USA news

Fulham have made a $35 million (€30 million) offer for U.S. men's national team star Ricardo Pepi, GOAL can confirm, and, despite seeing that bid rejected, several English clubs remain interested in the forward. The offer comes despite Pepi's recent arm injury, which hasn't prevented Premier League clubs from making a push to sign the striker this January.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including some important goals from two strikers in the Championship.

Haji Wright was the hero for Coventry City after scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Leicester City at the 85th minute, a result that keeps the Sky Blues at the top of the Championship table. Coventry remain leaders with 59 points, six clear of second-place Middlesbrough as they continue their push for promotion.

Norwich City will be without Josh Sargent for their Championship clash against Wrexham after head coach Philippe Clement confirmed the striker was dropped for disciplinary reasons. The U.S. international’s situation has raised questions about his short-term future, even as the club insists he remains key in their relegation fight.

Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale has been named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year following a remarkable rookie season that quickly elevated her to the senior national team. Reale enjoyed an immediate impact in her first professional campaign, establishing herself as a reliable presence at left back while contributing on both sides of the ball.

Rose Lavelle has been voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, earning the honor for the first time in her decorated international career. The award caps a standout year in which the longtime U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder played a central role for both club and country. Lavelle overcame a delayed start to the season following ankle surgery.

Benjamin Cremaschi has been recognized as U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year. The award comes as a result of a standout 2025 that saw Cremaschi become just the second U.S. player to claim a Golden Boot as the leading scorer at a major youth tournament. The midfielder, who came from the Inter Miami academy, is currently on loan at Parma.

Manchester United are being backed to finally sign boyhood Red Devils fan Cole Palmer if they can lure the Chelsea star’s former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, back to England. A new permanent boss is required at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Various names have been added to that pot, including an Argentine tactician that is currently working with the USMNT.

GOAL sat down with the centerback to discuss why he left Nashville SC to join Toronto FC and his ambition to play in another World Cup.

FIFA says it received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during its month-long Random Selection Draw application window, highlighting unprecedented global demand for the first-ever 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The window ran from Dec. 11 through Jan. 13 following December’s World Cup draw and schedule release.

GOAL breaks down the five big reasons the central defender was American soccer's standout in 2025.

Chris Richards has been named U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year after a standout 2025 calendar year with both Crystal Palace and the U.S. Men's National Team. The central defender's award win comes in the first time he was nominated for the award, as he beat out Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, and Malik Tillman to this year's honors.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining Folarin Balogun’s path to the USMNT and the expectations that follow him into a World Cup year.