top flight, even as he prepares to lead the United States men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Lalas on USMNT's World Cup draw: Thank the soccer gods

Alexi Lalas was upbeat after the United States landed in Group D for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of Play-Off C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo). He called the group not just good, but “great,” and said the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino should be expected to advance.

Biggest winners & losers of the World Cup draw

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

Reyna’s World Cup ‘bar’ test! USMNT star challenged to do more

Gio Reyna has been set a 2026 World Cup challenge. Former USMNT star Brad Friedel, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, has told the talented Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker what needs to happen in order to make Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for next summer’s tournament, with nobody - regardless of their ability - guaranteed a place in those plans.

'Workaholic' Pochettino could leave USMNT after World Cup

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

Mauricio Pochettino, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie

'No shame' - USMNT told what success looks like at 2026 World Cup

The USMNT have been told what represents a successful 2026 World Cup, with Brad Friedel looking ahead to the tournament in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are being challenged to reach the knockout stages on home soil, but there will be “no shame” in falling short if they come unstuck against a heavyweight rival such as England or Brazil.

American soccer’s Thanksgiving spread: plenty to appreciate

It's a wild time to be a fan of American soccer, leaving those who follow it plenty to be grateful for this holiday season

‘Should aspire to win it’ - Poch outlines USMNT WC expectations

In an interview with Andrés Cantor for Futbol de Primera, Mauricio Pochettino discusses the work behind the USMNT’s recent turnaround - and calls out coaches who have criticized his approach.

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Next Manchester City manager odds: Maresca waits in the wings

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United States v Uruguay - International Friendly

Donovan: Pochettino has 'masterfully' rebuilt USMNT’s toughness

U.S. Soccer icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan have each pointed to a clear shift in the USMNT's temperament - a willingness to scrap, defend one another, and press relentlessly - crediting Mauricio Pochettino’s influence for hardening the squad’s identity. Howard said that fighting edge first emerged during the Gold Cup and has since been reinforced by the return of key senior players.

Balboa warns European-based players after USMNT's November camp

Marcelo Balboa backed Mauricio Pochettino’s recent comments after the United States’ win over Uruguay, saying the coach is setting firm expectations for the squad. Balboa noted that Pochettino wants every player - including those based in Europe - to match the required intensity and compete for their place, adding that club form alone won’t guarantee a spot.

Would Pochettino really omit stars to stick with approach?

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT just delivered its best camp yet - but the emergence of new standouts has created a real selection dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

'Not the janitor!' - Pochettino snaps at USMNT rotation question

Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after being quizzed on his apparent penchant for rotating the USMNT, with the angry Argentine suggesting that said press conference should be restarted as he is “not the janitor” in North America and stands by every decision that he makes. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach was stunned by the line of questioning after a statement win over Uruguay.

USMNT Rondo: Is Uruguay Poch’s best win - and who’s on bubble?

Between breakout performances and returning stars making noise, the U.S. leave November camp with momentum - and something close to genuine belief. GOAL’s writers unpack the key storylines that emerged.

‘No regular players’ - Pochettino shows USMNT is more than stars

Mauricio Pochettino made it loud and clear that the USMNT are about the collective rather than the individuals after Sebastian Berhalter and Alex Freeman stepped up with breakout performances.

Frequently asked questions

: Lionel Messi is a versatile attacker who has featured both through the middle and in a free role from the right, allowing him to cut inside on to his stronger left foot.
: Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina on June 24, 1987.
: The Argentine maestro wears the number he has been known to don for the majority of his career, the No. 10, at MLS outfit Inter Miami.
: Lionel Messi is often among the shortest players on a football pitch, standing at just 1.70m (5ft 7in). However, it is due to his low center of gravity which has made him one of the most fearsome forces to be reckoned with in football history.
: Lionel Messi weighs 67kg (148 lbs), his low weight aiding him in gaining high bursts of acceleration and gliding past defenders as if they were never there.
: Lionel Messi began his journey in football with local club Grandoli at the age of four, in 1992, before joining the team he loved the most, Newell's Old Boys, at the age of six. He stayed with the Argentine club until 2000, when he made the switch to Barcelona.
: Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo have three sons: Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro.
: Lionel Messi is married to Argentine model and media personality Antonella Roccuzzo. The couple exchanged vows back in 2017.

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