The knock out Stage is here with teams 8-24 battling it our to see who will face the top 8 teams in the next round. Powerhouses Real Madrid, PSG and Juventus all fell out of the top 8 setting up playoff time for them to advance. Tues gives us a beaut with the Special one Jose Mournino and Benefica hosting the club he once coached to a UCL trophy Real Madrid at home. AS Monaco and American Balogan has his chance vs defending champs PSG and Weston McKinney and his Juve will travel to Galatasaray.
After a Full weekend of FA Cup Play the fifth round draw has been made
Some interesting games ahead. Perhaps the just juiciest non all-EPL match-ups are We are Wrexham (owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney & their FX TV Show hosting Chelsea, League 1 foe Mansfield Town hosting EPL leaders Arsenal and perhaps Bristol City hosting Sunderland. Love it when the little guys get to host the big guys.
Home teams listed first
Fulham vs. Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Manchester City
Leeds vs. Norwich City
Mansfield Town vs. Arsenal
Wolves vs. Liverpool
Wrexham vs. Chelsea
West Ham vs. Macclesfield or Brentford
MLS Kicks off this Weekend
The 2026 MLS season runs from this Saturday February 21 to early November, featuring 30 teams playing 34 regular-season matches, with a significant break from May 25 to July 16 for the FIFA World Cup. The season includes Eastern and Western Conferences, culminating in the MLS Cup Playoffs in November/December. Defending Champions are Miami and Lionel Messi who was League MVP. He will be missing many of his Barcelona buddies who all retired at the end of last season however. Read all about Miami in the Season Preview below. The games will all be broadcast on FREE APPLE TV. So if you have APPLE TV you get MLS with no additional charge like the last few seasons. (Awesome news) I still hate that more games are not on linear TV like Fox, FS1 and perhaps ESPN – because I am 100% sure NO ONE KNOWS MLS starts this weekend do you? Don’t lie – NOPE. Well you heard it here first and the first game on FOX is the Cincy vs Atlanta United game at 4:45 pm Saturday. Other notables have have Columbus traveling to Porland 10:30 pm on Apple, LAFC hosting Messi & Miami 9:30 pm on Apple, and my Seattle Sounders hosting Colorado Sunday at 9:15 pm right after LA vs NYCFC at 7 pm.
Key Details for the 2026 Season:
Duration: February 21 – November 7, 2026 (Regular Season).
Format: 30 teams; 34 games per team (17 home, 17 away).
2026 FIFA World Cup Pause: May 25 – July 16, 2026.
All-Star Game: July 29, 2026.
Decision Day: November 7, 2026.
Broadcast: All matches are available on Apple TV.
Future Changes: Starting in 2027, MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar (similar to European leagues), running from July to May, with a winter break.
TV Schedule
Tues, Feb 17 12:45 pm Para+ TUDN Galatasaray vs Juventus (McKinney) 3 pm Para+ TUDN Benefica vs REal Madrid 3 pm CBSSN, Para+ Dortmund vs Atalanta 3 pm Para+_ Monaco (Balogan vs PSG 8 pm FS2 Atletico Ottawa vs NAshville SC CCC 10 pm FS2 Real Espana vs LAFC CCC Wed, FEb 18 12:45 pm Para+ Qarabag vs Newcastle United 2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulilsc) cs Como 3 pm CBSSN, PAra+ Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid 3 pm Para+ Olympicakos vs Bayer LEverkus (Tilman) 3 pm PAra+ Inter Milan vs Bodo Glimt 6 pm FS2 Defense Force vs Philly Union CCC 8 pm FS2 Universidad vs Cincy UCC 10 pm FS2 Cartagines vs Vancouver UCC Thurs, Feb 18 12:45 pm Para_ Fenerbache vs Nottinham Forest 12:45 pm Para+ Zninsjki vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 3 pm Para+ Celtic vs Stuttgart Sat, Feb 21 MLS Season Starts 4:45 pm FOX Cincy FC vs Atlanta United MLS 9:30 pm Apple Free LAFC vs Miami *Messi MLS 10:30 Apple Free Portland vs Columbus Crew MLS
Sun, Mar 1 She Believes Cup Starts 5 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Argentina Wed, Mar 4 She Believes Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Canada (Columbus, OH) Sat, Mar 7 She Believes Cup 3:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Colombia Sat, Mar 28 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium Tues, Mar 31 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Pushing forward
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week.
Tuesday
Galatasaray vs Juventus, 12:45p: Weston McKennie – Champions League round of 32 first leg
Dortmund vs Atalanta, 3p: Yunus Musah – Champions League round of 32 first leg
Monaco vs PSG, 3p: Folarin Balogun – Champions League round of 32 first leg
Also in action:
Charlton vs Portsmouth, 2:45p: Charlie Kelman – EFL Championship
Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC, 8p: Matthew Corcoran, Jack Maher, Thomas Williams – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg
Real España vs LAFC, 10p: Timothy Tillman – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg
Wednesday
Levante vs Villarreal, 2p: Alex Freeman – La Liga
AC Milan vs Como, 2:45p: Christian Pulisic – Serie A
Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid, 3p: Johnny Cardoso – Champions League round of 32 first leg
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen, 3p: Malik Tillman, Monty Culbreath – Champions League round of 32 first leg
Also in action:
Defence Force vs Philadelphia Union, 6p: Quinn Sullivan, Frankie Westfield, Cavan Sullivan, CJ Olney, Nathan Harriel, Andrew Rick – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg
O&M FC vs FC Cincinnati, 8p: Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano, Matt Miazga – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg. Kristian Fletcher is expected back from an ACL injury in early March.
Cartaginés vs Vancouver Whitecaps, 10p: Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White, Tate Johnson, Emmanuel Sabbi – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg
Thursday
Zrinjski Mostar vs Crystal Palace, 12:45p: Chris Richards – Conference League round of 32 first leg
Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart, 3p: Auston Trusty – Europa League round of 32 first leg. Cameron Carter-Vickers is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzeň, 3p: Erik Palmer-Brown – Europa League round of 32 first leg
Also in action:
Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy, 8p: Harbor Miller, Ruben Ramos, Elijah Wynder – Concacaf Champions Cup first leg
Friday
Mainz vs Hamburg, 2:30p: Lennard Maloney, Damion Downs – Bundesliga
Brest vs Marseille, 2:45p: Tim Weah – Ligue 1
Puebla vs América, 10:06p: Alex Zendejas – Liga MX
In case you think American football is that big a deal ? More people watched a regular season EPL game earlier that day.
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Champions League knockout rounds: Bracket, key dates, more
Nicholas Som
Feb 16, 2026, 02:44 AM ETe draw for the knockout playoff round of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League featured some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Now that it’s complete, we know who the likes of Real Madrid and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will be facing with a spot in the round of 16 on the line.
But which teams look to have the best path through the knockout rounds? How is the rest of the bracket shaping up?
Here’s everything you need to know about Champions League knockouts.
Which clubs are in the knockout playoff round?
Only the 16 teams that finished ninth through 24th in the league phase will compete in this round.
The top eight teams in the league phase advanced directly to the round of 16, and clubs finishing 25th to 36th were eliminated.
When is the knockout playoff round?
The first legs of each matchup will be held Feb. 17-18. The second legs will be contested the following week, on Feb. 24-25.
What are the knockout playoff round fixtures?
The teams that placed ninth to 16th are listed second, and they will have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg.
After the playoff round draw, the teams who finished inside the top eight in the league phase still have four possible opponents in the round of 16.
The knockout playoff round will whittle the number of potential opponents to two. But the exact matchups won’t be known until the round-of-16 draw.
Possible round-of-16 ties:
Arsenal or Bayern Munich will play one of the winners of: Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos
Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur will play one of the winners of: Club Brugge vs. Atletico Madrid Galatasaray vs. Juventus
Barcelona or Chelsea will play one of the winners of: AS Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain FK Qarabag vs. Newcastle United
Sporting CP or Manchester City will play one of the winners of: Benfica vs. Real Madrid Bodo/Glimt vs. Internazionale
Is there any country protection?
No — clubs from the same country can play each other throughout the rest of the competition. If Borussia Dortmund defeat Atalanta, for example, they can still be drawn against fellow German club Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
What happens next?
After teams compete in the two-legged knockout playoff round in February, the draw for the round of 16 will be held Feb. 27. That draw will determine the round-of-16 matchups and finalize the bracket for the remainder of the knockout rounds.
What are the other important Champions League dates to remember?
Round of 16/quarterfinal/semifinal draw: Feb. 27 Round of 16: March 10-11, March 17-18 Quarterfinals: April 7-8, April 14-15 Semifinals: April 28-29, May 5-6 Final: May 30 (Budapest, Hungary)
Why did it matter where teams finished in the league phase table?
Last season provided a notable example of how the new system can make a huge impact. Manchester City didn’t qualify for the knockouts until the final day of the league phase, and their 22nd-place finish meant they had to compete in the knockout playoff round. As an unseeded team, they were drawn against seeded Real Madrid, who won 6-3 over two legs.
On the flip side, PSG seemed unaffected by the extra round of matches, rolling past Brest in the playoffs and all the way to the title.
This year, top finishers such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich will benefit by avoiding fellow European giants Real Madrid and PSG in the round of 16.
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USMNT Players Abroad: McKennie with two assists, goal for Busio
The weekend roundup of USMNT players abroad has Weston McKennie recording two assists in Serie A and a goal for Gianluca Busio in Serie B. In the Championship, Patrick Agyemang once again scored for Derby County. Leeds and Fulham advanced in the FA Cup.
Serie A
Christian Pulisic subbed on in the 78th for AC Milan’s 2-1 win at Pisa. Ruben Loftus-Cheek put AC Milan up in the 39th with Pisa equalizing in the 71st. Luka Modic returned AC Milan’s lead in the 85th. AC Milan’s Adrien Rabiot saw red two minutes into stoppage time. Weston McKennie’s Juventus lost 3-2 at Inter Milan. Juventus gave up an own-goal in the 17th and Andrea Cambiaso equalized in the 26th. Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu saw red in the 42nd. Inter retook the lead in the 76th and Manuel Locatelli equalized for Juventus in the 83rd with McKennie assisting. Inter Milan scored again in the 90th minute.
Andrija Novakovich subbed out five minutes into stoppage time for Reggiana’s 1-1 draw at Empoli in Serie B. Natan Girma converted a Reggiana penalty in the 26th and Empoli equalized in the 72nd minute. Gianluca Busio’s Venezia won 4-0 at Cesena. Busio opened the scoring for Venezia in the 38th, Andrea Adorante doubled the lead a minute into stoppage time, and Antoine Hainaut scored in the 62nd. Lion Lauberbach converted a Venezia penalty two minutes into stoppage time.
FA Cup – Fourth Round
Antonee Robinson’s Fulham won 2-1 at Stoke City. Trailing from the 19th, Kevin equalized for Fulham in the 55th and Harrison Reed scored in the 84th minute. Brenden Aaronson subbed on in the 68th for Leeds United’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham City. Leeds advanced 4-2 on penalties. Lukas Nmecha put Leeds up in the 49th and Birmingham equalized in the 89th minute. Birmingham City failed to convert in rounds two and three of penalties while Leeds converted on all four of their attempts. Aaronson scored in round three.
Championship
Patrick Agyemang subbed out in the 89th for Derby County’s 2-0 home win over Swansea City. Rhian Brewster opened the scoring for Derby County in the 47th and Agyemang doubled the lead in the 67th. Agyemang saw yellow in the 27th minute.
Bundesliga
Malik Tillman subbed on at halftime for Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 home win over James Sands’s St Pauli. Sands subbed out in the 68th. Jarrell Quansah put Leverkusen up in the 13th, Patrik Schick scored in the 14th, and Edmond Tabsoba made it 3-0 in the 52nd. Ernest Poku finished off the Leverkusen scoring in the 78th minute.
Joe Scally subbed on in the 65th for Gladbach’s 3-0 loss at Eintracht to goals in the 24th, 34th, and 75th minutes. Kristoffer Lund’s FC Koln lost 3-1 at Stuttgart, trailing from the 15th. Ragnar Ache equalized for Koln in the 79th, but Stuttgart retook the lead in the 84th and scored again two minutes into stoppage time.
In the 2.Bundesliga, John Tolkin’s Holstein Kiel lost 2-1 at home to Schalke. Trailing from goals in the 16th and 29th, David Zec converted a Holstein Kiel penalty in the 55th minute. Terrence Boyd subbed on in the 62nd for SV Waldhof’s 1-1 draw at Energie Cottbus in the 3.Liga. Down a goal from the 10th, Sanoussy Ba equalized for Waldhof in the 64th. Waldhof’s Janne Sietan saw red a minute into stoppage time. Boyd saw yellow four minutes into stoppage time.
La Liga
Johnny Cardoso subbed out in the 63rd for Atletico Madrid’s 3-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano. Atletico fell behind in the 40th and Rayo Vallecano added goals in the 45th and 76th. Cardoso saw yellow in the 29th minute. Alex Freeman subbed on in the 78th for Villarreal’s 2-1 home loss at Getafe. Trailing from a penalty in the 41st and a goal in the 53rd, Georges Mikautadze scored for Villarreal in the 76th minute.
Jonathan Gomez’s Albacete drew 1-1 at home with Sporting Gijon in the Segunda Division. Jefte Betancor converted an Albacete penalty four minutes into stoppage time and Gijon equalized from the penalty spot in the 78th minute.
Ligue 1
Folarin Balogun subbed out in the 76th for AS Monaco’s 3-1 home win over Nantes. Simon Adingra scored for Monaco in the 25th and 28th and Denis Zakaria made it 3-0 in the 30th. Nantes pulled a goal back a minute into first-half stoppage time. Monaci’s Aleksandr Golovin saw red in the 65th minute. Tim Weah’s Marseille drew 2-2 at home with Strasbourg. Mason Greenwood put Marseille up in the 14th and Amine Gouiri scored in the 47th. Strasbourg pulled a goal back in the 73rd and converted a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time. Weah saw yellow eight minutes into stoppage time.
Tanner Tessmann’s Lyon shutout Nice 2-0 at home, going ahead from a Corentin Tolisso goal a minute into first-half stoppage time. Noah Nartey doubled the Lille lead in the 64th. Tessmann saw yellow in the 52nd minute. Mark McKenzie’s Toulouse lost 2-1 at LeHavre. Playing a man down from the 2nd, LeHavre took the lead in the 43rd. Toulouse’s Djibril Sidibe equalized three minutes into first-half stoppage time. Le Havre went ahead for good in the 53rd minute.
Elsewhere in Europe
Sergino Dest’s PSV lost 2-1 at Volendam in the Eredivisie. Dennis Man scored PSV’s goal in the 82nd. Volendam equalized in the 67th and scored again in the 87th minute.
Auston Trusty’s Celtic won 3-2 at Kilmarnock. Trailing 2-0 from goals in the 21st and 28th, Celtic’s Sebastian Tounekto pulled a goal back in the 56th and Benjamin Nygren equalized in the 64th. Julian Araujo scored Celtic’s winner seven minutes into stoppage time.
Champions League Power Rankings: Real Madrid rounding into form as the playoffs for the knockout stage begin
The Champions League playoffs will be back this week around Europe
The 2025-26 edition of the Champions League will be back this week when the 16 teams involved in the playoffs take the stage across Europe, competing for the remaining eight spots left in next month’s knockout. There are some big teams around Europe that are currently shiniing, such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich, while others will try to get involved in the race to win one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of soccer. Let’s take a look at our weekly power rankings:
1. Arsenal (–)
Week after week there is an increasing feeling Arsenal will win the Premier League this season, not only because of the advantage they have on Manchester City in the table, but also because the team coached by Pep Guardiola doesn’t look as solid as in the past years. There is still time and the Champions League will also be back soon for them and Arsenal also are among the leading candidates to win the European tournament as well. Clearly the class of Europe at the moment.
2. Bayern Munich (–)
A six points advantage on Borussia Dortmund is definitely enough for them to hope for another Bundesliga win and this is something than can help them in the last weeks of European soccer when they will also try to win the Champions League under Vincent Kompany. They’ve also got Harry Kane who is in incredible form this season.
3. PSG (–)
They are finally back on the right track. After a predictable slower start after the highly successful 2024-25 season they are now fully in the right place, both domestically and in Europe. The fact they will face AS Monaco in the playoffs shouldn’t threaten them and won’t change the fact they are still the team to beat in the knockouts.
4. Barcelona (–)
Hansi Flick’s team is among the best teams around Europe, but the 4-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid last week will definitely put more pressure on the Blaugrana in the coming weeks. The Copa del Rey defeat doesn’t really change their status, but it’s now what Flick’s men needed ahead of the crucial stint of the season.
5. Inter (–)
The Nerazzurri finally won a matchup against a big team over the weekend against Juventus. Even if the result was widely overshadowed by a controversial red card, the win against Luciano Spalletti’s team will give more self confidence to the Nerazzurri, who desperately needed a win against one of the top teams before meeting Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday for the first leg of the playoffs.
Alvaro Arbeloa has done a pretty good job so far, but the key match will be the one against Benfica that will take place this week in Lisbon. Real Madrid will be back facing Jose Mourinho’s team in the same stadium where Benfica managed to win an incredible game that led them to the playoffs thanks to the late goal scored by their goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in January.
7. Manchester City (-1)
We were all expecting more from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season but there is still in time to win trophies. There are increasing doubts on the future of the Spanish coach who might leave at the end of the current season, and this is not helping the team, even if they can still potentially win at least one trophy.
8. Chelsea (–)
The impact of new head coach Liam Rosenior is already proving significant for Chelsea, who now sit just one point off the top four in England. The renewed energy and tactical clarity he has brought to the side have revitalized their push up the table. With momentum on their side, Chelsea can aim for a top-four finish and even set their sights on a trophy.
9. Liverpool (+1)
Too many ups and downs this season for Arne Slot’s team. In just the last few weeks they’ve lost at Anfield against Manchester City after winning 4-1 in the same stadium against Newcastle. Their lack of continuity is affecting their position in the Premier League standings.
10. Atletico Madrid (-1)
What can you say to a team that won 4-0 against Barcelona? A lot, because it’s the same team that three days later lost 3-0 to Rayo Vallecano in the league. It’s the perfect representation of their season and the reason why I don’t expect them to win a major trophy in the upcoming months.
11. Juventus (+1)
Despite losing to Inter at San Siro, Juventus are in great shape. Under Spalletti’s management, the Bianconeri have improved a lot and are now in the race both in the Serie A standings and in the Champions League where they will meet Galatasaray in the playoffs this week.
12. Atalanta (-1)
Since Raffaele Palladino took over the club, things have drastically improved. Atalanta needed a change after a disappointing start under Ivan Juric who replaced Gian Piero Gasperini in the summer 2025. They will now face a playoff tie against Borussia Dortmund, not the easiest opponent but at least the second leg will be in Bergamo.
13. Newcastle (–)
The 2-1 win against Tottenham slightly improved their position in the Premier League standings, but they are definitely not where they should be and the playoffs against Qarabag will tell us more about their European ambitions.
14. Borussia Dortmund (–)
Despite the six-point gap with Bayern Munich they are they only team that is at least trying to keep pace with the German leaders, but this is probably not enough.
15. Sporting CP (–)
What they are doing is impressive because staying close to Porto wasn’t an easy job to do this season, as the team coached by Francesco Farioli won 19 games, drew twice and only lost one while Sporting CP are sitting in second place four points behind the leaders.
16. Tottenham (–)
What a week it was for them. Thomas Frank was sacked after the defeat against Newcastle and they hired former Juventus coach Igor Tudor as caretaker manager until the end of the season. We could predict this scenario, especially considering Frank only won two of the last 17 Premier League games he coached.
17. Galatasaray (–)
I was definitely expecting more from this team that will now face Juventus in the playoffs. I see the Italians as favorites but the Turkish side has players to believe in.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
They are in a similar spot as Borussia Dortmund, even if they also have to perform domestically to qualify again for the Champions League next season. Facing Olympiacos in the playoffs can guarantee them a spot in the knockouts.
19. AS Monaco (–)
They don’t really have much chance to qualify against their French rivals PSG.
20. Benfica (–)
Drawing Real Madrid in the playoff round was likely not what Jose Mourinho had hoped for with his Benfica side. But being among the top 24 teams in the Champions League already feels like an achievement in itself, showing again the status of the Portuguese coach.
21. Qarabag (–)
The biggest surprise of the league phase will meet Newcastle in the two legged playoffs. Will they do it again?
22. Club Brugge (–)
It feels like Atletico Madrid can potentially become a manageable opponent to face this week in the playoffs, but they need to perform much better than the league phase if they want to have a chance.
23. Olympiacos (–)
The Bayer Leverkusen playoffs are not a bad outcome for them, even if they could have done much better in the league phase.
24. Bodo/Glimt (–)
If you’ve followed them over the past few years, it should come as little surprise to see them reach this stage. However, drawing Inter in the playoffs is probably the toughest opponent they could have faced.
After 2 goals in Champions League last week American Malik Tillman can’t stop scoring as he notched this one on Saturday for Leverkusen. Weston McKinney also stayed hot with this stunner on Sunday in Juve’s 4-1 win. McKinney is legit playing the best ball of his life right now and is THE BEST player for Juventus right now – and a huge reason they are back in the top 4 in Italy. (Great story about him below). Stunning Goal by Tottenham as they tie Man City late man the EPL is something – every weekend. Reminder looking for EPL games this weekend – they will NOT be on USA or NBCSN or NBC – the Olympics is on everywhere – Its Peacock for all the games except Man U vs Tottenham on Sat 7:30 am. Liverpool’s huge 11:30 am game with Man City will be on Peacock. Came across this fascinating story about Pele and Diego Maradona beefed over who was the GOAT …
As Milan prepares to welcome the world tonight for the Winter Olympics – Pulisic in on board. Click to see – Pulisic Welcomes Winter Olympics
Huge News that the US World Away Kit has perhaps been leaked.
So what do you think? It should be noted that the logos will feature a metallic silver effect, rather than the plain white color shown in this mock-up.Obviously that’s a Women’s Jersey with the 4 stars on it. But not bad I guess. I little too dark for me.
Columbus & Nashville to Host Olympic Soccer in 2028
We might have gotten shut out for the World Cup but Awesome News that both Columbus, Ohio and Nashville, TN will be host sites for Soccer for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Soccer games are always played around the nation – there will be 12 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams competing (the US is in for both of course). New York City, St. Louis, San Diego, San Jose will join in hosting games along with LA. Nashville & Columbus among 6 cities to host Olympic soccer. Speaking of tickets — anyone get World Cup Tickets? We are still trying to get tix – no word yet – still planning to head to LA June 13th and stay out west until we lose. Anybody got a line on US Tickets reach-out at shanebestsoccer@gmail.com.
So I guess I missed Girls in Sports Week this Week – so for all our Girls playing Soccer @ Carmel FC & Everywhere Here’s to You! – Thanks Abby!
GAMES ON TV
Fri, Feb 6 2:30 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin vs Frankfurt 3 pm USA Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Nottingham Forest Sat, Feb 7 7:30 am USA Man United vs Tottenham 9:30 am ESPN+ Freiburg vs Dortmund 10 am USA Fulham (Jedi) vs Everton 10 am Peacock Wolverhampton vs Chelsea 10 am Peacock Arsenal vs Sunderland 10:15 am ESPN+ Barcelona vs Mallorca 12 noon Para+ Genoa vs Napoli 12:30 pm Peacock Newcastle vs Brentford 12:30 pm ESPN+ MGladbach (Scaly, Reyna) vs Leverkusen (Tillman) 10:10 pm Uni America vs Monterrey (Mex) Sun Feb 8 9 am Telemundo Brighton vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 11:30 am Peacock Liverpool vs Man City 11:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim 12 noon Para+ Sassuolo vs Inter Milan 12:30 pm ESPN+ Athletico Madrid (Cardoso) vs Real Betis 2:45 pm Para+ Juventus (McKennie) vs Lazio 3 pm ESPN2 Valencia vs Real Madrid Mon, Feb 9 2:45 pm Para+ Roma vs Cagliari Tues, Feb 10 2:30 pm Peacock Everton vs Bournemouth 2:30 pm Peacock Chelsea vs Leeds United (Aaronson) 2:30 pm PC Tottenham vs NewCastle 3:15 pm Peacock West Ham vs Man U 8 pm FS 2 Pumas vs San Diego (1-4 CCCL 2nd leg) Weds, Feb 11 2:30 pm Peacock Man City vs Fulham (Jedi) 2:30 pm Peacock Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Burnley (Adams) 2:30 pm PC Aston Villa vs Brighton 2:30 pm Peacock Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton 2:45 pm ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig 3:15 pm Peacock Sunderland vs Liverpool 8 pm FS2 America vs Olimpia CCL 2nd leg 10 pm FS2 Monterrey vs Xelaju CCL 2nd leg Thurs, Feb 12 2:30 pm Peacock Brentford vs Arsenal 8 pm FS 2 Cruz Azul vs Vancouver (CCCL) Fri , Feb 13 2:45 pm Para+ Pisa vs AC Milan (Pulisic) 2:45 pm ESPN2 Hull City vs Chelsea 2:45 pm ESPN+ Wrexham vs Ipswich Town 8 pm FS 2 Cruz Azul vs Vancouver (CCCL) Sat, Feb 14 2:45 pm Para+ Inter Milan vs Juventus (McKennie) 3 pm ESPN+ Liverpool vs Brighton 3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
Sun, Mar 1 She Believes Cup Starts 5 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Argentina Wed, Mar 4 She Believes Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Canada (Columbus, OH) Sat, Mar 7 She Believes Cup 3:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Colombia Sat, Mar 28 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium Tues, Mar 31 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Fully loaded
A huge slate of matches this weekend by jcksnftsn Feb 6, 2026, 12:18 PM EST Stars & Stripes
There is a huge slate of matches this weekend, despite AC Milan and Christian Pulisic having the weekend off, and includes matches across the top and bottom of all the major European leagues as well as some head-to-head matches. In addition to Milan being off there are some injury watch areas that will impact viewing opportunities so keep an eye out for those. The action starts on Friday afternoon with a matchup between a couple teams looking to distance themselves from the relegation fray.
Friday
Leeds United v Nottingham Forest – 3p on USA Network: Brenden Aaronson started and went 71’ in Leeds 4-0 defeat to league leading Arsenal last weekend. Leeds are now level with this weekend’s opponent, Nottingham Forest, who picked up a point in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend. Leeds and Forest both have 26 points, which give them a six point lead over West Ham United who are currently in the final relegation spot. Friday’s match is a true relegation zone six pointer and Leeds will be looking to avenge their September loss as they host Forest.
Saturday
St. Pauli v Stuttgart – 9:30a on ESPN Select: James Sands and St. Pauli fell to Augsburg 2-1 last weekend and are now five points back of Werder Bremen for safety, four back of Mainz for the relegation playoff spot. Sands did start and go the full 90’ picking up his fourth yellow card of the season in stoppage time. St. Pauli have just three wins through twenty matches with only one of those victories coming in the last four and a half months.
Heidenheim v Hamburger – 9:30a on ESPN Select: After starting his first three matches with Hamburger Damion Downs was unavailable last weekend due to a calf injury as his team played Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. Hamburger face a Heidenheim side who are dead last and have given up a league leading 45 goals but it’s uncertain if Downs will be available to try to take advantage of the matchup.
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Kevin Paredes missed last weekends match though he had been reported to be “back in full swing” the day prior to the match after also missing out two weeks ago due to illness. There were transfer rumors around the player whose contract expires in June so perhaps it was a precaution. Wolfsburg fell to Koln 1-0 and are now just one point clear of Mainz in the relegation playoff position. They host second place Borussia Dortmund who trail Bayern Munich by six points after gaining five points on them over the past two weekends.
Mainz v Augsburg – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Lennard Maloney and Mainz will host Noahkai Banks and Augsburg on Saturday morning. Maloney played nearly 20’ off the bench last weekend in Mainz’s 2-1 win over fourth place Leipzig. The win was Mainz’s third in four matches as the nine points doubled what they had picked up in their first sixteen matches of the season. They remain in sixteenth place, the relegation playoff position, a point back of a trio of teams for safety. Augsburg is also headed in the right direction over the last couple weeks with back-to-back wins over Bayern Munich and St. Pauli to pick up six points and move four points clear of Mainz in the relegation playoff spot. A week after serving a yellow card accumulation suspension and missing Augsburg’s 2-1 over Bayern, Banks was back in the starting lineup and picking up yet another yellow.
Fulham v Everton – 10a on Peacock: Antonee Robinson remains with Fulham, and Ricardo Pepi was not brought in after a curious decision to PSV not to let the injured player go because they couldn’t line up a replacement. Robinson and Fulham fell to suddenly hot Manchester United 3-2 last weekend with Robinson getting the start and playing 71’. Fulham dropped to ninth place with the loss and will take on an Everton side that are in tenth and tied with them on 34 points.
Coventry City v Oxford United – 9:01a on CBSSN: Haji Wright came off the bench last Saturday as Coventry City fell to QPR 2-1, it was their second straight loss this season and fourth in seven matches as they are now tied with Middlesbrough for the top spot in the league. The two teams with Americans are four points ahead of Hull City for automatic promotion to the EPL. Coventry will take on an Oxford United side that are ahead of only Sheffield Wednesday in the table. If you haven’t been following along Sheffield Wednesday are at negative seven points through thirty matches thanks to a pair of points deduction rulings totaling 18 points. That doesn’t have a direct impact on any USMNT players but what an odd table it makes.
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen – 12:30p on ESPN Select: Joe Scally and Borussia Monchengladbach played Werder Bremen to a 1-1 draw last weekend while Gio Reyna watched from the sidelines as he suffers through injury yet again. Reyna has missed the past two matches due to another muscle strain and it’s unclear when he will be available again. Scally and Gladbach will host Bayer Leverkusen and fellow American Malik Tillman. Tillman scored the second of Leverkusen’s three goals last weekend in the team’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Leverkusen are in sixth place in the league standings, four points back of fourth place Stuttgart with a game in hand.
Real Sociedad v Elche – 3:00p on ESPN Select: Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad played Atheltic Club to a 1-1 draw last weekend and defeated Deportivo Alaves in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Wednesday as Sociedad remains undefeated since Matarazzo took the helm. Eighth place Sociedad will host thirteenth place Elche who are just two points out of the relegation zone in a very crowded lower half of the La Liga table. just four points separate the ten teams from 9th to 18th place with 18th representing the final relegation spot. Sociedad are themselves just two points ahead of that group and six points out of 18th themselves despite the recent run of success since Matarazzo took over.
Nantes v Olympique Lyon – 3:05p on beIN Sports: Tanner Tessmann and Lyon defeated fifth place Lille to pull seven points ahead of them and level with Marseille in the Ligue 1 standings. It was the fifth straight league victory for Lyon who now travel to face sixteenth place Nantes who have just 14 points through their first 20 matches of the season and have lost three straight matches.
Sunday
Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace – 9a on Telemundo: Chris Richards and Crystal Palace were unable to stop their winless streak on Monday as they settled for a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. It has been ten matches for Palace since their last win as they have slid to fifteenth place in the league standings though they are still nine points clear of 18th place West Ham.
Nice v Monaco – 9a on beIN sports: Folarin Balogun picked up an assist in Monaco’s 4-0 win over Stade Rennais last weekend. Balogun still hasn’t scored since November and has just four goals on the season but it was his second assist in the past four matches. The win also snapped a five match winless streak for Monaco and kept them in the top ten of the league standings. The team will travel to Nice on Sunday to take on the 13th place side who
Koln v RB Leipzig – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Kristoffer Lund started again for Koln on Friday as they defeated Wolfsburg 1-0. Koln have won two of three and are in tenth place as they prepare to host fifth place RB Leipzig who are looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Mainz.
Groningen v PSV – 10:45a on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest and PSV solidified their hold on the Eredivisie title race with a decisive 3-0 win over second place Feyenoord to increase their league lead to seventeen points with thirteen matches to go in the season. The seventeen point lead is what makes Ricardo Pepi’s abandoned transfer to Fulham even more curious though there are rumors that he could be returning more quickly than originally thought. PSV’s opponent this weekend is 8th place Groningen who have lost their past two matches.
Angers v Toulouse – 11:15a on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie and Toulouse were held to a scoreless draw by 17th place Auxerre last weekend and remain in eighth place as they visit 11th place Angers this weekend. McKenzie has started all but three matches for Toulouse this season who have given up 23 goals through 20 matches which is the fifth best scoring defense in the league.
Atletico Madrid v Real Betis – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso picked up a minor knock in training and missed out on Atletico Madrid’s 5-0 beat down of his old team, Real Betis, in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Thursday. Atletico will now face Betis in a league match on Sunday though Cardoso will likely miss out yet again though his injury isn’t expected to keep him out for an extended period.
PSG v Olympique Marseille – 2:45p on beIN Sports: Tim Weah has started eight straight matches for Marseille who drew with Paris FC 2-2 last weekend. The draw dropped Marseille into a draw with Lyon which is significant as the top three in Ligue 1 automatically qualify for the Champions League. Marseille will take on league leading Paris Saint-Germain this weekend who have won six straight league matches. PSG hold a two point lead over Lens for the league lead and have a nine point advantage over Marseille.
Juventus v Lazio – 2:45p on Paramount+: Weston McKennie scored again for Juventus on Monday in the teams 4-1 win over Parma. It was the third goal of the calendar year for McKennie who was playing as the 10 for Juve who moved into the top four in the Serie A standings. They will take on eighth place Lazio who are coming off a 3-2 win over Genoa.
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How injury concerns have interrupted Christian Pulisic’s dream pre-World Cup season
Nicolò Campo / LightRocket / Getty Images By Henry Bushnell Feb. 2, 2026 The Athletic
Christian Pulisic is not in AC Milan’s squad for a Tuesday trip to Bologna, and with every passing week, his dream pre-World Cup season looks more and more like another campaign hampered by unfortunate health.Milan manager Max Allegri said Monday that Pulisic has “bursitis that’s bothering him.” Bursitis is inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near joints, and Pulisic’s is reportedly near his hip.Allegri seemed to indicate that Pulisic’s condition wasn’t serious. The experienced Italian coach said that he and his staff hoped to get the American forward “back on track in the coming days.” In fact, Pulisic was in contention to travel and play Tuesday. “If he’s better today,” Allegri said early Monday, “we’ll take him.”But Pulisic wasn’t better enough. And he’s now gone more than a month without scoring or assisting a goal. And, all of a sudden, his career-best form this past fall feels like a distant memory.Pulisic could, of course, be fine and back to his best by the end of February. He could be better than ever by June, when he’ll be the face of the U.S. men’s national team at a home World Cup.But his trajectory is no longer demonstrably upward. Since September, he has tallied four goals and zero assists for club and country. After propelling Milan to the top of Serie A, and announcing himself as a bonafide star, injuries, yet again, have interrupted his desire and talent.For a while, that was the story of Pulisic’s young career. In his teens and early 20s, a variety of knocks and muscle strains — plus a variety of coaches with fluctuating opinions of him — complicated his development. He learned, however, to harden and manage his body, and by 2024, he seemed to have entered an uninterrupted prime. He contributed to 25 goals in his first season at Milan, and 27 in his second, the 2024-25 campaign.tsToward the tail end of that season, he heard his body and mind saying they needed a rest; so he took one. He used this past offseason to recharge, and returned from the break better than ever. When he was named Serie A’s September player of the month, he seemed to be exactly where every U.S. fan, teammate and coach wanted him to be — building toward the biggest tournament of his life.Then came the physical ailments. There was the swelling in his ankle ahead of a U.S. friendly against Ecuador. Four days later, against Australia, there were two crunching tackles and a hamstring tear.
Injuries have limited Christian Pulisic’s recent availability under Milan coach Max Allegri.Pier Marco Tacca / Getty Images
Pulisic recovered from that setback, and resumed his sterling season. In his first start back, he scored the only goal of a derby victory over Inter Milan. As 2026 neared, he was leading Serie A in goals plus assists per 90 minutes; and across all of Europe’s Big Five leagues, he was second to only Harry Kane.He was, in other words, playing soccer at a level that no American man had previously reached. And he was doing it, seemingly, at the perfect time.But the succession of injuries never relented.Pulisic felt muscular discomfort in late November and missed a match against Lazio. A week later, he fell ill, felt “truly dead,” and had to settle for a place on the bench. He entered that game as a substitute and scored twice to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win over Torino. But he never fully re-found his prolific early-season rhythm.Then, after Christmas, he felt some more discomfort, and Allegri held him out of another starting 11 in Milan’s first game of 2026. Three scoreless weeks later, he was back on the bench for a massive match at Roma.And now, he’s out of the squad altogether.The hope, for all involved, is that his absence this week is largely precautionary. Milan, in general, has taken a cautious approach to Pulisic’s fitness and workload this year after he played over 7,000 minutes the previous two seasons combined. In fact, there’s a chance that his stop-start season — he’s on pace to play less than 2,500 minutes in 2025-26 — could be a blessing in disguise, especially for the U.S., whose priority is full health by May.
But it is, bluntly, a bummer for Pulisic. A few short months ago, he was rising toward the biggest tournament of his life in the form of his life. He was a candidate for Serie A player of the year.Now, at the very least, there’s uncertainty, or perhaps even concern, about how he’ll be feeling when he arrives in Atlanta on May 27 for the start of World Cup camp. The answer seems to depend on the roller coaster ride that his body has been on for much of his decade in pro soccer.By Henry BushnellSenior Writer, U.S. Soccer
Weston McKennie’s form makes him seem undroppable. Will Mauricio Pochettino agree?
If you’d like to know why Weston McKennie belongs at the heart of the U.S. men’s national team, all you really have to do is watch his latest Serie A masterpiece.Watch, in the sixth minute, as he runs the length of the field in transition, stays composed after a 50-yard sprint, and picks out a near-assist.Or watch the 11th minute, when he connects a Juventus possession on the edge of the box, then darts into it and creates another chance.You could also watch the goal, McKennie’s fourth in a month, an acrobatic, off-balance side volley. But it was his full body of work for Juve against Parma on Sunday — and against reigning champ Napoli the Sunday before, and throughout the month of January — that shows why he must be a USMNT catalyst at the World Cup this summer.The open question, however, is whether Mauricio Pochettino agrees with that assessment.McKennie, 27, might be the best American soccer player in the world at the moment. But Pochettino, the U.S. coach, has said: “The national team needs the right players; not the best players, the right players.”And with the World Cup four months away, it’s unclear whether he considers McKennie right for the USMNT’s starting 11.
An emphatic return to form
What’s clear is that McKennie is talented and influential. He has been for years, and over the past few months, he’s raised his level. “He’s an incredible guy,” his Juventus coach, Luciano Spalletti, said in December. “He always wins individual duels with his opponent. You can put him in multiple positions, and his skills allow us to change the formation. He has all the qualities to do well anywhere.” McKennie’s versatility has long been a blessing and a curse; a valuable asset that earned him playing time at five or six positions, but hindered his development at any single spot. That trend, to some extent, has continued under Spalletti. But recently, he has found a groove in an attacking midfield role — one that would, in theory, translate well to the U.S. national team. He has played as something of a second striker, whether on the right or directly underneath Juve’s No. 9, Jonathan David. He sometimes defends alongside David at the head of a 4-4-2, and in possession, he attacks space wherever he sees it. He’s a box-to-box midfielder, an inventive attacker and a goalscoring forward all at once, and “he is one of the best there is in this role because he’s always where the ball is,” Spalletti said.
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The experienced Italian boss, speaking after a 3-0 win over Napoli, even suggested that McKennie would be the “perfect center forward.” And a week later, he clarified: “I wasn’t joking last time, I was serious.”He raved about McKennie’s ability in the “real situations” that decide games, when they get “hectic” or “turbulent” — the unscripted moments that often get lost in debates over where McKennie fits in the USMNT.
Weston McKennie has a grand admirer in Juventus manager Luciano SpallettiGrzegorz Wajda / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images
As Pochettino drifted this fall toward a system with wingbacks, two central midfielders and two attackers in pockets behind a striker, questions arose surrounding McKennie’s place in it. A central midfield role is too restrictive. One of the advanced roles, though, will surely be Christian Pulisic’s, and another seems ripe for Malik Tillman.Tillman, who’s starting and occasionally scoring for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, appeared to win Pochettino over at the Concacaf Gold Cup last summer. McKennie, on the other hand, has been largely uninvolved in Pochettino’s rebuild.He has only been in one camp since the Concacaf Nations League debacle last March — a week that Pochettino has since described as a “wake-up call” that inspired him “to destroy the things that we need to destroy, and start to build the house from the ground up” with a better, more committed, team-first culture. McKennie missed the first stage of the rebuild, that Gold Cup, while on Club World Cup duty with Juventus. He was then omitted from rosters in Septemberand November as the new culture and on-field identity crystallized.Pochettino’s stated reasons for the omissions were, first, to “give [McKennie] the possibility to be more settled in his club”; and then, two months later, to give McKennie time to win over Spalletti, who took charge in late October. That, Pochettino said, was “more important than maybe being with us, because we already know what he can provide the team.”But as the U.S. pounded Uruguay 5-1 without him — and as Pochettino attacked the concept of “regulars,” continuing his assault on any entitlement that some players might have felt — it was difficult to escape the sense that McKennie no longer felt necessaryAnd when, a few weeks later, Pochettino spoke about “right players, not best players,” it was fair to wonder how he’d categorize McKennie.
McKennie’s many ways to make an impact
Over the past few months, though, McKennie has reinforced his indispensability. He’s offered reminder after reminder, week after week, that no matter his role or surroundings, he can — and often will — impact a game.In 73 minutes against Parma, for example, he fueled counterattacks and prevented them; offered outlets as a target man and as a channel-runner; played one-touch passes on the edge of the penalty area; and created and finished chances.
At one end of the pitch, he was clearing Parma crosses; at the other, his aerial presence contributed to Juve’s first and third goals on set pieces.Over the game’s first 40 minutes, he covered more ground than any other player. He was everywhere. And that, precisely, is why he surely has to be in the USMNT’s 11 whenever possible. Even if his role is tough to define, he has to have one. McKennie is a playmaker. Not in the traditional sense — he is neither a visionary No. 10 nor a flashy winger — but in his own unique way. He drives a team forward with his running. He pulls opponents out of their preferred shapes. He makes them uncomfortable, either with his off-ball movement or strength in duels, in a way that very few American players can. He is not the cleanest with the ball at his feet. He can’t play on the half-turn like Tillman and other technicians can. But he can link an attack with his back to goal…
… and sniff out space that nobody else smells…
… all while tracking runners and coping with back-post crosses.
Pochettino and his assistants, two of whom have scouted McKennie in person this winter, surely see all of that.They have indicated that they understand McKennie’s value. They started him twice in October, when Pochettino said: “What I want to provide him is the freedom. He’s a player that needs freedom.”Last week, though, when asked about McKennie’s Juve form, Pochettino’s answer, while positive, wasn’t exactly effusive.“It’s very good that he is playing in a regular way, being very consistent now in Juventus,” Pochettino said. “Yes, we are happy that our player performs and plays in a very consistent and very regular way. … Now, it’s about assessing all the players, the players that we already know, how to mix the 26 players — thinking, of course, always, [about] the World Cup.” By Henry Bushnell Senior Writer, U.S. Soccer
Why Ricardo Pepi’s Fulham transfer collapse can help his U.S., World Cup outlook
The enticement of a big transfer at the club level and all that a big move represents — growth, a new challenge, a bigger stage and (of course) more money — can sometimes be at conflict with the realities on the international stage. It’s an imbalance with which Ricardo Pepi is already intimately familiar. But this time around, fate may fall on his side when it comes to making the U.S. World Cup team. When Pepi made a $20 million move from FC Dallas to Augsburg in the German Bundesliga in January 2022, he looked like the striker of the future for the U.S. men’s national team. At just 18, Pepi was tapped for his international debut in a game with huge stakes: on the road in Honduras in the opening window of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.After two draws to open qualifying, the U.S. needed a result in San Pedro Sula. The teenager delivered with a 75th-minute goal that gave the Americans a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and he assisted on two others in a 4-1 win. He scored twice more the next month in a win over Jamaica, and his form in MLS combined with his national team breakout led to the big-money move to Germany.But Pepi struggled for playing time at Augsburg, ultimately going nearly a year without a goal. The teenage phenom who seemed bound to start at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar instead fell down the depth chart. Pepi looked to salvage his chances at making the team with a loan to Groningen in September 2022. But even after scoring five goals and adding two assists in his first eight Eredivisie games, Gregg Berhalter left him off the U.S. roster — a controversial decision, but one that left Pepi watching the tournament from afar.Pepi hung up on Berhalter when told the news. The snub, of course, stuck with him.“It was difficult, you know, but it’s part of life,” Pepi told The Athletic in 2023. “I feel like ever since that moment, I’ve grown as a player and I’ve grown as a person. … (These moments) make you strong mentally. I’ve been through a lot, having to go on loan, having to miss out on the World Cup, and things like this, these are things that build character. And I feel like I’m a strong person.”Now, with another World Cup coming up, Pepi’s purported move from PSV to Fulham fell apart on deadline day as the Dutch powerhouse couldn’t find a replacement for its American striker. And this winter transfer situation could wind up helping Pepi avoid another disappointing moment on World Cup roster decision day.
Ricardo Pepi is hoping for another chance to face Paraguay, the USMNT’s opening opponent at the 2026 World CupOmar Vega / Getty Images
Pepi, who remains sidelined with a broken forearm and isn’t expected to return for another month and a half, has 11 goals and three assists across all competitions this season. He remains one of the most efficient goalscorers in Europe. Fulham put forth a bid in the region of €35 million to bring that track record to the Premier League.t all sounds nice in theory, but there was genuine risk involved.The path to regular playing time at a new club and in a new league would have been more difficult for Pepi, especially as he worked back from injury only to return with roughly two months left in the season. At Fulham, he would have been competing with veteran Mexico international Raúl Jiménez — who is out of contract at the end of the season, hence Fulham’s push to sign a new striker — for playing time. Rodrigo Muniz could be back from a hamstring injury later this month, and also served as competition.If he had failed to get consistent playing time and was again lacking for goals, it would have been easy for Pepi to fall back on the U.S. depth chart, especially if Patrick Agyemang and Haji Wright were to keep on firing in the EFL Championship. That’s introducing a lot of unpredictability and potential for volatility at a time when Pepi needs to be at his sharpest.Instead, he’ll stay at the club where he has scored 24 goals with six assists in the Eredivisie and Champions League over the past two seasons. Remaining gives Pepi a much more solid chance to get back on the field — and back to scoring goals — on an accelerated timeline, which should keep him top of mind for Mauricio Pochettino as he picks a World Cup squad.USMNT and the Winter Transfer WindowMauricio Pochettino backs USMNT players seeking January moves as World Cup loomsAlex Freeman has completed a big January move, while Ricardo Pepi could also make a switch before the transfer deadlineThat’s especially important since it seems Pochettino will look at the March window as an extension of camp for the team he’ll take to the tournament in the summer.Folarin Balogun looks set to be the starter up top for the Argentine manager. He’s been a difference-maker at the No. 9 for the U.S. in the last few windows. But behind him, the competition is still very much wide open. In Qatar, the U.S. learned how important depth was at the forward position. Wright had an inconsistent tournament, while Jesus Ferreira was ineffective in the knockout stage after Josh Sargent got hurt.Last week, Pochettino said he hopes to see Pepi fit again soon.“We’ll see how he is going to come back and start to play and to perform,” Pochettino said. “Of course he’s a player in our radar. [I] hope that he can be fit and I think we have time to assess and of course we are going to make the best decision for him and for us.”Pochettino made it clear that he likes to see his players make moves, even with the risk involved. They are betting on themselves and seeing chances to grow and improve. He doesn’t want players staying in their comfort zone.But for the U.S. and for Pepi, staying at PSV for the next few months might give them both the best chance at maximizing their World Cup summer. And if they do, then Fulham — and others — will be lining up for another shot to sign him. By Paul Tenorio Senior Writer, MLS
Josh Sargent’s Norwich status unchanged with one transfer deadline down, another to go
Despite the English transfer window closing on Monday, there remains no update in Toronto FC’s pursuit of Norwich City and U.S. men’s national team forward Josh Sargent.Sargent’s future is not necessarily bound to the window abroad, as the MLS winter window is open until March 26, so Toronto has plenty of time to sign and register the player if a deal can be struck. Sources remain confident an agreement with Norwich can happen, especially after the English Championship club signed another forward ahead of deadline day, 21-year-old Australia and Randers striker Mohamed Touré.Norwich, though, insists Toronto’s opening $18 million bid is insufficient to sanction a departure, even as the forward trains with the U-21s. The saga stems from Sargent submitting a transfer request to the club and refusing to play in an FA Cup match vs. Walsall on Jan. 11. Sargent, who is under contract through 2028, hasn’t played for the club since.Update your feed. Follow new interests below for the latest stories.Toronto would like a deal to be reached sooner rather than later, with the opening match of the 2026 MLS season looming on Feb. 21.The club’s offer for Sargent is also hurt by the weakening value of the American dollar (despite TFC being a Canadian club, MLS teams conduct business in U.S. dollars). Norwich accepted a £21 million offer from Wolfsburg in July 2025, which at the exchange rate in the summer was valued at about $28 million. Toronto’s offer of $18 million currently checks in at just £13 million, which is why Norwich is so reluctant to sell at that price.In a market where players like fellow U.S. forward Ricardo Pepi are commanding fees of around £30 million (from Fulham to PSV), which ultimately was not accepted, there is belief that Sargent’s value won’t drop much less than £13 million even if he spent the rest of the season playing with Norwich’s under-21s.There is no rush to make a decision, as MLS’s window remains open for more than a month. But the belief is that Toronto is going to have to up its offer to get Norwich to budge on its stance.
USMNT Tracker: Champions League progress for McKennie and Balogun but late elimination for Weah
Monaco’s Folarin Balogun had a goal disallowed against Juventus Frederic Dides/Getty Images
For some it was a chance to reassert their value with timely goals, for others it was a missed opportunity — or even last-ditch heartbreak.The league phase of the Champions League drew to a dramatic close yesterday, with progress secured for most of the USMNT contingent in Europe.Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, Johnny Cardoso and Yunus Musah all featured as their teams finished in the table’s play-off positions, ensuring another chance to clinch their place in the last-16 phase through next month’s play-offs.
Weah’s late heartbreak
Despite a memorable debut for his new club in this season’s competition, when he scored against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in September, Tim Weah of Marseille was left forlorn on Wednesday.Just when Marseille thought they had scraped through to the play-off round, they were eliminated.Despite losing 3-0 in Belgium to Club Brugge, the French outfit headed into added time in 24th position, narrowly above the elimination zone. Only goal difference kept them above Benfica, who are managed by two-time Champions League winner Jose Mourinho, before a staggering finale in Lisbon.The Portuguese side’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a sensational 98th-minute header that changed everything. It sealed a 4-2 win over nine-man Real Madrid, who dropped from the automatic qualification places into the play-offs, and moved Benfica above Marseille at the last gasp.At least when he recovers from his disappointment, he will not forget the earlier part of this season’s Champions League, especially that fine goal against Real Madrid.
Less dramatically, McKennie’s Juventus and Balogun’s Monaco played out a cagey stalemate that meant both teams head into the play-offs.
It may ultimately have been a quiet last league-stage fixture for McKennie but he had already made his mark on this competition. His previous three goals in three Champions League games were a streak timed as perfectly as his finishing, coming in the context of talks to extend his Juventus contract beyond this summer.
The Texan was not the only American who enjoyed an important scoring streak. Balogun notched in three consecutive Champions League games in November and December, including the only goal in wins against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray, which helped Monaco progress.
Weston McKennie warms up for Juventus ahead of facing MonacoValery Hache / AFP via Getty Images
Balogun thought he had scored another vital strike during the first half against Juventus at Stade Louis II in a game Monaco could not afford to lose.But a well-taken finish was ruled out for his foul on Pierre Kalulu in the build-up, and the Ligue 1 side’s nerves remained on edge until the end, even if Juventus struggled to create anything.
Injured Pepi watches as PSV eliminated
Ricardo Pepi also scored three times for PSV in the Champions League this season. The 23-year-old seized the opportunity of becoming his Dutch club’s first-choice centre-forward, after previously playing understudy to veteran Luuk de Jong.A broken arm earlier this month may have curtailed Pepi’s involvement in the league phase, but his performances prompted clubs who have been monitoring him, such as Premier League side Fulham, to step up their interest.Whether he leaves the Netherlands remains to be seen, but Pepi and his compatriot Sergino Dest won’t be going any further in this season’s Champions League. The defending Eredivisie champions lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich, meaning they were knocked out.Pepi and Balogun will compete to lead the line for the USMNT in the World Cup, but Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield is another area with strong options.
Cardoso struggles continue
In that respect, Johnny Cardoso will have hoped for better exposure in Europe’s elite cup competition so far this term. The 24-year-old has struggled to break into Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side, and started only one of their eight league-phase games. He came on in the second half of their 2-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday.ardoso will at least get the chance to feature in the play-offs.
Tillman at the double
Another gifted young USMNT star carved out his own notable record. Malik Tillman repeated the trick of doing what no other American has done before, by scoring twice in a Champions League tie on Wednesday.His double against Villarreal helped Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-0 win and with that progress into the play-offs. They will now play either Borussia Dortmund or Olympiacos for a place in the last 16.
It echoed his record-breaking brace in the competition for his previous team PSV, against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2024.
Musah makes rare start
Yunus Musah will compete with Tillman for a midfield slot in Mauricio Pochettino’s side this summer, and he will also get at least one more chance to shine in the Champions League beforehand.Musah made his second start in the league phase for his Italian side Atalanta in a 1-0 defeat at Union Saint-Gilloise, but that did not prevent them making the play-off stage.The 23-year-old had a quiet game, and with only two Serie A starts so far this season, he might be concerned by his lack of minutes thus far in an important season. By Greg O’Keeffe Senior Writer
How NFL stadiums are transforming for the 2026 World Cup
SoFi Stadium in California will host World Cup games Frederic J. Brown / AFP / Getty Images
In the seven months between one American football season and the next, NFL stadiums are typically busy. They host concerts and other sports, monster truck tours and more, adapting for each event one week at a time. But in 2026, a handful have cleared their summer calendars, and will transform for two full months to welcome a tournament of peerless proportion: the World Cup.
“Transform” is the operative word because many of the 11 U.S. stadiums set to host World Cup games were built primarily for gridiron football. They were built for a sport commonly played on artificial turf; and for NFL fields that are 53.3 yards (48.7 meters) wide, almost 20 meters narrower than a World Cup soccer pitch. So, they have undergone construction above and below ground. They will carve out space for wider fields. All 11 stadiums — even the four that play NFL football on natural grass — will bring in special sod carefully crafted by agronomists and approved by FIFA. They will also change their names to “Los Angeles Stadium” and “New York New Jersey Stadium” rather than SoFi and MetLife. By FIFA decree, they will “debrand” by covering or scrubbing thousands of logos and signage from their premises — everywhere from the walls of suites to the top of their retractable roofs. The following is a rundown of their makeover plans, which have been in development for years; and which, now, with the NFL season coming to a close with the Super Bowl this Sunday, are nearly ready for action.
Grass replacing artificial turf
Seven of the 11 U.S. stadiums — plus an eighth World Cup venue in Canada, Vancouver’s BC Place — have synthetic surfaces. Those stadiums are:
Lumen Field in Seattle
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (near Los Angeles)
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (near Dallas)
NRG Stadium in Houston
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (near New York)
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (near Boston)
All have hosted soccer matches on natural grass over the years. But in most of those instances, the grass was laid, strip by strip, over artificial turf or directly on the stadium’s floor. Some pitches played fine, but others felt spongy or jumpy and drew criticism from players. Plus, if they were pieced together only a few days before a game, they’d be patchy. But, on the other hand, if they were laid too early, the grass would start to die after multiple weeks without proper nourishment and air flow.
Grass laid over a non-grass surface at Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium at the 2025 Concacaf Gold CupHenry Bushnell
So, years ago, experts concluded that the plan for 2026 would have to be different.The solution was for stadiums to install irrigation and ventilation systems. Those will allow artificial-turf venues to build a more “conventional” grass field atop 10-plus inches of sand, and to maintain the field for two months as if it were a permanent playing surface. (They will then remove it and return to artificial turf before the 2026 NFL season, largely because artificial turf allows them to accommodate more non-sporting events in their downtime.)
Over the past few years, researchers, FIFA’s experts and stadium managers also explored an innovative plan for stadiums that wouldn’t install necessary infrastructure below ground. They developed a “shallow pitch profile,” featuring sod and a thinner layer of sand atop a permeable black drainage module. SoFi Stadium piloted the system at last year’s Concacaf Nations League finals, and MetLife Stadium, among others, used it for the Club World Cup. At some stadiums, a version of the “shallow pitch” concept will be used again in 2026, though the base layers of sand will be deeper than last summer — at least 10 inches deep, a FIFA spokesman told The Athletic. Exact specifications and modifications will vary from stadium to stadium. The other barriers, literally, are roofs. Three U.S. stadiums — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, NRG Stadium and AT&T Stadium — are indoor venues with retractable roofs. A fourth, SoFi, is technically open-air but with a translucent roof that blocks about 65 percent of the sun’s rays, according to Otto Benedict, the stadium’s SVP in charge of facilities. Grass, of course, feeds on sunlight, so maintaining it indoors has been a challenge. But the solution has become relatively commonplace: LED “grow lights” that replicate sunlight.In fact, the technology has become so advanced that stadiums will keep their retractable roofs closed for the duration of the World Cup. The venues in Atlanta and Houston, for example, will ship in a cool-season grass grown at a turf farm in Colorado, keep their buildings air conditioned at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and trust that the grow lights will give the grass what it needs.The grass will also be reinforced by synthetic fibers, which will be stitched into the sod, making it a “hybrid” surface — around 90-95 percent natural grass and 5-10 percent artificial.ost pitches will be installed in May, weeks before the start of the tournament, which kicks off June 11.
Widening the fields, at the expense of seats
The other main structural incongruence of NFL stadiums as World Cup venues was their narrowness.They were built to get fans close to American football action, with concrete stands featuring built-in seats that curve from sideline to endline. There is space, of course, between the playing field’s boundary and the first row of seats, but not quite enough space for a World Cup.FIFA requires a pitch that’s 68 meters by 105 meters (74.4 by 114.8 yards); and, more importantly, a total field area that’s at least 85 meters by 125 meters (93 by 136.7 yards), according to contractual agreements with stadiums signed last decade. Those requirements clashed with the corners of NFL fields, where the edges of end zones are often not far from the facing of the stadium’s lower bowl. When these stadiums previously hosted soccer, pitches were often narrower than what FIFA requires. At least a few of the 11 U.S. stadiums have never hosted an event that required a field this wide.So, during NFL offseasons in 2024 and 2025, in addition to installing grass-related infrastructure, some stadiums have cut into their concrete structures and essentially replaced permanent stands with demountable bleachers. Those bleachers were in place for the 2025 NFL season but will be removed over the coming months for the World Cup. (At MetLife Stadium during last summer’s Club World Cup, for example, dozens of sections and rows of bleachers and seats were perched on trucks in adjacent parking lots; and inside the stadium, the front row of some sections was Row 5 or Row 11.)
Removable bleachers sit on flatbeds outside MetLife Stadium, site of the 2026 World Cup finalHenry Bushnell
The capacity of most or all U.S. stadiums will therefore be less than it is for NFL games, with the exact difference often in the thousands but varying from stadium to stadium.Some field-side suites, such as the ones at SoFi Stadium, will also be impacted — though in some cases, FIFA and stadiums have negotiated compromises, and total field area requirements have been reduced. (All pitches will still be 68 meters by 105 meters; the surrounding areas, though, which are largely for photographers, broadcasters and advertising, offer wiggle room.)And at some venues, the entire floor and field will be raised to accommodate the modifications.There will also be less-visible work done to reformat VIP areas as FIFA desires.All in all, according to contracts and people with direct knowledge of preparations, the pitch work, construction and other items will cost some stadiums more than $10 million apiece.
Strict signage
The final core component of the transformations will be “debranding.”When the stadiums signed up to host this World Cup, they agreed to FIFA’s “clean site” policy, which is stricter than that of any other event organizer.FIFA demands that the stadiums remove or obscure all advertising. The requirement protects the exclusivity that FIFA offers to its sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Visa and Aramco. It has also given headaches to stadium operators. Adam Fullerton, the VP of operations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, said that he and his team must handle “somewhere over 2,000 cover-ups across the stadium, both inside and outside.”For some venues, including Mercedes-Benz, this includes hiding giant logos or lettering on the stadium’s roof. In Houston, for example, there is giant “NRG Stadium” signage high above a main entrance and also on the roof’s sky-facing eyelids. It is all visible when the stadium hosts College Football Playoff games or Super Bowls, but must be covered prior to the World Cup.FIFA, meanwhile, will dress up the stadiums with its own branding and signage.It will also refer to the venues as “Atlanta Stadium” and “Houston Stadium,” for the same reason. Even the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico will be “Mexico City Stadium.” Only BC Place — which is named after the Canadian province in which it sits, British Columbia, rather than a commercial entity — will get to keep its name in some form. By Henry Bushnell Senior Writer, U.S. Soccer
After five years of Reynolds and Mac, Wrexham are on cusp of Premier League
Mark OgdenFeb 5, 2026, 08:56 AM ET ESPNFC
WREXHAM, Wales — Mickey Thomas still holds the distinction of scoring the most famous goal in Wrexham‘s history, even after five years of the Rob Mac-Ryan Reynolds dream factory that has taken the club to the brink of the Premier League.
Nothing yet has topped Thomas’s free-kick goal in a 2-1 FA Cup win over Arsenal in January 1992, when Wrexham — who finished bottom of the Football League, in 92nd position, six months earlier — eliminated the reigning league champions at the Racecourse Ground. But Thomas admits his historic goal may soon be eclipsed by even greater moments, following Wrexham’s incredible rise from the fifth-tier National League to the EFL Championship playoff positions since Mac and Reynolds completed their £2 million takeover on Feb. 9, 2021.
“Wrexham have become a runaway train since Rob and Ryan arrived,” Thomas told ESPN. “I’ve been in football a long time, I’ve seen everything, but the rise has taken my breath away. And the crazy thing about it all is that Wrexham could be playing Arsenal in the Premier League next season.
“When you think about that cup tie in 1992 and everything that has happened to Wrexham since then, the ups and downs, that prospect is absolutely amazing. It would be the greatest football story ever.”
On the day the takeover was confirmed five years ago, after the pair received a green light to complete the deal in November 2020, Wrexham secured a 2-1 away win against Altrincham to climb to seventh in the National League. Today, they are 73 places higher in the English soccer pyramid and will move up to fifth position, three places behind the automatic promotion spots, with a win at home to Millwall on Saturday.
Following three successive promotions, beginning with their elevation from the National League to the EFL in 2023, the Wrexham story may just be weeks away from another incredible chapter.
“Listen, is the structure of this club behind the scenes ready for the Premier League and would there be an immense amount of work to take place [if we get there]?” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told ESPN. “Of course, but wouldn’t it be great to have that chance? You’d probably say we weren’t ready for Division One, certainly not the Championship, but I think in football, you just keep evolving as you go along.”
When Wrexham announced their most recent annual financial results in March 2025, which reported a 155% rise in yearly revenue to £26.7 million during their first year back in the EFL after 15 years in the National League, the accounts included a statement of intent from the directors. “The goal of the owners is to grow the team and establish Wrexham AFC as a Premier League club in front of increased attendances and in an improved stadium,” the statement said.
Five years on from day one, the journey from Altrincham to Arsenal is almost complete, with Mac and Reynolds zooming toward each of those ambitions at breakneck speed.
Parkinson was Wrexham’s first game changer. His appointment as manager in July 2021 gave the Mac-Reynolds project instant credibility and offered proof of their determination to revive the club.
Parkinson was an established EFL manager with promotions on his record at Colchester and Bolton. In 2013, he achieved the unthinkable by guiding League Two’s Bradford City to the EFL Cup final, beating Premier League sides Arsenal and Aston Villa on the way. Those results meant he already had “miracle worker” on his résumé, but joining Wrexham was a gamble for Parkinson.
“It’s always an element of risk because if you drop into the National League as a manager and it doesn’t go well, where do you go from there?” Parkinson said. “But the more I looked into it and spoke to the owners myself, I realized how serious they were.
“Sometimes when you get a manager’s job, you look at what could be achieved — the potential here is huge. Since coming here, it’s been a roller coaster really. I don’t think you can describe it any other way. It’s just been incredible to see the club go from the National League to the Championship, but I think what Rob and Ryan have done, in everything they’ve said to anybody, they’ve delivered.”
The headline of Mac and Reynolds’ five years at the club is unquestionably the three promotions. No club had ever achieved three straight promotions in the history of English football, dating back to its very first season in 1888, but those successes have coincided with rapid change on and off the pitch.
Since February of 2021, 66 new players have arrived at Stok Cae Ras, at a total cost of £38.8 million, while 76 have left the club for a sum total of nothing as free transfers or loans — including Paul Mullin, the goalscoring hero of the first two promotions, who joined Bradford City last week after spending the first half of this season on loan at Wigan. Ollie Palmer, another key figure in the early promotions, was a £300,000 club record signing from AFC Wimbledon in January 2022, but he’s now playing in League Two for Swindon Town.
Wrexham’s squad evolution has seen their transfer outlay rise exponentially. Sam Smith eclipsed Palmer as the record signing when arriving for £2 million from Reading last January, but Smith was then overtaken by Nathan Broadhead when the Wales forward completed a £7.5 million transfer from Ipswich Town in August. Change has become a constant, and on an accelerated scale. Parkinson admits that while it is an essential part of the team’s growth, Wrexham have been determined to ensure that those heroes who played a role in those early promotions are treated with respect.
“It’s been a challenge,” Parkinson said. “We look to sign players that, if we stepped up, would continue with us and we’ve tried to bring that quality in, but then there’s always those players you need to bring better quality in each level, so there are players who have been incredible for us who have moved on. We’ve had to make some tough decisions and let players go — players who have been absolute legends for us at this club.
“But equally, when you step up as quickly as we’ve done, that change has got to happen quicker than we normally expect. That is a tough part of the job, but all you can do in those circumstances is sit down, speak to people respectfully and make sure when they’re leaving that it’s done the right way.
“But you’ve got to keep evolving as a squad because if you stand still, people go past you.”
For those players coming in, though, the attraction of Wrexham — a club on the up with Hollywood glamour sprinkled on top — is clear.
“The immediate attraction was obviously everything on the field, success with promotions, being a winning culture and a team that had stepped up to the Championship for the first time,” George Thomason, a £1.2 million signing from Bolton last summer, told ESPN. “But everyone knows the outside noise of the owners and things like that. Just to see the buy-in and the spirit and the culture around the club was something really special.
“I was really delighted when I heard about the interest from Wrexham. They want to keep going right to the top and that’s something that’s very exciting for every footballer.”
The “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series that has chronicled the team’s rise through the divisions since Season 1, first airing in 2022, helped bring worldwide recognition to the club by showcasing the sporting drama as well as the off-field stories of supporters and the local community. But while Wrexham have become a global brand, their stadium remains an outdated lower-league venue.
When ESPN met Parkinson and Thomason at the ground, a lack of facilities meant that interviews were staged in a staff kitchen in the bowels of one of the stands and the stadium, which first staged football in 1864, would require a multimillion-pound upgrade just to make it fit for the Premier League. While teams need only a minimum capacity of 5,000, with 2,000 seats, to meet minimum Premier League requirements, they must also have high-intensity floodlights for broadcasting purposes, designated areas for cameras and media and secure segregation of supporters.
When Luton Town were promoted to the Premier League in 2023, the club spent £8 million on ground improvements to make their Kenilworth Road stadium — which included an entrance nestled between houses, and a footbridge over a garden — comply with top-flight demands. At Wrexham, work has started on a new 7,500-capacity Kop Stand, which will take the ground’s capacity to 18,000, but it is not due to be ready for months.
“The delivery date is early 2027,” Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson told ESPN. “But the reality is that the completed version of the new stand will probably not be available until the 2027-28 season, so we could be in the Premier League next season with just 10,500 seats.”
Still, when it is completed, the new stand will be in keeping with the glitz and glamour of Wrexham’s Hollywood owners having been designed by Populous, the stadium architects responsible for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final, and The Sphere in Las Vegas.
“The connection with The Sphere was definitely a cool selling point for Rob and Ryan,” a source told ESPN. “They are both totally across the detail and even the choice of the Ruabon red brick for the stand was made with them wanting to acknowledge local tradition.” (Ruabon is a small town 10 miles from Wrexham, which is famous for the production of a terra-cotta-colored brick from local clay.)
But despite the challenges ahead off the pitch, Wrexham are ready to meet them full on. “There is no road map for this,” Williamson said. “To go from the National League all the way to the Premier League in successive promotions is something that no other club in the history of English soccer has done.
“When we were in League One I said to Rob and Ryan, ‘Hey, let’s try to get the Championship as quickly as possible because otherwise you risk getting stuck in League One.’ They bought into that. We invested in a squad and were able to get that promotion. We were sprinting all of last season off the pitch, and around all the other areas of the organization, and we’re sprinting to be able to survive in the Championship to build to a level where we could survive in a Championship.
“Ultimately, if we get to the Premier League, we are sprinting again to be ready to be Premier League-ready.”
So where do Wrexham go from here? Is it a case of when, rather than if, they reach the Premier League?
On the pitch, Parkinson’s team is in the heart of the playoff race, meaning Wrexham are well-placed to achieve their latest dream this season. Off it, the workforce and personnel hired by Mac and Reynolds point to the clear ambition of joining the sport’s elite. Williamson was recruited as CEO two years ago having previously worked at D.C. United, Inter Milan and Inter Miami, while chief business and communications officer Rob Faulkner arrived in December 2024 following roles at UEFA, Inter Milan and the European Club Association.
“I think Rob and Ryan made pretty clear their ambitions from their very first interviews, stating that they wanted to take Wrexham to the Premier League,” Williamson said. “I think at the time everyone kind of laughed at them, but here we are, six places away from being a Premier League club. What we have to look at is how do we make sure that once we arrive there [PL], we can stay there. And that includes growing in a lot of different areas. It means growing in the staffing, so we’ve gone from 40 permanent employees to over 140 in under 20 months.
“It is a sprint, it’s not a marathon. I would like to get to the marathon at some point to be honest, but it is a constant sprint. But the thing that I’ll say about us as a club is that we’ve been sprinting since Rob and Ryan have come in and so we’re pretty good at it.”
Impressively, Wrexham have become a global brand despite never having previously played in the top flight. Prior to the Mac-Reynolds takeover, their only real claim to fame was a run to the quarterfinals of the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1975-76. But they have become a phenomenon over the past five years, something that former player Thomas admits surprises him every day.
“I played for Manchester United and still work for the club on matchdays at Old Trafford, but wherever I go, people only ever want to talk to me about Wrexham,” Thomas said. “I just think people have embraced the story so much that the club is now as big as any Premier League team in the United States.”
Wrexham’s commercial power is also likely to appeal to the Premier League too, with the prospect of Hollywood celebrities soon sitting at the top table.
“Most international fans wouldn’t know the difference between a Fulham, a Bournemouth, even a West Ham maybe,” Omar Chaudhuri, chief intelligence officer of Twenty First Group, London-based commercial brand advisers, told ESPN. “But if you’ve suddenly got a team coming up that has an actual narrative attached to them, you’re drawing viewers to those games that you might not otherwise get in an average season.
“Particularly in the U.S., you’re going to have a big audience there that understands it has suddenly a connection with this team, so whenever Wrexham are on TV, you’re going to have an uplift of viewers and that definitely has value to the league. If you’re a Premier League club owner, you’re going to be welcoming that kind of thing.”
When Mac and Reynolds arrived at Wrexham, the club relied on local sponsors and partners not just for commercial revenue, but financial survival. They have since moved on from the likes of Ifor Williams Trailers to global corporations like United Airlines and Meta Quest, securing multimillion-pound deals that are likely to only grow if Wrexham make it to the Premier League. Their commercial power now underpins both their present successes and future ambitions.
“There are top-six clubs in the Premier League who would love the brand connection that we have in North America,” Williamson said. “So the possibilities are unlimited on what we can continue to do, but the key to the success has been, and will need to continue to be, that we stay rooted to our local community values.
“Some Championship clubs go into the playoffs and suddenly find themselves, ‘Oh wow, we got promoted and we’re in the Premier League and haven’t actually planned to be in the Premier League.’ That’s probably the biggest difference here. Even though we are infrastructure-wise challenged compared to some of the historic Championship clubs, our mentality is that we’re preparing ourselves to arrive there because that’s our expectation.”
It has taken five years to get to this point, but Wrexham might now reach their ultimate destination in less than five months.
Long-time Carmel FC & Carmel High Coach & Referee Carla Baker joins Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026
The Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest 2-person class into the Hall of Fame. The 2026 Class includes Carla Baker and Mike Avery. The class will be inducted into the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel – Carmel. Baker, who currently resides in Carmel and continues to coach high school soccer and referee youth games, started her career as a student-athlete goalkeeper in Hamilton, Ontario at McMaster University. Her performance in goal earned her a call up to the Canadian Women’s National team in 1987. She stared for them for 9 years, competing in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and eventually the 1995 FIFA World Cup. In all, she earned 29 caps for the Canadian Women’s National Team. After completing a professional career, she turned her sights to coaching, working at FIU; Cornell University; University of Notre Dame and the University of Iowa. While an assistant coach at the University of Notre Dame, the Irish went to 4 consecutive final fours; won a National Championship in 1995; were Runners-Up in 1994, 1996 and semi-finalist in 1997. As an assistant coach at Carmel High School, Baker won a state championship in 2018 and was a runner up in 2014 and 2025. As an assistant coach at Park Tudor High School, Baker helped coach her team to two state championships in 2022 and 2023 and a runner up in 2020. “Honestly, with all her experience and international accomplishments, we are so LUCKY to have her as a representative of soccer in our community – CHS & CFC, “stated Juergen Sommer, Director of Soccer Operations at Carmel FC Soccer. “She has such a professional approach to her work/craft, as well as managing our families when soccer goes sideways, which we’ve all dealt with over the year. Carla is irreplaceable and a foundational pillar within our club!” Personally I have been lucky to have coached or reffed on the same fields with Carla for over 15 years. Well deserved Award!
Huge Congrats to All the Carmel FC Coaches (Especially Mark Stumpf) & Members Nominated to this Year’s IYSA Awards
Super proud of my fellow Carmel Coach & buddy Mark Stumpf. He so very deserves the honor. He was one of the original coaches for Carmel FC – joining me when we were still just Carmel Dad’s Rec Plus back in 2008. He coached the boys U14s while I coached the girls. Since then he has done so much for the club, coached 100’s of teams, run the Girls Academy, helped with Goalkeeper Training, organized tryouts, done tons of computer and technical stuff – his list of accomplishments – are too many to list. Bottom line – he has had a huge impact on soccer, Carmel FC and kids lives here in Carmel – and I am super proud to assist him in coaching the 2010 boys over the past few years. Good luck to everyone – but especially my buddy Mark Stumpf – no one in Indiana deserves it more.
Champions League Knockout Stage Games Set
Man was Wednesday fun and it all ended like this Benefica Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin Header at the Buzzer beats Real Madrid 4-2 sends them to knockout stage vs Real Madrid again in Feb. Jose Mourinho’s Benfica were already winning 3-2 but needed to beat Real Madrid 4-2 to sneak ahead of Marseille (Tim Weah) and into the all-important 24th place in the final league table. Think it mattered? Listen to the Benefica Announcer. How can you not love this game? Going into the 8th game and final day of the group stage only 2 teams had guaranteed themselves top 8 spots, 12 teams had a chance of climbing into the top 8. In the end Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barceloa, Chelsea, Sporting and Man City grabbed top 8 slots – yes 5 EPL teams. While Inter Milan, Real Madrid, holders PSG, and Newcastle United all dropped out with losses or ties on the final day.
So let me start with it stinks that 16 games were being played at 1 time – as it is impossible to watch 16 games at once – though I darn sure tried during a late lunch Wed afternoon. Somehow I was able to watch about 6 games (the Americans) as I watched Juventus and Mckinney advance to the playoff round, while seeing American Malik Tillman score two goals but have it not be enough for PSV fell to and are out. Monaco slid thru as Bologun scored a goal (which was called back), and Tim Weah and Marseille were eliminated when Benfica scored the late winner. First legs of the Knockout stage start Feb 17/18, then Feb 24/25 we’ll have just 2 American’s to root on as McKinney (Juventus) face Galatasaray and Bolagun (Monaco) battle defending Champs PSG.
Coming home from Practice or Games at Badger Fieldhouse? What better way to keep warm – than with the Best Brunswick Stew in the Midwest? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ. RackZ BBQ have THE BEST Brunswick Stew I have had in any place other than my Mema’s kitchen. So what is Brunswick Stew – its a tomato based stew with all the food left over – usually roasted Pork, Chicken, beef, along with potatoes, corn, butter beans, and other vegetables all finely chopped. Mention the Ole Ballcoach and get 20% off your meal. Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/
Brunswick Stew at RackZ BarBQ is the BEST
US Ladies Win 2 Games & Crystal Dunn Retires
The US ladies won both games in this cycle as they beat Chile 5-0 Wed after a 6-0 win vs Paraguay over the weekend. (Highlights) Good to see Trinity Rodman score again – Emma Hayes celebrates goal with Trinity Rodman. Love our Women’s US Coach Watch this she is the BEST in the World!! Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph and Emily Sams all scored their first international goals and the United States women’s national soccer team went on to defeat Chile 5-0 on Tuesday night. Sams was first time Captain and Woman of the Match! Emma Sears and Trinity Rodman also scored for the United States, which hasn’t conceded a goal in five matches.
I admit I was wrong- when they moved Dunn from forward to left back – I did not think she was good enough. But she developed into 1 heck of a left back for the US while still playing forward, winger and midfield for her NWSL team.
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Jan 31 10 am USA Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Arsenal 12:30 pm USA Chelsea vs West Ham 12:30 pm ESPN+ Hamburger (Damion Downs) vs Bayern Munich 12:30 pm ESPN+ Levante vs Atletico Madrid (Cardoso) 3 pm NBC Liverpool vs New Castle United 3:30 pm beIN sport Monaco (Balogun) vs Rennes 5 pm univision America vs Necaxa (Liga MX) 8 pm Uni Monterrey vs Tiajuana Sun, Feb 1 8 am ESPNd,+ Rayo Vallencano vs Real Madrid 8:30 am ESPN+ PSV (Dest) vs Feyenoord 9 am USA Aston Villa vs Brendford 9 am Peacock Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 9 am NBCSN, Pea Man United vs Fulham (Jedi) 11:30 am NBCSN Tottenham vs Man City 2:45 pm Para + Juventus (Mckinney) vs Parma Mon, Feb 2 2:45 pm USA Sunderland vs Burnley 2:45 pm Para+ Udinese vs Roma Tues, feb 3 2:45 pm Para+ Bologna vs AC Milan (Pulisic) 3 pm Para+ Arsenal vs Chelsea (League cup) 9 pm FS2 Olimpia vs America (Concacaf Champs) Wed, Feb 4 3 pm Para+ Man City vs New Castle United (League Cup) 3 pm Para+ Inter Milan vs Torino (Copa) Thurs, Feb 5 3 pm PAra+ Atalanta (Musah) vs Juventus (McKinney) (Copa) 3 pm ESPN+ Real Bettis vs Atletico Madrid (Cardoso) Copa Fri, Feb 6 2:30 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin vs Frankfurt 3 pm USA? Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Nottingham Forest Sat, Feb 7 7:30 am USA Man United vs Tottenham 10 am Fulham (Jedi) vs Everton 12:30 pm MGladbach (Scaly, Reyna) vs Leverkusen (Tillman) Sun Feb 8 7:30 am USA Liverpool vs Man City
Sun, Mar 1 She Believes Cup Starts 5 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Argentina Wed, Mar 4 She Believes Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Canada (Columbus, OH) Sat, Mar 7 She Believes Cup 3:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Colombia Sat, Mar 28 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium Tues, Mar 31 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Results that matter
Title impacting matches and head-to-head fixtures by jcksnftsnJan 31, 2026, 10:46 AM EST
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on January 25, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)Getty Images There are a number of big matchups this weekend, including some battles with top of the table competition and head-to-head matches so let’s get to what you should be keeping an eye on this weekend.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Joe Scally started again last weekend as Borussia Monchengladbach fell to Stuttgart 3-0. Unfortunately, Gio Reyna has picked up another injury and missed the match. Gladbach have just one win and four points from their past six matches and they are in eleventh place, two points ahead of their hosts this weekend, Werder Bremen, who are in fifteenth, three points ahead of Mainz in the relegation playoff battle.
Augsburg v St. Pauli – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Noahkai Banks missed last weekend due to yellow card suspension as Augsburg pulled off a shocking 2-1 win over league leading Bayern Munich. Banks had started 13 straight matches so it will be interesting to see if he’s inserted right back into the lineup with Augsburg having won for the first time in six matches in his absence. Augsburg will be facing James Sands and St Pauli this weekend who are in the relegation zone as they have just seven points from their past dozen matches.
RB Leipzig v Mainz – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Lennard Maloney and Mainz have won two of three to pull themselves into the relegation playoff position though they are still three points back of safety. They face fourth place RB Leipzig this weekend who are coming off a 1-1 draw with fellow relegation candidate St. Pauli.
Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Malik Tillman scored a brace in Champions League play midweek as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Villarreal 3-0. Leverkusen also defeated Werder Bremen last weekend and are in sixth place in the Bundesliga standings.
Leeds United v Arsenal – 10a on USA Network: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United drew with Everton last weekend and remain in sixteenth place in the Premier League table. They will face an Arsenal side that are leading the league but need to get back on track after a 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend.
Osasuna v Villarreal – 10:15a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Alex Freeman has completed his move to join Villarreal though it would be surprising to seem him inserted into the lineup immediately for a side that is currently fourth in the La Liga standings and on track for a Champions League spot as they hold a seven point lead over fifth place Espanyol.
Paris v Olympique Marseille – 11a on beIN Sports: Tim Weah and Olympique Marseille are in third place in the Ligue 1 standings but fell 3-0 to Club Brugge midweek in Champions League action and were eliminated before the start of the knockout rounds as they finished with nine points through eight matches. They are eight points back of league leading Lens heading into their matchup with Paris FC who are in fourteenth place.
Hamburg v Bayern Munich – 12:30p on ESPN Select: Damion Downs has started three straight matches for Hamburg but is still looking for his first goal contribution and team win since moving to the Bundesliga. On Saturday, Hamburg will face Bayern Munich who should be heavy favorites but fell to Augsburg last weekend.
Levante v Atletico Madrid – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso started the last two league matches for Atletico Madrid, both of which hiss team won, but he came off the bench in the two Champions League matches. Atletico fell to Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday as both teams advanced to the next round of the competition.
Monaco v Rennes – 3:05p on beIN sports: Folarin Balogun and Monaco also advanced in Champions League action though they settled for a scoreless draw with Juventus on Wednesday. In league play they have fallen to tenth place as they have failed to win in their past five matches. They will host sixth place Rennes on Saturday evening.
Sunday
PSV v Feyenoord – 8:30a on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest started and played the full 90’ as PSV fell to Bayern Munich 2-1 on Wednesday and failed to advance in Champions League play. It’s been a rough week for the club and for Dest who was pulled at halftime last weekend with his team down 2-1 to seventeenth place NAC Breda. PSV would come back in the second half to tie the match and pick up a point. This weekend they host second place Feyenoord who are still fourteen points back of the league leaders.
Manchester United v Fulham – 9a on NBCSN: Antonee Robinson and Fulham will take on a suddenly hot Manchester United side on Sunday morning. United have defeated Man City and Arsenal back-to-back and now sit in fourth place though they are still twelve points back of league leading Arsenal. For their part Fulham are coming off a 2-1 win over Brighton and have suffered defeat just once in the eight matches since Robinson returned. Fulham have gone from 15th back up to seventh place, just four points back of United.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace – 9a on Peacock: Unfortunately, Chris Richards and Crystal Palace are headed in the opposite direction. They have fallen to fifteenth place following their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend though Richards at least scored a consolation goal. Palace will be facing a Forest side that have been gaining some confidence lately, coming off a win over Brentford last weekend in league play and a midweek 4-0 win over Ferencavaros in Europa League action.
Olympique Lyon v Lille – 9a on beIN Sports: Tanner Tessmann and Lyon defeated Metz 5-2 last weekend to maintain their fourth place position in Ligue 1 and will play host to fifth place Lille who they lead by four points in the league standings. Tessmann started last weekend and was a halftime sub midweek for Lyon as the team scored three second half goals to defeat PAOK Thessaloniki 4-2 in Europa League action.
Como v Atalanta – 9a on Paramount+: Yunus Musah did not appear last weekend in Atalanta’s 4-0 win over Parma in league play but did get the start midweek in Champions League action. Atalanta fell to Union Saint-Gilloise but it did not impact their position heading into the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Toulouse v Auxerre – 11:15a on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie started and picked up the assist on the opening goal of Toulouse’s 2-0 win over Brest last weekend. Toulouse remained in eighth place with the victory, they are just three points back of fifth place Lille for Europa League qualification. They face an Auxerre side that has just three wins in nineteen matches and need to nearly double their points to crawl out of the relegation spots.
Parama v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+: Weston McKennie and Juventus defeated third place Napoli last weekend to pull within a point of them in the Serie A standings for the fourth and final Champions League qualification position. McKennie started midweek as well as Juve played Monaco to a scoreless draw, a result that was good enough for the Italian’s to advance while Monaco was sent home.
Athletic Club v Real Sociedad – 3p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Pellegrino Matarazzo extended his dream start with Real Sociedad as the team knocked off Celta Vigo 3-1 last weekend. Sociedad were in sixteenth place when Matarazzo took over and they have moved up to eighth place heading into their matchup with Athletic Bilbao who are themselves in fourteenth place though just three points back of Sociedad.
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Champions League talking points: Mourinho’s master class, biggest disappointments, best moments, more
Multiple contributors
Jan 28, 2026, 08:09 PM ET ESPN
A frantic Wednesday night — 18 games all at once — wrapped the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, and we have much to talk about! Anatoliy Trubin‘s heroics will long in the memory for Benfica fans and neutrals alike — and probably Real Madrid supporters, too — after the goalkeeper scored a stoppage-time goal to seal the Portuguese side’s place in the knockout phase. Elsewhere, Arsenal completed a clean sweep, winning all eight of their league phase games, while Chelsea won 3-2 in Napoli — sealing the Blues a spot in the Top 8 and eliminating Antonio Conte’s side in the process. So, with the league phase complete and seedings set for Friday’s knockout playoff round draw, ESPN FC’s writers weigh in on the action so far and what’s still to come.
Q1. What a night! Real Madrid fell out of the Top 8 with a 4-2 defeat at Benfica, a result that launched the Portuguese side into the knockout playoffs. Was Jose Mourinho’s turnaround the most dramatic ending ever to a group stage since you started watching the Champions League?
James Olley: Funnily enough, the most dramatic endings to the group stage aren’t really something that live in the memory. This competition is about knockout moments, trophy-winning moments. Real Madrid now have to play two extra games as heavy favorites and Benfica scrape into a playoff. That latter development was undeniably a dramatic moment, certainly in the way it came about, and the competition is better for having a character like Mourinho in it for a little longer. Napoli’s topsy-turvy game against Chelsea was also fun. But don’t let one enjoyable night in front of the TV mask the weeks and weeks of diluted nonsense it took to get to this point. And the teams who won’t be seeded in the knockout rounds are Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, AS Monaco, FK Qarabag, Bodo/Glimt and Benfica. Bodo getting this far is a good story but does anyone really expect any major upsets in this extra playoff round? So what was the point again?
Julien Laurens: I don’t want to ever hear again that this format of the competition is not good! I don’t want anyone to moan again about it. This was brilliant drama again, as we expected at the start of the night. There was always going to be some drama! It could have been at PSG-Newcastle or at another game, but it had to be Mourinho and Benfica! Who else? The narrative was there for it: Mourinho against his former club with the opportunity to knock them out of the Top 8. He sent Trubin up for the free kick which was never a free kick! The delivery was perfect and Thibaut Courtois, who made some big saves before, couldn’t save the header. The only thing that this can come close to is the Francesco Acerbi goal for Inter Milan in the semifinals last season against Barcelona. That’s why we love football so much!
Beth Lindop: I mean, how can you not love football, eh? There are few greater sights in football than a goalkeeper scoring a goal and for this one to be so significant in terms of keeping Benfica’s Champions League dreams alive makes it all the more special. It’s hard to remember a more dramatic climax so early in the competition and for advocates of the new format, it’s further evidence that the extra games are worth the pay-off. Plus, who doesn’t want to see more Mourinho touchline antics? Absolutely box office.
Gab Marcotti: Hell yes! Because it’s freaking Jose Mourinho against his old club! Because Benfica had lost their first four games in the group stage! Because it’s freaking Real Madrid! Because they had lost three of four games in all competitions prior to this one! Because they needed a raft of results elsewhere to go their way for this to even be a possibility! Because they actually battered Real Madrid (2.99 to 1.50 xG)! Because the goal came deep in injury time with the last touch of the game! Because the goal scorer, Trubin, is a freaking goalkeeper! Because Trubin didn’t appear to realize they needed a fourth and seemed to be time-wasting seconds before his goal! Because it’s Mourinho!
Mark Ogden: What an ending! It was only missing a Mourinho sprint down the touchline, but you can’t have everything. And credit must go to Mourinho because, with seven minutes of stoppage-time played, he ordered Trubin forward for the last-ditch free kick. Trubin headed home for an incredible goal to seal Benfica’s playoff spot. The best part of this story is that Real Madrid will now face Benfica or Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs. Let’s just hope it’s Benfica so we can have the prospect of Mourinho getting under Real’s skin yet again.
Sam Tighe: I can’t think of anything that matches that. The Real Madrid meltdown (two red cards), the fact the goalkeeper scored, the fact it was Mourinho … that was outrageous. The best comparison I can even try to offer is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s 95th-minute winner for Tottenham Hotspur against Marseille in 2022, which saw them qualify for the knockouts. But come on. Højberg is not a goalkeeper, so it’s significantly less novel than the utter madness we just watched.
Rob Dawson: In terms of drama, it doesn’t get much better than a goalkeeper scoring in the 98th minute to seal a place in the Champions League knockout rounds. Goalkeeper Jimmy Glass is still a famous name in the U.K. after he scored a last-minute goal which saved Carlisle United from relegation and kept them in the Football League in 1999. It’s likely that the name Trubin will never be forgotten in Lisbon.
Alex Kirkland: It was an incredible, head-spinning few minutes, with Real Madrid all of a sudden out of the Top 8, and Benfica progressing, with Mourinho in tears as he headed down the tunnel after the final whistle. It’s hard to think of a group stage climax that came close. The most memorable turnaround featuring a Spanish team in recent years was probably Atlético Madrid, who had been bottom of their group before they went to FC Porto and won 3-1 in December 2021, with two of their goals coming in added time. But even that can’t compare to this. Real Madrid were famously never eliminated in the group stage in the old UCL format. Now, for two years in a row, they’ve been forced into the playoffs.
Sam Marsden: For all the above reasons, it was obviously amazing. Very little can beat a last-minute goal from a goalkeeper. How it will be remembered will depend on what comes next, which I think we all hope will be another dose of Mourinho vs. Alvaro Arbeloa. It’s unlikely Benfica would beat Madrid over two legs (surely not?) but we all need Part II after the remarkable scenes we witness in Lisbon. Football gods, do your thing.
Are Arsenal favourites to win the Champions League?
Alejandro Moreno and Steve Nicol debate who should be favorites to win the Champions League.
Q2. Who/what has been the biggest disappointment of the league phase?
Dawson: It has to be Napoli. Antonio Conte will argue that Italian clubs aren’t working with the same budget as the European heavyweights — particularly in the Premier League — but the reigning Serie A champions shouldn’t anywhere near the bottom of a 36-team table. Losing 6-2 at PSV Eindhoven and failing to beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home are poor results. Conte has an impressive record in domestic football, but for whatever reason he’s never seemed able to replicate it in the Champions League.
Olley: I’d have to pick the league phase format itself. The second year of this Swiss model has reinforced my view of the first: the importance of matches between big teams are diluted, the extra two matches add nothing but an unnecessary increase on player workload, and the televisual feast of Matchday 8 comes at too high a price of sterile build-up. It is the European Super League by not-so-stealth design. Giving the top two home advantage in the knockout rounds is merely an incentive to make a flawed system have more meaning, and there is an argument it overtly compromises the purity of knockout football — which the last-16 stage onwards always was.
Ogden: I completely agree with James on this. The league phase may have heavyweight clashes on each matchday, but the games don’t really mean anything because the giants know they’ll qualify anyway. Ok, you might argue that was always the case in the old group phase, but we did see some super-clubs — Manchester United, Barcelona — crash into the UEFA Europa League in recent years, as there was more jeopardy and clubs knew they had less margin for error. This league phase has been a long preamble toward a somewhat inevitable conclusion.
Tighe: Sorry James, and sorry Mark … I remain a big fan of this new format. There’s enough peril involved across the first eight games and I cannot get on board with the idea that some of these games “don’t matter” — they absolutely do. That’s why dropped points in the first three or four weeks are likely to scupper your chances of finishing in the Top 8, as this first phase has effectively become a quest to stay perfect. The stakes start high and stay there. Last year Juventus, AC Milan and Manchester City dropped into the playoffs, then paid the price. This year, Real Madrid, Internazionale, Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juve (again) risk the same. I am willing to die on this hill: the league phase is good!
Are Chelsea more entertaining to watch under Liam Rosenior?
Frank Leboeuf reacts to Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League.
Marcotti: I kind of feel I need to address more than one issue here. The biggest disappointment has to be Villarreal. Their table looks worse than it should because after the Dortmund shellacking left them with one point from five games, they took their foot off the gas, which is understandable. But still, this is an embarrassment for a side that are fourth in LaLiga. Even with a stretched squad, you expected more.
As for the format, I like it, because it encourages attacking, less speculative football. In that sense, it’s definitely more entertaining. The “jeopardy” argument is a valid one, but I think it’s because the seedings are pretty meaningless (other than finishing top eight). There’s an easy fix, albeit one that only me and UEFA general secretary Theo Theodoridis like, which is why it won’t happen: Let the top seed choose their opponent for the knockouts. Then second seed picks next, and on down from there. Not only would it add a layer of drama, but it would make games far more meaningful.
Last year, Liverpool won the group stage. What was their reward (other than missing out on the playoff round)? Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16. Some reward!
Kirkland: I agree with Gab, it’s Villarreal. One point! For one of the best teams in Spain! Embarrassing is the word. It’s been the kind of campaign that makes you think: what’s the point of working so hard, all season, to qualify for the Champions League if you’re going to perform like this? Whatever the circumstances or mitigating factors — like prioritizing LaLiga, and some tough fixtures in Europe — there’s really no excuse. Lose to Tottenham Hotspur, Man City, Dortmund, sure. But Pafos and F.C. København? I really rate Marcelino Garcia Toral as a coach, but he has some serious questions to answer.
Marsden: Yeah, I’ve got to go with Villarreal here too. For a team from Europe’s top five leagues — and it doesn’t matter which of those we are talking about — to not win a single game is pretty pitiful. Defeats to Pafos and at home to København were probably the lows of Villarreal’s campaign, but there is no shortage of moments to pick from. What makes their results even more surprising is that, until recently, they were keeping pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga. One point from eight games is not a good look for the Spanish top flight.
Lindop: When it comes to biggest disappointment, I’m going to go for Inter Milan. Last season’s finalists will likely still qualify for the round of 16 but, considering they’re five points clear at the top of Serie A, I think they’ve been a little bit underwhelming. Now, that might sound harsh considering they’ve won four of their eight games, but they failed to really assert themselves in either of their home matches against Liverpool and Arsenal, and they were beaten away at Atlético Madrid. They haven’t shown they’re ready to make the next step as far as winning the competition is concerned.
Laurens: I like this format a lot, I did last year and I still do. In terms of disappointment, I agree on both Napoli and Villarreal too. How can you be fourth in LaLiga and second-bottom in the Champions League at the same time? For many of us, Villarreal were one of the teams to watch as a surprise package; instead, they’ve been a laughingstock! For Napoli, Conte has always struggled in the Champions League, so it’s unsurprising to see his team not doing well this year. Eintracht Frankfurt have been a shambles too, so have Ajax Amsterdam.
Klinsmann: Musiala’s return is huge for Bayern Munich
Jürgen Klinsmann praises Jamal Musiala after he scored on his first start since returning from injury in Bayern’s 2-1 win vs. PSV.
Q3. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are clearly the front-runners to win it all based on their dominance in the league phase. Is there any other team that comes close and can win it all?
Dawson: Real Madrid. It’s been a turbulent season with the noise around Vinícius Júnior and the departure of Xabi Alonso, but it’s still a team packed full of special players. Often, Champions League knockout ties are decided by moments, and Real Madrid have the type of attackers who produce them time and time again. Then there’s the weight of history. It’s something that’s impossible to quantify, but there’s something about Real Madrid in the Champions League. Despite their problems, they’re a team that no one will want to face in March and April.
Ogden: Arsenal and Bayern are the favorites now, but it means nothing because the slate is wiped clean at the start of the knockout rounds. The League Phase is basically a glorified preseason campaign, and now the real action begins. So, feel free to mock, but I’m tipping Liverpool and PSG to reach the final if they avoid each other along the way. Put all of your league phase stats and form guides in the bin because it’s a completely different tournament when it’s two-legged ties and sudden death. PSG will come good, and Liverpool too: we’ve all seen how Anfield can propel Liverpool to remarkable results.
Tighe: Mark’s right: The league phase isn’t a great indicator of what’s to come. You need only look at PSG here, who last season sprang to life at the turn of the year and suddenly became an unstoppable force. Tipping a team here isn’t easy, as there’s plenty of reasons to downgrade most team’s chances (Barcelona have Pedri‘s dodgy hamstrings, Liverpool are too open, Real Madrid are too combustible), so I’ll be super boring and choose … the reigning champs, PSG, again.
Lindop: I do have a weird feeling about Liverpool this season. Now, I may well end up with egg on my face as they’ve been pretty terrible at times in the Premier League this term, but for the most part, the Champions League has provided some respite, with Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid among the opponents they’ve already vanquished. With less of a focus on set pieces and physicality in Europe, Arne Slot’s side are better equipped for success. They have a lot of talented individuals and will fancy themselves to beat anyone in a knockout tie at Anfield.
The fact that they won’t be involved in a title race in the spring could also work in their favor, too.
Burley: Barcelona’s attack will be a huge threat in UCL knockouts
Craig Burley reacts to Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Olley: Barcelona. The Premier League has produced three of the past six winners and that undermines the argument I’m about to make … but the intensity of English football can often catch up with teams who reach the latter stages of the competition. Three games a week for months on end, with no winter break, plus the intensity of a title race — which may now exist after Arsenal’s recent form — may all be factors. Barcelona look more stable than Real Madrid, although I see Rob’s argument about their pedigree and individual quality being a threat to anyone. We may all feel stupid ignoring last season’s champions, PSG, too.
Marcotti: They’re kind of two different questions. Being the third best team right now and being the third favorite are two different things. Heck, if Arsenal get embroiled in an energy-sapping title race, they might not be the favorites. A lot can happen in a few months. For me, Barcelona are the third best team right now (with all their foibles). Third-favorites to win, well, I’m not going to discount Real Madrid, simply because of pedigree, Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois. I am slightly surprised how gung-ho everybody is about Paris Saint-Germain. Compared to last season, they downgraded their goalkeeper (at least, short-term), Marquinhos is a year older and they’ve already lost to Marseille, Paris FC, AS Monaco, Bayern (at home!) and Sporting CP this season.
Kirkland: I’ve got big doubts about both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barça’s defense is weak. No clean sheets in the Champions League this season, with 14 goals conceded, is not good enough. They conceded three goals at Club Brugge, and two at Slavia Prague. I’m not sure they can be relied upon in the latter stages. And yes, Madrid have Mbappé, Courtois and an improving Vini Jr, but they’re not particularly strong at the back either, or in midfield. Just look at how many chances they gave up to Benfica on Wednesday. I’d look to Liverpool or PSG.
Laurens: There is no way this current PSG team can win it again. Going back to back is hard enough if you keep your level at the same height from one season to the next, but it’s even harder if your level drops! This team is the shadow of the team that walked over Europe’s best last season, so rule them out! I still think that another Premier League team would be third favorite. My money would be on Liverpool and Manchester City. I know they have issues so far this season, but they are also capable on their day, with their key players, to beat anyone else.
Marsden: Forget the top two, because holders PSG still have to be the favorites for me. The league phase is increasingly relevant, and home advantage in the second leg through to a potential final will be huge for Arsenal and Bayern, but the key is who peaks in spring, not winter. A demanding Premier League campaign may count against Arsenal later in the competition, and while Lens are pushing PSG hard, Luis Enrique’s side should be able to better balance European football. Bayern’s commanding Bundesliga lead could help them stay fresh for the Champions League’s latter phases well.
Q4. Who/what was your favorite moment/goal/player of the league phase, and why?
Tighe: I’ll probably never stop mentioning it: I was in the stadium for Micky van de Ven‘s outrageous solo goal for Tottenham vs. F.C. København. It’s the best goal I’ve ever seen live. He picked the ball up on the edge of his own box, started running and just kept going. He beat five, arguably six, players and lashed it in. Not only was it a ridiculous individual feat, but that stadium really hasn’t seen too many positive moments this season, so I’d count myself as even more fortunate on account of that.
Marcotti: I’m going to go a bit left field here. It’s week one of the Champions League, Kairat Almaty, debutants in the competition, traveling away to Sporting CP. Their first-choice keeper got injured in the qualifying round against Celtic to get them into the league phase. Their second-choice keeper got injured four days earlier, in a league game, so 18-year-old Sherhan Kalmurza has to make his first-ever start as a professional.
After 21 minutes, Sporting get a penalty. Kalmurza bounces up and down in the goalmouth. Morten Hjulmand takes the spot-kick and Kalmurza’s kick save denies him the goal! It didn’t last. Sporting scored four and a week later, he conceded five at home to Real Madrid. But no matter. Thanks to an 18-year-old debutant, until the 44th minute (when Sporting took the lead), you believed in fairy tales.
Dawson: I’m going for Jens Petter Hauge’s goal for Bodo/Glimt against Manchester City. It’s obviously not a moment Pep Guardiola will remember fondly, but for the Bodo/Glimt fans packed into the stadium that night, it’s something they’ll never forget. It was a superb effort, with Hauge feinting away from Rodri with a clever step-over before guiding his shot into the top corner; Gianluigi Donnarumma could only watch the ball fly past as he sank to his knees. What a goal, and what a night for Bodo/Glimt.
Kirkland: For Real Madrid, two individual performances stand out. Mbappé’s four-goal haul at Olympiacos — including a seven-minute hat trick — and Vinícius‘ display against Monaco in Matchday 7. Madrid haven’t been convincing overall, but Mbappé, as the competition’s top scorer so far, has delivered. Also, it felt like so long since we’d seen Vini performing at this level, with this kind of intensity and energy, creating three goals and then scoring a brilliant solo effort himself.
Burley: Man City won’t come close to winning the Champions League
Craig Burley believes Manchester City’s defence isn’t good enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to win the Champions League.
Olley: From the games I attended, Estevao’s performance against Barcelona was a memorable highlight. Lamine Yamal is obviously a phenomenal talent, and the game was billed as Estevao’s chance to show he could one day reach Yamal’s level: two 18-year-olds with the world at their feet. It felt an unfair framing given how much Yamal has already achieved in the game and yet, on the night, the Brazilian produced a magical display capped by a brilliant individual goal.
Lindop: Well, I’ve backed Liverpool to win the whole thing so I’m going to pick out Dominik Szoboszlai as my player of the league phase. The Hungary international has been the Reds’ best performer by some distance, with four goals and three assists in the Champions League so far. His pressure penalty to secure a victory away to Inter Milan and his clever free kick against Marseille were highlights. If Slot’s side do go all the way this term, you can bet that Szoboszlai will have something to do with it.
Ogden: It feels like a lifetime ago now, but Marcus Rashford‘s two goals for Barcelona against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Matchday 1 were a real highlight — especially his stunning 20-yard strike. We’ve all seen Rashford have ups and downs during his time at Manchester United, and the ups included some great goals in big games — his performance against Eddie Howe’s side was a reminder of why he can still be a world-class player. Consistency has always been Rashford’s problem, but he owned the Champions League stage that night.
Marsden: It has to be Yamal’s goal against Club Brugge not just because it was a brilliant goal, slightly different to some of the other strikes we’ve seen so far, but because of how crazy the match was. Brugge led three times against Barça before eventually drawing 3-3 in a crazy game in Belgium. The Yamal goal, which made it 2-2, was superb. Grabbing the ball outside the box, he ghosted between two opponents and passed to Fermín López, who flicked it back to him, and then produced an outrageous finish with the outside of his boot.
Laurens: For me, it has to be Mbappé’s whole campaign so far. To score 12 goals in seven games is exceptional. There was his quadruple against Olympiacos, of course, but everything he has done so far in the competition has been amazing. He is on track to get close to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record of 17 goals in a Champions League campaign. To do it in a dysfunctional side like this current Real Madrid, still not at their best collectively, is even more remarkable.
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Welcome to ‘Wild Wednesday’: Watching five minutes of all 18 Champions League games
When UEFA changed the format of the Champions League, it was for nights like this.
The Swiss model, now more famous than Swiss Cottage station on the London Tube network but not yet as famous as Swiss cheese, replaced the old eight groups of four model (less catchy) in 2024.
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The final day was pretty good last year, with 64 goals in the 18 games, but no big teams dropped out and the big will-they-won’t-they? of the night saw Paris Saint-Germain stroll past Stuttgart 4-1 to avoid an early elimination (wonder what happened to them).
While the new format has, fairly, been accused of having a lack of jeopardy, 17 of the 18 matches on this season’s edition had something riding on them, a dream scenario for the tournament organisers. This is Aleksander Ceferin on a stick, the UEFA bat symbol lit up in the night sky.
Going into the final round of matches in 2023 (the last year with the eight-groups-of-four model), 11 of the 32 teams had already qualified and nine were out of the competition.
Conversely, tonight (Wednesday), of the 36 teams, only six are either already through (Arsenal and Bayern Munich) or out (Villarreal, Kairat, Slavia Prague and Eintracht Frankfurt).
True to form, The Athletic, as a year ago, want a dogsbody to watch all 18 matches in one night, so here we are. This better be good.
We’ll keep the format the same as last year, splitting the 18 games into five-minute chunks, because five x 18 = 90.
The order has been (mostly) carefully curated, with a couple of scene-setters at the top, some do-or-die games to finish, and then the likes of Marseille (who have scored four goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches) early on, with late scorers PSV (seven in the final 15 minutes of games) towards the end. And then in stoppage time we’ll go freestyle.
This is the order for the night…
0-5 minutes: PSG vs Newcastle
6-10: Club Brugge vs Marseille
11-15: Arsenal vs Kairat
16-20: Monaco vs Juventus
21-25: Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
26-30: Pafos vs Slavia Prague
31-35: Liverpool vs Qarabag
36-40: Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt
41-45: Manchester City vs Galatasaray
46-50: Union Saint-Gilloise vs Atalanta
51-55: Benfica vs Real Madrid
56-60: Barcelona vs Copenhagen
61-65: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
66-70: Athletic Club vs Sporting CP
71-75: Borussia Dortmund vs Inter
76-80: PSV vs Bayern Munich
81-85: Ajax vs Olympiacos
86-90: Napoli vs Chelsea
Of the 64 goals scored on last year’s ‘Wild Wednesday’, as no one has dubbed it, we witnessed five of them live, so hopefully we can top that tonight.
Right, we begin in Paris…
0-5 mins: PSG vs Newcastle
There are two mentions by the UK’s TNT Sports commentator Darren ‘Fletch’ Fletcher of Paris Fashion Week in the couple of minutes approaching kick-off (including “the pitch has replaced the catwalk”), which, to be honest, immediately makes us want to switch to another game already, but we shall persevere.
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The hosts go straight on the attack… and win a penalty! Inside 5o seconds! Blimey, we’re on for 18 goals at this rate.
VAR has stopped the game because the ball came off Sven Botman’s foot onto Bradley Barcola’s arm and then onto Lewis Miley’s arm. In 2026, that’s a penno, but co-commentator Steve McManaman strongly disagrees and pleads a defence for Miley that he’s no longer aware of where his limbs are: “He’s chasing back, he doesn’t know where his arm is. It’s ridiculous.”
Anyway, we’re chatting about the commentary because of the five minutes we watch PSG vs Newcastle, three minutes and seven seconds are taken up by that VAR check. Right, here’s the penalty… and it’s saved! Nick Pope brilliantly dives to block one-handed from Ousmane Dembele.
Lovely stuff. What a night we’ve got in store here. Time to turn over.
Elsewhere: Copenhagen take a shock lead in Barcelona, while Athletic Club are ahead against Sporting and Arsenal and Club Brugge also score early, while Spurs have one ruled out.
6-10 mins: Club Brugge vs Marseille
We’re “in Bruges” to see quick starters Marseille score their customary early goal.
No, wait, co-commentator Andy Townsend is talking about limp goalkeeper wrists and a dream start for the home side… and now they’re showing a slow-motion replay of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg shaking his head. Yep, the home side are in front already and we’ve missed it.
With Copenhagen winning in Barcelona, both the Danes and the Belgians are overtaking Marseille, who are down to 25th as things stand after six minutes.
Marseille look a bit forlorn, Leonardo Balerdi is so out of sorts he manages to tread on the ball and there are no shots for either team in our five minutes. Time to turn over.
Elsewhere: Vitinha puts PSG ahead, and there’s a second goal at the Emirates; Arsenal 1-1 Kairat.
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11-15 mins: Arsenal vs Kairat
Yep, it’s already one each here. Great. Eberechi Eze is playing for Arsenal, so this must be their reserve team.
Oh, and now apparently Club Brugge have scored again… with their goals in the fourth and 11th minutes infuriatingly placed either side of the five minutes we were watching events in Belgium. Is this going to be one of those nights?
Onward. The Emirates looks pretty full, and there’s a hefty roar from the away fans as Kairat cross the halfway line. Then Gabriel Martinelli tries to win successive headers in midfield in what feels like a scrappy game. Still, Kairat’s Dortmund-esque kit looks pretty swish, so there’s that.
The only shot we’ve seen so far tonight is the saved PSG penalty. And now we’ve got to switch over to Monaco… but here comes Kai Havertz cutting inside… and he’s scored with a second to spare! Lovely strike. No time for a replay, though, as we’re heading to the Mediterranean!
Kai Havertz scores for ArsenalMike Hewitt/Getty Images
Elsewhere: Erling Haaland’s first open-play goal this side of Christmas puts Manchester City ahead against Galatasaray.
16-20 mins: Monaco vs Juventus
Right, we’ve seen two shots in 15 minutes, with one of them being a goal and the other a penalty save, that’s an impressive excitement-per-shot ratio.
What can Monaco and Juventus give us? It’s 0-0, the Italians need to win to sneak into the top eight, while Monaco are 22nd, a point ahead of the team in 24th.
They’re showing replays of a disallowed Monaco goal: Folarin Balogun pushed a defender before finding the net and Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli still isn’t over it. He’s arguing and has been booked.
This is a huge game for Monaco, but unsurprisingly there are loads of empty seats. There’s not much going on, so the commentators have started talking about the Monaco team of 2003. Yep, nothing to see here.
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Elsewhere: Chelsea are winning in Naples through an Enzo Fernandez penalty and Pafos’ Vlad Dragomir has scored a 30-yard piledriver.
21-25 mins: Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
And we arrive in Leverkusen to a free kick being lined up by the away team, who are officially the worst in the competition, 36th out of 36.
It’s 1-0 to Leverkusen but we are informed the home goalkeeper has had “nothing to do”. The free kick reaches former Chelsea defender Renato Veiga, who heads not far wide. That’s only the third attempt at goal we’ve seen so far.
A win guarantees a play-off spot for Leverkusen and they seem to be strolling to it. Malik Tillman, who scored that opener, sees a shot deflected wide by Veiga after a lovely flowing move.
Elsewhere: A second goal for Liverpool against Qarabag from Florian Wirtz.
26-30 mins: Pafos vs Slavia Prague
To Pafos! Where’s that? Cyprus, of course, where a few players are wearing short-sleeved shirts. No wonder, it’s a balmy 14C (57F) at what must be the hottest match of the night?
The action’s not too hot on the pitch, but the commentator is talking about a “spectacular, stunning goal that will be forever remembered in these parts”. Sure. Good. Glad we missed that one. Still waiting to see our fourth shot.
Pafos seem pretty content to sit on their lead. We’re now being told about a Pafos player who is formerly of Udinese and Watford (doesn’t narrow it down much) and there’s nothing happening.
We’re not sad to be switching over.
Elsewhere: Rayan Cherki doubles City’s lead, while Athletic are 2-1 ahead against Sporting.
31-35 mins: Liverpool vs Qarabag
A graphic showing the scoreline and scorers is on screen as we head to Anfield. Wirtz has scored, another miraculous goal we’ve missed.
It’s pretty quiet on Merseyside. Qarabag are in possession with playmaker Montiel (not that one) apparently having provided a creative spark so far, but he makes no play at all while we’re watching.
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Liverpool, who’ve got a strong side out, go close when Andy Robertson flashes a drive over the bar. A rare shot for us.
Right, who’s going to step up? We ride for Spain.
Elsewhere: Kylian Mbappe has put Real Madrid ahead at Benfica, while Napoli have equalised.
36-40 mins: Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt
And they’re talking about Bodo/Glimt having just scored. Of course they are. How many black cats did we run over while driving under a ladder today?
It’s 1-1, and the Norwegians are right in the hunt for the top 24, despite having only won one match of their seven so far, with three draws keeping them in contention.
Atletico are dominating possession and it’s probably a bit too warm for the lads from the Arctic Circle at 7C (45F). Anyway, it’s a great atmosphere at the Metropolitano. Obviously, we don’t witness an attempt at goal.
Elsewhere: Benfica have equalised.
41-45 mins: Manchester City vs Galatasaray
So how are City’s unusual centre-back pairing of Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake getting on against Victor Osimhen?
Well it’s 2-0 to the hosts and in terms of noise the Etihad is the quietest stadium so far, not helped by the usually rowdy Turkish fans being silenced by the scoreline.
On TNT, co-commentator Robbie Savage is talking about the effectiveness of City’s 4-2-2-2 formation, with full-backs Matheus Nunes and Rayan Ait-Nouri giving them good width and, as if by magic, Ait-Nouri barges down the left with a piercing run and cuts back for Phil Foden… who blazes over from 12 yards.
At least we saw a shot.
Phil Foden missed a good chance for Manchester CityOli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
In 45 minutes of football, and with 28 goals scored around the grounds, we’ve seen precisely one of them, and that was in the only one of tonight’s 18 matches that has nothing riding on it. The odds of being that bored are slim.
Elsewhere: Rasmus Hojlund puts Napoli 2-1 up against Chelsea, while Joe Willock equalises for Newcastle in Paris.
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46-50 mins: Union Saint-Gilloise vs Atalanta
One of the six goalless games so far is in Belgium, where Union Saint-Gilloise must win and hope, although at the moment not even victory will do as results are going against them. A goal for Atalanta at this point would take them into fifth place, but our presence from hundreds of miles away guarantees that won’t happen just yet.
Again, there are plenty of empty seats. Maybe they’re all at home watching five minutes of every Champions League match. Nope, they’re not weird.
Anyway, the highlight of our five minutes is a shot from Union Saint-Gilloise’s brilliantly-named Brazilian forward Guilherme Smith, saved by the equally-excellently-named Marco Sportiello.
Elsewhere: Randal Kolo Muani puts Spurs 1-0 up in Frankfurt, while Robert Lewandowski equalises for Barcelona.
51-55 mins: Barcelona vs Copenhagen
This was supposed to be the slot for Benfica vs Real Madrid but the players haven’t even appeared from the tunnel yet! What’s going on?! Abort, abort. We’re going to have to push it back to later and bring Barcelona’s game forward.
There are empty seats at the Camp Nou too, but for very different reasons, as the stadium remains only half-open post-redevelopment. And, of course, we’ve just missed a goal.
It’s a pretty open game with Barcelona pretty much hammering Copenhagen. Fermin Lopez goes close when he fires into the side netting and there’s one-touch play to salivate over involving him, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. This is by far the best football we’ve seen tonight.
Elsewhere: Olympiacos have taken the lead away at Ajax in a winners-take-all match.
56-60 mins: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
Right, it’s the 56th minute in Frankfurt, Spurs are either winning or their fans are foaming at the mouth and calling for Thomas Frank to be axed.
It’s the former! They’re playing alright and 1-0 up.
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Wilson Odobert does a nice little run and cross, which is blocked. This is possibly a decent game but, if it is, we’ve probably just watched the worst five minutes of it. Literally nothing to report.
Elsewhere: Jamal Musiala scores his first goal for Bayern Munich since breaking his left leg at the Club World Cup in July, while Glimt have scored again against Atletico.
61-65 mins: Athletic Club v Sporting CP
Athletic Club are 2-1 up and immediately we turn on to a chance for Sporting. This bodes well. Geny Catamo volleys into the ground and over the bar from close range.
Sporting are looking pretty good here and… hang on, it’s a goal! We have a football goal! And it is absolutely beautiful. About 30 Sporting fans (genuinely) in the away, er, row go mental.
Francisco Trincao, the former Wolves loanee, has three players around him 25 yards out and plays to Pedro Goncalves (another ex-Wolves boy), who returns the one-two and then Trincao tucks it past the ’keeper. Woof.
Francisco Trincao, left, celebrates scoring Sporting’s second goal with Geny CatamoAnder Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images
The hosts respond immediately with Gorka Guruzeta firing just wide. This is decent. Athletic are in 26th and heading out on goal difference as things stand. Shame we have to move on, really.
Elsewhere: Yamal puts Barcelona ahead, Joao Pedro equalises for Chelsea and Liverpool go 5-0 up.
66-70 mins: Borussia Dortmund vs Inter
“It does feel as if this game is finally breaking out into something entertaining.”
TNT commentator Jacqui Oatley welcomes us to Germany with some good news. It’s 0-0, but apparently getting better.
This game pits 16th against 13th, although if Inter can score they’ll rise into the top eight and dump defending champions PSG into next month’s play-offs.
Serhou Guirassy is subbed off to be replaced by Karim Adeyemi and honestly that is the most interesting thing to happen during a five-minute spell that’s so dull it could be used as a torture technique. Back to the status quo.
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Elsewhere: Two penalties: Raphinha extends Barcelona’s lead against Copenhagen and Ajax equalise against Olympiacos.
71-75 mins: PSV v Bayern Munich
In Eindhoven, Bayern Munich were already qualified for the round of 16 before kick-off and are 1-0 up, while PSV are down in 30th as things stand and heading out of the competition. One goal, though, will send them through on goal difference.
The first thing to notice is that Bayern’s away kit — black shirts with red shorts — is quite hideous. At least we’ve only got five minutes with it.
PSV may need a goal to stay in the Champions League but that doesn’t stop their Sergino Dest piddling around with a rabona cross into the box. Fair play, lad.
It feels like a good, attacking phase of the game, with Michael Olise driving one low across goal and 20-year-old defender Tom Bischof languidly sending a 60-yard pass to Luis Diaz. Bayern are a really lovely side.
A nice, flowing move involving Aleksandar Pavlovic, Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies ends with them winning a corner, but that’s time up for us.
Elsewhere: Union Saint-Gilloise are ahead against Atalanta.
76-80 mins: Ajax v Olympiacos
You can immediately feel the angst in Amsterdam. This is a must-win for both if they’re to avoid elimination, although Ajax’s horrendous goal difference (-12) means their prospects are slim.
It’s 1-1, and Olympiacos are also heading out because Benfica are beating Real Madrid and Athletic Club are drawing. If those scorelines change, a point could be enough, though. It’s tense.
Oh, apparently PSV have now just equalised. We were literally just there! Nice one, world!
Anyway, it’s Olympiacos, wearing a really dull grey kit, doing the pressing, with an over-hit cross nervously put behind by the Ajax defence for a corner. We’ve got 90 seconds before we need to switch…
No, wait, it’s a goal! Olympiacos are heading for the play-offs as nobody even bothers challenging Santiago Hezze (another great name) as he squeezes a header into the corner.
Santiago Hezze heads in for OlympiacosDean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
The away team celebrate right in front of the Ajax fans, who take it really well and offer their congratulations, sending over a couple of drinks by way of a prize.
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Elsewhere: Dominic Solanke has put Spurs two up in Frankfurt and Club Brugge are now 3-0 ahead against Marseille.
81-85 mins: Napoli vs Chelsea
It’s amazing how just one second of a football match can tell you so much; it’s noisy and rowdy in Naples, Marc Cucurella is arguing with an official and you can immediately sense the tension and the intensity. It’s 2-2. Napoli are heading out on goal difference, Chelsea need to score again to finish in the top eight.
Romelu Lukaku is subbed on for his 800th career appearance to a huge ovation. Napoli need him. They’ve gone two up front.
But wait — what a move, what a goal! Chelsea! Oh wow, Joao Pedro that is quite something. He plays to Cole Palmer, spins and darts towards goal, and Palmer obliges with the return pass. Joao Pedro has Alejandro Garnacho to square to, but doesn’t need him and finishes with authority for (apparently) his second of the night. What a counter-attack that is.
Video for UK readers
Joao Pedro shoots gives Chelsea the lead to shoot them up in the table ⬆️
Napoli are down to 30th in the table. Scott McTominay crashes a cross-shot into orbit. It’s all going wrong.
And now it’s flat, Antonio Conte looks pained. Five minutes ago it was frantic, now it’s disconsolate. And on we go again. Football.
Best thing missed elsewhere: Federico Dimarco puts Inter ahead in Dortmund with a brilliant free kick and Bayern are back in front against PSV thanks to Kane.
86-90 minutes: Benfica vs Real Madrid
We’re getting bonus time for our finale; there are 83 minutes on the clock due to the second half starting late. There are empty seats here, too, but that’s because of people abandoning their front-row seats due to what looks like torrential rain in Lisbon.
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More short sleeves. It’s 17C (63F). Oh, and this looks hot on the pitch too, it’s 3-2 to Benfica but somehow they’re still going out in 25th on goals scored, being level on points and goal difference with Marseille, who are being walloped 3-0 in Bruges, plus Glimt are improbably still winning against Atletico in Madrid. Real Madrid are heading through to the last 16 in eighth by the skin of their teeth, on goal difference.
Thibaut Courtois makes a save at the near post, then Mbappe sees a low shot blocked, then Andreas Schjelderup has a decent effort for Benfica… this is action, action, action.
Hang on, Sporting have gone 3-2 up in Bilbao, so Madrid are down into the play-off spots. This is 25th versus ninth now and both teams need to score to achieve their objective. And there are to be a minimum of five added minutes!
Right, Raul Asencio has just been sent off for a second booking, Madrid are really up against it.
Now it’s all gone a bit weird. Benfica need to score or they’re out, but Jose Mourinho is taking off their two goalscorers tonight and sending on Antonio Silva, a centre-back. This is madness. He’s not settling for the moral 3-2 victory, is he? Is their 5G not working? Someone fire up a short-wave radio and tell him the scores. Or send a carrier pigeon.
Every other game has finished, it’s literally next goal wins here, and 10-man Madrid are on the attack and Benfica just don’t seem bothered. Their goalkeeper goes to ground with the ball in his arms and then takes his time to release it. They genuinely haven’t a clue, have they?
Oh, this is carnage. Madrid’s Rodrygo has been sent off now, no idea why, but Benfica have a free kick. And now they seem to get it: the Benfica subs are all out of the dugout now, screaming at their team-mates. Whatever the word for ‘goal’ is in Portuguese (‘gol’), they’re shouting it. Where was this 10 minutes ago?
Mourinho’s down the touchline, Trubin’s done a knee slide, there’s a pile on! Fans going mad! Some aren’t celebrating because they’re recording it on their phones and literally what are you doing mate it’s safe to say this match is being recorded what’s happened to society just enjoy the moment but NEVER MIND THAT THE ’KEEPER HAS SCORED! Absolutely incredible.
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That is genuinely beyond belief. They were playing for time a minute earlier. And look at the replay — nine-man Madrid left two players up and had a one-man wall, so in the box it was eight Benfica players to their five. No wonder the ’keeper had a free header.
Best thing missed elsewhere: Were you not just reading? The bloody goalkeeper scored a 98th-minute winner to put Benfica into the play-offs!
Conclusions
There’s something to be said for this concept. And that something is, it’s madness.
After a bleak period of nine matches without a goal, plus barely a shot to speak of, patience (sort of) was rewarded with three goals in three games at the end, which was a reflection of the wider picture on the night.
There were 61 goals across the piece, which averages out as 3.4 goals per game. Having watched five goals live, plus a penalty save, two red cards and the greatest ending to a Champions League opening-stage match in history, well, we’ll take that. See you in a year.
The Champions League group phase has merits but it’s bloated. This is how to fix it -Commentary – NY Times
Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid must face the play-offs next month after finishing ninth in the Champions League’s 36-team table Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Benfica were already winning 3-2 but needed to beat Real Madrid 4-2 to sneak ahead of Marseille and into the all-important 24th place in the final league table. This, in all probability, would not have happened in a traditional four-team group stage.
What unfolded in Lisbon on Wednesday were the final seconds of a rather bloated eight-matchday league phase which has, by and large, offered little drama in its second season. The new model has its merits; the old model did, too. The best solution might be a compromise.
The first issue to consider, when assessing the Champions League’s ‘new’ system, is that different people follow football matches in different ways. And there are two groups of people for whom the revised format is largely beneficial.
For supporters who watch every game their side play, there’s an obvious advantage to seeing them face eight opponents once each, rather than the same three twice. And increasingly, there’s a group of football fans who, in essence, don’t watch any matches at all — we’ve seen in recent years the advent of ‘Red Zone’ or ‘goals show’ type programmes, which cut from ground to ground chasing drama and benefit from the idea of constant, chaotic action.
Maybe there aren’t many of us left in the category we’ll call “People who just want to sit down and watch any match that looks promising, where they know what’s at stake”, and therefore these complaints might not be overwhelmingly relevant. But, personally speaking, almost none of the Champions League matches so far have felt genuinely important. There were some entertaining ones, and some good team performances, but the games also suffered from a lack of obvious meaning.
There’s no point over-glorifying the old group-stage format, though. In the modern era, where the gap between rich and poor clubs is enormous, there was a relative lack of tension throughout, and a raft of dead rubbers towards matchdays five and six. You could usually find at least one good game to watch in every round, but UEFA can’t be blamed for experimenting. And the ‘Swiss League’ was a hugely bold experiment; a format never used in any serious football competition before. So let’s be honest about its main benefits:
1. Clubs play a wider variety of opponents.
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2. There’s less chance of a team racing clear at the top, and having dead rubbers in their final fixtures(s).
3. There’s less chance of a side being disadvantaged by a difficult draw.
But there are also issues.
1. In a traditional group stage, results are important not merely because you are collecting points yourself, but because you are denying your rivals points. To a small extent that remains the case, of course, but when you have 35 opponents instead of three, the degree to which you influence their results is considerably less important. In essence, the old system created more ‘six-pointers’.
3. There is no reason the league stage needs to be eight matches rather than the previous six — that’s simply two extra games for the sake of more revenue.
4. Similarly, the play-off round also seems largely unnecessary. Nobody ever suggested that going straight to the round of 16 was an issue. At a time of concern about fixture congestion, this feels like a major misstep, and is partly needed to create more key cut-off points in the bloated 36-team initial phase.
5. For all the seeding to ensure the teams all play a similar level of opposition across their eight fixtures, there remains something unsatisfactory about a league phase where you don’t play every other side in the division. That has, for nearly 150 years, been a fundamental part of what we consider ‘league football’: you play everyone else in your league.
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So is the solution not a hybrid of the two systems, the old group stage and the new league phase? In other words, rather than four-team groups, and rather than a rabble of 36 teams all in the same table, one big league that is essentially split into different mini-leagues.
By dividing the 36 in half — making two tables of 18 — you immediately have two ‘final days’, and in a world where the whole idea is creating extra televisual events, this would create a Tuesday and a Wednesday of drama, without anyone playing any extra matches. Besides, an 18-team league is more in keeping with the number we’re accustomed to — leagues do not, and probably should not, feature 36 sides. Maybe it goes against the general point of the Swiss model, but it would surely be easier to follow.
Ousmane Dembele’s PSG have failed to qualify automatically for the last 16 in successive Champions League campaignsFranco Arland/Getty Images
Alternatively, you could divide things in half again: four groups of nine. Teams would still play eight matches against eight different opponents, which is the main benefit of the current system (albeit you’d need nine matchdays, with each team having one rest day).
That would create a balance between the old and new formats, and the smaller groups would be easier to follow. The permutations would be clearer. There would be more tension attached to individual matches, because taking points away from your direct rivals would be more meaningful. The league would be more complete, as teams would play everyone else in their division.
Last season’s league phase felt relatively exciting because two of the favourites — Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain — struggled to reach the knockout stage. But this was surely an anomaly: it owed little to the competition’s setup, and the switch to eight matches rather than six offers less chance of surprises.
Year two is probably more typical of what the league phase will bring: lots of matches, none of which appear to mean a great deal, and then some brilliant last-ditch drama so we remember the format as an overall success.
Already, this way of operating a tournament seems to be catching on — the women’s Champions League has used a similar system this season (with only six matches), and the revamped Women’s League Cup in England will follow the format from 2026-27. That seems a little hasty.
The experiment of a new system has been worthwhile. But it should be considered something to learn from and improve upon, rather than the definitive end-point.
US Women vs Paraguay 5:30 pm Saturday TNT, HBO vs Chile 10 pm Tuesday TBS, HBO
A young USWNT will kick off in California on Saturday, as the world No. 2 takes on No. 46 Paraguay in the first of two January friendlies to open the 2027 World Cup qualifying year. “It’s really exciting to see the opportunity presented to a lot of players in this camp,” said midfielder Olivia Moultrie prior to Saturday’s match, which will pull from a 26-player USWNT January lineup that boasts an average age of just 24.1 years old. “It’s players that I’ve played with on youth teams, and just seeing kind of start coming into the league.” This month’s camp falls outside an official FIFA window, leaving the US without both European club players and Gotham FC’s squad as the 2025 NWSL champs prepare to contend in the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in London next week. “There is no question we will keep — I hope — improving what we’re doing,” said USWNT manager Emma Hayes. “You don’t do that gradually, you don’t do that by changing things all of the time.” Additionally, Saturday’s match will honor two-time World Cup champion Christen Press with a pregame ceremony, after the star forward announced her pro soccer retirement at the end of last season. Really awesome to see Rodman will be on hand after signing her record breaking 2 million dollar deal with the Washington Spirit – great to see her stay home in the US for NWSL!
2026 January Training Camp Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 6) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0) DEFENDERS (8): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 5/0), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 9/1), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 9/0), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 7/0), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 4/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 2/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 2/0) MIDFIELDERS (8): Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 5/0), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit; 3/0), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 11/1), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; 0/0), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current; 4/0), Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC; 2/0), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 11/5) FORWARDS (7): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 1/0), Trinity Rodman (Unattached; 47/11), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 15/2), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 12/4), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 13/4), Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0)
USMNT’s Pulisic welcomes world to Milan for Winter Olympics
The video kicks off with Zlatan singing Milan’s praises, before Pulisic gives Olympic attendees a quick guide to Milanese coffee etiquette. Modric is charged with capturing the San Siro stadium in oil paints (just before they go and knock it down) while Adrien Rabiot indulges in a fitting for a razor-sharp suit. Soo-Jeong Park from AC Milan’s women’s team also introduces a few local landmarks, notably the gothic splendor of the Duomo cathedral, before Ibra returns to sign off with a hearty “Benvenuti a casa nostra.”
Champions League Final Group Stage Games Wednesday 3 pm on Paramount Plus –
Wow some huge upsets last week as Man City was sliced and diced by Bodo/Glint in the Arctic Circle, Tottenham who is dismal in the EPL dominated Dortmund to move to 5th, Sporting scored twice to beat PSG in the last 20 minutes and Copenhagen puts Napoli on the edge of elimination with a 10 man win vs the Italians. Only Arsenal 1st and Bayern Munich 2nd are guaranteed in the Top 8 and a buy in the round of 16. 30 teams still have a chance at making the knockout stages. Here’s How Teams Can Advance. Grab your popcorn and 30 tv’s for Wed! Mckinney Scores Winner for Juventus again That’s 10 Champs League Goals -3 in his last 5 games. With his goal, McKennie now has 10 career Champions League finishes, putting him two behind USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic for most ever by an American player.
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Jan 24 7:30 am USA West Ham United vs Sunderland 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Ausburg 9:30 am ESPN+ Leverkusen vs Werder Bremen 10 am USA Burnley vs Tottenham 10 am NBCSN Man City vs Wolverhampton 10 am Peacock Fulham (Jedi) vs Brighton 12:30 pm USA Bournemouth vs Liverpool 12:30 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin vs Athletic Club 3 pm ESPN+ Villarreal vs Real Madrid 5:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Paraguay Sun, Jan 25 8 am ESPNd,+ Atletico Madrid (Cardoso) vs Mallorca 9 am USA Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 9 am peacock New Castle vs Aston Villa 9:30 am ESPN+ MGladbach (Scalley, Reyna) vs Stuttgart 10:15 am ESPN+,D Barcelona vs Real Oviedo 11:30 am Peacock, Serius Arsenal vs Man United 12 pm Para + Juventus (Mckinney) vs Napoli 2″45 pm Para+ Roma vs AC Milan (Pulisic) Mon, Jan 26 2:45 pm USA Everton vs Leeds United (Aaronson) Tues, Jan 27 10 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Chile Wed, Jan 28 — Champs League EVERYONE 3 pm Para+ Napoli vs Chelsea 3pm Para+, CBSSN Dortmand vs Inter Milan 3 pm Para+ Monaco (Weah) vs Juventus (Mckinney) 3 pm Para+ PSG vs Newcastle Frankfurt vs Tottenham Atletico (Cardosa) vs Glint Man City vs Galatasaray PSV vs Bayern Munich Athletic Club s Sporting CP Ajax vs Olympiakos P Arsenal vs Qarabag Barcelona vs Kobenhavn Benefica vs Real Madrid Club Brugge vs Marseille Thurs, 1/29 EuropaPara+ 3 pm 3 pm Para+ Celtic (Trusty) Aston Villa vs Salzburg Young Boys vs Lyonnais (Tessman) Roma vs Stuttgart Lille vs Freiburg Nottingham Forest vs Ferencvaros Porto vs Rangers
Sun, Mar 1 She Believes Cup Starts 5 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Argentina Wed, Mar 4 She Believes Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Canada (Columbus, OH) Sat, Mar 7 She Believes Cup 3:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Colombia Sat, Mar 28 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium Tues, Mar 31 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
We have more head-to-head matchups this weekend, an American coach making his presence known in Spain, and stars in Italy vying for the top of the Serie A table. There’s all that and more in a packed USMNT weekend, so let’s get to it.
Friday
St. Pauli v Hamburg – 2:30p on ESPN Select: James Sands and St Pauli host Hamburg and Damion Downs on Friday afternoon. Sands scored his first Bundesliga goal for St. Pauli last weekend but they fell to Borussia Dortmund 3-2 while Downs has started his first two matches with Hamburg but has not yet found the scoresheet and his club is coming off a scoreless draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Saturday
Middlesbrough v Preston North End – 7:30a on CBSSN: Aidan Morris has started four straight matches for Middlesbrough who have won three straight and are in second place in the Championship, two points ahead of Ipswich town for direct promotion to the EPL. Middlesbrough host sixth place Preston North End who have a one point lead for the final promotion playoff spot.
Bayern Munich v Augsburg – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Noahkai Banks will be serving a one match suspension this weekend due to yellow card accumulation and will miss Augsburg’s matchup with Bayern Munich. Banks has been a starter for Augsburg since October but will miss the teams rematch with Bayern. Banks saw just a minute off the bench in the first matchup of the season, which Augsburg dropped 3-2.
Mainz v Wolfsburg – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Lennard Maloney and Mainz will host Kevin Paredes and Wolfsburg on Saturday. Maloney has come off the bench in three straight matches, seeing just spot minutes for 17th place Mainz. Meanwhile, Paredes is being worked back to fitness for twelfth place Wolfsburg, getting 45 min as a halftime substitute for the team last weekend in their 1-1 draw with Heidenheim.
Bayer Leverkusen v Werder Bremen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Malik Tillman and Leverkusen fell to Hoffenheim last weekend, their second straight loss to an opponent competing for a top four finish in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen are in sixth place and will be facing a Werder Bremen side that is five points out of the relegation playoff position but played Leverkusen to a 3-3 draw in their first meeting of the season.
Fulham v Brighton and Hove Albion – 10a on Peacock: Antonee Robinson went the full 90’ last weekend as Fulham fell to Leeds 1-0, their first loss since Robinson returned to the lineup in December. Fulham are in eleventh place now, one point ahead of this weekend’s opponent, Brighton & Hove Albion who are coming off a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Le Havre v Monaco – 1p on beIN Sports: Folarin Balogun and Monaco have dropped four straight matches, and seven of eight to fall from second place in Ligue 1 to ninth place, a nineteen point gap to their prior position, now held by PSG. They will be facing fourteenth place Le Havere, who are just four points behind them at this point. Monaco was also embarassed 6-1 by Real Madrid on Tuesday in Champions League play and need to find their confidence again.
PSV v NAC Breda – 2p on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest missed the past two matches for PSV, including Wednesday’s Champions League match against Newcastle which PSV lost 3-0. The Dutch side look to continue their march through the Eredivisie when they face seventeenth place NAC Breda who are looking like a relegation candidate though they played PSV close in their first matchup, falling 1-0.
Olympique Marseille v Lens – 3:05p on beIN Sports: Tim Weah scored for Marseille last weekend in the team’s 5-2 win over Angers in league play and went the full 90’ midweek in Champions League action though the team fell to Liverpool 3-0. They remain in third place in league play, eight points back of their opponent this weekend, league leading Lens.
Sunday
Atletico Madrid v Mallorca – 8a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso got his first start since August last weekend in Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves and then played 35’ off the bench midweek in the team’s 1-1 draw with Galatasaray in Champions League group play. Atleti are tied for third, eight points back of league leading Barcelona, heading into their matchup with Mallorca.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea – 9a on USA Network: Chris Richards was back in the starting lineup for Cyrstal Palace last weekend after missing the past four matches. Palace fell to Sunderland 2-1 and have now lost five of their past seven matches and haven’t won since early December, falling from fourth place down to thirteenth place in the table. six points back of their opponent this weekend, sixth place Chelsea.
Atalanta v Parma – 9a on Paramount+: Yunus Musah started last weekend and has played in the past seven league matches for Atalanta though he didn’t come off the bench on Wednesday in their Champions League loss to Athletic Club. Atlanta are in seventh place, ten points back of the top four and a return trip to Champions League action.
Borussia Monchengladbach v Stuttgart – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Joe Scally started and Gio Reyna played 21’ minutes off the bench in Borussia Monchengladbach’s scoreless draw with Hamburg last weekend. Gladbach will host fourth place Stuttgart on Sunday.
Brest v Toulouse – 11:15a on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie was not included in the squad last weekend as eight place Toulouse handled Nice 5-1. The team travels to tenth place Brest this weekend.
Metz v Olympique Lyon – 11:15a on beIN sports: Tanner Tessmann started Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest last Sunday as well as their midweek 1-0 win over Young Boys in Europa League action. Lyon are within striking distance of a Champions League qualifying spot as they prepare to face last place Metz this Sunday.
Freiburg v Koln – 11:30a on ESPN Select: Kristoffer Lund was a halftime substitute for Koln last weekend as they defeated Mainz 2-1 to move into the top ten in the Bundesliga standings. This weekend they will face eighth place Freiburg who they trail by four points.
Juventus v Napoli – Noon on Paramount+: Weston McKennie scored again for Juventus in Champions League play on Wednesday in the teams 2-0 win over Benfica. It was McKennie’s third straight Champions League match with a goal. McKennie has also scored twice in league play in January for Juve, adding an assist as well. The team did suffer a shock loss to sixteenth place Cagliari last weekend, dropping to fifth place in the standings and four points back of this weekend’s opponent, Napoli.
Real Sociedad v Celta Vigo – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Pelegrino Matarazzo has picked up seven points from his first three matches with Real Sociedad, including a 2-1 win over league leading Barcelona last weekend. Sociedad moved into the top ten of the La Liga standings though they are still eight points back of seventh place Celta Vigo, who they face this weekend.
Roma v AC Milan – 2:45p on on Paramount+: Christian Pulisic is in a bit of a dry patch having failed to score in Milan’s past five matches. That doesn’t sound like an incredibly long stretch but it is the first time this season where he has gone more than one match without scoring a goal. Milan has still been able to find results over the period, they remain in second place in the Serie A table. They will have a difficult test this weekend as they visit fourth place Roma who’s twelve goals conceded leads the league through the first twenty-one matches.
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Champions League projections: Arsenal strong favourites for overall win, improving Liverpool up to third
Arsenal celebrate Gabriel Jesus’ second goal in their 3-1 away win against Inter on Tuesday Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
We are down to next Wednesday’s final-day bonanza in the Champions League, with 18 simultaneous games to close out the initial league phase. Seven matchdays in, only Arsenal and Bayern Munich have guaranteed spots in the round of 16 in March. Third-placed Real Madrid and Juventus in 15th are separated by just three points, and with some of the teams in-between them playing each other in the final round of matches, expect the table to undergo a bewildering amount of change during Matchday 8.
Before Matchday 8
How teams stack up in the race for automatic qualification and the playoffs in the Champions LeagueCHANGE PROJECTIONS:Before Matchday 8 (Jan. 28)Before Matchday 7 (Jan. 20-21)Before Matchday 6 (Dec. 9-10)Before Matchday 5 (Nov. 25-26)Before Matchday 4 (Nov. 4-5)Before Matchday 3 (Oct. 21-22)Before Matchday 2 (Sept. 30-Oct. 1)Before Matchday 1 (Sept. 16-18)
TEAM
Arsenal21 pts
24
<1%
<1%
>99%
31%
Bayern Munich18 pts
19
<1%
<1%
>99%
17%
Liverpool15 pts
18
<1%
5%
95%
8%
Barcelona13 pts
16
<1%
20%
80%
8%
Real Madrid15 pts
16
<1%
16%
84%
4%
Atletico Madrid13 pts
15
<1%
51%
49%
2%
Tottenham Hotspur14 pts
15
<1%
49%
51%
1%
Manchester City13 pts
14
<1%
40%
60%
9%
Paris Saint-Germain13 pts
14
<1%
46%
54%
6%
Chelsea13 pts
14
<1%
63%
37%
4%
Newcastle United13 pts
14
<1%
74%
26%
3%
Sporting CP13 pts
14
<1%
63%
37%
1%
Atalanta13 pts
14
<1%
87%
13%
<1%
Internazionale12 pts
13
<1%
94%
6%
2%
Juventus12 pts
13
<1%
93%
7%
<1%
Borussia Dortmund11 pts
12
<1%
99%
1%
1%
Galatasaray10 pts
11
<1%
>99%
<1%
<1%
Bayer Leverkusen9 pts
10
8%
92%
<1%
<1%
Olympique Marseille9 pts
10
5%
95%
<1%
<1%
Monaco9 pts
10
27%
73%
<1%
<1%
Qarabağ10 pts
10
<1%
>99%
<1%
<1%
Napoli8 pts
9
49%
51%
<1%
<1%
PSV8 pts
9
45%
55%
<1%
<1%
Olympiakos Piraeus8 pts
9
43%
57%
<1%
<1%
Athletic Club8 pts
9
49%
51%
<1%
<1%
Club Bruges7 pts
8
58%
42%
<1%
<1%
København8 pts
8
89%
11%
<1%
<1%
Benfica6 pts
7
73%
27%
<1%
<1%
Union Saint-Gilloise6 pts
7
91%
9%
<1%
<1%
Pafos6 pts
7
81%
19%
<1%
<1%
Bodø / Glimt6 pts
7
88%
12%
<1%
<1%
Ajax6 pts
7
92%
8%
<1%
<1%
Eintracht Frankfurt4 pts
5
>99%
<1%
<1%
<1%
Slavia Praha3 pts
4
>99%
<1%
<1%
<1%
Villarreal1 pt
2
>99%
<1%
<1%
<1%
Kairat1 pt
1
>99%
<1%
<1%
<1%
Each team plays eight matches in the new league phase, four at home and four away. They play eight different opponents, rather than facing the same teams home and away, as was the case in the previous format. The top eight sides in the league qualify automatically for the round of 16. Teams finishing from 9th to 24th in the league compete in a two-legged knock-out phase play-off, with the winner of each match-up advancing to the last 16 of the competition. Teams that finished 25th or lower in the league phase are eliminated from the competition. No teams drop down to the Europa League.
Methodology
Opta’s win prediction model estimates the probability of each match’s outcome (win, draw or loss) by using a combination of betting market odds and Opta’s team power rankings. The odds and rankings are based on historical and recent team performances and the competition in its entirety is simulated 10,000 times to produce a final projection for each side.
Credits
Editing: Duncan Alexander, Charlie Scott
Design and Development: Ryan Best, Elliot Jordan | Editing: Skye Gould, Marc Mazzoni, Laura Pelton
Illustration: Eamonn Dalton
Below, we will use our updated projections after Matchday 7 to look at the key teams and fixtures heading into those decisive games.
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Match of the week
Athletic Club’s chances of league-phase elimination stood at 82 per cent ahead of Matchday 7 after just one win in their first six matches. Conceding an opener to Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca on 16 minutes in Bergamo on Wednesday would not have helped their odds either.
But a spirited second-half comeback with three goals in 16 minutes from Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Serrano and Robert Navarro put them in control on hostile territory. Nikola Krstovic’s 88th-minute strike for the hosts was a mere consolation.
The win dropped the Bilbao club’s odds of elimination to 49 per cent, while their chances of making the knockout play-offs next month have risen to 51 per cent (from 18). As for Atalanta, they are one of eight teams on 13 points, but their odds of finishing in the top eight dropped drastically from 61 to 13 per cent after this loss.
Athletic host Sporting CP while the Italians travel to Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise on Matchday 8.
Athletic Club’s players celebrate in BergamoPiero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images
The favourites
After the first two rounds of the league phase, our projections hinted at eight contenders for this season’s title. They will all still be fancied in the knockout rounds, but Matchday 7 hurt the chances of three of those sides in particular.
Manchester City had a 13 per cent chance of a second European crown in four years halfway through the opening stage, with 10 points from four matches. However, their 3-1 loss at Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday — and the Norwegian hosts could have scored more — means they are the only one of the five Premier League representatives outside the top eight with a game to go.
City’s overall chances are still rated highly — the third-best at nine per cent — but they have seen their odds of finishing in the top eight drop from 90 per cent before the Glimt game to 60 per cent now. Visitors Galatasaray, who drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in Istanbul yesterday and defeated Liverpool there on Matchday 2 in September, will not be an easy final game.
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Defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain have once again had a wobbly league phase, after winning one of their first five matches last season and only finishing 15th. This time, they began with nine points out of nine but have had two losses and a draw in the four matches since. Tuesday’s 2-1 away defeat to a Luis Suarez-inspired (not the one you’re thinking of) Sporting CP meant PSG’s title odds dropped from 14 per cent before that trip to Lisbon to just six per cent. Their probability of a top-eight finish dropped from 84 to 54 per cent too, with a home match against Newcastle United, who are one spot behind them in seventh, to come on Matchday 8.
Holders PSG suffered defeat against Sporting in Lisbon on TuesdayOctavio Passos/Getty Images
Inter have never ranked high for title odds, peaking at five per cent after winning their first three matches by a combined score of nine goals to nil. A 3-1 beatdown by visitors Arsenal on Tuesday in a game where they spurned chances but also could not keep up with the Premier League and Champions League leaders has seen that dip to two per cent. A return of three points from their past four matches, including three losses in a row, also means Inter now have a 94 per cent chance of landing in the play-offs, up from 26 per cent before Matchday 4.
Arsenal, who saw Gabriel Jesus (twice) and Viktor Gyokeres get on the scoresheet at San Siro, are now the outright favourites for the title per our projections, which now give them a 31 per cent chance of lifting the European Cup for the first time. That is an eight per cent increase from before Matchday 7 and nearly double the 16 per cent they were given before the competition began in September. Arsenal could become the first team to win all eight league-phase games in the new format introduced last season when they host Kazakhstan’s already-eliminated Kairat next week.
Top League Content
Bayern made a meal of a game they were expected to win comfortably, thanks to Union Saint-Gilloise’s spirited display in Munich. Kim Min-jae got sent off, Manuel Neuer had to make a couple of crucial saves and Harry Kane missed a penalty — though he still scored both goals in a 2-0 win. Our projections have taken notice, with Bayern’s title odds dropping by two percentage points to 17, but they are only behind Arsenal in this regard. A cross-border visit to inconsistent Dutch champions PSV awaits on Matchday 8.
Kane scored both goals as Bayern defeated USG on Wednesday to guarantee a top-two finishAdam Pretty/Getty Images
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid tenure got its early statement victory, his side thrashing Monaco 6-1 at the Bernabeu with Kylian Mbappe (two), Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all on the scoresheet. Despite the dysfunction surrounding them, Madrid are third on 15 points with a hop over the border into Portugal to play Benfica, under their iconic former manager Jose Mourinho, rounding out their league-phase schedule next week. Arbeloa played 122 times for Mourinho’s Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
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Despite their emphatic win, Madrid have only a four per cent chance of winning this season’s Champions League, half that of La Liga rivals Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s Catalans made hard work of their visit to Slavia Prague, with four well-taken goals in the icy Czech capital making up for some woeful set-piece defending and the loss of Pedri to a hamstring injury in the second half. Last night’s 4-2 win has led to more optimism in our projections, Barcelona now have an eight per cent chance of winning it all (up from seven per cent before the Slavia game) and an 80 per cent chance of finishing in the top eight, though they are currently ninth and tied on 13 points with seven other teams.
In their defence, a home fixture with FC Copenhagen, who have won twice and conceded 17 goals in their seven games, should be a formality.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Marseille last night saw their title odds improve to eight per cent, third-best, having dropped to just three per cent after five rounds. They are still some distance off the competition-leading 20 per cent they were given after Matchday 1 but this latest success showed growing signs of cohesion and Arne Slot’s side now have a 95 per cent chance of finishing in the top eight, with a visit from Qarabag, upbeat after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 on Wednesday, wrapping things up on Matchday 8.
The contenders
Chelsea huffed and puffed their way to a narrow 1-0 win at home to Pafos of Cyprus last night in new head coach Liam Rosenior’s Champions League debut. The performance could do with improvement, but their top-eight odds have now risen to 37 per cent (from 24 before the match), while their title odds have marginally risen from three per cent to four.
A visit to Napoli will be challenging, given Antonio Conte’s side, after being held to a 1-1 draw at 10-man Copenhagen on Tuesday, have a 49 per cent chance of a humiliating first-phase elimination. A draw could be enough to see the Serie A champions through to the play-offs, but it would require other results to all go their way.
Tottenham Hotspur, for all the negativity around them heading into Matchday 7, are fifth with 14 points after seeing off Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home. Tuesday’s win nearly doubled their odds of a top-eight finish from 26 to 51 per cent, and they will be confident of securing a round-of-16 spot when they face more German opposition in eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt, who have only one win from their seven matches.
Their Champions League games have been a refuge for Spurs this seasonShaun Botterill/Getty Images
Atletico Madrid missed an opportunity yesterday to leapfrog teams in the table, drawing 1-1 with Galatasaray in Istanbul. Diego Simeone’s side have overcome a sluggish three-points-from-nine start to the league phase for the second season running, though, and have nearly equal chances of making the top eight (49 per cent) and finishing outside those spots (51 per cent). Their final game could prove tricky as they host Glimt fresh off their greatest-ever night in Europe.
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Newcastle United were comfortable 3-0 winners at home against PSV and boast the competition’s second-best defence behind Arsenal (two) with six goals conceded. At the other end, they are averaging more than two goals per game (16), with Anthony Gordon (six) and Harvey Barnes scoring 11 times between them.
Eddie Howe’s side have a 26 per cent chance of finishing in the top eight, though that will almost certainly require them to avoid defeat against PSG in Paris. A play-offs place may not be the worst outcome, though.
Surprise packages
Qarabag headline this group of clubs, with their 3-2 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt this week the latest chapter of a successful league phase which has now brought them 10 points. The Azerbaijani club were given just a 13 per cent chance of reaching the knockout stages before the competition began. That rose to 83 per cent after the first four matches and now, having beaten Frankfurt, they have a less than one per cent chance of league-phase elimination. It is an incredible story which began in the second qualifying round last July and is almost certain to continue beyond the trip to Anfield next week.
Sporting recorded arguably the biggest surprise of this season’s league phase with their win against champions PSG, which they can add to home successes over Marseille and Club Brugge. They are yet to win away from home, though, and Athletic Club in Bilbao will pose a stiff challenge. Coach Rui Borges’ side had just a seven per cent chance of making the top eight after their first four matches, which yielded seven points. Two wins in the three since (with the other match being a loss at Bayern) has seen that rise to 37 per cent.
Galatasaray were given a 45 per cent chance of league-phase elimination heading into the tournament. That dropped to 30 per cent after Matchday 2, when they beat visitors Liverpool 1-0. Following their 1-1 draw with Atletico this week, like Qarabag, the Istanbul side have less than a one per cent chance of elimination, so are virtually guaranteed a spot in next month’s play-offs regardless of what happens against Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday. They will be a challenging prospect for anyone in that round, too.
Galatasaray should now make the play-offs, despite a tricky-looking final-day trip to Manchester CityBurak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Finally, our projections were down on Ajax before the season began, giving the Netherlands’ four-time European champions a 58 per cent chance of being eliminated before the knockouts. A run of five losses to begin their campaign, by a combined score of 15 goals to one, saw that figure rise to over 99 per cent.
But this league-phase format always gives you a second (or in their case, sixth) chance.
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Ajax have won their past two, defeating Qarabag 4-2 and Villarreal 2-1 on their own pitches to reduce their odds of an exit, albeit marginally, to 92 per cent. A win against Olympiacos, who are 24th with eight points, in Amsterdam and a series of other results going their way could now see them sneak into the play-offs.
It is a slim possibility but even keeping themselves in the mix via back-to-back away victories deserves credit.
Trinity Rodman’s new Spirit deal and what it means. Plus: Robertson to Tottenham?
Rodman warms up prior to Washington Spirit’s NWSL match against Houston Dash Jamie Sabau/NWSL via Getty Images
Rodman retained: Spirit star brings saga to close with $2m-a-year deal to stay in NWSL
Jeff Dean/NWSL via Getty Images
It would be wrong to say that Trinity Rodman is bigger than the NWSL — but entirely fair to argue that the NWSL has no bigger player in it. Not for anybody would a league go so far in fighting to cling on to an individual footballer.
A competition’s prestige depends on the calibre of athlete in it, which explains why Major League Soccer has bent so far backwards in accommodating Lionel Messi. Messi is box office, the same as Rodman. Recruiting them and retaining them makes total business sense.
The NWSL ran the risk of losing Rodman ahead of the 2026 season and realised its profile would suffer if she upped sticks and continued her club career abroad. It would be worse again if the drain of talent from America to Europe or elsewhere became incessant. And so, concessions were made.
It’s great news for the Spirit and the league, both of whom threw everything at retaining the USWNT forward. It will be a relief for Rodman, who had been stuck in the renewal cycle for longer than she would have liked. This is what she’s negotiated:
The Spirit are handing Rodman a new three-year deal. That takes her through 2028, by which point she should be absolutely in her prime.
According to her agent, the contract is worth in excess of $2m (£1.5m) a year and makes her the highest-paid player in women’s football.
That’s a sharp increase on her previous four-year deal which, in its entirety, was worth $1.1m. She’s one of the world’s best, and she’s been highly valued ever since the Spirit made her the youngest player to be drafted in the NWSL at 18 in 2021.
“The league, all of us, all the governors and the league leadership, work very, very hard to ensure that we not only attract the best talent, but we keep them here,” said Spirit owner Michele Kang. They’ve gone out on a limb in preventing Rodman from slipping through their fingers.
Salary cap dispute
The NWSL’s established salary cap would not have allowed the Spirit to pay Rodman what she thought she was worth. It’s why this process dragged on. So to create some extra wiggle room, the NWSL effectively moved the goalposts.
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It created the High Impact Player rule (already nicknamed the ‘Rodman Rule’) which allowed NWSL teams to pay up to $1m above the wage cap to any footballer who met certain criteria. The league says it is thinking about the future of the competition as a whole — but it’s hardly coincidental that the new mechanism arrived when it did.
The NWSL Players Association isn’t happy. Last week, it filed a grievance over the High Impact Player rule, something the NWSL will have to address, though Rodman will get paid regardless of what happens. The scenario underlines a problem with salary caps: they’re created with the best of intentions, in the interests of financial stability or fair competition, but in the end, and in a sport as global as football, they’re prone to market forces. Last year, Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma left the United States for Chelsea for large fees. The NWSL seems acutely aware of Europe’s growing spending power.
“This is a monumental moment, not only for the Spirit, but for NWSL as well,” Kang said. They’re making no secret of it. The league wants the brightest and the best to be playing there — and while it might not win that war long term, it won the battle with Rodman.
Our head of global women’s soccer, Emily Olsen, gave us her take on yesterday’s big-money resolution:
“Everyone wants to ‘grow the game’, yet few agree how to do that. This contract is an inflection point after a battle between those investing millions to grow the business and those investing their lives and bodies. While many will want to take credit for Rodman staying in NWSL, you can’t overlook the role of the community.
“Her rookie season involved overcoming the challenges of a pandemic, an ugly ownership battle, and a coach being removed over allegations of emotional abuse. That year, the team won a championship. The players and the fans rallied around each other in a way that’s still visible. The end result is what happens when you use investment to pay the players and foster community on and off the field.”
U.S. women’s national team forward Trinity Rodman is staying with the Washington Spirit, signing a new three-year contract to stay with the team through 2028, the team announced on Thursday in a special event at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Rodman’s new deal is set to make her the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world, worth in excess of $2 million annually, according to her agent, Mike Senkowski of Upper 90 Sports Group.
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The forward’s previous four-year, $1.1 million extension signed in 2022 after her rookie season lapsed on Dec. 31, 2025.
On Thursday, Rodman signed her contract during the live event, flanked by Spirit owner Michele Kang, president of soccer operations Haley Carter and CEO Kim Stone in L.A., where the forward is training with the U.S. ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Paraguay.
“This is one of the biggest moments, for me personally, as well as for the Spirit. I flew all the way from London to be here today,” Kang, who also owns London City Lionesses in England and OL Lyonnes in France, said. “I can’t tell you how excited I am. I had to wait for this for a long time.”
The 23-year-old Rodman has spent her entire professional career with the Spirit. The team selected her second overall in the 2021 NWSL draft and made her the youngest player to be drafted (18) at the time. That same year, Rodman was named Rookie of the Year and the Spirit went on to win the NWSL championship. She provided the assist for Kelley O’Hara’s game-winning goal.
Before this current deal, the club had made Rodman a different multimillion-dollar offer that the NWSL rejected because it failed to honor the “spirit” of the league’s rules, according to sources who spoke with The Athletic at the time.
Rodman’s deal utilizes the new High Impact Player rule, which the league introduced on Dec. 23. The mechanism, colloquially known as the “Rodman Rule,” allows NWSL teams to spend up to $1 million above the salary cap on players who meet certain criteria, including USWNT minutes and appearances on various media lists. The NWSL insists the rule was created with the future of the league in mind, but with its timing — in the midst of the conversation about Rodman, one week before her free agency started — sources have said the player was a key factor in its creation. The rule does not take effect until July 1, but teams can start signing players to deals now.
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“The league, all of us, all the governors and the league leadership, work very, very hard to ensure that we not only attract the best talent, but we keep them here,” Kang said. “Trin’s contract certainly is benefiting from it. But it was not just for Trin. It’s much bigger than (one player). It’s for the league-wide efforts.”
Last week, the NWSL Players Association filed a formal grievance opposing the High Impact Player rule, arguing that it “circumvents the collective bargaining process” and should be rescinded. Players, through the union, also communicated their concern that the criteria “privileges a biased voting system that heavily favors European players” and does not account “for the high impact that Brazilian, African, and Japanese Players (sic) have had and will continue to have on NWSL.”
Rodman’s landmark move to stay narrowly avoids a foray into European soccer after what would have been a short but explosive career in the U.S. that included an NWSL Championship and Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and two finalist appearances. Her signing also concludes more than three months of tense back and forth between the NWSL, the Spirit, the NWSL Players’ Association (NWSLPA) and Rodman’s representation about her future; however, discussions over Rodman’s future at the club started as early as the start of 2025.
“This is a monumental moment, not only for the Spirit, but for NWSL as well. But personally, my involvement with this Spirit literally started with Trinity. I still remember the Draft Day,” Kang said. “I can’t think about Washington Spirit without her, and I hope she can’t think about her career without Washington Spirit.”
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The Spirit reached the NWSL Championship twice more in 2024 and 2025, losing to the Orlando Pride and Gotham FC, respectively. Overall, Rodman proved an irreplaceable force and a highly marketable icon. She amassed a total of 28 goals and 17 assists in 97 appearances across all competitions.
Rodman’s previous season with the Spirit was plagued by injuries: first a persistent back issue that kept her out of action for four months, and then a minor MCL strain that took a month to rehab. Despite her absences, she still scored five goals, including a game-winner in August upon her return from her back injury, and recorded two assists. She returned to the U.S. this week for her first camp under Emma Hayes since April 2025.
“It’s a monumental and game-changing moment right now,” Rodman said. “Everyone’s gonna have their different thoughts and opinions about it, but I’ve never really cared. That doesn’t change anything for me. I think I’ve always had a vision and kind of an idea of what I wanted my legacy to be and continue to be.
“This is just opening opportunities for American girls with dreams, and I am one, and was one of them. I’m just very grateful about that. And it’s perfect timing with the World Cup happening in the U.S., too.”
Hey Soccer Fans – it was a busy holiday season that had me on the road for the better part of 3 weeks so I am just back to getting the Ole Ballcoach in Gear for 2026. I will kick in some end of year stuff as we go over the next few weeks – but in the meantime – here are the games to watch – full TV schedule for the next week and where all the American’s will be playing across the globe. Hope you had a safe holiday and are ready for a Happy New Year!
Around the World of Soccer
Sad to see Ricardo Pepi break his right arm as he looks to be out a spell – hope he gets back in time for the World Cup. Pulisic is still on fire and stands 2nd in Serie A in goals at 8 despite playing just over half the minutes of the leaders. Chris Richards was justifyably named US Player of the Year for his success with Crystal Palace and solidifying a spot in the back with the US team. Now if only Trusty or Robinson or someone will step up alongside. Crazy to see all the firings in Europe first at Man U with Carrick in charge now, Chelsea with Liam Rosenior, Spalleti at Juve, then Real Madrid (Alonso was so hot with Leverkusen) has been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa – just wow. Speaking of Carrick it would be huge if he could upset Man City in the Manchester Derby Sat 7:30 am at home. Wouldn’t that be great! Switching to the ladies it was great to see Rose Lavelle won the US Women’s Player of the Year (read below)– and also Great to see Lindsay Horan (Heaps now) is coming home to the US from Europe – check out this Video. I promise more content next week.
US Women’s Coach Emma Hayes names Roster for Jan 24 vs Paraguay & Jan 27 vs Chile Games
The roster features the return of forward Trinity Rodman, who played in just one USWNT match in 2025, a 2-0 victory over Brazil at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. In that match, she scored the game-winning goal. Rodman, 23, has the most caps (47) and goals (11) of anyone on the roster. The other 22 field players on the roster have a combined 17 international goals. As the January training camp falls outside a FIFA competition window, Hayes named a roster made up entirely of players from the National Women’s Soccer League, with Rodman currently unattached, including four first-time call-ups in forwards Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC) and Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC) and midfielders Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage) and Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC). Dahlien and Jackson featured in all five U.S. U-23 WNT events in 2025 and were on the roster for the January 2025 Futures Camp in Florida. 2026 January Training Camp Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 6) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0) DEFENDERS (8): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 5/0), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 9/1), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 9/0), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 7/0), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 4/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 2/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 2/0) MIDFIELDERS (8): Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 5/0), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit; 3/0), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 11/1), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; 0/0), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current; 4/0), Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC; 2/0), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 11/5) FORWARDS (7): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 1/0), Trinity Rodman (Unattached; 47/11), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 15/2), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 12/4), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 13/4), Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0)
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GAMES ON TV
Sat, 1/17 7:30 am Man United vs Man City 8 am ESPN+ REal MAdrid vs Levante 9 am Para+ Udinese vs Inter Milan 9:30 am ESPN+ MGladback (Reyna, Scalley) vs Hamburger 10 am USA Liverpool vs Burnley 10 am Peacock Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Fulham (Jedi) 10 am Peacock Sunderland vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 12:30 pm NBC Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal 12:30 pm ESPN+ RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich 2:45 pm Para+ Cagliari vs Juventus (Mckinney) Sun, Jan 18 9 am USA Wolverhampton vs New Castle 10:15 am ESPN+, Des Athletico (Cardosa) vs Alaves 11:30 am USA Aston Villa vs Everton 2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Lecce 3 pm ESPN+, Des Real Sociedad vs Barcelona 8 pm TUDN Pachuca vs America ( ) Mon, 1/19 3 pm USA Brighton vs Bournemouth Tues, Jan 20- CHAMPS LEAGUE 12:45 pm CBSSN, Para+ Glint vs Man City 3 pm Uni, Para+, Real Madrid vs Monaco (Folagon) 3 pm Para+ Sporting CP vs PSG 3 pm Para+ Villarreal vs Ajax Wed, Jan 21 Champs League 12:45 pm CBSSN, Para Galatasaray vs Atletico Madrid (Cardosa) 3 pm Para+ Juventus (Mckinney) vs Benefica 3 pm CBSSN New Castle United vs PSV (Dest) 3 pm Para Atalanta vs Athletic Club 3 pm Chelsea vs Paphos 3 pm Liverpool vs Marseille () Thurs, 1/22 Europa 12:45 pm Bologna vs Celtic (Trusty) 12:45 pm Para+ Fenerbache cs Aston Villa 12:45 pm Para+ Young Boys vs Lyonnais (Tessman) 3 pm CBSSN Roma vs Stuttgart 3 pm Para+ Celta Vigo vs Lille 3 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Braga 3 pm Para+ Rangers vs Lodogorets Sat, Jan 24 5:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Paraguay Tues, Jan 27 10 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Chile Sun, Mar 1 She Believes Cup Starts 5 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Argentina Wed, Mar 4 She Believes Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Canada (Columbus, OH) Sat, Mar 7 She Believes Cup 3:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Women vs Colombia Sat, Mar 28 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium Tues, Mar 31 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Full steam ahead
Head to head matchups in the EPL and Bundesliga Stars & Stripes
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There is a wealth of action on Saturday, including several head-to-head matchups.
Saturday
Coventry City v Leicester City – 7:30a on CBSSN: Haji Wright hasn’t scored since October and Coventry City are on a three match winless streak but the team still hold a six point lead in the English Championship heading into their matchup with twelfth place Leicester.
Wolfsburg v Heidenheim – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Kevin Paredes has come off the bench in Wolfsburg’s last two matches as he gets back to game fitness. Wolfsburg fell to Bayern Munich 8-1 in Paredes’s return but defeated St. Pauli 2-1 last weekend to move up to eleventh place in the table. They face last place Heidenheim this weekend.
Borussia Dortmund v St. Pauli – 9:30a on ESPN Select: James Sands and St. Pauli are tied with Mainz and Heidenheim on twelve points at the bottom of the Bundesliga table. They will face second place Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Sands has started nearly every match for St. Pauli this season, missing just one due to concussion but St. Pauli’s results have been lacking with just three wins on the season and only one since mid-September.
Hamburger v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Gio Reyna did not make it off the bench midweek in Gladbach’s 5-1 loss to Hoffenheim and played just 5 minutes off the bench last wweekend in their 4-0 win over Augsburg. However, Joe Scally continues to see regular starts for the club who are currently in tenth place heading into their visit to fourteenth place Hamburg.
Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Cole Campbell was held out last weekend in his first match with Hoffenheim so we may be deprived of a USYNT v USMNT matchup this weekend as Hoffenheim host Malik Tillman and sixth place Leverkusen. Tillman picked up an assist last weekend but Leverkusen fell to Stuttgart 4-1 last Saturday to drop out of the top four.
Koln v Mainz – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Kristoffer Lund and twelfth place Koln face 16th place Mainz and Lennard Maloney on Saturday. Maloney has just six minutes in the last three matches for Mainz who have not been able to pull themselves out of relegation but are coming off a 2-1 win over Heidenheim. Meanwhile, Lund has played in thirteen straight for Koln who are winless in the past eight as they’ve slid down the table.
Sunderland v Crystal Palace – 10a on Peacock: Chris Richards has missed the last four league matches for Palace who are on a six match winless streak but he was on the field last weekend in Palace’s embarrassing 2-1 loss to sixth tier Macclesfield in the FA Cup. Palace have fallen to thirteenth place in the league table with their recent slide and will be facing tenth place Sunderland on Saturday.
Leeds United v Fulham – 10a on Peacock: Brenden Aaronson and sixteenth place will host Antonee Robinson and ninth place Fulham on Saturday. Aaronson has three goals in his last two matches for Leeds though they fell to Newcastle 4-3 despite his Brace ten days ago. On the other side, Robinson returned six matches ago and has started every match since with Fulham undefeated over that span with fourteen points as they’ve risen from fifteenth place to the top ten.
Toulouse v Nice – 1p on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie and Toulouse defeated Angers in penalties to advance in the Coupe de France last weekend with McKenzie wearing the captains armband. McKenzie has started nearly every match for Toulouse who are in eighth place in the league standings.
Fortuna Sittard v PSV – 2p on ESPN Select: Ricardo Pepi broke his arm while scoring last weekend and is expected to miss about two months for recovery but Sergino Dest continues to start week in and week out for PSV who have won twelve straight matches and are now running away with the league title.
Cagliari v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+: Weston McKennie may be on the move this January as rumors are swirling about interest from the Premier league as well as elsewhere in Italy as reports are that he won’t be resigning with Juventus when his current contract expires in six months. In the meantime of course he continues to start for Juventus and scored and assisted last weekend in Juve’s 5-0 win over Cremonese. Juventus are in fourth place and will face sixteenth place Cagliari on Saturday.
Angers v Olympique Marseille – 3:05p on beIN Sports: Tim Weah has started five straight for Marseille who maintain their third place spot despite falling to Nantes last weekend. They are tied on points at fourth place Lille at this point with the top three automatically qualifying for the Champions League positions.
Sunday
Atletico Madrid v Deportivo Alaves – 10:15a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso saw 30’ off the bench last weekend and got the start midweek in Copa del Ray action but he has just two league appearances since August. Atletico drew with Real Sociedad last weekend and are in fourth place, three points back of third, and eleven back of league leading Barcelona.
Augsburg v Freiburg – 11:30a on ESPN Select: After starting the first five matches of the season on the bench Noahkai Banks has started 12 straight matches for Augsburg. It has not all been smooth sailing as Augsburg have just three wins in that time and are currently only three points ahead of the relegation zone but Banks has been getting key developmental minutes in the Bundesliga was still being just nineteen. Augsburg host ninth place Freiburg this weekend who are coming off a 2-0 loss to RB Leipzig.
Olympique Lyon v Brest – 2:45p on beIN Sports: After missing a few matches due to “dead leg” Tanner Tessmann came in off the bench in Lyon’s 3-1 win over Monaco last weekend and then started midweek in the teams Coupe de France victory over fellow Ligue 1 side Lille. Lyon remain in fifth place as they host eleventh place Brest on Sunday.
AC Milan v Lecce – 2:45p on Paramount+: Christian Pulisic received a rare day off on Thursday as AC Milan defeated Como 3-1 to keep pace with Inter at the top of the table, remaining three points back of the league leaders. On Sunday they will host Lecce who are three points ahead of Fiorentina for the final relegation spot.
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Josh Sargent’s Norwich transfer saga: What we’re hearing about the wantaway USMNT striker
U.S. men’s national team striker Josh Sargent has made it quite clear that he wants out of Norwich City, but the move he desires might not happen as soon as he hopes.MLS side Toronto FC has made an $18 million offer for the striker, who finished in the EFL Championship team of the season last year. But Norwich insists it is not going to part with the team’s starting forward in the middle of the season — and especially not as it attempts to fight its way out of the relegation zone.The transfer saga kicked off last weekend. Sargent messaged Norwich manager Philippe Clement ahead of Norwich’s FA Cup game against Walsall on Sunday to say he was not available for the game. After the game, Clement insisted Sargent would not move in this window.“He sent me a message to say that he was not available today because of transfer things that are in his head,” Clement said. “We need to speak about that this week inside the club.“The club has been really clear about that. We know which situation we are in. Him and his agent know the situation, so he will not leave in this transfer window.”Sources at the club backed their manager’s statement, saying that Sargent is not for sale.The MLS primary transfer window is open through March 26, meaning this saga could in theory extend into the spring. Toronto’s $18 million bid would be the third largest fee in MLS history, trailing Son Heung-min ($26.5 million) and Emmanuel Latte Lath ($22 million plus add-ons). Latte Lath came to Atlanta United from Middlesbrough, also in the Championship.While any potential final fee will be among the highest in MLS history, Norwich views it as below the market rate given the player’s output, pedigree, age and recent transfer interest.
Sargent’s season with Norwich City has been a mix of goals and frustrationStephen Pond / Getty Images
Sargent has scored 51 goals in the Championship over the last three-and-a-half seasons. The 25-year-old initially came to England from Werder Bremen, where the St. Louis native began his professional career.Sargent had the opportunity to return to Germany in the summer. Wolfsburg had a $28 million bid accepted by Norwich and personal terms were generally agreed. At the final stage, Sargent opted to stay at Norwich for personal reasons. Half a year later, with Norwich surprisingly locked in a relegation battle, the situation has changed.It’s not the first time Sargent has been close to a move across the Atlantic. In the summer of 2024, FC Cincinnati pushed hard for the American forward — its bid was north of $20 million — and personal terms would have been no issue, but Norwich demanded more than $25 million to even get its attention in negotiations.Norwich feels confident that it wouldn’t lose too much market value waiting for the summer window and, with the team in a susceptible position in the table and Sargent under contract through 2028, the club is set on avoiding a precedent by allowing a player to force a move. Saturday’s match at Wrexham will indicate whether his stance on playing for the club again has changed over the last week — and it could indicate that the game of chicken is now on between player and club.USMNT’s World Cup Roster PictureUSA World Cup roster battle exposes key questions for Mauricio PochettinoThe fight for World Cup roster spots will continue into 2026 for the USMNT
Norwich has added incentive to keep him as it digs out of a hole in the table. The club fired manager Liam Manning after starting the season with just two wins, two draws and 11 losses in the first 15 games. Clement was hired on Nov. 18, and the team is 4-4-3 since then, but remains in the drop zone with 24 points while having played at least one more match than the clubs it is chasing. (Sargent’s form has been rather the opposite: he started the season with six goals in his first five games in all competitions. Since then, he has scored just twice.)Nevertheless, Toronto has long identified Sargent as a top target this winter in its search for a designated player at the No. 9 position, the potential crown jewel of a rebuild and rebirth back to prominence in MLS after being one of the league’s defining teams in the late 2010s.The Canadian club, finally able to move forward into a new era, has rebuilt a broken locker room and trimmed a lot of fat from a bloated salary cap that included disastrous deals for Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. The Italians departed in the summer, while several more bad contracts expired this winter to give Toronto further flexibility.The 2026 season was the light at the end of the tunnel after missing the playoffs five straight seasons, cycling through four permanent head coaches and two long stints under interim managers.
Sargent’s goal drought with the USMNT stretches back to 2019Michael Owens / Getty Images
American attacker Djordje Mihailovic arrived in the summer for an $8 million cash trade from the Colorado Rapids. Ecuador international midfielder Jose Cifuentes soon followed. A permanent transfer for Canadian international winger Theo Corbeanu was sealed this winter after a strong debut season on loan, and then TFC added one of the marquee defensive free agents, Walker Zimmerman, to anchor the back line. Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira is the other key offseason signing.Adding a player of Sargent’s quality could build on this solid foundation and once again make TFC a contender in the Eastern Conference – but it’s not going to happen without Norwich’s sign-off, something that as of now is not going to materialize.For Sargent, the hope would be that a move to MLS might reignite his hopes of making the U.S.’s World Cup roster in the summer. Sargent has not scored for the U.S. since 2019. Even during his best runs of form with Norwich, the goals haven’t come. Sargent, in the meantime, has fallen behind Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and potentially even fellow Championship striker Patrick Agyemang in the pecking order for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.If Sargent, who started two games at the 2022 World Cup, wants a shot at making the 2026 team, he’ll need to be on the field banging in goals — whether in England with the Canaries or elsewhere.
Chris Richards named U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Male Player of the Year
Chris Richards, who over the last year emerged as a mainstay for both Crystal Palace and the U.S. men’s national team, has been named U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Male Player of the Year. The 25-year-old defender won the annual award over USMNT teammates Malik Tillman, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten and Matt Freese, the other finalists. Richards earned it based on his play for the national team, but also his achievements in England for Crystal Palace, which he helped to an FA Cup title – the club’s first major trophy in its multi-century history – and August’s Community Shield.Richards started 45 games for Palace in the calendar year, entrenching himself as the right-sided center back in coach Oliver Glasner’s back three. The Birmingham, Ala., native also started 11 games for the national team, captained the U.S. once and was the most consistent player throughout the Concacaf Gold Cup. He started all six games en route to the final, emerged as a leader and scored in that final — which the U.S. ultimately lost to Mexico, 2-1.Richards received 48.6 percent of a weighted vote, quite comfortably beating Tillman (21.7 percent) and Freeman (13), the two next closest in the running. The winner is chosen by a weighted combination of national team members, coaches, fans, media, former players, the U.S. Soccer board of directors, the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, and pro league coaches and sporting directors.Richards was presented with the word of his honor on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, where he was an unsuspecting guest.“It means the world to me,” said Richards, who joins current U.S. teammates Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Zack Steffen as winners of the award. He’s the second consecutive defender to win it after Robinson, and he’s looking ahead to 2026 and this summer’s World Cup with bigger goals in mind.“As a defender people tend to say it’s a lot of pressure, but I think pressure builds diamonds,” Richards added. “That’s something that with this team, with this country – we’re Americans. We like to win, we like to scrap, we like to fight, and that’s definitely what we’re going to do in the summer and hopefully by the end of it we’re holding a big trophy.”By Henry Bushnell
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Tactical battles? Key players? Impact of derby atmosphere?
Bruno Fernandes and Antoine Semenyo are likely to be key figures in this weekend’s Manchester derby Carl Recine, Stu Forster/Getty Images
It is straight into the thick of it for Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s new interim head coach, as he finds himself charged with the task of besting Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Saturday.
On top of the removal of head coach Ruben Amorim, three underwhelming Premier League draws in a row and elimination from the FA Cup at the first hurdle leave United in desperate need of a performance to lift fans’ spirits. For City, a win at Old Trafford is necessary to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal, before their trip to Nottingham Forest later in the day. Their own run of three consecutive league draws has cost them momentum (and points) in the title race.
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Ahead of the 198th Manchester derby, our United writer Carl Anka and City counterpart Sam Lee preview some of the big talking points.
How will your club handle the derby atmosphere?
Carl Anka: These are troubled times for Manchester United. This derby is the first of Michael Carrick’s 17 matches as interim head coach over the remainder of the season, as co-owner INEOS’ staff attempt a reboot following Ruben Amorim’s turbulent 14 months in charge. A divided fanbase alternates between apathy and anger, but it was interesting to hear that a protest is planned for the next home game, against Fulham on February 1, rather than this one.
This derby will bring many disparate sections of the fanbase together, if only to combat a familiar and common foe. Winning is the best cure for any ailing football club, and if Carrick can deliver a positive result and performance, then this four-month interregnum will be off to a good start.
This will be Michael Carrick’s first game in his new jobGeorge Wood/Getty Images
Sam Lee: The blueprint for these matches has always been ‘one thousand million passes’ from Pep Guardiola’s men, but the interesting thing about this season is that City do not really have players whose first thought is to keep the ball — or perhaps they try to, but not quite as well as required.
However, by looking at their intentions away to Real Madrid in December and against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, they are clearly still trying to dominate the ball — you can tell by the number of times they pass backwards rather than bursting forwards.
That said, there is huge potential for wingers — presumably Jeremy Doku on the left and Antoine Semenyo on the right — to burst forward into the box and try to make something happen, and whoever else plays in midfield — Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders or Rayan Cherki — will have big roles in helping to tie everything together.
Carrick likes his team to build possession steadily from the back, but also gives licence for his attacking players to express themselves in the final third. When it worked well for Middlesbrough in the second-tier Championship, it was thrilling. When the club lost their best players, though, it became slow and methodical to watch.
Recent Manchester derbies have seen City dominate possession and United try to win on the counter-attack. Carrick’s managerial career so far suggests he might want this team to play in a more expansive manner eventually, but this weekend he may stick with the blueprints that delivered derby success to more than one of his predecessors.
Which player is key for your club in this game?
Anka: Here, I typically write 150 words explaining the importance of Bruno Fernandes. Or 150 words explaining how I’ve grown tired of answering ‘Bruno Fernandes’ to this question, so instead will spotlight someone else.
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Let’s try to do both today. Fernandes remains the critical player around whom United’s many attackers orbit, but Saturday’s match may be defined by Casemiro. United’s standard of play has a nasty habit of cratering when the 33-year-old is unavailable. He’s their best defensive midfielder, able to turn defence into attack with a smart tackle and even smarter switch-pass out wide. The Brazilian is also one of the team’s top aerial options in both boxes during set pieces, too.
The remainder of United’s season will rest on how many minutes Casemiro and Fernandes manage in the remaining 17 games.
Lee: It is hard to choose between Rodri and Bernardo.
Bernardo understands what games like this need, Rodri is a top-level player and his physicality and ability to pick out the right vertical pass would be an amazing boost to a team who have learnt to play pretty well without him over the 16 months since that ACL knee injury against Arsenal.
Rodri will be integral to City if he playsShaun Botterill/Getty Images
You could look at Erling Haaland as the obvious goal threat, or young Max Alleyne, who has done brilliantly in defence and is facing another big test, and there could be a moment from any of them that decides the result.
But those two in the middle will have the biggest say on how the game itself looks.
Which opposing player is the biggest threat?
Anka: City’s victory over Newcastle in that Carabao Cup semi-final first leg earlier this week contained some ominous signs. The idea of Semenyo and Doku running at Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu at Old Trafford on Saturday is frightening.
Lee: Marcus Rashford has been one of the most obvious thorns in City’s side whenever United have got a result in the derby recently, thanks to his pace on the break and finishing, but it is usually Fernandes who fires off those passes in behind.
Anka: I choose to believe United will do it. Carrick’s plucky side shock the league with an unexpected counter-attacking win. So, 2-1 to the home side. One goal from a set piece, one from a moment of quality against an unsettled City back line.
Lee: You can never be quite sure how these bigger away games will go this season, with them generally being more open and end-to-end than in recent years. Add in the change of manager at United, and things seem even more unpredictable. But City were impressive against Newcastle in midweek, and if they can add Rodri back into the mix, I think they have a great chance of winning — especially if Semenyo keeps adding an extra goal threat.
Manchester United are without a permanent manager, so they need a comfort blanket. And as we know, the only thing that seems to comfort Manchester United is someone with some connection to Sir Alex Ferguson taking over in some form of interim and/or caretaker fashion.
Since Ferguson retired, Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher have all fulfilled the role as the man to make United feel safe again, for varying amounts of time and to varying degrees of success.
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Now it’s Carrick (again), who begins his second interim spell in the big chair — this time as the permanent interim rather than the interim-interim Fletcher. This actually mirrors the situation he was in the first time around, taking over after Solskjaer was sacked and before Ralf Rangnick arrived to complete the 2021-22 season. So this is technically a promotion for him.
Carrick will be introduced as Ruben Amorim’s temporary successor tomorrow (Friday), and certain words, phrases or themes are surely going to come up. Here are a few to listen out for…
‘The Manchester United way’
Is this the most talked about ‘way’ in football? And yet, it’s always been slightly tricky to pin down exactly what this idea means. A cynic might suggest it’s just ‘win games of football’, but listen out for talk of this fabled philosophy.
In fairness, the club’s caretaker managers of yore have tried to explain it. “It’s going to be a Manchester United philosophy,” roared Giggs, when he took over from David Moyes for the death rattle of the 2013-14 season. “Passion, speed, tempo, be brave, imagination. Work hard but, most of all, enjoy it. If you enjoy it, you can express yourself more.”
Ryan Giggs is a big proponent of the ‘Manchester United way’Andrew Yates/AFP via Getty Images
Solskjaer echoed this by saying he wanted his team to “play with courage, go out there and express your skills, take risks” and “when you’re at Manchester United, there are a set of demands”, while Van Nistelrooy said that his first team talk involved “telling them about what Manchester United is about and what it is to play at Old Trafford”.
Now, this is something of a red herring. You could easily get sucked into the idea that the candidate will say variants of the immortal words “this is Manchester United Football Club we’re talking about”, usually delivered in that sort of incredulous tone which is intended to convey the full weight and significance of this august institution, which is so significant and august that you shouldn’t need to say anything else.
However, this is not generally the remit of the ex-player turned caretaker boss, and rather something that is usually confined to pundits on radio or TV, largely because there’s an element of exasperation to the words that emphasise what a mess United are in and how badly things have been managed. All of that said, it’s possible this phrase will make an appearance when Carrick sits down with the media on Friday, so keep an ear open for it.
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There is, however, always a quasi-religious element to how former players-turned-interims speak about Manchester United: it’s like the club is God, Ferguson is the Pope and they are the cardinals. So be alert for some reference to the club being all-consuming, an entity that is now a fundamental part of their being.
At Carrick’s first unveiling, he said “this club has been my life for a long time” and spoke about the “sacrifice” required to do the job, while Giggs said United “has been the biggest part of my life since I was 14”, which in fairness was less him bowing to the majesty of the place as a football institution and more a statement of fact.
‘A dream come true’
Forget their weddings or the birth of their kids, there’s no topping being appointed United manager.
“It’s an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team,” said Fletcher. “I don’t even think it’s in my wildest dreams that it was something that could potentially happen.” Giggs described it as “the proudest moment of my life”, while Solskjaer, upon getting the job permanently after doing so well as the interim, said: “You know when people say they’re taking their dream job — that’s more true for me than anyone.”
‘I’ve not thought about the permanent job’
It’s important to recognise that this is a short-term gig and you shouldn’t be presumptuous. At some point, you will be asked if you want to stay for longer than the initial proposed time period, but these questions must be played with a straight bat.
Hopefully, someone tomorrow asks Carrick if he’s going to use the manager’s parking space, something that Solskjaer reportedly didn’t do because he believed it still belonged to Ferguson. This was the peak of the Fergie deference scale — almost topped by Fletcher revealing he had asked for his former manager’s “blessing” to take caretaker control for two games — something all former United players (barring Roy Keane) are obliged to do.
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On the one hand, you get it: we might not have heard of most of these guys had it not been for Ferguson; he is their primary influence, their model of what a manager is. Why would you not lean on him for advice? On the other hand, it does become slightly embarrassing to watch these grown men essentially turn into small boys who have to ask Daddy for permission.
Darren Fletcher sought Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘blessing’ ahead of his two-game spell in chargeOli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
Anyway, speaking to him will almost certainly come up: Van Nistelrooy did so when he was asked to hold the fort post-Erik ten Hag; Solskjaer called Ferguson his “mentor”, who had “influenced me on everything” and that there was “no one to get better advice from”; Carrick was actually quite interesting on the Scot, saying he spoke to him “several times” before taking the job first time around, and that he deliberately tried not to get too close to his old boss during his playing days.
And then there was Fletcher, who said, remarkably: “I don’t like to make any major decisions without speaking to Sir Alex.”
‘I’m my own man’
While Ferguson will always be the United godhead, these are still men with pride and ego, so there also must be some attempt to make clear that they are an autonomous being; a real boy with his own mind.
“It’s going to be my philosophy,” declared Giggs, undermining himself slightly by describing that as a “Manchester United philosophy”, while Solskjaer referred to his “philosophy, principles, how we want to play,” and Carrick the first time round said, “I have it very clear in my mind how I want the team to play.”
Fletcher, who admittedly didn’t have a lot of scope to put his stamp on things because he only had two games, nevertheless said he hoped they looked “like a Manchester United team that represents a bit of me”.
Champions & Europa League Play Returns Tues/Wed/Thurs Match Day 6
Awesome to see the top clubs in the World battle it out – thru 5 rounds Arsenal, Bayern, Atalanta, PSG & Inter stand in the Top 5, while my Juventus with McKinney & Leverkusen with Tillman are just above the cut line. American’s Ricardo Pepi scored late for PSV in a 3-2 loss, and Foralin Balogon scored the winner for Monico over Galatasaray for his 3rd straight Champions League game with a Goal. McKinney’s stunner the winner for Juve in Champs league. Not UCL but Pulisic has been deadly in front of net this season for AC Milan as he’s tied for Serie A lead for scoring despite only playing 9 games. Pulisic ties it up 30 seconds after coming on then Supersub Scores a Brace as Milan wins it. See all the US players playing below.
US Draw Includes Australia, Paraguay, (Euro Winner Turkey?)
So the US got a decent draw – no reason the US can’t get out of this group – honestly in the #1 slot. The US has recently beaten both Australia and Paraguay in the past few months often without our team. The draw looks like we could make a run to Sweet 16 where we would face Belgium – again. But lets not count our chickens yet. Also exciting to see the US has signed to play Germany in Chicago June 6, and Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta in late March.
Inter Miami & Messi Win MLS Cup over Vancouver
Messi continued his mastery over MLS – with a goal and an Assist in the 3-1 win over a game Vancouver at home in Miami. MLS Final Highlights The win finally justifies the extreme amount of money Miami has spent in signing the trifecta of Messi, Jordi Alba & Sergio Busquets (both of who are retiring). Fun game to watch as Vancouver made a game of it before Messi helped Miami pull away late.
Former Carmel GK Eric Dick Signs with Indy 11 after winning USL Championship for Pittsburgh
Awesome to see former Carmel Dad’s Club/Carmel High/Butler GK Eric Dick is coming home to Indy as he will return to the Indy 11 this upcoming season — fresh off a Player of the USL Championship performance for Pittsburgh.
Notes
Thrilled for Wilfried Nancy, who has just moved from Columbus to manage Celtic. We’ve had him on a number of times. He is such a soulful, inspirational leader. I can’t wait to watch him learn and grow in Scotland. I want to send huge love to the great Shaka Hislop (ESPN Analyst), who revealed he is battling prostate cancer and urged Caribbean men to get tested. His message is a crucial one. I wish Shaka and his family strength and health at this moment.
Mohomed, Margaret, and Shane reffing indoors at the Grand Park Tourney Sunday – last 1 of the year.
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GAMES ON TV
Wed, 12/9 Champs League 12:45 pm Para+ Villareal vs Kebenhavn 2:45 pm Para+ Hull City vs Wrexham 3 pm Para+ Real Madrid vs Man City 3 pm CBSSN Bayern Leverkusen (Tilman) vs New Castle United 3 pm Para+ Juventus (McKennie) vs Paphos 3 pm Para+ Arsenal vs Club Brugge 3 pm Para+ Athletic Club vs PSG 3 pm Para+ Dortmund vs Boda Glimt Thurs, 12/10 Europa 12:45 pm Para+ Rangers vs Ferencvaros 12:45 pm Para+ Young Boys vs Lille 12:45 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Utrecht 3 pm Para+ Lyonnais (Tessman) vs Go Ahead Eagles 3 pm Para+ Celtic (Trusty) vs AS Roma 3 pm Para+ Shelbourne vs Crystal Palace (Richards) Fri, 12/12 2:30 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig 3 pm Para+ West Brom (Dike) vs Sheffield United Sat, 12/13 8 am ESPN+ Atletico MAdrid vs Valencia 9:30 am ESPN+ MGladback (Reyna, Scalley) vs Wolfsburg 10 am USA Chelsea vs Everton 10 am USA Livepool vs Brighton 12:30 pm NBC Burnley vs Fulham (Jedi) 3 pm USA Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Sun, 12/14 6:30 am Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Sassuolo 9 am USA Sunderland vs New Castle 9 am Peacock Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Man City 9 am PEacock Nottingham Forest vs Brighton 9 am Pea West Ham vs Liverpool 11:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Mainz 11:30 am USA Brentford vs Leeds United (Aaronson) 3 pm ESPN+ Alavez vs Real Madrid 8 pm CBSSN Toluca vs Tigres UANL Mon, 12/15 3 pm USA Man United vs Bournemouth (Adams) Wed, Dec 17 2:30 pm Para+ New Castle vs Fulham (Jedi) 2:30 pm Para+ Man City vs Brentford Fri, Dec 19 2:30 pm ESPN+ Dortmund vs MGladbach (Reyna, Scalley) 4 pm CBSSN Bologna vs Inter Milan Jan 24 5:30 pm TNT, HBO USWNT vs Paraguay Jan 27 10 pm TBS, HBO USWNT vs Chile Sat, March 28 3:30 TNT, Max USA Men vs Belgium in Atlanta Tue, Mar 31 7:30 pm TNT, Max USA Men vs Portugal in Atlanta Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT. Max US Men vs Germany in Chicago June 12 9 pm Fox US Men vs Paraguay World Cup June 19 3 pm FOX US Men vs Australia World Cup June 25 10 pm FOX US Men vs European Team World Cup
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Scoring Champions
League play continues ahead of the winter break
Burnley v Fulham – 9:30a on 12:30p on NBC: Antonee Robinson has been progressing well in training and reportedly could return to the field on Saturday as Fulham face Burnley. Fulham are in fifteenth place and have lost their past two matches. They will look to get back on track against a Burnley side that is second worst thus far and have lost six straight matches.
Bayer Leverkusen v Koln – 12:30p on ESPN Select: Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen will look to bounce back from their loss to Augsburg last weekend as they take on Kristoffer Lund and his Koln team that are in ninth place but coming off a disappointing draw with St. Pauli.
PSV v Heracles – 2p on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest has started 14 of 15 league matches for PSV this season and Ricardo Pepi has joined him in the past two as PSV maintain their league lead. Pepi also scored in each of the last two league matches and has an assist as well as he looks to make his case for additional minutes moving forward. He also was one of several American’s to score midweek and he notched a goal for PSV in their 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. On Saturday PSV will face 16th place Heracles who after a particularly rough start to the season are actually undefeated in their past six matches across all competitions.
Atalanta v Cagliari – 2:45p on Paramount+: Yunus Musah saw three minutes off the bench on Tuesday in Atalanta’s 2-1 win over Chelsea in Champions League play. Unfortunately, Musah still hasn’t appeared in a league match since October and he has just 80’ across all competitions since late September. The loan at Atalanta does not seem to be going well and Musah is at real risk of missing out on next summers World Cup if he isn’t able to turn things around or find another move.
Paris v Toulouse – 3:05p on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie started again for Toulouse last weekend as they snapped their six match winless streak by defeating Strasbourg 1-0. Toulouse now face Paris FC who are in fourteenth place and are winless in their last four matches.
Sunday
AC Milan v Sassuolo – 6:30a on Paramount+: Christian Pulisic came on as a second half substitute on Monday as AC Milan came from behind to defeat Torino 3-2 after falling behind 2-0 in the opening 20 minutes of the match. Pulisic’s goals were his six and seventh of the Serie A season and he has eleven goals and assists in the twelve matches be has played across all competitions this season. With the win Milan remain tied with Napoli for first place in Serie A.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City – 9a on NBCSN and Peacock: Chris Richard, the best player in the USMNT pool (which I’m sure itself will cause some debate), started yet again for fourth place Crystal Palace as they defeated Fulham 2-1 last weekend. Palace haven’t had a lot of tough matchups this season but they have been in every match they have played, with just three losses on their record, all of which were by a single goal.
Olympique Lyon v Le Havre – 9a on beIN Sports: Tanner Tessmann has been sidelined for Lyon’s past two matches and will reportedly be out again this weekend as fifth place Lyon face a Le Havre side that are just three points out of the relegation playoff spot.
Brentford v Leeds United – 11:30a on USA Network: Brenden Aaronson came off the bench for 25’ and notched an assist as Leeds drew with Liverpool 3-3 after initially falling behind 2-0. Leeds have four points from their last two matches but still are just two points out of the relegations spots.
Olympique Marseille v Monaco – 2:45p on beIN Sports: The second USMNT matchup of the weekend sees Tim Weah and third place Marseille facing off against Folarin Balogun and seventh place Monaco on Sunday afternoon. Weah has started three straight league matches for Marseille since returning from injury while Balogun missed last weekends league match but started and scored for Monaco midweek in their 1-0 win over Galatasaray in Champions League play.
Bologna v Juventus – 2:45p on CBS SS and Paramount+: Weston McKennie also scored in Champions League action this week, notching the opener for Juventus as they defeated Pafos 2-0 on Wednesday. McKennie also started against Napoli last weekend and notched an assist but Juve fell to the second place team and remain in seventh place in the league standings. They could move past fifth place Bologna who they face on Sunday as they trail their opponents by two points.
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Rounding into form
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week. Wednesday
Leverkusen vs Newcastle, 3p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, FuboTV, ViX: Malik Tillman and Leverkusen host Newcastle United in Champions League.
Juventus vs Pafos, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Weston McKennie and Juve host Cyprus-based club Pafos in Champions League.
Thursday
Lyon vs Go Ahead Eagles, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Tanner Tessmann and OL host Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles in Europa League.
Shelbourne vs Crystal Palace, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Chris Richards and Palace visit Irish club Shelbourne in Conference League.
Also in action:
Celtic vs Roma, 3p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, TUDN USA, UniMás, FuboTV, ViX: Auston Trusty and Celtic host AS Roma in Europa League. Cameron Carter-Vickers is out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury.
Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzeň, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos host Viktoria Plzeň in Europa League.
KuPS vs Lausanne, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Swiss-American center-back Bryan Okoh and Lausanne Sport visit Finnish club KuPS in Conference League.
Lech Poznań vs Mainz, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Lennard Maloney and Mainz visit Lech Poznań in Conference League.
Friday
Greuther Fürth vs Hertha Berlin, 12:30p on ESPN Select, FuboTV: Julian Green, Maxi Dietz, and Fürth host Hertha BSC in the 2. Bundesliga. John Brooks (on Hertha’s books) hasn’t played since May 2024, missing time due to multiple separate injuries.
Standard Liège vs OH Leuven, 2:45p: Marlon Fossey and Standard host Leuven in Belgium’s top tier.
West Brom vs Sheffield United, 3p on Paramount+: Daryl Dike, George Campbell, and West Brom host Sheffield United in the Championship.
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Messi wins MLS MVP for second straight season, makes more league history
Maddie Meyer / Getty Images By Felipe Cardenas Dec. 9, 2025Updated 11:46 am EST
Days after becoming an MLS Cup champion, Lionel Messi has etched out even more of a place in league history. Messi was officially announced as the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP on Tuesday, becoming the first player to win back-to-back MVP awards in league history. He’s just the second to win multiple MVP honors, joining former Kansas City great Preki, who won it in 1997 and 2003. It’s hardly a surprise: Messi, even at 38, finished the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists, leading the league in both categories.He added six goals and nine more assists during Miami’s playoff run – a playoff-record 15 goal contributions in a single season. Messi narrowly missed breaking Carlos Valderrama’s 25-year-old assists record, with the Colombian legend tallying 22 assists in 2000 with the since-defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny. If the evidence of his play on a game-by-game basis – and his commitment to a new three-year deal – weren’t enough, Messi’s numbers this season are unequivocal proof that the Argentine has taken his MLS era seriously.Messi received over 70% of the total vote, which was conducted by media, players and club personnel, to claim his latest individual prize in a career full of them. San Diego FC winger Anders Dreyer, who tied for the league lead in assists and added 19 goals, finished second with just over 11%. He was followed by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (7.27%), FC Cincinnati’s Evander (4.78%) and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge (2.42%). Interestingly, Messi received just 55.17% of the player vote.
“First of all, I’m thankful for this recognition,” Messi said in a statement. “It’s always nice to receive individual awards but I want to share it with my teammates. I was also fortunate to win the MLS Golden Boot thanks to the help of my teammates. I’m happy to receive this award and be the first in the history of this league to win it in two consecutive years. I’m very thankful.”As for more context regarding his eye-opening stats: His 48 total goal contributions were the second highest single-season total in MLS history (Carlos Vela; 49 in 2019). It’s an impressive statistic considering Messi played in 28 of 34 regular season games. When factoring in the playoffs (63 goal contributions), his production is second-to-none.He is the only player in league history to record at least 36 goal contributions in a season multiple times (2024, 2025) and is the second player in MLS history to lead the league in both goals scored and assists. In 2015, former Toronto FC playmaker Sebastian Giovinco led the league with 22 goals and 16 assists. Messi is only the fourth player in the last decade to be named MVP and win the MLS Golden Boot in the same season.
Messi wins MLS Cup MVP honors after Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over VancouverElsa / Getty Images
He was dominant throughout the year, and even though Saturday’s 3-1 win over Vancouver in the MLS Cup final was devoid of a magical Messi goal, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker finished the game with two decisive assists.His second was a beauty to Tadeo Allende, who iced the game and title for the home side. It capped a remarkable year for Messi, who continues to perform at a level that keeps him relevant just months away from the 2026 World Cup – even though he has resisted publicly committing to playing in the competition so far.Messi’s 10 multi-goal games in a single season marked a new MLS record, breaking the previous record of eight shared by Stern John (Columbus Crew, 1998), Mamadou Diallo (Tampa Bay Mutiny, 2000), and Zlatan Ibrahimović (LA Galaxy, 2019). During one of Messi’s most dominant stretches this season, he scored multiple goals in five consecutive games from May 28 to July 12 – another record. No other player in MLS history has had a multi-goal run of more than four matches.To cap it all off, Messi is also just the sixth player in MLS’s 30 seasons to win both the regular season MVP and the MLS Cup final MVP in the same season. Messi joins Tony Meola (2000), Carlos Ruiz (2002), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (2008), Robbie Keane (2014), and Josef Martínez (2018) in that select group.
As it relates to MLS MVPs and hitting new ground, there’s one more frontier to conquer, and it’s a term with which Messi has plenty of familiarity: the hat trick.
Christian Pulisic can use USMNT World Cup draw to launch himself as an American icon
Christian Pulisic is targeting World Cup success with the USMNT John McGloughlin / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
After the Village People had shuffled off stage, Donald Trump had put his FIFA Peace Prize on the shelf in the Oval Office, and Gianni Infantino had starting scrolling his Instagram notifications, I imagine that Christian Pulisic, sat in his apartment in Italy, took another glance at the outcome of the draw for the 2026 World Cup and let out a little sigh of relief.
Group D: the United States, Paraguay, Australia and a European playoff winner, most likely Turkey. Not bad. Not bad at all.Pulisic certainly would have known it could have been much, much worse.And as he reflected a little on what awaits him in June (and hopefully July) next year, the Milan winger would have surely felt that tingling in his stomach.Because that draw, with no major obstacle likely until a possible meeting with Belgium in the round of 16, sets the stage perfectly for Pulisic for what could be the summer of his life. It creates the ideal stage for him to make the defining run of his career and transition from being merely a U.S. soccer star to a true, mainstream American sports superstar.The stakes are absolutely colossal for him in 2026. If Milan manages to win Serie A and he maintains his current form – two more goals Monday have him atop the league’s scoring chart – it’s near-certain he would be named Serie A Player of the Year. Carrying that momentum into a World Cup on home soil, the expectations would be that he would take his team on a thrilling adventure.
Christian Pulisic struck twice in Milan’s Monday victory over Torino.Image Photo Agency / Getty Images
This is the tournament that could absolutely change his life and his legacy in the United States. If he can be the hero for the USMNT on home soil, in a World Cup, the opportunities that will open up for him in terms of his reputation, commercial appeal and marketability will be enormous.American sports fans, the kind who only tune in to soccer once every four years, will judge Pulisic in the same way they judge NFL and NBA stars — on whether he can deliver on the biggest stage when the stakes are highest. In this sport, that means the World Cup. Soccer fans know winning Serie A would earn Pulisic respect throughout the game and adoration in Italy, but it still wouldn’t make him a household name in America.Bringing people to their feet in stadiums, fan zones and bars across America next summer? That would catapult Pulisic to true Captain America status.We know that World Cups are unpredictable, however, and the first random element is the draw. Traps can be set and challenges get tougher just from those plastic balls pulled out on stage.Group D isn’t easy – almost no group that could be imagined for a team like the USMNT in the modern game can truly be considered that way. Yet when you compare it with, say, 2014, when the USA was dealt a group stage with Germany, Portugal and Ghana (and no progression for third place in that edition) and was written off by many international commentators, you realize that it is a setting that offers Mauricio Pochettino’s team every chance of advancing.What makes me excited for Pulisic and the team as a whole is the way that Pochettino is setting up the USMNT, with his tactical restructuring and overall approach, with the focus taken off Pulisic and put squarely on the team. In the past, he felt pressure, having to do too much and dropping into parts of the field he didn’t need to, which took away from his game.
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Pochettino has changed the dynamic. He has made it clear that this is not a squad with a Messi-like player and he is setting up the system so that there are several attacking players with responsibility to be creative forces. There is Malik Tillman, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and, in the right circumstances, Gio Reyna. Folarin Balogun is expected to deliver goals and Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright will be waiting for the chance if he doesn’t deliver. It’s not all on Pulisic.
Players such as Malik Tillman have helped share the USMNT’s attacking burden.David Buono / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
But make no mistake, the USMNT still needs Pulisic to be the ‘Messi’ figurehead in some ways, providing that high-level creativity, without the crushing weight of having to solve all the questions himself. He can now play his game exactly as he would at Milan, saving his energy for those one-v-one moments and open spaces where he can produce the magic.On paper, this is the best World Cup group draw the program has had in a long time. Crucially, the U.S. got the absolute weakest team in Pot 2 with Australia — that’s a dream outcome. But let’s be clear: there’s a big difference between paper and performance. People confuse “best outcome” with “easiest,” a concept that doesn’t exist at a World Cup.There isn’t an absolute minnow in the group, the kind of opponent that teams look to boost their goal difference. Every game will be competitive, featuring teams that are cut from the same cloth as Wales and Iran from four years ago — tough, resilient, and hard to break down. But none of these three opponents possesses the game-breaking individual brilliance of a Kylian Mbappé, a Lamine Yamal, or an Erling Haaland, who can ruin your perfect game plan by beating three guys and scoring out of nowhere. In terms of individual star power, even if Turkey and exciting Real Madrid rising force Arda Güler make it through the playoff, Pulisic is top of the tree in this group.Still, the team’s tactical planning must be spot on for each opponent.Paraguay is a side that is defensively stout, resilient and comfortable sitting deep in a mid-block and playing on the counter. What is needed are players who can break down that deep block. This is where a number of players, such as a healthy Reyna or Tillman, are vital, as they are creative, can force defenses out, and open up space for runners like Balogun or Pulisic in behind.Australia, who will perhaps be feeling disrespected, are capable on the counter and will be playing with immense self-belief. What hurts Australia is pace, exploiting the space they leave when they throw their outside players forward. Players such as Balogun, Weah, and hopefully a healthy Antonee Robinson, who thrive in transition, will be absolutely necessary in that game. Australia relies on work rate, physicality and set pieces to make up for any difference in quality, which reminds me a little bit of how the U.S. team used to play.If Turkey makes it out of the UEFA Path C playoff and into the tournament, they will be a tough team to beat, but their defense can be vulnerable to pace and there are ways to get past them. The U.S. has pace in the roster and options available to Pochettino to exploit identified weaknesses.
One factor not to be discounted is home-field advantage. If the U.S. is playing its best, and with full stadiums of American supporters pushing them on, they will feel that they can run through walls. After Friday’s draw, I fully expect that the U.S. tops the group.If that task is navigated, the pathway opens up beautifully. Next would be a third-place team in the round of 32. Then, the likely round-of-16 opponent, if paper form is followed, is Belgium.They are a good team, but you would still take Belgium 10 times out of 10 over facing alternatives such as France, England, Spain, or Portugal. While they are not the “golden generation” anymore, they still have quality players such as Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Amadou Onana, but I still feel the USMNT has the tools to get the job done.If you’ll indulge the dream and look ahead, beating Belgium would push the U.S. into the quarterfinals – and I believe that is realistic if the team executes Pochettino’s plans and plays to its very best. Morocco showed in 2022 that a team can go deep by being cohesive, and the U.S. now has the quality and a world-class coach to deliver something special.
Turkey must make it through a UEFA playoff if Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler is to make his first World Cup appearance next summer.Alberto Gardin / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pochettino has taken a massive step by setting the team’s mentality and unity, reminding the players that there are no guarantees for anyone. But now, the focus has to shift to tactical management.The Argentine must now start to deal with ideas for different opponents and game situations, focusing on whether the plan is high-pressing, playing on the front foot, or dropping deep to protect a lead. He needs to finalize the blueprint of how the team operates, which, frankly, took until mid-October to figure out.The U.S. will be in possession more often in the group stage than in previous World Cups. Pochettino has to deliver top game plans that expose opponents, similar to how Bob Bradley was able to neutralize the midfield source of Xavi and Xabi Alonso against Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup. He needs soldiers who can play short-impact roles effectively, and he needs to ensure the team utilizes the scoring options he’s found.here are four friendlies scheduled before the opening game against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. The March 28 game against Belgium in Atlanta takes on a new tone given the draw, and it will be interesting to see if the two coaches are wary of showing their hand against potential World Cup opponents.Portugal and Germany are also on the docket, and these games will offer real tests of just how close the squad is to the level needed for the latter stages of the tournament.The USMNT has been dealt a good hand by the draw, but as any poker player knows, it’s how you play ’em that counts.You need something special to go far at a World Cup, and watching Pulisic add to his tremendous season with two more goals on Monday gave me that feeling that we have an ace in hand.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino says patriotic ‘emotion of the people’ can inspire World Cup run
Mauricio Pochettino hopes soccer fans will feel intense passion and non-soccer fans will get swept up by patriotism during the World Cup run. Jamie Sabau / Getty Images
As the 2026 World Cup came into focus after Friday’s draw, U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino reiterated his call for the entire country to get behind his players — and for those players to fight for their country.
The national team, he said, is “not a normal team,” and the World Cup is not a normal event.“Did you see today?” Pochettino rhetorically asked reporters a few hours after the draw, which doubled as a bizarre, patriotic show described by others in attendance as “very American.”
“We are going to have a country behind us,” Pochettino said. “We are going to play with the emotion of the people.”
He then sent a message to his players: “People need to feel proud about you, but not because you are going to win — we cannot promise that we are going to win — but in the way that you are going to defend your shirt, your flag, your culture, your philosophy. How we are, how the people are here, how the society is, how you think, in a cultural way.
“Every time that we are going to play a game, the World Cup is this.”
Pochettino, an Argentine coach who took charge of the USMNT last year, has spoken frequently about the need for the American public to get behind his team. He began delivering passionate monologues during and after this past summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, when Guatemala and Mexico fans outnumbered U.S. fans at the semifinal and final in St. Louis and Houston.
Mauricio Pochettino wants stadiums for USMNT World Cup games to be filled with red, white and blue.Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“The fans,” he said in July, “have one year to realize how important fans are in soccer.”
He now assumes the World Cup will be different. Soccer fans will feel intense passion; non-soccer fans will get swept up by patriotism. SoFi Stadium in Southern California and Lumen Field in Seattle, the USMNT’s two group stage venues, will fill with red, white and blue.
For a while, there were questions about public support, as even USMNT die-hards were frustrated by losses and overcome by apathy. The team’s second-to-last game of 2025, a 2-1 win over Paraguay — the opponent it will face in its World Cup opener — did not fill an 18,500-seat stadium.
“The last few games, the last few windows, I think the team (showed) a very good thing to the fans,” Pochettino said Friday. “To attract, to say, ‘C’mon, guys, you need to support us,’ that is how we feel, how we are. We need your energy, your support. And I think the fans are there, behind the team. And I think it’s going to be exciting. We are building a very good relationship. I think we start to show that we are USA.”
With the positive results, the dream of a World Cup run has been rekindled. And the vision of American flags flying, of millions of people inspired, has returned.
That’s what people at U.S. Soccer and around the team have envisioned for years. Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino’s predecessor, recalled being in Germany during the 2006 World Cup. “Just to see how the fans got behind the country — and it just pivoted, it changed, it became a wave,” Berhalter said in 2024. “And that’s what I’d say to fans: This is your opportunity. … The team is trying to do something that’s never been done before. So, be part of that.”
Over the nine-decade history of the men’s World Cup, there is solid evidence to suggest home advantage can be a powerful force. Six hosts have won the tournament: Uruguay in 1930, Italy in 1934, England in 1966, West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and France in 1998. In 2002, co-host South Korea embarked upon a stunning run that saw its group of domestic-based players make it all the way to the semifinals, collecting famous victories over Spain and Italy along the way.
South Korea’s squad and head coach Guus Hiddink were honored with a ticker-tape parade after their 2002 semifinal run.Emmanuel Dunand / AFP via Getty Images
Four years later, as Berhalter referenced, Jurgen Klinsmann united Germany behind a young team that had been written off before the tournament and took it to the brink of the final, before an extra-time defeat to eventual victor Italy. And eight years ago, while the U.S. was licking its wounds from a humiliating and doomed qualifying campaign, Russia’s squad quickly drew nationalistic support behind it, ousting heavily-favored Spain in the round of 16 before being squeezed out by Croatia on penalties.
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The U.S., which advanced to the round of 16 in 1994, probably belongs in the category of hosts who outperformed their talent as well, a group stage victory over Colombia being the highlight.
Some others have struggled, either unable to lift their standard despite the home support or perhaps overwhelmed by it. Qatar was the first team eliminated from the 2022 World Cup without a single point. South Africa was valiant in 2010 but ultimately exited in the group stage. Brazil crumbled under the unimaginable pressure of hosting the 2014 tournament and infamously lost to Germany in the semifinals 7-1.
Pochettino is wary of that pressure but said, “I think it’s good pressure.”
“We need to be careful (with) the message we are going to send,” he continued. “Because every time we are here talking, the players are listening.” But pressure, he said, is OK as long as it’s not pressure to win. What it should be is pressure that pushes him and his team to “try to be better.”
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool downfall was inevitable – and it stems from Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving
Liverpool’s post-Mohamed Salah era might have begun, with a strange twist in the way that the Egyptian King has lost his team
Mohamed Salah looks on ahead of the Champions League group game against Eintracht Frankfurt (Image credit: Getty Images)
What may be Liverpool’s first post-Mohamed Salah win didn’t introduce a shred of irony. It was just as we all expected, in the shadow of the monarch. Salah would have ordinarily taken the penalty that won the Reds the game; ordinarily, he’d be far and away their best player this season.But he wasn’t, and he isn’t. That’s Dominik Szoboszlai on both counts, who buried the spot kick late into the Lombardian twilight. It’s safe to assume that if anyone’s picking up the dropped baton, it’s Szoboszlai – at least for now.
That’s the opposite of ironic – the next guy assumes the reins, who’d have guessed? – but nevertheless, it’s a weird feeling. Liverpool have been far from a one-man team over the past eight years: they’ve had one of the greatest centre-backs in Premier League history, a right-back and a goalkeeper to a similar level and Salah himself was only 33 per cent of a world-class frontline, with plenty still surely debating that Sadio Mane, at his peak, was a better footballer. The red side of Merseyside has been blessed with one of its greatest-ever eras for talent.
Yet, the ‘Egyptian King’ nickname rings true. For the past eight years, Salah has been watching the throne. For all the leaders (Van Dijk and Henderson), the local lads (Trent and Jones), the superstars (Alisson and Mane) and the next generation (Wirtz and Isak), this has always been his team. Salah first: everyone else later.He is the last surviving starter from his debut against Watford in August 2017, with substitute Joe Gomez the only other in that matchday squad still kicking about at the training ground (though it’s so long ago that it’s a different training ground). That afternoon, Salah scored his third Premier League goal, following two in a spell at Chelsea. Now, he has more strikes in the competition than anyone else from overseas ever. And 190 more than Gomez, coincidentally (though this may be misattributed as ironic, it’s not).They’ve had their differences since – but in 2022, Carragher told FourFourTwo that Salah’s future was abundantly clear from that afternoon at Vicarage Road.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.“I’ll always remember that first game, away at Watford,” he said. “He only got the one goal that day but the actual runs he made, you could tell that this fella was going to score goals.“You could tell right away what kind of player he was, he was a goalscorer, he wasn’t a winger. He wasn’t going to be whipping crosses in at all – the goals were going to become a big part of his game.” Eight years later and no one has so much as challenged that right-wing spot. Salah has helped change the perception of wide players in England.But the fact of the matter is that wide players do not score that many goals without the team being theirs. From the minute he signed, Liverpool’s then-best player, Mane, moved from his customary right-wing berth. From then on, Salah’s place in the side has been a non-negotiable. Roberto Firmino got a little older and Diego Jota came along. Mane moved out for Luis Diaz; Darwin Nunez came along and Cody Gakpo signed. Salah remained – signing two huge contracts, too.So he should have: he won back-to-back Golden Boots in his first two seasons and never let up. But perhaps underrated in the years since, is the strength of that right-hand side. In Liverpool’s prime, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah were on a telepathic wavelength with one another: one holding width, one dropping deep, one pushing on, in perfect unison.
Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were key to Salah’s success (Image credit: Getty Images)
It was all done to get Salah into the areas where he was most dangerous. It’s an oversimplification to point out that after Henderson left in the summer of 2023, Salah had his worst campaign in terms of goals… but it’s worth mentioning.It makes the present all the more fascinating.When Arne Slot arrived, he followed Jurgen Klopp’s playbook: Liverpool exerted a little more composure, but with no major signing aside from Federico Chiesa, everything remained the same: the first-choice XI, with everything in its right place. Alexander-Arnold, tasked once more, with overlapping. And this season, there is too much chaos – too many deck chairs and wheelie bins in the tornado – to point out exactly where it’s going wrong.
But the mayhem and Slot’s suggested solution is at least reminiscent of Andoni Iraola’s first few weeks at Bournemouth. The Basque, too, unleashed a high press with little to no synchronicity and tanked the first two months of his tenure. Full-backs can’t maraud that high without protection further back: something that Slot has realised, too, with the gradual phasing out of all those shiny new parts.
Slot has struggled to find answers with this side (Image credit: Getty Images)
Wirtz has been dropped, Ekitike and Isak have rotated and new combinations are emerging in midfield. But perhaps most intriguingly, Gomez is back in the fold. The defender had one foot out of the door on deadline day: now he’s seemingly the only right-back in the squad with his head screwed on. Cause and effect. It has a kick-on with the right-winger.It marks the first time in almost a decade that the side is no longer geared towards Mohamed Salah. Some may say this was always going to happen anyway – if not this way, than with an influx of superstar arrivals. Others will claim it’s about time – and no shame – when your talisman is 33.True irony is difficult to find with coincidence a more likely substitute: but whatever you’d describe it as, it’s decidedly bizarre that Joe Gomez – the only man there before him – perhaps signals the end of Salah’s time at the club.All good things come to an end: Trent knew that all too well. Now it seems the pair were linked closer telepathically than we cared to credit. The Egyptian King could outlast almost everyone at Anfield.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn’t receive a winners’ medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson’s season at Barcelona to Robinho’s career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
The US women return to play Friday night with a mix of youngsters and veterans as the team will play for the last time this year. In the last three matches the team opened with a shocking loss to Portugal, bounced back with a determined win in a rematch, and then trounced New Zealand 6-0 in a vintage performance. Naomi Girma is back and her presence will anchor the backline while in the midfield Lilly Yohannes will join Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle to give options in creating the engine for the team and on the forward line Cat Macario, Emma Sears, Olivia Moultrie, Alyssa Thompson, and Jaedyn Shaw will provide options to create and score. The question is can they start to build some chemistry?
US Women’s Roster – Friendly’s Next Friday Nov 28, Dec 1 vs Italy
Former Carmel GK Eric Dick Wins USL Championship for Pittsburgh in Shootout
Awesome to see former Carmel Dad’s Club/Carmel High/Butler GK Eric Dick win the USL title this past weekend with Pittsburgh as he pitched the shutout then won the Shootout (5-3) – to win their first championship. The 26-year wait is over as the @RiverhoundsSC take down Tulsa to win the 2025 @USLChampionship final! (full Highlights). Dick was Man of the Match. Dick’s Impact.
Most Watched NWSL Championship Gothem Wins & Lavelle is MVP
The NWSL championship match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit on Saturday averaged 1,184,000 viewers on CBS and Paramount+ (More) marking the match as the most-viewed NWSL game of all time. The average viewership marks a 22% increase from Orlando’s win in 2024, which held the previous viewership record, and a 45% gain from 2023.
American’s Shine in Champions League & Pulisic wins Derby
The CONCACAF capital of the world was in the Arctic Circle, where Juventus won 3-2 against Norwegian kings Bodø/Glimt with the USMNT’s somewhat forgotten man, Weston McKennie, heading home Juve’s second score, before Canada’s Jonathan Davidsealed the win in stoppage time with his first goal since August. Then, 2,255 miles away in the south of France, Tim Weahassisted 36-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Marseille’s winner over visiting Newcastle. Last weekend Christian Pulisic scored the winning Goal to win the Milan Derby vs Inter Milan.
Carmel GK Eric Dick Wins USL Championship for Pittsburgh
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GAMES ON TV
Thurs, 11/27 Europa 12:45 pm Feynord vs Celtic (Trusty) Fri, Nov 28 2:30 pm B MGladbach (Reyna, Scally) vs RB Leipzig 7 pm TNT, Max USWNT vs Italy Sat, Nov 29 9:30 am ESPN+ Union Berlin vs Heidneheim 10 am USA Brentford vs Burnley (Adams) 12 noon Para+ Juventus (McKinney) vs Calgari 12:30 pm ESPN+ Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) vs Dortmund 2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Lazio 3 pm USA Tottenham vs Fulham 6 pm Apple TV Inter Miami (Messi) vs NYCFC MLS East Conf Finals 9 pm Apple TV San Diego, Vancouver MLS West Conf Finals 10 pm Telemundo Tigres vs Tijuana Sun, Nov 30 7 am USA Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Man United 9 am Para+ Pisa vs Inter Milan 9 am USA Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton 9 am PEacock Nottingham Forest vs Brighton 9 am Pea West Ham vs Liverpool 11:30 am USA Chelsea vs Arsenal 3 pm ABC Girona vs Real Madrid Mon, Dec 1st 7 pm TBS, Max USWNT vs Italy
USMNT gets better idea of who it could draw in 2026 World Cup
The World Cup Draw procedures are out. by Donald Wine II Nov 25, 2025, 1:01 PM EST Stars & Stripes
Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
The United States Men’s National Team now knows who it could potentially face in each match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Today, FIFA released its World Cup Draw procedures, which will take place on December 5th. While it’s complicated, the USMNT’s matches get a bit clearer.
First, FIFA has divided each of the remaining teams into Pots, including the various playoff pathways. The USMNT, as a co-host, will be in in Pot 1 and pre-drawn into Group D. Mexico and Canada will also be pre-drawn into Groups A and B, respectively. They will be placed in the 1 position for those groups.
The pots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw (FIFA ranking in parentheses):
Pot 1 – United States (14), Mexico (15), Canada (27), Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3), England (4), Brazil (5), Portugal (6), Netherlands (7), Belgium (8), Germany (9)
Pot 2 – Croatia (10), Morocco (11), Colombia (13), Uruguay (16), Switzerland (17), Japan (18), Senegal (19), Iran (20), South Korea (22), Ecuador (23), Austria (24), Australia (26)
Pot 3 – Norway (29), Panama (30), Egypt (34), Algeria (35), Scotland (36), Paraguay (39), Tunisia (40), Ivory Coast (42), Uzbekistan (50), Qatar (51), Saudi Arabia (60), South Africa (61)
Pot 4 – Jordan (66), Cape Verde (68), Ghana (72), Curaçao (82), Haiti (84), New Zealand (86), UEFA Playoff A winner, UEFA Playoff B winner, UEFA Playoff C winner, UEFA Playoff D winner, Inter-confederation Playoff Path 1 winner, Inter-confederation Playoff Path 2 winner
The USMNT learned that they will face a team from Pot 3 in their World Cup opener on June 12th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. They will face a Pot 2 team at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 19th, and they will close against a Pot 4 team on June 25th back at SoFi Stadium. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will be identified by different colored ping pong balls for the draw of Pot 1: Mexico in green, Canada in red, and the U.S. with a blue ping pong ball. The rest of Pot 1 will be the same color and then automatically assigned to position 1 of the group into which they are drawn.
Pots for the 2026 World Cup DrawSource: FIFA
FIFA has also created pathways to ensure the best teams avoid each other before the semifinals and final. Spain – ranked 1 in the FIFA world rankings – will be randomly drawn into the opposite pathway as #2 Argentina. This will ensure those teams, should they win their groups, will not meet before the World Cup Final on July 19th. The same will be done for #3 France and #4 England to ensure they would be on opposite sides of the bracket.
2026 World Cup PathwaySource: FIFA
No group can have more than one team from the same confederation with the exception of UEFA, which has 16 teams. Each group will have 1, but no more than 2 UEFA teams drawn into it on December 5th. This would include the placeholders for the UEFA Playoff winners as well as the 2 inter-confederation playoff winners in Pot 4. For the USMNT, it would mean that since each inter-confederation playoff team contains a team from Concacaf, the USMNT will not see an inter-confederation winner in Group D. Likewise, if they draw a team from UEFA in Pots 2 and 3, they would not see any team from the UEFA playoff out of Pot 4.
The full match schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be confirmed on December 6th after the draw has taken place. This will allow fans to set their calendars and know where each of the 104 games will be taking place. It sets up some complicated drama for everyone at the FIFA World Cup Draw, but at least for the USMNT, they are a few days away from knowing who they will face in the group stage.
Champions League Projections
Arsenal, the only side left in the Champions League with a 100% win record, have a 23% chance of winning the tournament, according to Opta’s latest prediction. This comes after Mikel Arteta’s side beat Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates, with the German side now projected to have a 19% chance of winning the tournament.
Holders Paris Saint-Germain, who have overtaken Bayern in second place on goal difference (see standings), have been given an 11.2% chance of winning the tournament following their 5-3 win over Tottenham. Inter Milan (4th) and Real Madrid (5th), who are also on 12 points, are given just 4.1% and 6.2% chances of taking glory, respectively. Kylian Mbappe is now the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals, helped by his four goals in Real’s 4-3 victory over Olympiakos, including a seven-minute hat-trick.
Despite losing 2-0 at home to Leverkusen on Tuesday, Manchester City are given the fourth-best odds at 8.3%, while Chelsea are given a 6.0% chance. Liverpool, who sit 13th in the league phase table following a 4-1 loss to PSV, are projected to have a 5.7% chance. Barcelona make up the rest of the top 10 with a 4.5% chance, even though they’re currently 18th.
Carmel GK Eric Dick in USL Finals Sat 12 noon on CBS Pittsburgh vs FC Tulsa
Awesome to see former Carmel Dad’s Club/Carmel High/Butler GK Eric Dick playing for a USL title this weekend for Pittsburgh vs Tulsa on Saturday. Dick has had another strong season for the Riverhounds and look to help them capture their first soccer championship. FC Tulsa will host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the 2025 USL Championship Final on Saturday (Nov 22) at 12:00 ET (Match Preview) More Below
US Women’s Roster – Friendly’s Next Friday Nov 28, Dec 1 vs Italy
NY/NJ Gothem vs Washington Spirit – Saturday night Nov 22 8 pm on CBS
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Nov 22 7:30 am USA Burnley vs Chelsea 9:30 am ESPN+ Heidenheim vs Mgladbach (Reyna & Scally) 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Freiburg 9:30 am ESPN+ Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) 10 am USA Bournmouth (Adams) vs West Ham United 10 am Peacock Wolverhampton vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 10 am Pk Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest 10:15 AM ESPN+ Barcelona vs Athletic Club 12 noon Para+ Juventus (McKinny) vs Fiorentina 12:30 pm NBC New Castle vs Man United 8 pm CBS NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Gothem (Lavell, Shaw) 9:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs LAFC MLS Playoffs Sunday 9 am USA Leeds United vs Aston Villa 11:30 am USA? Cock Arsenal vs Tottenham 5 pm Apple Free? Cincy vs Inter Miami MLS EC Semis 7:45 pm FS1 Philly Union vs NYCFC EC Semis Mon 3 pm USA Man United vs Everton 10 pm Apple Free San Diego vs Minn United MLS WC Semis Tues 11/25 Champs League 12:45 pm CBSSN Ajax vs Benefica 3 pm Para+ Man City vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) 3 pm CBSSB Marseille (Weah) vs New Castle United 3 pm Univsion Chelsea vs Barcelona 3 pm PAra+ Dortmund vs Villarreal Wed, Nov 26 3 pm Univision Olypiakos vs Real Madrid 3 pm Para+ Arsenal vs Bayern Munich 3 pm Para+ Liverpool vs PSV (Dest, Pepi) 3 pm Para+ Atletico vs Inter Milan 3 pm Para+ PSG Vs Tottenham Thurs, 11/27 Europa 12:45 pm Feynord vs Celtic (Trusty) Fri, Nov 28 7 pm TNT, Max USWNT vs Italy Dec 1st 7 pm TNT, Max USWNT vs Italy
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Volatile markets
Who are you putting stock in over the next six months?
Saturday
Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion – 730a on Paramount+: Haji Wright started on Tuesday for the USMNT but was not one of the four goal scorers in the match. He will resume play with Coventry City looking to snap a six match scoreless streak as the team looks to increase it’s hold on first place in the Championship when they take on West Brom.
Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Malik Tillman did not make the November camp due to having just returned from injury but did play the entire second half of Leverkusen’s 6-0 over Heidenheim heading into the break.
Heidenheim v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Joe Scally and Giovanni Reyna both returned to the USMNT for the November window with Reyna showing particularly well, appearing in both matches and directly contributing to three of the teams seven goals scored in the window. Gladbach won two straight matches heading into the break, their first wins of the season, to pull themselves out of the relegation zone and into 12th place. Reyna appeared as a substitute in both matches while Scally was a starter in both. On Saturday they will look to continue their winning streak as they take on last place Heidenheim. In a world before cell phones, one good way to win a soccer match was to create a false reality. We can explain.
Augsburg v Hamburg – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Noahkai Banks and Augsburg have lost three straight matches and currently sit tied for the relegation playoff position. Banks has started five straight matches for Augsburg which is pretty remarkable for an 18-year-old centerback. Unfortunately the team has given up 12 goals in those five games (including the six goal thrashing by RB Leipzig). Augsburg host a Hamburg side that are just two points above them in the table and really need maximum points in home matches like this if they are going to avoid being stuck in the relegation threatened positions all season.
Wolverhampton v Crystal Palace – 10a on Peacock: Chris Richards and Crystal Palace will travel to Wolverhampton on Saturday to face bottom of the table Wolves who have just two points through eleven matches. Palace are coming off a scoreless draw with Brighton and currently sit in tenth place. Richards was not included in the November camp for the USMNT, likely a concession to a club and manager who had balked at Richard’s usage despite the fact that he has played every league minute for his club.
Bournemouth v West Ham – 10a on USA Network: Tyler Adams and Bournemouth will look to get back on track as they return to action after heading into the break suffering back to back losses to Man City and Aston Villa and falling to ninth in the table. They host a West Ham side that are in 18th place, the final relegation spot, but have won their past two matches.
NAC Breda v PSV – 10:30a on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest was the lone USMNT field player to start both matches in the November window while on the opposite end of the spectrum Ricardo Pepi only appeared in one, and that as a substitute. The club and country teammates will return to PSV looking to build on their six match winning streak and their three point lead in the Eredivise.
Fiorentina v Juventus – Noon on Paramount+: Weston McKennie was another player left out of the squad for the November window. He has not had any injury concerns but does have yet another manager to adjust to, though early indications are that it hasn’t impacted his playing time, he has started the clubs four most recent matches. Juventus have seven points from their last three matches and are in sixth place as they head to Fiorentina to face a club that has yet to win this season.
Rennes v Monaco – 1p on beIN Sports: Folarin Balogun picked up a goal over the break for the US and scored in his most recent match for his club as well but will be out of the squad this weekend as he serves a suspension for a red card received in the 4-1 loss to Lens.
Napoli v Atalanta – 2:45p on Paaramount+: Once thought to be a mainstay for the USMNT midfield, Yunus Musah appears to be on thin ice as he has not appeared recently for country and has made it off the bench just once in the last five matches for Atalanta. Atalanta are currently in 13th place so perhaps they will look to shake things up and there will be an opportunity for Musah to work his way into the squad.
Vancouver Whitecaps v LAFC – 9:30p on MLS Season Pass: Timothy Tillman was a surprise callup for the November camp but he appeared in both matches, starting the second. His LAFC side will take on Vancouver in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday.
Sunday
Leeds United v Aston Villa – 9a on USA Network: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have lost two straight and sit just a point out of the relegation positions. Aaronson does have two goal contributions in the last three matches for Leeds and has started eight straight matches for his club. Leeds face an Aston Villa side that are in sixth place and coming off a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth.
Auxerre v Olympique Lyon – 9a on beIN Sports: Tanner Tessmann and Lyon fell to league leading PSG 2-3 heading into the break. Things should be a bit easier this weekend as they face an Auxerre side that are at the opposite end of the table.
Toulouse v Angers SCO – 11:15a on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie and Toulouse have drawn three straight matches in Ligue 1 and currently sit in tenth place. They host an Angers side who are three points back of them in league play.
St Pauli v Union Berlin – 11:30a on ESPN Select: James Sands and St Pauli have lost seven straight matches and fallen into the relegation zone, though they still aren’t in last place. They take on a Union Berlin side that put an end to Bayern Munich’s perfect start to the season with a 2-2 draw.
Getafe v Atletico Madrid – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso has been on the bench for Atletico Madrid’s past two matches but has yet to see minutes since returning from injury. The club have won four straight and six of their last seven so there may not be much impetus to make a change, but like Musah Cardoso is going to need to find minutes if he’s to break back into a crowded US midfield.
Inter Milan v AC Milan – 2:45p on Paramount+: Christian Pulisic returned from injury to get 20’ off the bench for AC Milan in their 2-2 draw just ahead of the international break. Pulisic is likely to be a full go for Milan’s derby match with Inter.
Cincinnati v Inter Miami – 5p on MLS Season Pass: Miles Robinson and Cincinnati host the fighting Messi’s in the second round of MLS playoff action.
Philadelphia Union v NYCFC – 7:45p on FS1: Matt Freese will travel to Philadelphia as NYCFC take on the Union on Sunday night.
Premier League Match Day 12: Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest, Sat 22, 10:00 ET. Forest won 1-0 away and drew 1-1 at home against Liverpool in the Premier League last season. However, the Reds have only one defeat in their last 22 home league games, a run that includes 17 wins. Newcastle vs. Manchester City, Sat 22, 12:30 ET. City have won 12 Premier League away games against Newcastle, their joint-most away victories against an opponent in the competition. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland is one goal away from reaching 100 Premier League goals, potentially breaking Alan Shearer’s record for the quickest to a century. Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, Sun 23, 11:30 ET. Spurs have lost seven of their last nine top-flight matches against Arsenal (W1 D1) and won just one of their last 32 league trips to the Gunners (D12 L19). However, Thomas Frank’s side are the only Premier League team still unbeaten away from home in 2025-26. See every Premier League fixture here and table here.
Key Milan Derby Serie A leaders Inter meet third-placed AC Milan and Christian Pulisic on Sunday, with the rivals separated by two points in a high-stakes derby that could prove pivotal in the early title race. Following some early-season hiccups, Inter have hit their stride in their last three league games, while AC Milan, who are without European commitments this season, boast an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions. See the Serie A table here.
Second-placed AS Roma, level on points with Inter, travel to Cremonese, who have won only one of their last nine matches. Champions Napoli sit fourth, two points behind Inter. “Heart transplants aren’t an option. Each of us needs to rediscover our spirit and our grit,” manager Antonio Conte said after their loss to Bologna prevented Napoli from going top. The defeat marked their third league loss of the season and fifth across all competitions.
Over the past five seasons, Inter have been the only team to have always finished in the top four in Serie A. Napoli and Milan won a combined three titles in the same period, but they both also experienced drastic declines, with the former finishing 10th after triumphing in 2023, and the latter coming eighth last season.
NWSL Championship final Kickoff: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET / Sunday, 1 a.m GMT
No teams have faced each other more in the history of the NWSL than these two, who will meet for the 44th time on Sunday — their fourth already this season (twice in the league, once in the Concacaf Champions Cup)! And this is the playoff final too! So with everything to play for between two teams who know each other so well, with two Spanish head coaches, plenty of stars (Esther, Geyse, Rose Lavelle and Ann-Katrin Berger for Gotham, plus Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, Narumi Miura and Sofia Cantore for the Spirit) and great young talents (Jaedyn Shaw, Gift Monday, Kysha Sylla, Josefine Hasbo), the spectacle will be pretty special. Since the summer break, five of the Spirit players have had five or more goal contributions — Monday (7), Rodman (7), Rosemonde Kouassi (6), Bethune (5), and Cantore (5), which shows their great depth of talent. But Gotham are the Queens of late wins and mental strength in the money time. Plus Esther is fully back from injury now and ready to roar!
Who will prevail this time? Whoever wins won’t have long to enjoy it because they might meet again in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals as well, if they both win their quarterfinals next week! MY PREDICTION: Washington Spirit 0, Gotham FC 1. Despite he firepower that Washington have, I think Gotham will be solid and nullify it and will find a way of getting Esther on the score sheet for the win in a super tight game. Gab Marcotti – ESPN
Head Injury – When to Stop the Game Ok – Coaches — please teach your kids to kick the ball out of bounds when they see an injured player – when did we stop teaching this? As a kid I was taught this – why don’t we teach this anymore? Become a Referee Must be 13
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Rog writes: Soccer’s coming home! After fending off a roughhousing Paraguay, the U.S. faced down Uruguay on Tuesday for the final game of 2025. And what did we see? A truly experimental team delivered a redemptive obliteration: USA 5-1 Uruguay. This is the first time the USMNT have scored five goals against a CONMEBOL nation, or a top-30 team ever. The vibes were at 11, as @Balrogger wrote in the MiB Discord, “Don’t play up to CONMEBOL, bring them down to CONCACAF.” But with so many of our biggest players missing, what does it all mean? Let’s dig in:ii. This Was Some Starting Line-Up for Poch Nine changes from the team that played Paraguay with just Matt Freese and Sergiño Dest carrying over. Mark McKenzie as captain, alongside John Tolkin, Diego Luna, Auston Trusty, and Timmy Tillman in the Tillman role… this was not even a B-team, it was like a B/C-team. No Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Tim Weah, and on and on. Poch had plenty to say about the missing key players from this window, and yet, WHAT A WIN! The best result and USMNT performance of the Pochettino era.iii. Four Goals from MLS Players & Even More Gio Just 16 minutes in, Sebastian Berhalter combined with Dest for a one-two strike that was technically incredible. Just take a moment and savor the angle on this finish. And don’t forget: 16 months ago, Gregg Berhalter’s last game was the Copa disaster against Uruguay. This proves, once again, that revenge is the single greatest human motivator.Less than five minutes later, it was two, once again from a set-piece. Berhalter floated in a deep, stunning cross with curl and arc to Alex Freeman, who sent a phenomenal header back across the keeper for his first of two on the night. Such an intelligent goal, and for the U.S. men, their third set-piece finish in the past week. There was more: a late, well-timed run into the box from Lunafor the team’s fourth. But what was most fascinating was when the cameras cut to Poch on the sideline, he was not celebrating – he looked furious. He wanted more, and in the second half, he got it. Less than 10 minutes after entering the game, Gio Reynafloated a pass into Tanner Tessmann to make it 5-1 Dreamland, giving Gio his third goal involvement of the window.iv. This Was Also Very Far From Uruguay’s A-Team Uruguay are themselves in a moment of transition and this squad is quite different from the one we saw in the Copa America. In 2025, they have only beaten Peru and Venezuela (both out of the World Cup), along with two friendly wins in October against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan. Their manager, Marcelo Bielsa, is currently pushing all the buttons, trying desperately to find a team for next summer, but is under fire himself as his squad looked like they gave up on him. They are a side that have tried four different goalkeepers in their last four matches and are without Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, who basically owns Uruguay’s midfield and allows Giorgian de Arrascaeta to play more freely (speaking of which, what a goal by him the other night). Their backline was also wide open and bedraggled, especially for a team who had conceded just once in their last six games. But most shocking was Uruguay appeared to have zero resolve; they basically played like they were on vacation.v. Let’s Recap This Rollercoaster Year The darkness of the CONCACAF Nations League in March, which saw the U.S. soil themselves in losses to Panama and Canada. Then there were the humiliating pair of friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland when we were outgunned and outpaced. The Gold Cup was the Poch reboot with an inexperienced squad that felt like our B-string, but he has stayed with so many of those players. A 2-0 defeat to South Korea that saw us outplayed again, but then came this five-match unbeaten streak, with friendly wins over Japan, Australia, Paraguay, and now Uruguay, along with a draw with Ecuador, all of whom have qualified for the World Cup. What a journey it has been for this team and for us as fans.vi. Enthusiasm for the USMNT Still Lies Dormant One slightly down theme of the year is the lack of interest and the small crowds. The Athletic wrote a tough piece entitled, “The USMNT is making progress. The fans it hoped to attract haven’t (yet) noticed.” It was 10 months ago that U.S. Soccer talked about how they wanted to lead into the World Cup. “We want to play in the biggest stadiums possible, in front of the most people possible, full stop,” said J.T. Batson, U.S. Soccer’s CEO. “Our national team [games] should be huge events. They should be parties, they should be celebrations of soccer, and they should be something that everybody looks forward to.” It hasn’t happened, at least not yet. The USMNT’s second-to-last game of 2025, against Paraguay on Saturday outside Philadelphia, failed to fill the 18,500-seat Subaru Park (despite the best efforts of thousands of exuberant Paraguay fans). That lack of interest is just the reality until the World Cup. vii. Looking Ahead to 2026 I have given up trying to work out where we are. The deviation on this U.S. men’s team is impossible to handicap. As much as this game was so unbelievably fun, there is still one challenge: How does the eventual first-team squad develop chemistry? Players don’t just start playing well together. The backline needs cohesion and reps. The midfield too, as there has been so much experimenting and auditioning with so many new faces. International teams are always all-star affairs in terms of just crashing together without much practice, but this is going to be the most all-starry and fleeting of all American teams before a World Cup. Over 70 players have been called up and shuffled through, but with 203 days until next year’s World Cup, the starting XI is utterly wide open. In Poch we trust.Tell me how you’re feeling about the USMNT right now. I would love to hear from you. To 2026. No sleep ‘till Metlife. Soccer’s coming home.Courage, Rog
On the USMNT’s Team-Wide Fight Against Uruguay “The USMNT showed a killer instinct. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I have seen a U.S. men’s national team that is intense, that fights, that claws, that doesn’t give up on a single play. You can say what you want about Uruguay. You can say what you want about the Valverdes or the Nuñezes of the world not being there. Whatever you want, that is their problem. But what I saw on Tuesday, and what I’ve been seeing this window and for the last two windows, I’ve not seen in quite some time.” Herc on Sebastian Berhalter’s Impressive Goal and Assist “Sebastian Berhalter is one of many who have taken advantage of the opportunities that have been afforded to him by Pochettino and this coaching staff. How long have we been here watching and analyzing the USMNT and seeing corner kicks that don’t clear the first post, seeing free kicks that go awry? Now you have a player that not only can deliver a good set piece, but is a dangerous asset in front of goal.” On Alex Freeman’s Ascendant Performance “When a coach empowers a player, gives confidence to a player, well that ceiling gets a little higher. Alex Freeman was playing as a third center-back and weaved his way like prime Vinícius Júnior, putting Ronald Araújo on skates. A Barcelona center-back, a player that not too long ago was valued at a $100 million, he’s gone out the window! It made him look amateurish and then Freeman scores a golazo. That’s confidence and that’s infectious… I think we’re going to see a heavy dose of Freeman at the World Cup.” On Gio Reyna’s Impact This Window “I’ve always believed [Gio] was a fixture, just on ceiling and talent alone. And I think Pochettino understands this because at the beginning of the camp, when they asked if he was contradicting himself, he mentioned how special of a player Gio Reyna is. And there are players in the U.S. men’s national team who are special, who maybe at the club level have not performed, but always do when they play for their country. We look at Pulisic during his Chelsea years when he wasn’t playing, he would use the USMNT as a refresher. I believe this is the case with Gio, and I think Pochettino sees the value there.” On Mauricio Pochettino’s Vision Finally Coming Into Focus “We could sit here and debate and throw darts at the players who are going to start, but the only thing I know is whoever’s going to be in Pochettino’s starting XI is going to represent him the way he wants to be represented. The fight, the spirit, the attitude, the mentality. That’s the only thing I know because that’s what he’s told us. And that’s what I’ve seen reflected on the field for the last five, six games, even the game they lost. They were outmatched against South Korea, but you saw some fight. And since then, it’s been passion. It’s been mentality. So I can’t sit here and say I know the definite XI, but I can sit here and say, I know what this team is about, tactically and mentally.”
Watch the full international break recap (or listen here) to get all of Herc and Rog’s thoughts on the USMNT’s biggest roster questions, what the team needs to do to capture America’s attention, and how far we should expect Poch’s mob to go at next year’s World Cup. And make sure to follow VAMOS on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for so much more.
We will be back in your loving arms (and inboxes) one more time in 2025, before we start counting down the final 160 days leading up to next year’s World Cup. As of now, it looks like the USMNT will host Portugal and Belgium in March in Atlanta during the first international window of the year, before welcoming Germany to Chicago and another to-be-determined opponent to Charlotte in June for a final tune-up.
Naomi Girma returns to USWNT for year-end friendlies
The USWNT is stocking up to close out 2025, with head coach Emma Hayes dropping her 26-player roster this morning ahead of a set of year-end friendlies against rising European star Italy. Hayes selected a blend of Europe-based and NWSL talent, including formerly injured Chelsea standout Naomi Girma — her first national team call-up since July — as well as Gotham’s Jaedyn Shaw and Jaelin Howell, with Howell returning to the squad for the first time since 2022. (See full roster) Big picture: After an up-and-down October window, the US will finish the year against Le Azzure in Orlando on November 28th and December 1st in Fort Lauderdale. Spirit striker Trinity Rodman (MCL strain) and Man United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce (fractured eye socket) were left off due to injury concerns, while Bay FC keeper Jordan Silkowitz, Chicago forward Jameese Joseph, and Washington defender Kate Wiesner head to camp uncapped. The roster’s seven Spirit and Gotham FC players will have the tightest turnaround, jetting off to camp immediately after Saturday’s NWSL Championship. Full steam ahead: “We’ve accomplished a lot of goals, expanded the player pool, and made strides in our game model, so this camp will be an extension of that, but it will also set the groundwork for 2026, which will be our World Cup qualifying year,” Hayes said in a statement. “Games against top European teams are so valuable… I know our players will embrace that challenge.”
2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying: Here’s every team that has booked its spot in next summer’s 48-team tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is rapidly approaching, and the expanded 48-team field is nearly complete. Forty-two nations have already clinched their place at next summer’s tournament in North America, leaving only the play-off tournaments to decide the final six spots. This will be the first World Cup played with the new 48-team format, adding 16 additional slots from the 2022 edition with increased allocations across all six confederations: UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) receives 16 direct berths, CAF (Confederation of African Football) nine, AFC (Asian Football Confederation) eight, and both CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol) and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) six each while OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) gets one guaranteed spot for the first time. Six spots remain and they’ll be decided by playoffs — two through the intercontinental Play-off Tournament, which features two CONCACAF teams and one entrant each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC and four through a European Play-Off. Europe’s playoff will include 12 group runners-up plus the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winner that didn’t qualify directly. Follow along as the 48-team field is determined ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
UEFA
UEFA gets the most spots of any of the confederations, with 16 teams able to punch their ticket to the tournament. For the first round of the qualifying tournament, the winners of each of 12 groups automatically advanced to the World Cup. The four remaining spots will be determined by a play-off tournament with the 12 runner-ups, plus the four highest-ranked teams in the UEFA Nations League.
Qualified: England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland
Qualified for European Play-off: Italy, Denmark, Türkiye, Ukraine, Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ireland Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland
CONCACAF
As the three host countries, the U.S., Canada and Mexico all receive automatic qualifying bids for the 2026 World Cup. As a result, those three countries hold three of the confederation’s six qualifying spots, with CONCACAF also getting two spots in the playoff tournament.
Qualified: United States, Canada, Mexico, Curaçao, Haiti and Panama
Qualified for intercontinental play-off: Jamaica and Suriname
AFC
The Asian Football Confederation, the federation that covers Eurasia as well as Asia, determined its qualifiers with a multi-round tournament in 2025 that continued into the fall.
Qualified: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan
Qualified for intercontinental play-off:Iraq
CAF
The tournament whittled the CAF down from 53 nations to the nine qualifiers, with one play-off spot. Morocco, after surging to a semifinals appearance in 2022, is back at the top of the conversation heading into 2026. As the CAF tournament reached an end point this fall, Morocco became the first African team to qualify in September, followed by Tunisia.
Qualified: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia
Qualified for intercontinental play-off: Congo DR
CONMEBOL
Of all of the qualifying formats, CONMEBOL’s is the simplest: The confederation’s 10 teams competed in a league table, with the top six teams qualifying for the World Cup, and the seventh — Bolivia, in this case — representing CONMEBOL in the play-off tournament.
Argentina, the defending champions, were rolling early in the process, qualifying for 2026 all the way back in March.
Qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay
The expanded format means that Oceania will get a guaranteed spot for the first time ever. It’s not much of a surprise that New Zealand — by far the largest country in the confederation — will be OFC’s representative at the World Cup, but it will be an exciting time for the country. New Zealand has qualified for the World Cup just two other times, even in the years since Australia left OFC to join AFC. New Caledonia, meanwhile, will join the play-off tournament, though a win there would be a significant upset, given that the nation sits at 150 in FIFA’s rankings, well below all of its competitors.
Qualified:New Zealand
Qualified for intercontinental play-off: New Caledonia
World Cup play-offs
European Semifinals – March 26 Italy vs. Northern Ireland Ukraine vs. Sweden Türkiye vs. Romania Denmark vs. North Macedonia Wales vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina Poland vs. Albania Slovakia vs. Kosovo Czech Republic vs. Ireland
European Finals – March 31 Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Italy or Northern Ireland Ukraine or Sweden vs. Poland or Albania Slovakia or Kosovo vs. Turkey or Romania Czech Republic or Ireland vs. Denmark or North Macedonia
Intercontinental semifinals – March 23-31 New Caledonia vs. Jamaica Bolivia vs. Suriname
Intercontinental Finals – March 23-31 Congo vs. New Caledonia or Jamaica Iraq vs. Bolivia or Suriname
USMNT World Cup roster projection after November friendlies: 26 for 2026
Twenty players started for Mauricio Pochettino in two friendlies in November. Nearly all showed why they should be on the U.S. men’s national team’s World Cup roster.
It has made the position battles for the 26-man roster that much tougher to judge. The versatility of players like Joe Scally, Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman and Weston McKennie will give Pochettino plenty of flexibility in balancing the team.
However, the fact that seven months before the World Cup, we list just 11 players as “locks” for the U.S. team shows the mentality that has developed around this group. Players are earning spots, but no one feels comfortable declaring their positions secure.
The competition continues into March, with friendlies against Portugal and Belgium providing one last chance to secure a spot on the team chasing World Cup history at home. (The 26-man roster will be named in late May, before players gather for a pre-World Cup camp in Atlanta on May 27 and before they play two pre-World Cup friendlies in other cities in late May and early June.)
Here’s how we see the roster battles playing out as 2025 comes to an end.
Matt Freese might have established himself as the first choice at goalkeeper.Michael Pimentel / ISI Photos via Getty Images
Goalkeepers
Locks: Matt Freese
Confident: None
In consideration: Chris Brady, Roman Celentano, Diego Kochen, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner, Jonathan Klinsmann
Stock up: None
Stock down: Turner
Tenorio: Pochettino has made one lineup preference clear in his time as U.S. coach: Freese appears to be locked in as No. 1. Everything behind him is up in the air. I am not sure if Matt Turner can play his way back into this U.S. roster with a strong first half of the season with New England, or if Pochettino will opt for a less-experienced option behind Freese.
Bushnell: I’m sure Turner can play his way back in. Can. However, beyond Freese, we have no idea how Pochettino rates his half-dozen backup options because he never plays any of them!
Defender Tim Ream is as popular with USMNT fans as he is with coach Mauricio Pochettino.Howard Smith / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Center backs
Locks: Chris Richards, Tim Ream
Confident: Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson
In consideration: Noahkai Banks, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Walker Zimmerman
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Stock up: McKenzie, Robinson
Stock down: Carter-Vickers
Tenorio: Behind the two players who have been starters in many games under Pochettino, McKenzie and Robinson have been consistent call-ups. McKenzie wore the captain’s armband against Uruguay, which has to be a good sign for his standing. Pochettino has options at the position now. Both Freeman and Scally have played well at the hybrid No. 3 center back/fullback role. Pochettino could bring in four natural center backs, as those two will be considered options in this position group. He might also look to bring in a player like Zimmerman as a sort of “specialist” at the position — a player you bring in at the end of the game, like against Iran in 2022, who can help close out a game by winning headers.
Bushnell: Last month, I was convinced that Zimmerman would go in the “specialist” role. Now, I’m not so sure. The top four have seemingly separated themselves. I almost think the biggest question is: could McKenzie or Robinson displace Ream, or capably deputize if Ream declines? Ream has immense value as a leader. But solely as a soccer player, at 38, he has become one of the potential question marks in the starting 11. We’ll see in March and June how locked into the second starting spot he is.
Fullbacks/wingbacks
Locks: Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson
Confident: Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman
In consideration: Joe Scally, John Tolkin
Stock up: Arfsten, Freeman, Scally
Stock down: None
Tenorio: With Robinson’s health very much up in the air, Arfsten has performed well since the U.S. moved to a formation that sees the left-back play more like an attacking wing-back. Meanwhile, Freeman’s two-goal performance out of the right center-back/right-back role on Tuesday night in Tampa all but cemented him a spot at the World Cup. Two players, mainly off the radar, entering the Gold Cup could feasibly start at the World Cup. Scally also helped himself in this camp with his versatility, playing inside and outside on the back line.
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Bushnell: For years, the full-back position has been hounded by depth concerns. If Robinson had been struggling with a knee injury in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup, what the heck would that USMNT have done? This USMNT, on the other hand, now seems to have capable backups on both sides. And given the positional flexibility of many of the players in contention here, it’s possible, if not likely, that we’ll see all five of Dest, Robinson, Arfsten, Freeman and Scally — plus Weah, who’s a candidate to start at wing-back on either side — at the World Cup.
Could Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter both play their way onto the USA’s 2026 World Cup squad?Howard Smith / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Central midfielders
Locks: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
Confident: Tanner Tessmann
In consideration: Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan
Stock up: Berhalter, Roldan, Tessmann
Stock down: Cardoso, Musah
Tenorio: Tessmann was good against Paraguay and seems to be the best option to start next to Adams if Pochettino decides the Bournemouth midfielder is a player he wants on the field. McKennie is an interesting one, because he probably fits into the attacking midfield spot under Pochettino. I don’t see him as a fit to pair with Adams. Pochettino should want players like Tessmann or Roldan to sit deeper and let Adams do what he does at a world-class level: break things up, make interceptions and press like crazy. Berhalter’s continued effectiveness on set pieces, along with his fight and aggressiveness, might earn him a place on the World Cup team.
Bushnell: The biggest loser of the window was Musah. Pochettino made the semi-bold call to exclude him from all three fall camps after the versatile midfielder opted out of the Gold Cup. And the players who were called instead validated Pochettino’s decision. At this point, it would be unsurprising if Musah doesn’t get another shot under Pochettino — and, frankly, it would be surprising if he does get the call in March. The other question mark is Cardoso. What if he returns to full health and starts playing regularly at Atlético Madrid? However, that ship might have sailed too, because there’s no glaring need for him. Perhaps we’re overreacting to Berhalter’s performance on Tuesday, but the World Cup group appears to have taken shape.
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Attacking midfielders/wingers
Locks: Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah
Confident: None
In consideration: Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Gio Reyna, Alejandro Zendejas
Stock up: Reyna
Stock down: Zendejas
Tenorio: Luna scored against Uruguay and didn’t necessarily move down in his standing, but the reality is that many players are showing reasons why they deserve serious consideration for a spot on the World Cup roster. Reyna had a goal and an assist in this window. If he’s healthy — and that’s a big if — he has a good chance to be on this team. Aaronson is starting every week in the Premier League and has a different defensive work rate than others at this position. Pochettino could have the “good dilemma” of picking a starter next to Pulisic between Tillman, Reyna and McKennie.
Bushnell: I still can’t see Reyna in the starting 11. But he was, without a doubt, the biggest winner of this November window. Because he didn’t just play well; he reminded us (and coaches) that he can still play well for the national team even if he’s not playing well (or playing much at all) for his club. That’s why he’s suddenly more likely to make the World Cup roster than miss it. I struggle with projecting this position, though, because it doesn’t seem necessary to take all six of Pulisic, Tillman, McKennie, Reyna, Aaronson and Luna if only two of them, or at maximum three, are going to be on the field at once. However, maybe that’s where the expansion of rosters to 26 comes in handy.
A big season for Derby County could propel Patrick Agyemang onto the World Cup roster.Martin Rickett / PA Images via Getty Images
Strikers
Locks: Folarin Balogun
Confident: None
In consideration: Patrick Agyemang, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, Brian White, Haji Wright
Stock up: Wright
Stock down: Sargent
Tenorio: Three starts and three goals for Balogun put him on the “locks” list. Wright and Pepi are the most likely to win World Cup spots if they are healthy and scoring. Still, I’m not ruling out Agyemang — nor even Pochettino bringing four strikers with Agyemang seen as the “specialist” late in games, much in the same way as Zimmerman, only at the opposite end of the field.
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Bushnell: I’d argue that Wright belongs in the “confident” category. He didn’t score Tuesday night but was active and part of the strong team performance. He’s clearly the No. 2 option at this point. Of course, that could change between now and June. Strikers, perhaps more so than anybody else, are subject to fluctuations in form. If Agyemang has a strong season in the Championship, I think we’ll likely see him in March and maybe in June. But the three in camp this month are definitely the top three. I don’t believe Sargent will get another chance this cycle.
USMNT 2026 World Cup roster projection
(As of November 2025)
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese, Patrick Schulte, Matt Turner
Center backs (5): Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally
Fullbacks/wingbacks (4): Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson
Central midfielders (4): Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann
Attacking midfielders/wingers (7): Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah
Strikers (3): Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
USMNT’s reality has shifted, and Pochettino now has dreams of ‘impossible’ World Cup run
TAMPA, Fla. — It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was just June 10 that a heavily-rotated U.S. men’s national team squad was played off the field against Switzerland.
So when Mauricio Pochettino named a starting lineup for Tuesday night’s friendly against Uruguay that featured nine new starters from the team that beat Paraguay three days before, it was understandable why some might have braced for a similar outcome. Uruguay, after all, was probably the most talented team the U.S. had seen since South Korea in September — and was playing some of its most important players.
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Instead, the U.S. overwhelmed and steamrolled Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium, scoring three goals in the first 30 minutes en route to a decisive and signature 5-1 victory.
It spoke to the sheer amount of progress Pochettino had made in a short time with this U.S. team, not just in building out depth in the pool, but in building belief within that expanded pool of players. That he could field one team that looked like by far the better side against Paraguay, then change out so many players and get an even more impressive performance was a testament to that progress.
After the game, Pochettino’s press conference started with a surprisingly combative and fiery response to a question about what it meant to get such a positive result despite, “a lot of regulars rested.” Pochettino took it as an attack on the identity he was trying to build in the team; the identity that the result in question was meant to reinforce.
“I don’t want to be negative, no, but I hate the ‘no regular players’ (question). What does this mean? It’s (the) USA playing, it’s the national team,” he said. “Stop with that mindset. Every time our decision to pick a starting XI, it’s the U.S. men’s national team playing. If you know me, I hate to talk this way. It’s so disrespectful. We need to give credit to all of the guys.”
The focus on that word — ”regulars” — cut to the core of what Pochettino feels he has had to overcome. It has been a theme of his for months now. He has worked to cut the legs out from any sort of complacency or entitlement within the group. And to change the mentality outside of the group, as well. The talk about a “golden generation” had to end.
The defeats to the pair of Concacaf rivals in March’s Nations League felt like a sobering moment for a U.S. team that may have been hoping that changing the coach would be like pushing a fix-it button.
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There had been so much hope and optimism around the U.S. team going into the 2024 Copa América only for them to fall in the group stage. After firing Gregg Berhalter and hiring Pochettino, the belief was that things would get back on track immediately.
The problems ran deeper than that. Pochettino felt the focus wasn’t there in camp. He could sense contentment and laxity.
“I think that March (was the turning point). I think with all that negativity, (comes) positive things, because with all this negativity we used (it) to build that journey,” Pochettino said. “Sometimes this type of thing can happen, for changing things. Maybe you see things in a different way. Sometimes our perception, sometimes can be wrong. Even being inside. And that I think when the reality touch, I think that’s important.”
A turning point for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT: defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in March 2025Kevork Djansezian / USSF / Getty Images
It was, in other words, a moment for the U.S. team to come back down to reality.
Whatever the U.S. and its players thought they were — it wasn’t and they weren’t that. If Pochettino was going to change the mentality of the group, he was going to have to manufacture competition that hadn’t existed to a high enough degree in the first years of this cycle.
The ensuing months were spent breaking things down and building them back up again.
“I think that was good for us to see the reality,” Pochettino said. “When you really touch the reality, and it’s not the reality that you perceive, or you were convinced was different, I think this is a good point to be.”
The revamp started in the Gold Cup camp with players who mostly had everything to prove.
Going into the Gold Cup, the absence of players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Yunus Musah – “regulars,” if you will, even though Pochettino won’t – opened the door for others to step through. Pochettino leaned into the opportunity. He threw the players onto the field and challenged them to prove they belonged.
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Even after the Switzerland loss, Pochettino didn’t lose faith in the group he believed could deliver an important message: that there was more talent in this U.S. pool than was being given credit. They just needed the chance. While just two players — Mark McKenzie and Sebastian Berhalter — were in the starting lineup for both the Switzerland loss and Uruguay triumph, a number of other players who featured in two big wins this window were a part of that game, against the Swiss, including Max Arfsten, John Tolkin, Diego Luna, Tim Ream and Brenden Aaronson.
Other players, like Malik Tillman, Matt Freese and Alex Freeman turned the Gold Cup — where the U.S. made a run to the final before falling to Mexico — into important jobs with the U.S.
Mauricio Pochettino puts his arm around Sebastian Berhalter during Tuesday’s rout of UruguayNathan Ray Seebeck / Imagn Images
“We know exactly the big group of players that we can rely on,” Pochettino’s assistant Jesús Pérez said. “Depending on the circumstances, now it’s a matter of state and injuries. But we know (for example), if we call Alex Freeman, what Alex can give us. When we gave him the opportunity, we saw the potential. And now (he is) just getting better for the national team, for his club.”
It was, Pochettino said, simply a matter of providing the platform and the belief.
The results weren’t perfect. But the tournament was less about the results and more about building a different mentality within the pool at large: No one’s job was secured. Everyone had a chance to book a ticket to the World Cup.
“At the end of the day, the principles of the games are there. … But none of them are going to be right if you are not fully committed,” Pérez said. “Fully committed with no doubts. And that’s the basics. So before we talk (about) other things, we [must] feel that we have a group really committed. And if (there) was some noise around those circumstances, I think everything (is now) clear.”
And it was that clarity — that commitment — that Pochettino felt he had to defend after the decisive victory that closed out 2025 on an enormously positive note for this U.S. team.
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On Tuesday night, it was some of the new faces that emerged over the last few months that reignited belief that this U.S. team might be capable of making noise at next summer’s World Cup.
Berhalter stung a beautiful finish into the upper corner to start the scoring. Freeman netted the next two. Luna added the fourth.
This is what Pochettino aimed for when he built out his Gold Cup roster. Whether it was Pulisic, McKennie and Weah, or Berhalter, Freeman and Luna, Pochettino was convinced the results could be the same. And that the belief in the team should be the same, too. There are no regulars.
In part because of that depth that has been built out, the U.S. is unbeaten in its last five games against FIFA top-40 opponents for the first time since 2013. It feels like a completely different world than it did less than half a year ago.
“It’s a testament to the culture that we’re building,” McKenzie said. “It shows, again, the faith that Mauricio has in this team and that the collective have in one another. We’re building something special. We have a real brotherhood, a band of guys who are going to go out there and not only play with pride to represent our country, but play for the guys next to us.”
It has been a steady drumbeat of positivity around this U.S. team since it downed Japan in September. Players have looked more confident on the field. There seems to be a strong understanding of how they want to play and what the staff is looking for in the team’s approach to games. There has also been less concern or talk about intensity or desire. The complacency that Pochettino was combatting is gone.
Tanner Tessmann celebrates his goal for USA vs Uruguay, with Mark McKenzie joining inHoward Smith / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Two days before taking the field against Uruguay, Pochettino weaponized the idea of “reality” differently. He could sense the confidence building in front of him. In camp, Pochettino contrasted this team to what it looked like in March, calling it the epitome of “professional.” There was no “silly or stupid” things that happened away from the field.
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“The focus, the concentration to perform, to train, to do everything that we propose (was there),” he said.
The reality now, he said, is better than what we might even think. And it’s forever away from where it was in March. Sensing that change, in a meeting with the team on Sunday, he reintroduced the goals going into the World Cup.
“Let’s be realistic,” Pochettino told the team. “And do the impossible.”
It was about reaching for big goals again. To compete against the best. The team’s reality could again be linked to its ambition.
With their heads now out of the clouds, and with the results coming and things clicking on and off the field, the focus could start to once again shift toward next summer and the task at hand. This U.S. team has a chance to do something special in the biggest sports event of all time. To do so, it’ll have to make a run deep into the knockout phase — to the quarterfinals or semifinals. The type of performance that would galvanize the nation.
“We’re starting to feel the World Cup and the excitement,” Pochettino said. “I think it’s important for our fans, this type of victory and the result, because I think it’s to push them to really believe in the team. We never doubted, because we saw the quality of the players. It was only to trust in them and to give the possibility to find a way to perform, to behave in the way that we feel in football, what it means to be professional. In all the areas I think we need to improve, because we are very ambitious and we want to win. We want to challenge all the teams. … Of course, the World Cup is going to be different, but I think we need to prepare ourselves to be there and to and to really believe in our chance.”The further this U.S. team goes in the World Cup, the greater the impact on the sport in this country. If it can continue to build the way it has over the last five months, then the influence of this team and the 2026 World Cup could be as transformational as people hope.By Paul Tenorio Senior Writer, MLS
In defending USMNT depth, Pochettino annoyed by questions after Uruguay win
Rich Storry / Getty ImagesBy Tom BogertNov. 18, 2025Updated Nov. 20, 2025 4:37 am EST
Emerging from the locker room following his team’s huge 5-1 win over Uruguay Tuesday night in Tampa, Fla., U.S. national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino didn’t like the first question at his press conference. He didn’t like the second, either.
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Both queries were meant to indicate the program’s depth. Few – if any – of the consensus “regular starters” actually started.
It’s that phrase Pochettino dug his feet in on and didn’t give an inch.
“I hate the ‘no regular players’ (question),” Pochettino said. “What does this mean? It’s USA playing, it’s the national team. Stop with that mindset. Every time our decision to pick a starting XI, it’s the U.S. men’s national team playing.”
Pochettino changed nine players from the XI that started in a win over Paraguay on Saturday. This from a squad that is already missing stalwarts Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman and more.
In their place, goalscorers Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman (two), Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann led the way for the USMNT.
“If you know me, I hate to talk this way,” Pochettino said when asked about players missing. “It’s so disrespectful. We need to give credit to all of the guys.”
Pochettino consistently preaches fight, competitiveness and togetherness from his teams. He has pushed back hard at the notion that any roster spot is guaranteed at any time. Players need to consistently fight to earn their place on the roster and in the starting XI.
And he has put that methodology into practice by creating internal competition. The USMNT has called up 71 players to camps in this calendar year. By next summer, only 26 can make the final roster for the World Cup. It’s a huge pool and competition is a feature, not a bug, under Pochettino.
“I am the USA coach. Tell me which ‘regular players’ you are talking about?” Pochettino asked indignantly. “I don’t understand.”
What was expected to be a joyful press conference given the match that preceded it quickly went off the rails and never got back on track.
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“Maybe we need to stop the press conference, I need to go to the dressing room, come back and start the press conference again,” Pochettino said with a laugh, “because it’s like we lost 5-1!”
Soon after, Pochettino was asked if Berhalter’s exquisite goal from a free kick – which was rolled short and touched back to Berhalter before he curled it into the top corner – was rehearsed in training or improvised in the moment.
Pochettino threw his hands up and sarcastically – we think – said: “No, it happened by coincidence.”
Sebastian Berhalter was one of the stars of the USMNT’s show in a 5-1 rout of UruguayMiguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo /AFP / Getty Images
There were few big breakdowns of individual performances, like Berhalter, who boosted his chances of making the World Cup squad in a hugely competitive midfield pool. His set-piece delivery alone turned heads, with a goal and assist, let alone his box-to-box performance in the run of play.
Nor was there another shout out to Gio Reyna, who came off the bench for 30 minutes to add an assist after scoring against Paraguay in his return to the national team.
Pochettino, perhaps feeling a need to fight for and protect the group as a whole, insisted the day was about the group of players as a collective.
“To be honest, maybe I’m tired and don’t understand the English (questions), but I’m very disappointed at the first two questions,” he said.
No matter what questions were asked or performances given, the USMNT has now put together a five-game unbeaten run (4-0-1) since a disastrous performance against South Korea in September.While the national team won’t reconvene for four months, the group departs on a hugely positive note, with strong results fueled by strong performances.
Pulisic, Richards, Adams, Weah, McKennie and Robinson could all feasibly be back in frame by the spring, but the coaches don’t want to look at that. They are proud of the present group – the one that delivered in November.“The credit is all to the players,” Pochettino insisted.
Hello! The USMNT smashed Uruguay, and Cristiano Ronaldo showed up at the White House. Just another night in American soccer.
Coming up:
Pochettino’s boys run riot
Trump and Ronaldo meet
Curacao’s World Cup history
It’s great being Scottish (really)
USMNT on the up: How did they thrash Uruguay?
Sebastian Berhalter’s openerTNT Sports U.S./X
The USMNT are nothing if not an enigma. A short while ago, confidence in them peaking for the World Cup was brittle, to say the least. By Monday, after a solid win against Paraguay, TAFC cautiously suggested they might be on course to peak at the right time. This morning, we’re hoping they aren’t peaking too soon.
These incremental stages of improvement carried them to a savage 5-1 victory against Uruguay yesterday, a result like no other in Mauricio Pochettino’s reign to date. When the USMNT turn out next — during the round of international matches planned for March — it will almost be showtime. Whisper it gently, but Poch’s squad could be ready.
His early months in the job were those of a blindfolded man feeling his way through the jungle, but through a fair amount of foul weather, he’s roughly where he’d want to be six months away from a home World Cup co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. Make no mistake: friendly or not, their hammering of Uruguay is a statement result, one that leaves Uruguay’s celebrated head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, with plenty to stew on.
Uruguay were weakened — no Federico Valverde, no Darwin Nunez — but so were the USMNT. Pochettino made nine changes without his side missing a beat. His line-up will look different on day one of the World Cup (that goes without saying), but the roster has started to ooze tangible depth. Competition for places is real, a point Pochettino made in spiky fashion when he was asked about the absence of “regular starters” Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, et al.
Plainly, he didn’t like the questions, and his press conference got strangely heated considering the scoreline. “I hate the ‘no regular players’ (narrative),” he said. “What does this mean? It’s the national team. Stop with that mindset. It’s disrespectful. We need to give credit to all of the guys.”
His little digs at mentality in the States grated at first. Now it feels like they’re starting to land positively.
Poch is on a roll
Mauricio Pochettino with Marcelo Bielsa before the gameMiguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images
At the weekend, Gio Reyna put his hand up for a World Cup place, reappearing from the wilderness to score early against Paraguay. In Florida last night, Alex Freeman and Sebastian Berhalter stepped forward, Berhalter assisting and scoring (GIF at top of section) and Freeman scoring twice from the right side of Pochettino’s defensive back three.
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Berhalter, who is on the rise, had never notched for the national team before. Freeman, as our U.S. writers note here, faces top-class rivals down the right in Sergino Dest and Tim Weah, but by playing so well, the Orlando City defender gave Pochettino food for thought. This is a sea change. For a while, Poch must have wondered how much padding he would have to put on the fringes of his 26-man World Cup squad. Suddenly, he’s got the unenviable decision of figuring out who to disappoint.
As for Uruguay, you fear they are slowly unravelling. They showed huge promise under Bielsa initially, but they haven’t cut a wholly happy camp since the 2024 Copa America, and you’ll recall the stinging criticism of Bielsa’s regime by Luis Suarez. They lost Rodrigo Bentancur to a red card yesterday, but, truthfully, the game was done by then. Poch is on a roll. Uruguay’s performance speaks of trouble in paradise.
If you want to keep track of all the countries that have qualified for 2026, we’re maintaining an up-to-date list here. A mere six spots remain vacant. The glaring absentees at this stage are Italy.
Court documents in the U.S. show that high-profile football agent Jonathan Barnett is under criminal investigation in the UK after being accused of rape, torture and trafficking. He denies the allegations.
The trial of a man charged with 31 alleged offences after a car was driven into crowds at Liverpool’s Premier League title parade in May will start next week. Paul Doyle, 53, of West Derby, Liverpool, has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
Arsenal have confirmed their sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda will end in June 2026 after eight seasons. The association with the east African country drew criticism over human rights concerns.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have suffered an on-field blow with the Premier League season set to resume: defender Gabriel is expected to miss up to two months with a thigh injury suffered on international duty.
Ronaldo’s D.C. visit: Portugal star attends dinner with Trump
Cristiano Ronaldo at the dinner (Anna Rose Layden/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images
These are rare commitments in that part of the globe because Ronaldo, despite his gargantuan profile, hadn’t been spotted in the U.S. for years. In 2017, German outlet Der Spiegel revealed details of an alleged sexual assault involving him and model Kathryn Mayorga in Las Vegas in 2009. Ronaldo always strenuously denied the allegations, and charges have never been brought against him.
His absence from the States ended yesterday in the most high-profile manner: at a gala dinner hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House. Ronaldo, it appears, spoke with Trump in person beforehand and met with his son, Barron. “My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said. “Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact I introduced you.”
Ronaldo’s attendance coincided with diplomatic talks between Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman. The purpose of his visit isn’t clear — Henry Bushnell tried to make sense of it for us — but as the Saudi Pro League’s superstar name with Al Nassr, his links to the Gulf state speak for themselves. His trip to Washington, D.C. also follows appearances by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office, and it’s hard to think of a time when American politics and soccer were more intertwined than this.
Choose Scotland: McTominay inspires his nation to the World Cup
Scott McTominay’s overhead kick against DenmarkBBC Sport Scotland/X
If you’re familiar with the 1996 film Trainspotting (and if not, why not?), you’ll know the scene in which the main character, Mark Renton, is asked if he’s proud to be Scottish. “It’s s***e being Scottish,” he shouts back.
That, in essence, was the tone of many match reports as Scotland’s national team blundered into added time last night, level at 2-2 with Denmark in a World Cup qualifier in Glasgow they had to win. Never mind Scott McTominay’s brilliant overhead opener after just three minutes, above. Never mind the red card shown to Denmark’s Rasmus Kristensen. That old quote was ringing in our ears.
And then… well, Scotland’s World Cup bid chose life. Kieran Tierney curled in a cracker on 93 minutes. Kenny McLean made it 4-2 with a lob from his own half, below. We’re off to the World Cup finals rather than a World Cup play-off — ending an absence stretching back to 1998 — and I woke up believing there is a God. It doesn’t mean Renton was wholly wrong, but it’s true what they say: every dog has its day.
Kenny McLean’s goal from the halfway lineBBC Sport Scotland/X
Around TAFC
Football has become extraordinarily litigious. The charges brought by the Premier League against Manchester City — still no sign of white smoke there — are merely part of a trend across the game. It’s harvest time for the legal fraternity, as Phil Buckingham writes.
Mariano Diaz was the man who took Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 shirt at Real Madrid. It didn’t really work out for him, but he’s the ideal person to offer advice to Endrick, a prospect struggling to make the grade at the Bernabeu. Guillermo Rai spoke to Mariano.
Get stuck into this beauty of a tactical read from Anantaajith Raghuraman on the evolution of Pep Guardiola as a coach, following his 1,000th match in management. It tracks Guardiola’s path through Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City.
NHL icon Wayne Gretzky showed up to speak to Canada’s squad before their friendly against Venezuela. The pep talk did the trick: Canada won 2-0.
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US Beats Paraguay faces Uruguay Tues 7 pm on TNT/Max
Welcome back Player of the Match – Gio Reyna. Wow – how this guy struggles at his clubs baffles me – he is truly one of our most talented US players. He was the best player on the field – and short of Pulisic – I am not sure anyone makes a much of a difference for us as Gio does. He simply does things – other players can’t do. Why he doesn’t do this for his clubs – I don’t know. But for the US he simply has to be on the field. He’s why the US was able to handlle Paraguay 2-1 on the day. US Highlights
I thought the back 3 was solid at times – honestly mainly in allowing our attack to possess the ball and stay in attack much more than normal – the US with 65% possession is just not sometime I am used to seeing against Central American competition. Lets see if that holds up against the best team we have played in Uruguay. I don’t think it will as that 3 man back line looked suspect to me plenty of times last time out. I am hoping Trusty with get a run along along the back line to see if he can slide into the mix with Ream and Richards in the long term. I still am not sure Ream should be starting though he should be in the mix. I thought both Roldan and Berhalter looked fine at the 6 slot and Tessman also was solid. Hopefully Aidan Morris will get the nod this go round. Again I picked a tie or loss in our first match so don’t listen to me — but I don’t see how we pull out the win here without so many stars missing if Uruguay plays its starters which I think it will. 1-2 perhaps 2-3 seems like a reasonable count by games end. 1-2 would look better for us defensively of course. I suspect Freese in the net again with the same outside backs to start. Hopefully Pepi will get a run up front along with Haji on one win and of course Gio at the 10 again.
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)
Washington Spirit vs NY/NJ Gothem – NWSL Championship Saturday on CBS 8 pm
The Washington spirit found a way to get past a bunch of injuries – including to the best player in the League – Trinity Rodman – and a interim coach in Adrian Gonzalez won at home 1-0 over the Portland Thorns (highlights) to advance to the Finals. On the other side American International Jadyn Shaw – scored a stoppage time to beat defending champions Orlando Pride and Marta on the road Sunday highlights . The final in San Jose will start Saturday at 8 pm on CBS. Washington vs Gothem Preview
Tues, Nov 18 2:45 pm FS2 Belgium vs Liechhtenstein WCQ 4 pm ?? Canada vs Venezuela 7 pmTNT, Max USA Men vs Uruguay Tampa, FL 8:30 pm Univision Mexico vs Paraguay Weds, Nov 19 12:45 pm ESPN+ Juventus vs OL Lyonnes (Heaps) Women’s UCL 12:45 pm CBSSN Wolfsburg vs Man United Women’s (GK Joyce) UCL 3 pm CBSSN Arsenal vs Real Madrid Women’s UCL Thurs, Nov 20 12:45 pm CBSSN Twente vs Atletico Madrid Women’s UCL 3 pm CBSSN PSG vs Bayern Munich Women’s UCL 3 pm ESPN+ Chelsea vs Barcelona Women’s UCL Sat, Nov 22 7:30 am USA Burnley vs Chelsea 9:30 am ESPN+ Heidenheim vs Mgladbach (Reyna & Scally) 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Freiburg 9:30 am ESPN+ Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) 10 am USA Bournmouth (Adams) vs West Ham United 10 am Peacock Wolverhampton vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 10 am Pk Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest 10:15 AM ESPN+ Barcelona vs Athletic Club 12 noon Para+ Juventus (McKinny) vs Fiorentina 12:30 pm NBC New Castle vs Man United 8 pm CBS NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Gothem (Lavell, Shaw) 9:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs LAFC MLS Playoffs
Friday
Mainz vs Hoffenheim, 2:30p on ESPN DTC, ESPN Select, FuboTV: Lennard Maloney and Mainz host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Nice vs Marseille, 2:45p on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, FuboTV, Sling TV, Fanatiz: Tim Weah and OM visit OGC Nice in Ligue 1.
Standard Liège vs Zulte Waregem, 2:45p: Marlon Fossey and Standard host Zulte Waregem in Belgium’s top tier.
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Reyna impresses in return, as USMNT continues unbeaten run
Jeff CarlisleNov 16, 2025, 05:29 AM ET
CHESTER, Pennsylvania — It had been 503 days since Gio Reyna last started a game for the U.S. men’s national team. It had been 602 days since he last scored for the USMNT. On a chilly night outside of Philadelphia, the U.S. attacker ended both streaks in a 2-1 friendly win with Paraguay.It was a performance that marked a major step forward for Reyna in his chance to secure a spot in his second consecutive World Cup squad. It’s a goal that seemed incongruous heading into the match, given Reyna has logged only 147 minutes with club side Borussia Mönchengladbach all season.But U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino told Reyna at training on Friday that he would be in the starting lineup, and it didn’t take the midfielder long to make his mark in this match.
In the fourth minute, a goalmouth scramble following a U.S. corner saw the ball fall to Max Arfsten, and his cross was nodded home by Reyna. The U.S. midfielder was also involved in the sequence that led to the U.S. side’s game-winning goal in the 75th minute, when his centering feed was deflected into the path of Folarin Balogun, allowing the AS Monaco forward to slot home.The USMNT’s initial tally in the match was the ninth of Reyna’s international career, putting him one ahead of his father Claudio on the USMNT’s all-time scoring list and giving the younger Reyna a bit of familial bragging rights.”Honestly, I had no idea,” Reyna said about passing his father.”I didn’t even know how many goals I had to be honest, so I was just happy to score, happy to be back. I sent a few texts teasing him after the game, but he was happy for me, so it’s nice.”Reyna did have a few blips on the night. His failure to close down Paraguay defender Júnior Alonso was the first domino to fall in the buildup to Paraguay’s 10th-minute equalizer by Alex Arce. (Defenders Tim Ream and Miles Robinson needed to drop quicker and deeper on the play as well.)Yet those were rare for Reyna on the night. He was busy throughout, spraying passes and connecting with teammates. The 75 minutes he logged were his longest in a match since he went 77 minutes for Borussia Dortmund against TSG Hoffenheim on Dec. 15, 2024.Reyna’s lack of minutes with Gladbach have been due to a few factors. A thigh injury slowed his progress, and he has also been trying to get acclimated to a new club. And while Reyna has long been a player who didn’t need to have everything clicking at the club level to excel for the national team, he credited the support of Gladbach’s staff for helping him deliver Saturday night’s impressive performance. He said he’s back up to 85% of full fitness and expects that to improve.”Obviously, I had a little injury that I was still recovering from the last few weeks, but they’ve been fantastic with building me up to full fitness and slowly getting there as you can see that tonight,” he said about his club.”But yeah, I definitely expect when I get back to definitely start more matches, but they’ve been great. So I think it’s a lot of credit to them too and how they’ve sort of pushed me and believed in me and sort of set me back to be prepared to play on this stage.”He added about his time at Gladbach, “I feel really, really good, feel valued, feel important, feel ready to go. So obviously, when you feel better mentally, you can definitely play better on the field too.”To be clear, Reyna hasn’t banished all of the doubts surrounding his position with the team going forward.Think for a second what had to happen for Reyna just to get on the field for this match. Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Timothy Weah and Alejandro Zendejas — players who have featured in an attacking role in the past, or could in the future — all missed the match because of either injury or, in the case of McKennie, the desire of Pochettino to leave McKennie back in Italy as he tries to impress new Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti.When those players return, Reyna will need to find a way to prove to Pochettino that he still deserves to be on the field.There’s also the rather significant fact that Reyna has yet to really crack the Gladbach lineup consistently. Staying healthy is part of the trick to remaining in the lineup, and Reyna hasn’t shown for some time that he can do that. The performance against Paraguay alone can’t be looked at as a breakthrough. It has to be followed by another, and another, and another.Reyna realizes this. The clock to the World Cup is ticking with just 208 days to go. But he was presented with a rare opportunity to impress, and he took it. Pochettino certainly took notice.[Reyna] confirmed that he’s a player that needs to improve because he needs to play more in his club,” Pochettino said.”But we can see today that he was great — scored and assisted — in the way that always showed the capacity to read the game and find the free space in between the lines. I think [he] was a nightmare for Paraguay and I think he did a very good job.”Reyna wasn’t the only player to take advantage. In fact, the rest of this U.S. side, one that was missing enough players to almost field a separate starting lineup, did as well. In the first half, the match settled into the kind of physical contest that was reminiscent of last year’s 1-0 Copa America loss to Uruguay, one that ultimately eliminated the U.S. from the tournament.In that match, La Celeste slowly ground the U.S. into dust with some ferocious physical play. On this occasion, it was the U.S. who applied the pressure, both physical and technical, by pressing Paraguay bit by bit until La Albirroja finally wilted.Tanner Tessmann and Brenden Aaronson were instrumental in tilting the field more in the USMNT’s favor. On the game winner, it was that relentless pressing, in this case by substitute Diego Luna, that saw the ball initially pop free to Balogun, who played the ball through to Reyna. The goal soon followed, capping off a night for Balogun that saw him absorb some heavy challenges only to produce in a critical moment.
For Ream, the key to how the U.S. finishes matches can be traced back to how it starts them.”I think it starts from being aggressive from the first whistle, and kind of in a way just laying a marker and having the other team understand that we’re here to fight, we’re here to play, we’re here to win a game and we’re not going to treat it as a friendly either,” Ream said.That was evident in stoppage time when Paraguay’s Gustavo Gómez and U.S. defender Alex Freeman grappled for the ball on what was whistled as a U.S. throw-in, sparking a bench-clearing melee. Incredibly, just one red card to Paraguay’s Omar Alderete, who didn’t even play in the game, was issued. But it was another example of how this U.S. team isn’t backing down from anyone.”There were a few cheap shots thrown from their end to be honest,” said U.S. keeper Matt Freese.”But it’s part of being a team, and we’re going to be standing up for each other no matter the moment, no matter the end of the game, beginning of the game, in the middle of the game on the sideline like that. That’s what it means to be a team, and I don’t think I’ve ever moved that quickly getting in there.”The U.S., unbeaten in its past four matches, continues to ride a wave of momentum. With each passing game, there is more cohesion and an increased understanding of what Pochettino wants. The U.S. manager has succeeded in making the U.S. players comfortable with being uncomfortable, and that isn’t about to change.”Big credit, but that is not enough,” Pochettino said.”We are happy. We need to keep going because we need to improve, improve, improve, and arrive to the World Cup in our best, in our peak. And that shows that it’s not about the name, it’s about the team, it’s about the collective, it’s about the idea of the altogether.”Uruguay, a team with its own ethos of physicality and grit, combined with ability (it had a 0-0 draw against Mexico on the same night), is up next on Tuesday. Reyna in particular feels ready to go and will be keen to prove he’s back for good.
USMNT players who proved the most – and have more to prove – after beating Paraguay
Nov. 15, 2025Updated Nov. 16, 2025CHESTER, Pa. — The signs of the progression of Mauricio Pochettino’s national team have manifested not just in the results — and after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, that’s now four straight unbeaten, all against World Cup-qualified teams, if you’re counting — but also in how the team is playing.The U.S. has looked increasingly confident on the field. A team that felt for months like it lacked an identity now has a distinct personality. The Americans aren’t rigid in how they play, but the ideas of the system are consistent and effective. They are aggressive in how they press and how they attack. There is a demand not to shrink away, no matter the opponent.It starts from being aggressive from the first whistle,” Tim Ream, who captained the U.S. once again Saturday, said. “And kind of, in a way, just laying a marker and having the other team understand that we’re here to fight, we’re here to play, we’re here to win a game.”Comfort begets confidence. Confidence begets more comfort. Over the last three windows that has been the ebb and flow of this national team. After the win over Paraguay, another game in which the U.S. looked calm, composed and in control, the talk around the national team was about thinking less.They know who they are.“We were talking now in the dressing room with the players, how they started to feel the football that we want to apply on the pitch,” Pochettino said.What is most impressive about it all is that the team that played on Saturday is not at all the same as the team that played last month in Denver. Four players in the starting lineup against Paraguay — Gio Reyna, Sergiño Dest, Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson — had not started in any of the previous three games. Pochettino started 24 different players across the last four games.Still, the comfort in the system has sustained. That’s a testament to the progress of the whole, he said.
“It always takes time to implement, to set the principles,” Pochettino said. “And then our experience always happen: in Espanyol, in Southampton, in Tottenham, in Paris Saint-Germain and in Chelsea. Always with time we can apply the ideas, the philosophy, the culture that we want to implement. It always takes time … and decisions, strong decisions. Sometimes people cannot understand why we decide something, or we take some decision, but that is our duty.”And in Saturday’s friendly, with players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Tim Weah, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams absent, several others had a chance to make an impression.
Gio Reyna enjoyed a successful return to the U.S. men’s national team in Saturday’s friendly vs. ParaguayVincent Carchietta / Getty Images
The big winner
The most prominent, of course, was Reyna. The 23-year-old midfielder scored in the fourth minute and showed his quality on the ball in several key moments over the game. Reyna was more active off the ball, though he was late to press on Paraguay’s lone goal. Still, Reyna certainly made an argument for future inclusion in this squad.
“I think he did a very good job,” Pochettino said. “I’m so happy with him. He showed why he started and confirmed he is a player that needs to improve, because he needs to play more in his club, but we can see today he was great. … Always the capacity to read the game and find the free space in between the lines. I think it was a nightmare for Paraguay.”
Tuesday against Uruguay – if he features again – will present a different challenge for Reyna, who said after the game he was about 85 percent fit. Pochettino has said that he will value players who show they have the fitness and ability to play several games in a short amount of time. Reyna, obviously, has had injury issues over the past several seasons, and playing time at Borussia Monchengladbach has been spotty. Tuesday will be an important test to show he can play a role in games a few days apart.
“I feel like I can play again,” Reyna said. “I’m going to do everything I can to be ready to play (however) many minutes required. But I haven’t even thought about that yet.”
USMNT defender Joe Scally is back in camp for the first time since last MarchDrew Hallowell / Getty Images
A mixed bag out wide
Scally and Dest both had positives and negatives in their respective performances. Scally came into this game with more to prove, especially considering that his skillset and versatility make him a strong fit for the hybrid fullback-right center back role in Pochettino’s system.The U.S. plays a back four, but builds out of a back three with two central midfielders. Scally fits well to stay in that back three in possession. While he was exposed with the speed of Miguel Almirón on the U.S. goal, the Atlanta United winger was sprung by a gorgeous long ball and took the ball beautifully to play a one-time cross. No doubt, Pochettino will see value in Scally at a position where he has been searching for consistency beyond Tim Ream and Miles Robinson.
Dest, meanwhile, thrives in a more attacking role. He pushed forward effectively against Paraguay and adds a dynamism on the right side that, combined with Reyna and Balogun, kept the opponent off balance.
A need to show more
Aaronson, meanwhile, tried to show he can be an effective option in central midfield. He brings such incredibly different qualities than his counterparts at the position. The U.S. has started players like Pulisic, Reyna, Tillman and Diego Luna in attacking midfield – all players who want to get in the half spaces and get on the ball. But Aaronson’s aggressiveness and ability to press could bring a different look off the bench in certain scenarios at the World Cup.
His performance was solid against Paraguay, but Aaronson has plenty more to gain if he gets minutes against Uruguay. He needs to show he can also create goals and be dangerous in and around the box.
Ricardo Pepi scuffs a great chance to score vs. ParaguayOmar Vega / Getty Images
The same is true for Ricardo Pepi, who came into the game as a substitute for his first U.S. appearance since last November. Pochettino said this week that Pepi was behind the other strikers simply because he’s been away from the team and working back from injury for so long, but he felt it was important to bring him in.
When the PSV striker missed a golden opportunity in the second half, though, it felt like a bigger miss to show Pochettino why he was a top-three forward in the pool, and thus a World Cup striker. That’s the type of role Pepi will likely need to master at the World Cup – the ability to come off the bench and deliver in the clutch moments. Pepi, typically a very effective super sub, will look for another chance to find that goal on Tuesday.
Many of the players spoke this week about how little time there was left to make an impression and win a job. The intensity in camp is increasing as the competition gets more real. Tuesday’s friendly in Florida will give the Americans perhaps their toughest test of the last three windows — probably the best team they will have seen since a South Korea side that is the last to beat them.or the players here, the audition continues.“You can see today all the players that were on the pitch, how they show their quality, the capacity to play (entertaining) football,” Pochettino said. “I think we created chances. We were better. It’s very competitive and difficult to beat (us). Big credit. But that is not enough. We are happy. We need to keep going. Because we need to improve, improve, improve, and arrive to the World Cup in our best, in our peak.”
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Alex Freeman details USMNT’s fight vs. Paraguay and the battle scars that prove a point
Alex Freeman and Gustavo Gomez got into a fight near the end of USA vs. Paraguay. Drew Hallowell / Getty Images
TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Freeman, two days after being bloodied in a melee near the end of the U.S. men’s national team’s win over Paraguay, said that his dad, former NFL receiver Antonio Freeman, was “proud I stood my ground.”
“You know him, he loves the [scuffle] stuff,” Freeman said with a smile.
The two spoke after the game. Alex said Antonio was also “happy I kept my head, didn’t do anything stupid to get a red [card].”
The fight kicked off when Freeman and Paraguay’s Gustavo Gómez both attempted to grab a ball that had gone out of play for a throw-in.
“Obviously it was our throw-in,” Freeman recalled, “so I was just going to grab the ball. And then he grabbed it at the same time. And … he kinda had me in a headlock, and I didn’t think that was fair.
“And then it just turned into a whole thing. It was next to their bench, so obviously they had the numbers.”
Freeman’s U.S. teammate, Sebastian Berhalter, instantly sprinted over to the scene and tried to get at Gómez. “It just shows that he’s got my back, and I got his,” Freeman said.
“I was very happy with the way we supported each other,” U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese said after the match. “There were a few cheap shots thrown from their end, to be honest. But that’s part of being a team, we’ll be sticking up for each other no matter the moment.”
At first, Freeman didn’t realize the scuffle had turned into a massive scrum, with dozens of players and staff from both sides involved. Then, suddenly, “everybody was surrounding me, I was kinda getting jabbed everywhere,” he recounted. “So, I tried to get out of there as soon as possible.”
He escaped to the side, away from the U.S. bench. A Paraguayan player dragged him to the ground. Another, Diego Gómez, almost appeared to kick him, then restrained him as that portion of the melee cooled off.
USMNT players did not back down from a scuffle vs. Paraguay at the end of their friendly.Vincent Carchietta / Getty Images
Meanwhile, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who’d rushed to the scene, fell into a miniature camera well with Berhalter. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro recognized and helped Pochettino to his feet. Pochettino later lamented that the situation was “very, very dangerous” before striking a bit of a different tone on Monday.
“We all feel now very proud about the way that we acted and behaved. Alex was defending and caring about the ball,” Pochettino said. “That showed character, and that we care. I really was happy when that happened. Because I think when the aggression is coming from the other side, we need to defend [ourselves].”
Pochettino “always tells us to fight, fight, fight,” U.S. wingback Max Arfsten said postgame. “I think we embody that.”
Freeman said that any bad blood stayed “on the field” and didn’t linger afterward. He did, though, come out of the scrum with what appeared to be a bloody lip. He also told The Athletic on Monday that he had a wound on the back of his neck, potentially from the initial headlock. He also rolled up the sleeve of his jacket to reveal a (now-closed) cut on the inside of his wrist.
But he was smiling as he displayed the scars. He was also smiling as he looked ahead to Tuesday’s game against Uruguay. He remembers watching the last U.S.-Uruguay game, at the 2024 Copa América, when the U.S. struggled to match Uruguay’s physicality. “It was very scrappy,” Freeman said.
Now, after his first game against a South American opponent, he feels like he’s “lived it. And obviously I’ve started one [fight].”
Which, he said, is “good. It’s good that we have that before the World Cup, have that scrappiness, and be able to see what we’re made of.”
“We’re not scared of anything, as a U.S. team. If it was a problem in the past, it’s definitely not a problem now.”
The USMNT is making progress. The fans it hoped to attract haven’t (yet) noticed.
TAMPA — It was 10 months ago that JT Batson sat onstage at the United Soccer Coaches convention and laid out his ambitious vision for U.S. men’s national team games ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “We want to play in the biggest stadiums possible, in front of the most people possible, full stop,” Batson, U.S. Soccer’s CEO, said. “Our national team events should be huge events,” he continued. “They should be parties, they should be celebrations of soccer, and they should be something that everybody looks forward to.” In many other countries, they are all of that. With the men’s World Cup coming here, the thinking went, and buzz presumably building, USMNT matches could pack NFL stadiums. They could, at least temporarily, be marquee occasions. But it hasn’t happened. At least not yet. The USMNT’s second-to-last game of 2025, against Paraguay on Saturday outside Philadelphia, failed to fill the 18,500-seat Subaru Park (despite the best efforts of thousands of exuberant Paraguay fans). Instead, it seemingly prompted Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT’s Argentine coach, to make yet another plea for supporters.“We need our fans [to] follow and support the national team. And we need to build that relationship,” Pochettino said, tangentially, at his post-match news conference. “Our fans need to be fans of USA men’s national team, and to follow our crest, our flag, our colors. That is the most important.“In Argentina, Argentina is more important than any name. In Brazil, the same. In England, the same. In Spain, the same,” he continued. “In every single country, in Paraguay, it’s the same. … Who is the hero? The team. The team need to be their hero.”
Mauricio Pochettino has urged fans to get behind his USMNT, but the response at friendlies has been mixed.John Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Why hasn’t this happened in the U.S.? The reasons are deep, complicated and debatable. Many of them are broad, cultural, long-standing and irreversible, far beyond Pochettino’s scope. Soccer’s development, of course, was delayed and backwards here in the States compared to other countries. U.S. national team games became expensive and overly commercialized before they became unmissable events that the average sports fan — or even the average soccer fan — felt a connection to.The hope was that a looming World Cup would fuel connection. Excitement and patriotism would bring people in as the tournament approached. U.S. Soccer’s goal, from a business and sporting perspective, was to replicate World Cup environments in the two dozen games it organized between the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.“Ideally, we’re playing a high-profile opponent in big stadiums, because that’s what the World Cup’s gonna be,” then-coach Gregg Berhalter said in February 2024. “That’s our ideal. That’s our No. 1 filter. How do we play the best possible opponent in the biggest possible stadium?”But they simply haven’t done that. In 2025, their games at NFL stadiums have been either full of Mexico fans or more than half empty. Their friendlies have all been at MLS grounds or, in one case, a 36,000-seat college football stadium.They haven’t done it, in part, because the best possible opponents haven’t been available. European and South American giants were often competing in the UEFA Nations League or World Cup qualifiers while U.S. Soccer was searching for opponents to fill the vacuum created by automatic qualification.And the games that were organized haven’t gone to NFL stadiums because the USMNT, on its own and without much to play for until 2026, hasn’t inspired the excitement necessary to fill those stadiums — or even come close.In 2023, the program was on the rise. In 2024, over three Copa América games, it drew 162,478 fans to NFL stadiums. But the Americans crashed out of that tournament, and momentum stalled. Arguably, it reversed and became disillusionment. U.S. Soccer’s hiring of Pochettino caught the attention of soccer fans, but it didn’t change the popular narrative. It didn’t make the team more likable. It didn’t bring many new fans in.Then, after the U.S. lost to Panama and Canada in March, and after a B-plus squad met relatively low expectations at the Gold Cup this summer, apathy seemed to set in.
Mauricio Pochettino salutes U.S. fans after playing Panama at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium in his first match as U.S. manager in October 2024John Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Over the past two months, the USMNT has begun to inspire some optimism. With three wins and a draw in its last four games, all against 2026 World Cup participants, the outlook has improved. This was the context for Pochettino’s Saturday plea. “We are happy. We need to keep going,” he said. “Because we need to improve, improve, improve, and arrive to the World Cup in our peak.” And the fans, he argued, could be a part of that.“If we are capable [of attracting] our fans, and [they] support us, I think we can create a very good building between the fans and us, and arrive to the World Cup very, very strong,” Pochettino said. “Because our players need the support of the fans. They need the energy from the fans. And that is an important thing, that is my message to our fans — keep pushing, believe in the national team.”The hope is that the tide of support begins to rise in March, when the U.S. will play Portugal and likely Belgium — as long as Belgium beats Liechtenstein on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup and avoid a European playoff.
There will then be two friendlies in late May and early June, sendoff games before the USMNT sets up its World Cup camp at the University of California, Irvine, an hour southeast of Los Angeles. By then, surely, NFL stadiums will fill. But for now, there are only friendlies between depleted squads, with no stakes or World Cup implications, just as there has been for the better part of the past three years. So, the buzz remains muted. Tuesday’s match against Uruguay here at Raymond James Stadium, the first USMNT friendly at an NFL stadium since June of 2024, will probably bring more of the same. Upper-deck tickets are not being sold, according to Ticketmaster, and although there are advertisements at Tampa International Airport and elsewhere around town, plenty of lower-bowl tickets remain available.
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US Men Face #23 Paraguay Sat 5 pm on TNT, Uruguay Tues 7 pm
So here we go again – the US is actually playing 2 top ranked South American teams- perfect opportunity to put our best team out there to see how we match up just 7 months before we host the World Cup right? Ah no. Not with Botchitino in charge. Best player -Pulisic ?? at home in Milan. Best Centerback – Richards – at home at Crystal Palace, Best Centermid/utility player McKennie home at Juventus. (against his will). Tilman injured & Adams hurt last weekend of course – no issue. Honestly we had 3 players injured playing in Colorado in our last international window – stupidity by US Soccer – OF COURSE. Now Botch was ridiculed for playing Pulisic & Richards last time out in meaningless matches (sorry Milan & Palace) every match the US plays with just 7 months to a World Cup matters. But sending Pulisic, Tilman, Richards back to their clubs injured was simply stupid by the US. Now when we really need them in camp to see how we match up. They are not here. So in comes Gio Reyna – I guess how well you are playing for your club (he doesn’t) really doesn’t matter after all. Along with Right back Joe Scalley – thank goodness. So how do we line up and look this weekend against Paraguay? This is the game we actually have a chance – Uruguay is going to crush us Tuesday. I am hoping to see a bit of an experimental team tonight – backline of Arfsten & Dest on the edges and McKensie, Trusty & Joe Scally holding down the 3 Centerback slots. Lets give Pepi the start up front with Gio Underneath in the 10 slot. Berhalter or Morris in the 6 role with Tessman on the wing again. Best case scenerio today – 1-1 tie. My pick 1-2 loss before the beatdown Tuesday vs Uruguay.
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)
The Semi-Finals are here for the NWSL after the shocking upset of Kansas City last weekend. I love what the NWSL is doing with their TV contracts- unlike MLS – which is clueless when it comes to TV – NWSL leverages CBS and ABC/ESPN to present its playoffs after a full season of coverage. I just wish the NWSL could compete on salaries as they continue to lose US National players to Europe. Sat we get Washington vs Portland at 12 noon on CBS, while Sunday has Orlando and Gothem Battle Sunday at 3pm on ABC. See full game previews below.
Headlines Around the World of Soccer
Great to see Croatia and Luka Modric have qualified for the World Cup – England & France also qualified with their wins – while plenty can secure births over the next week. Who Can Qualify this week. Huge seeing Ronaldo got a Red Card in Portugal’s game this week and might miss games in the World Cup. Did you know American forward Ricardo Pepi has scored as many Champions League stoppage time winners as Ronaldo and Sergio Aguero? Huge news that MLS says Apple TV will show all MLS games without season pass starting next season – so if you have Apple – you get all MLS Games. MLS has also announced starting in 2026-27 they will move to a Fall Season to match the European Soccer Schedule – I think this is death call for MLS – hope I am wrong. Lots of stories on it below. US Soccer, World Cup Qualifying & NWSL Playoffs all weekend on TV. (See full schedule below)
Great to have Carmel High Coaches Shane Schmidt (rt) & John Simmonds (mid) join DOC Juergan Summer at our Carmel FC coaches social last week. Shane’s Boys won State, while John’s ladies finished 2nd in the state. Yes T Ray Phillips and I reffed in the Snow in early November at the Zionsville College Showcase Last weekend. Mike Arrington, Shane & T Ray Phillips at Zville Showcase last weekend
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Nov 15 9 am FS1 Kazakhastan vs Belgium WCQ 12 noon CBS Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Portland Thorns NWSL Playoffs 12 noon? Georgia vs Spain WCQ 2:45 pm FS2 Greece vs Scotland WCQ 2:45 pm ? Switzerland vs Sweden WCQ 5 pm TNT, Max USA Men vs Paraguay Chester PA 8 pm TUDN, Univision Mexico vs Uruguay Sun, Nov 16 7 am ESPN2 Liverpool vs Chelsea FC Womens Superleague 9 am FS1 Hungary vs Ireland WCQ 9 am FS2 Portugal vs Armenia WCQ 12 noon FS2 Azerbaijan vs France WCQ 12 noon ?? Albania vs England WCQ 2:45 pm FS1 Italy vs Norway WCQ 3 pm ABC Orlando Pride vs NY Gothem FC NWSL Playoffs Mon, Nov 17 12 noon FS2 Finland vs Andorra WCQ 2:45 pm FS2 Germany vs Slovakia WCQ Tues, Nov 18 2:45 pm FS2 Belgium vs Liechhtenstein WCQ 4 pm ?? Canada vs Venezuela 7 pmTNT, Max USA Men vs Uruguay Tampa, FL 8:30 pm Univision Mexico vs Paraguay Weds, Nov 19 12:45 pm ESPN+ Juventus vs OL Lyonnes (Heaps) Women’s UCL 12:45 pm CBSSN Wolfsburg vs Man United Women’s (GK Joyce) UCL 3 pm CBSSN Arsenal vs Real Madrid Women’s UCL Thurs, Nov 20 12:45 pm CBSSN Twente vs Atletico Madrid Women’s UCL 3 pm CBSSN PSG vs Bayern Munich Women’s UCL 3 pm ESPN+ Chelsea vs Barcelona Women’s UCL Sat, Nov 22 7:30 am USA Burnley vs Chelsea 9:30 am ESPN+ Heidenheim vs Mgladbach (Reyna & Scally) 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Freiburg 9:30 am ESPN+ Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) 10 am USA Bournmouth (Adams) vs West Ham United 10 am Peacock Wolverhampton vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 10 am Pk Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest 10:15 AM ESPN+ Barcelona vs Athletic Club 12 noon Para+ Juventus (McKinny) vs Fiorentina 12:30 pm NBC New Castle vs Man United 8 pm CBS NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP 9:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs LAFC MLS Playoffs
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– Europe (3 of 16 qualifiers): England, France, Croatia – North America, Central America and Caribbean (0/3): – Africa (9/9): Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia – Asia (8/8): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, South Korea – South America (6/6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay – Oceania (1/1): New Zealand
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The U.S. men’s national team are back for the second-to-last international window before the World Cup. Are we running out of time? We will play Paraguay and Uruguay, all the ‘guays. But the squad still feels, let’s say, incredibly experimental. Lots of massive players not called in, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Chris Richards. But one huge, almost marquee name is back: Gio Reyna, returning like a prodigal son for the first time since the doomed tragedies of the CONCACAF Nations League in March. Lots of intrigue to unpack. The process that we’re meant to trust remains — I’ve got to be candid — somewhat of a mystery.
More: Our team at The Give N Go broke down the biggest omissions from the most recent USMNT roster earlier this week. Watch that here.
ii. Let’s start with Gio. Football writer Henry Bushnelltweeted that Gio has played fewer club minutes this year (just 146 total for German duffers Borussia Mönchengladbach) than any other USMNT player and hasn’t scored or created a goal since January. “Players need to perform” was the rule for months. The reality is Gio is suddenly good enough for Pochettino — not because of anything he has done on the field, but based on our memory of what he could do four years ago in the last cycle, the Gio of our imaginations. This is some gamble by Poch, it completely changes the dynamic of the message he has been giving the other players and that is a risk.
I want to say, I am happy for Gio as a human being. He came on our show last week and I found the interview very moving. To listen to this 22-year-old kid, who’s had everything in his world buckle with his family, his club career, and his international career, all conflating together in this mess. A player who was once on the same starboy trajectory as his friend Erling Haaland, now on the bench in a German relegation battle barely getting minutes. This is his chance for redemption and I hope he seizes it.
iii. What does his return mean from a “trust the process” perspective? Again, this is the second-to-last camp before the World Cup squad is announced, but I am old enough to remember back in August when Poch announced, “This is going to be the last camp to have the possibility for us to see players, new faces,” and here we are. Gio, back. Reliable Joe Scally, back. I am happy they are. I think they could and should have been called up earlier, but this issue of “trust the process,” you either have to articulate the process intelligently, clearly, or it just looks like you’re muddying the waters.
iv. In many ways, this is an outcome — not process — driven World Cup for the USMNT. Poch inherited the job mid-cycle and is trying to play catch up while learning international football management, the peculiarities of American football culture and U.S. Soccer on the fly. He will be judged on whether or not he wins a knockout game in the World Cup, that is all that matters. So the rules of how we get there, we can make them up along the way. Right now, we are like the plant-based meat of world football: it sounds good, it sounds like we should be the next big thing, but it is impossible to tell if we are really going to catch on.
v. All of that said, I’m ready for this quite intriguing pair of games: Paraguay (on Saturday) and Uruguay (on Tuesday), 39th in the world and 15th in the world. Both qualifiers for our World Cup and two really stern tests for this team. Just to recap, in case you missed the last couple of friendlies on Friendly Avenue: Over the past six months, we got taught a lesson by Türkiye, Switzerland and South Korea. We’ve drawn with Ecuador and we’ve beaten, let’s call them, aJapan 11 and a midnight oil version of Australia. We are three games unbeaten against top 25 teams, but let’s see how we fair against the two mighty ‘guays. Make us proud, boys. Go, go USA!
vi. The best place to enjoy the upcoming friendlies with your fellow USMNT fans? That would be our Discord channel. Join us here this weekend and next Tuesday, and come prepared with your best Gio questions, Poch theories, and Balogun vs. Pepi takes.
Herc on How This Window Can Help Change the USMNT Narrative
“If they play well and beat what I think are two very quality opponents in terms of player personnel and… two of the best coaches in South America, then Mauricio Pochettino and his squad will get into what this team actually means. [If they] can pull off good results and play well, then that’s going to change the narrative for sure.”
How Herc Ranks Poch’s Current No. 9 Options
“I think right now, if we were asking ourselves who’s in pole position, it’s got to be Folarin Balogun. He’s done so well the last couple USMNT camps and he’s shown an incredible ability to work off players like Christian Pulisic, who are so important and vital to this team. He’s one of the few forwards that can create for himself if he plays by himself… Then, it’s going to be Haji Wright two, and Ricardo Pepi three.”
On Diego Luna Getting Listed as a Potential Second Striker
“I’m very intrigued. Does that mean they’ll go two strikers? Because I look at this team and it doesn’t really scream three at the back. It screams like a four-man backline. Are you going for two? And is that with a true No. 9 and a playmaker underneath? If that’s the case, I can see why Diego Luna is listed as a striker.”
On the Return of Gio Reyna
“In every team I’ve been on, there have been special cases, special players who get treated differently. [Poch] needs to see what Gio Reyna is about now because come March, that’s your last window. That’s got to be, ‘I’m going to the World Cup with these 26 players.’ That’s got to be the moment. So you’ve gotta see what he has and what better opportunity for a player like Gio then against a very stingy defensive specialist in Paraguay.”
On Matt Turner’s Absence
“What happened to Zack Steffen is now happening to Matt Turner. Steffen went from being the No. 1 with the USMNT to Gregg Berhalter to “Here comes the World Cup” and not even being one of the three. Turner went from being No. 1 — record setter, two shutouts in a World Cup — to now not even being one of the four [in consideration]. I’d be very worried if I was Turner right now.”
Herc’s Score Predictions for the Two Friendlies
“Against Paraguay, you’re in store for a very difficult game to break down in terms of attacking and they’re going to make things difficult for the USMNT. I think we’re heading toward a gritty 0-0 draw.”
“As far as Uruguay, it’s 1v1 defending all over the place. If Pochettino and the USMNT get a back-and-forth going, it’s going to be a very long afternoon. I think I’m gonna lean all the way in this one, 3-1.”
Watch the full preview to get all of Herc and Rog’s thoughts on the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay (or listen here), and make sure to follow VAMOS on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for so much more.
Temwa Chawinga headlines NWSL end-of-year award shortlist
Kansas City star Temwa Chawinga is up for her second straight NWSL MVP award. (Jamie Squire/NWSL via Getty Images)
The NWSL dropped the end-of-year awards shortlist on Monday, as the league gives standout players and coaches props for a quality 2025 regular season.
Back-to-back Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga is up for her second straight MVP award, with the Current star joined by Delphine Cascarino (San Diego), Esthér González (Gotham), Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina), and Bia Zaneratto (Kansas City).Matsukubo is also up for Midfielder of the Year, alongside Kenza Dali (San Diego), Debinha (Kansas City), Claire Hutton (Kansas City), and Olivia Moultrie (Portland). (See full lists)
Cleaning up: After winning the NWSL Shield in record fashion, the Current received a league-leading eight nominations, including two Defender of the Year candidates (Kayla Sharples, Izzy Rodriguez), Goalkeeper of the Year (Lorena), and Coach of the Year (Vlatko Andonovski).
Orlando is the only 2025 playoff club fielding zero end-of-season nods, while only Matsukubo and Rookie of the Year nominee Riley Tiernan (LA) represent current eliminated teams.
Vote now: A weighted scale of players (40%), coaches and leadership (25%), media (25%) and fans (10%) now vote to determine this year’s winners, with fan submissions closing tonight at 8 PM ET.
Gotham shoots to end Orlando’s repeat NWSL title runThe last two NWSL champions will face off in Florida on Sunday. (Elsa/NWSL via Getty Images)The last two NWSL champions will square off on Sunday, as No. 8 Gotham visits No. 4 Orlando on a mission to end the Pride’s repeat title bid in the weekend’s second semifinal.“We’re an incredible team, and we’re just going to capitalize on all the opportunities we can get,” said Gotham forward Jaedyn Shaw after last Sunday’s upset win over No. 1 Kansas City.“It seems like most people outside don’t believe in the Pride, but the Pride are still the champions,” Orlando captain Marta said after the Pride’s quarterfinal victory. “There needs to be a little bit more respect for that.”Head-to-head: The teams split their 2025 regular-season series 1-1, with the away side taking all three points each time — though neither team is without an edge.“I’m really happy to be part of this team, and it’s only the beginning. This is the first game of three, so we’re going to keep pushing,” said Shaw, as the recent record-breaking signing continues to fuel Gotham’s firepower.“I love when people count us out,” said Pride midfielder Haley McCutcheon. “I feel like the only people who matter are the people in that locker room and the people who are with us every single day, working to achieve the goals we set out to achieve.”Tune in: The Pride host Gotham FC on Sunday at 3 PM ET, live on ABC.
Spirit hopes for a healthy lineup to offset Thorns’ upset bid Washington star Trinity Rodman went as an unused sub last weekend as she continues to rehab an MCL strain. (Scott Taetsch/NWSL via Getty Images)No. 2 Washington is gearing up to face No. 3 Portland on Saturday, hoping for a healthy roster as the NWSL semifinal squads take the pitch in front of another sold-out “Rowdy Audi” crowd.The Spirit are still waiting for star forward Trinity Rodman’s return, as the 23-year-old continues to rehab a recent MCL injury after going as an unused sub in Saturday’s quarterfinal.Washington also saw defenders Gabby Carle and Tara McKeown exit last weekend’s win with apparent injuries, though Rodman and McKeown were spotted training with the team this morning.Ready for battle: Despite their issues, the Spirit aren’t ready to tap out — as they take on Portland side firing on all cylinders after overcoming their own losses earlier this the season.“We are not just 11 players,” Spirit manager Adrian Gonzalez assured reporters. “We have a deep roster and that’s something that’s giving us a lot.”“The bounce-back ability of this team has been absolutely outstanding all season long,” said Portland manager Rob Gale. “We ain’t done yet.”Tune in: Washington hosts Portland at 12 PM ET on Saturday, live on CBS.
The USMNT is back to face Paraguay as the World Cup approaches following a decent October friendly window where the team continued showing consistency and growth. It was not a window without controversy as players returned to their clubs injured or having played heavy minutes much to the chagrin of their managers. This is truly a tale as old as time, but Mauricio Pochettino took heed and left several key players off the roster to allow them to rest and recover. Their absence will give him a chance to flesh out the roster with players who can provide depth but might not get a chance to start with the stars in camp. For their part, Paraguay come into the match having emerged from the gauntlet of CONMEBOL qualifying to reach the World Cup. They reached the tournament playing an organized and disciplined style marked by trying to break lines and play fast to push the ball forward and create chances. In a recent jaunt to Asia, however, the team jumped ahead 2-1 against Japan in the 64th minute and fell back but failed to secure the win thanks to a 94th minute goal from Ayase Ueda. That was followed by being thoroughly outplayed by South Korea in a 2-0 loss which saw the South Americans manage only 43% of the possession despite being behind 1-0 in the 15th minute. That said, Paraguay is tactically flexible and can create chances in possession. How the team lines up, using either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, should indicate how they will approach the game. In the last three matches, Poch has shown that his team can effectively play a cohesive style. The three center back formation has worked well against the varied tactics of Japan, Ecuador, and Australia. What’s more is that the team has shown grit and determination after the tough loss to South Korea and falling behind the Aussies. Who he lines up with is a different issue. The list of players who are reliable starters for the USA has dwindled as Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Tim Ream, Cristian Roldan, and Folarin Balogun are the players who have seen consistent minutes of those brought into the team. The window will be particularly important for Joe Scally and Gio Reyna. The left back can show that he is able to step in if Antonee Robinson continues to struggle with his injury and Gio Reyna has a chance to show he can lead the attack with Christian Pulisic missing. Perhaps more important than their play on the field, Scally and Reyna need to show the level of professionalism that Poch expects. Indeed, the story of these matches may very well be how players who are being given a chance, or a second chance, perform.
USMNT’s Christian Pulisic supports Gio Reyna in reviving his troubled career
Gio Reyna has the support of friend Christian Pulisic. Stephen Nadler / ISI Photos / USSF
By Tom BogertNov. 14, 2025Updated 2:16 pm EST The Athletic
U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic may not be in the November camp as Gio Reyna makes his return to the group, but the AC Milan star certainly has Reyna’s back.Pulisic said Reyna has been mistreated and sympathizes with the 23-year-old’s battle with injuries over the last four years.“He’s had a really tough time, unfairly in a lot of ways,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo Network. “I feel for him. It’s difficult what we go through. Some of the injuries he’s gone through, it’s really hard.”Reyna exploded as one of Europe’s biggest teenage talents with Borussia Dortmund and the USMNT in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup, but controversy and injury have dimmed his light since.Reyna was in the middle of a dispute between former U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter and his parents, Claudio and Danielle Reyna. The Reynas, frustrated by Gio’s lack of playing time at the World Cup, revealed to U.S. Soccer a decades-old domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and his wife. The revelation led to an investigation, a public saga and the breakdown of the relationship between the two families.There was a time during the 2022 World Cup when Reyna was nearly sent home from camp for his attitude.On the field, things haven’t been much smoother for Reyna. He has failed to feature more than 610 minutes in a single league season since 2020-21. After falling out of favor in Dortmund, Reyna went on loan to Nottingham Forest, where his playing outlook didn’t much improve. He was even left off the match-day roster entirely a handful of times.This summer, Reyna moved from Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has started just one game, but has appeared in six. He ramped up his fitness before his debut and then was sidelined briefly with a thigh injury.However, Pulisic is still supporting his teammate.
Gio Reyna hopes his move to Borussia Mönchengladbach can lift his fortunes.Lars Baron / Getty Images
“When I have him on the field with me on the national team, I feel a lot more relaxed,” Pulisic said. “He’s a really, really good player — that’s not a crazy take, a lot of people see that. I just tell him to stay patient. He’s a guy that’s gone through a bit of a tough time, he’ll admit that, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have really good things ahead.”The November camp is the first time Reyna has been involved with the national team since Berhalter selected him for the 2024 Copa America. A“I do think it’s been unfair, but I think he’s going to come around and people are going to see that soon,” Pulisic said.As for Pulisic, he is missing camp after just recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on international duty in October. He missed four games for AC Milan and returned from the bench last weekend.“I just want to make sure I have the time now to fully care for myself, to make sure my hamstring is doing well and allow other guys to take my place,” Pulisic said. “It’s just the best decision for everyone right now.”Pulisic was absent from the USMNT over the summer after asking head coach Mauricio Pochettino not to be selected for the Gold Cup. He got some time off before returning to Milan for preseason.The USMNT faces Paraguay on Sunday in Chester, Pa., and Uruguay on Tuesday in Tampa and won’t be together again until the March international break. By Tom BogertSenior Writer, US Soccer
How Max Arfsten, uncapped and ‘overlooked,’ became an unlikely USMNT fixture
Stephen Maturen / Getty ImagesBy Henry BushnellNov. 13, 2025
PHILADELPHIA — At 16 years old, Christian Pulisic was moving to Borussia Dortmund, and Tyler Adams was turning pro in New York. Folarin Balogun was with Arsenal’s vaunted under-17s. Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi were on similar paths to soccer stardom in Dallas. Most of the U.S. men’s national team these days develops in elite youth academies, often far from home, with big dreams. As for Max Arfsten?Arfsten, who has started more games for the USMNT in 2025 than anybody else, was playing at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, Calif., yearning for a Division I college scholarship.“Which is crazy,” Arfsten tells The Athletic, his mind blown by the contrast. “That’s insane to think about.”“But,” he notes, “everyone’s journey is different.”His went from the parks of Fresno to the University of California, Davis; from the San Jose Earthquakes reserves, where he failed to earn a first-team contract, to the Columbus Crew via the waning MLS SuperDraft. Having spent the first 21 years of his life in California, he didn’t even know where Columbus was. He arrived, essentially, as a trialist. He spent 2023 on the Crew’s bench — and quietly struggling, venting to confidants on the phone, sometimes returning to the Crew facility late at night to train on his own, less to improve, more to free his mind and “blow off steam.”Throughout that year, and even for parts of 2024, he was nobody. He was “overlooked,” as he’s said, and as he’s been for much of his soccer life.But at almost every stage, at every level, he was convinced: “I belong.”That’s what Arfsten, now 24, told himself in January at his very first USMNT training camp. That’s what he told himself two months later at his first A-team camp alongside studs like Pulisic and McKennie.He was nervous, he admits. “All these guys play for the top clubs,” he thought. He’d text his childhood coach, Milton Blanco, “all excited,” Blanco says. But Arfsten’s mindset quickly fell in line with what Blanco would tell him about any new teammate or opponent that might seem intimidating: “It’s just another f***ing dude.”By the summer, his understated cockiness began to flow. Off the field, in baggy cargo pants and oversized Ts, he oozes Cali chill; but on it, he plays with “that little arrogance,” Blanco says, and an edge. Even in an unfamiliar position, left back, he’d go at opponents. He rebounded from mistakes in a Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal against Costa Rica to score his first national team goal.No one ever anointed him a starter, but from March 23 through Oct. 10, he started all but one USMNT game. He entered 2025 with zero national team call-ups; he’ll likely end it with over 1,000 minutes, potentially more than any other U.S. outfield player this year. (He’s currently second to Tim Ream.)Advertisement
In 2026, he has big ambitions. “I want to play in Europe, I want to play in the World Cup,” he says. “I feel like those are the two next steps for me.”But he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. Nor does he feel fully comfortable with the national team, even in his red sweatshirt, sipping a vanilla latte in the team hotel lobby on a Monday afternoon, ahead of, potentially, his 15th and 16th U.S. games.“Every time I come here, I still feel a massive point to prove,” Arfsten says.In fact, “that’s how I approach everything at this point,” he adds.Because that’s what he’s been doing at every stop on the journey.
Mauricio Pochettino and Max Arfsten share a high five during the U.S.’s friendly vs. Japan in ColumbusAdam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY Network / Imagn Images
‘All I wanted was a D-I scholarship’
Arfsten was born and raised in Fresno, an unglamorous city in California’s Central Valley, and a thriving soccer town largely fueled by Latinos. “That’s who I grew up around,” Arfsten says. There was no big-time academy; no powerhouse college program; no flourishing pro club. But there was “a very big pickup, streetball type of scene,” he explains.Arfsten, the eldest of three brothers, took some traditional routes into soccer — a local club, Cal Odyssey; high school soccer, where “the level was really bad,” he says with a smile; and private training sessions with Blanco. But he’d also play in unstructured environments, with and against grown men when he was a teen. “That’s where I developed a lot of my technical ability,” Arsten says — in games that were “5-v-5, small space, just play.”In those environments, he says, “I got a lot better.” But he didn’t necessarily get on scouting radars. “All I wanted was a D-I scholarship,” he says. When he got his first offer as a high school junior, from UC Davis, he leapt at it.A week or two later, he recalls, he went to a tournament in Las Vegas and prestigious schools came calling. He considered Notre Dame. But he’d committed to Davis. “I felt a loyalty,” he remembers. He also wanted to play right away. So he enrolled at a school that, he admits, was “not even that good [in] the landscape of college soccer.”
AdvertisementAt the time, and for most of his childhood, he was an attacker — a winger or a roaming striker. He was good, and started most games as a college freshman, but … a pro prospect? While some of his present-day peers were already breaking into the USMNT, he was chugging along without a goal until the Big West Conference’s postseason tournament.
Arfsten ultimately spent two-and-a-half years at Davis — and later graduated, he notes, with a degree in economics, after continuing classes online. He left to sign an MLS Next Pro contract with the Earthquakes, and there, in San Jose, he began to truly believe he belonged. He’d occasionally train with the first team and think to himself: “I can play with these guys.”
The club, though, disagreed. So off he went, to the MLS draft, to Columbus and to the toughest year of his life.
Max Arfsten mans the left wing for the Columbus CrewJason Mowry / Getty Images
The breakthrough
He went alone, from California to Central Ohio, and did earn a contract with the Crew. But for the first time in his soccer life, he rode the bench. He’d push through training sessions; he’d drive home pleased with his performance. But come Saturdays, he’d hardly play. He’d call his mom and lament that Crew coach Wilfried Nancy seemingly didn’t like him. “I was ging through it,” Arfsten says now. “I was frustrated.” get out of his own head, he’d occasionally go back to the Crew’s training ground late at night. He’d scan his thumbprint and enter a mostly-deserted complex. He’d grab a ball and do technical work.
The following morning, coaches would sometimes confront him: “What are you doing? Why are you training extra?”
But they came to understand the nighttime sessions were, as Arfsten says, “a mental thing” — an escape from “just sitting at home and being sad or mad that I’m not playing.”
He logged just 272 minutes for the Crew in 2023. They won MLS Cup, but he hardly contributed. “It was a hard year for me,” he says now. “But I feel like I needed it to grow mentally.” He “reprogrammed” himself to treat weekday training sessions like gamedays. And in 2024, hardened, he began to establish himself.He earned Nancy’s trust, first as a sub, then as a starter, always in his new position: left wingback. “It was definitely an adjustment at first, especially the defending part,” Arfsten says. But he knew that countless left-footed stars, from Marcelo to Jordi Alba, had transitioned from attacking positions to two-way roles early in their pro careers. “I always had a feeling I could play wingback,” Arfsten says. Once he gained an understanding of pressing triggers and proper body positioning, it began to feel natural.
When he broke into the USMNT earlier this year, he was initially pushed even farther toward his own goal, as a fullback in a back four, and out of his comfort zone. Some fans would ridicule his defending.“I don’t want to agree with that,” Arfsten says of the criticism, “but I understand. I have grown up being an attacking player my whole life. Tracking back and defending is something that’s been asked of me as of lately, and I’m trying to embrace it and be as good as I can at it.”Now, though, as the U.S. has shifted toward formations with a back three and wingbacks, Arfsten has returned to his natural habitat. In his first game at wingback for the national team, he served up an assist to Alejandro Zendejas. With Antonee Robinson, the national team’s once-secure starter at left back, struggling to recover from knee surgery, Arfsten has solidified himself in the lineup.And yes, he does now feel more comfortable around U.S. teammates in camp. “I don’t feel comfortable in the sense that something is given to me,” he clarifies. He still feels the proverbial “chip on my shoulder, and I think part of that comes from playing in the MLS, as opposed to so many guys that play in top leagues.”But he is confident, perhaps more so than ever before, that he belongs.
‘OK, I can play with these guys’
When the maiden U.S. call-up appeared in his email inbox last winter, Arfsten was at his childhood home back in Fresno, and “I was hyped,” he recalls. He told his brothers, who responded: “Bro, that’s craaazy.” Blanco says that Arfsten would occasionally text him during those early USMNT days: “Hey, I trained with this guy, I trained with that guy.” Part of him, perhaps, was in awe.
But Blanco, who has worked with Arfsten off and on since the player was 8, would respond: “Dude, I’m happy for you, but that’s normal for you now.”
And although there were “some growing pains,” Arfsten says, “at a certain point, I was like, ‘OK, I can play with these guys.’”
His nerves tingled in January and March, but by July, when he walked out onto the shoddy grass pitch at NRG Stadium in Houston, for a Gold Cup final against Mexico, he felt something even more odd.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Arfsten says. “It was so weird.”
“The national anthem is usually when I feel it,” he explains. But there, in a cavernous stadium, with the stands 80% covered in Mexican green, on the biggest stage he’d ever played, he felt … confident.
Confidence is something he’s always had, to a degree; but also something he’s worked on intentionally. He reads books by or about successful people, such as Nike founder Phil Knight or tennis star Andre Agassi. He scrutinizes their words and studies their mentalities. He cites Kobe Bryant, and says: “I’m confident because I believe you have to be to be a successful athlete.”
He’s also learned to set goals that are both reachable and ambitious. Nowadays, they’re loftier than ever before. They’re also fairly explicit. Speaking two days after the Crew’s MLS season ended, Arfsten — who was the subject of a summer bid from English club Middlesborough, which the Crew turned down — says multiple times: “I want to go to Europe.”
“And,” he says, “I want to do anything I can to make this World Cup squad.”
He doesn’t let himself daydream, because “I gotta take care of playing well every day, wherever I’m at,” he says.But he knows, of course, that the biggest World Cup ever is seven months and two camps away. The USMNT’s opener is a four-hour drive from where he grew up.
“All I know,” he says, “is I want to be a part of it.” By Henry Bushnell
Senior Writer, U.S. Soccer
Who would win the 2026 World Cup if it kicked off today?
Multiple contributors
Nov 14, 2025, 04:11 AM ET
It’s mid-November, and qualification for the 2026 World Cup — to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer — is in its final dramatic stages, with many automatic spots to be filled over the next week and several other nations vying for a spot in March’s intercontinental playoffs.
Before we get there, though — and before we get to the World Cup draw, which will be held in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5 — let’s ask ourselves a simple question: If the World Cup started today, who would win it?
Mark Ogden: The 2026 World Cup is going to be won by the team that can best deal with the conditions of a stifling-hot summer in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Spain tick more boxes than any other contender. They are the reigning European champions — their pedigree is unquestioned — but Luis de la Fuente’s side will win the World Cup because they can dominate possession and wear down their opponents.
They have two world-class goalkeepers in Unai Simón and David Raya, a proven defense and a midfield including Martín Zubimendi, Pedri and Rodri. Further forward, on top of the consistency and reliability of Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo, the unpredictability and goal threat of Ferran Torres and Samu Aghehowa, there is winger Lamine Yamal, who is capable of leading Spain to glory in his first World Cup. The final is scheduled just six days after his 19th birthday; what a gift that would be.
Tom Hamilton: Spain have plenty of big tournament pedigree despite falling on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final to Portugal in June. Their last competitive defeat in 90 minutes was way back in 2023, when they lost to Scotland. Pedri missed much of the Euro 2024 knockout stages through injury, but he’s back and firing, which adds to the world-class depth — and beautiful blend of youth and experience — that De la Fuente can call upon.
Other teams such as France, England and Argentina will push them close, plus we expect Brazil to click at some stage, especially with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. As we saw in 2022, there’s likely to be a Morocco-esque surprise package, but right now, Spain are at the front of the pack. Key to their chances, though, is getting Rodri back up to full working order. Manchester City have been slow to reintroduce him, but if he gets back to his world-class best …
Sam Marsden: Time for me to make a wholly original pick! A lot of countries have a lot of talent, but right now, none, for me, are better than La Roja, for two reasons.
Firstly, they have a clear playing style, which is not always easy to find in international football. Secondly, it feels like the roles within the team are so well defined and understood within the squad that they’re best-equipped to deal with losing players to injuries or suspensions. However, that resilience and flexibility could be tested if Ballon d’Or runner-up Yamal ends up missing games. He is perhaps the one player in the squad whose quality, unpredictability and match-winning ability is difficult to replace.
Yamal situation playground stuff’ from Barcelona and Spanish FA
Julien Lauren believes the Lamine Yamal situation could be “easily figured out” if both Barcelona and the Spanish FA “speak to each other” to sort it out.
Alex Kirkland: Am I biased, living as I do in Madrid? Perhaps. But here are the facts: Spain won Euro 2024, beating Germany, France and England along the way. Before that, they won the 2023 UEFA Nations League. Since then, they’ve reached the 2025 Nations League final — only to be beaten in a penalty shootout by Portugal. They’ve just matched the longest unbeaten run in their history, going 29 competitive games without defeat (counting that Portugal final as a draw). They’ve also got Pedri, Yamal, Nico Williams, and so many midfield options that Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz and Rodri are competing for just one spot.
Are there weaknesses? A few: Oyarzabal isn’t your dream center forward, but he has seven goals for Spain in 12 months. And if he’s not scoring, then Arsenal’s Mikel Merino — six goals in World Cup qualifying — will. De la Fuente isn’t entirely convincing, but you can’t argue with results, and his team play a really clear, cohesive, well-established style of play. If Pedri and Yamal stay fit: no other team comes close.
Cesar Hernandez: I think there’s no looking past the Euro 2024 champions. If we’re not counting the results of penalty shootouts (though it was a dramatic one with Portugal earlier this year), they’ve gone 24 consecutive games without a defeat in regulation or extra time. They’re also breezing through World Cup qualifying without a loss or goal allowed.Granted, if the World Cup were starting this week, there’s also an assumption that the fitness management of Yamal would be in a much more ideal state as he’s shifted between Barcelona and national team duties, but who knows. Perhaps this back-and-forth continues through next year, which could lead to a different prediction for 2026.
Lizzy Becherano: At this point in time, Spain have to be considered the front-runners. Winning Euro 2024 was a master class, one that also offered valuable experience to the younger players on the squad. The likes of Yamal and Fermín López are better for enduring the pressure and high stakes on the international stage, which is crucial to being successful at a World Cup. Certain countries boast individual stars who can drive victories, but Spain stand strong enough in each position to power through the most difficult challenges the upcoming World Cup will pose.
James Olley: Spain! They lifted the Euro 2024 trophy by becoming the first team to win all seven matches without requiring penalties. And the caliber of the teams they beat — Italy, Germany, France and England among them — suggested it was no fluke.Williams and Yamal are two years older with more experience; Rodri should be relatively fresh assuming he recovers from his persistent injury problems, but if not, Zubimendi — who deputized for Rodri in the Euros final against England — has arguably taken his game to another level at Arsenal this season. Spain do need other players to kick on — Dean Huijsen switching his allegiance from Netherlands last year could be a major boost if he thrives at Real Madrid — but they still look the team to beat.
Jeff Carlisle: It has to be Spain. They’ve been wiping out their opponents in qualifying by a combined score of 15-0. Obviously there will be sterner tests once the real thing starts, but for now they’re unstoppable. Mikel Merino is banging in the goals — so is Mikel Oyarzabal — and Pedri has been imperious in midfield. Lamine Yamal was injured for the last two games and Spain didn’t look bothered at all.Even with Robin Le Normand injured out injured for the rest of the year, the defense still looks solid with Aymeric Laporte and Huijsen anchoring the back line. Besides, when you’re possessing the ball over 75% of the time, like Spain did in its last two matches, they are absolutely cutting off the oxygen to teams, giving them little to no chance of threatening La Roja‘s goal. This is also a team with loads of experience, having claimed the Euro 2024 title. They know how to come through in big matches.
ENGLAND (3 votes)
Last World Cup win: 1966 FIFA rank: 4
Julien Laurens: The biggest factor here besides England’s talent is that they finally have a manager who is not afraid of making big calls and being honest about it. Thomas Tuchel can deal with big egos better than anyone else, having worked for high-profile teams from Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. He has extensive experience managing unhappy players and leaving behind anyone who isn’t on board with his philosophy and team spirit. One of the best tacticians in world football, Tuchel is the right guy to finally lead England to victory.
The Three Lions have one of the most talented squads of players, and bags of experience at the club level, for him to choose from — many of whom were part of England’s run to the finals at the last two European Championships. Striker Harry Kane is in the form of his life, there is depth in a lot of positions and a fresh generation of young stars pushing hard for a starting spot or a place on the plane next summer. (Seriously, take your pick from Elliot Anderson, Alex Scott, Adam Wharton, Morgan Rogers … need I say more?)
Marcotti questions Tuchel’s comments about Bellingham, Kane and Foden
Gab Marcotti believes Thomas Tuchel should “never say” Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden can’t play together. Cole Palmer will come back from injury fresh and rested, ready to have a big impact whether as a starter or as a sub. And leaders like Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice or Marc Guéhi will shine. Tuchel also explained the obvious this week: Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can’t start together. It didn’t work in the past, and it won’t work at the World Cup this summer. The team would not be balanced enough, and in this structure, it is not possible to have them three together from the start. This England team will be built differently, on and off the pitch and that will be the reason for their success.
Bill Connelly: They currently have the best combination of talent, depth, coaching, center forward play and good health. (Spain would be my answer, if not for those last two parts.) Tuchel’s combination of caution and individualized tactics should work as well as anything in a long combination with so many knockout rounds, and while he probably doesn’t have the fullback situation figured out as well as he would prefer, no one does. This is a battle-tested squad with a bench loaded with players would start for all but the most elite countries in the world. They’re in great shape, and if the overall health of the squad hasn’t fallen apart seven months from now, they’ll have everything they need.
Gab Marcotti: I’m applying the process of elimination here. Right now, Yamal and Pedri are injured (sorry, Spain); Brazil have a lot to prove under Carlo Ancelotti; Argentina look good, but we haven’t had repeat champions in my lifetime. Right now, logic says England or France, except after 12 years of Deschamps, I can’t help but feel things might be getting a little stale for Les Bleus. So whatever, I’ll bite. Why not England? Why not Tuchel to make history as the first foreign manager to lift a World Cup? Why not an end to 60 years of hurt and humiliation? Darn, can’t believe I said that. But you did ask for “right now,” so …
FRANCE (2 votes)
Last World Cup win: 2018 FIFA rank: 3
Beth Lindop: While I think Spain are possibly the most balanced team in world football, I’m opting for Les Bleus. They are no strangers to World Cup success, having followed up their 2018 triumph by reaching the final in 2022.
In terms of attacking firepower, I think they’re pretty unrivaled at the international level. Kylian Mbappé has been in fine scoring form for Real Madrid this season, while Ousmane Dembélé is now officially the best player in the world thanks to his Ballon d’Or win, though his campaign so far has been disrupted by injury. With the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué in the squad, Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal. And, at the other end of the pitch, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández and William Saliba are also in great form. The squad is really strong in all departments.
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Ryan O’Hanlon: They’ve made the past two World Cup finals, and the last time they lost a knockout game at a World Cup, Barack Obama was the U.S. president and England was still part of the European Union. Their potential front three of Mbappé, Dembele, and Michael Olise is better than anything any club team can offer. Their starting center backs are currently starting for club teams that have allowed 11 combined goals through their first 21 matches of domestic play. This will be the most talented team at the tournament next summer — and it won’t be close.
ARGENTINA (1 vote)
Last World Cup win: 2022 FIFA rank: 2
Fans surround Argentina bus to watch Messi train
Hundreds of fans gather as Lionel Messi and the Argentina team train in Spain ahead of the Angola friendly. Rob Dawson: Managing the climate in the U.S., Mexico and Canada will be key for whoever lifts the trophy, and the European nations are going to struggle. Argentina got over the line in Qatar, and the core of that squad is still here. Lionel Messi — if he plays — is unlikely to have the same impact as last time, but they’ve got Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez around him. It’s a formidable spine to the team. World Cups are won by sides that can grow into a tournament, and Argentina have got invaluable inexperience from four years ago. They’re the ones to beat.
Opinion: MLS takes on risk in July-May calendar, but Apple deal change is positive
ASN’s Brian Sciaretta offers up his thoughts on the big announcement from MLS with the change of its schedule and the altering of the its broadcasting deal with Apple TV.
BY Brian SciarettaPosted November 14, 2025 11:00 AM
MLS MADE THE historic announcement on Thursday that the league was going to switch scheduling and adopt a season that aligns with the global game. The league will now begin in the late summer, take a winter break, and resume in the spring. The goal is to take advantage of transfer markets, be able to respect FIFA international windows, and have the playoffs go uninterrupted.
Per the release: “The 2027-28 MLS regular season will begin in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028.”
Overall, the league is painting a nice picture on what is a big risk. Sure, the current schedule has problems. But some of those problems are real, and some of those problems are overblown in this announcement. But moving to a Summer-Spring season also creates news problems and doesn’t necessarily fix the existing problems.
Weather
For some of the league’s teams, this switch will not change much in terms of the environment of their home games. But for other teams, there are going to be a lot more cold weather games.
After this current November international break, only eight MLS teams and seven MLS games remain. Under the new switch, all 30 teams will have to play another month into mid-December. In the later stages of the playoffs, fans are willing to put up with more because of the importance of the games. But midseason games in cold weather?
That is not something that should be easily brushed aside. MLS is not the first league to have tried this. In 2010, the Russian Premier League switched from a calendar year to Summer-Spring like MLS now. The results were disastrous. Reuters had a feature six years after the switch highlighting the falling attendances, frequently cancelled or moved games, and a decline in fan interest.
MLS has enough teams either in manageable winter climates or indoor stadiums where the results won’t be as drastic. But they could have a similar impact on many of the league’s bigger teams.
MLS has different climate constraints than most of Europe. Had most of Europe’s leagues had weather similar to Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Colorado, Salt Lake, Minnesota, Columbus, or Cincinnati, would they have had their schedules the same as they do now?
With this switch, MLS made it more difficult to get fans to go to home games for a big part of the season.
Footprint remains similar
In terms of the number of months in a year MLS games will be played, the footprint on the calendar year will be smaller. The new proposed winter break is essentially the same length of the current offseason. Now, on top of that, there is a new offseason in June through mid-July.
To be fair, MLS in June is historically a mess with major international tournaments and this eliminates that mess altogether. That is good.
The flow
MLS will now adopt a winter break in the middle of the season. While the Bundesliga has a winter break, the MLS winter break will be longer than any other top league. It will be like what we see in the Danish Superliga. It will now become the only major North American sports league that pauses for two months and them resumes.
The question is how do the league’s existing fans adjust to such a big interruption to the flow of the season? Maybe it will not be an issue or maybe the season’s momentum will be lost? Right now, it’s all just a guessing game, or a risk.
Transfer market
In the media release from MLS, the top two reasons for this change were related to player signings: “optimize global transfer market activity” and “maximize player signings.”
There are some merits to this. There are deals that do not happen over the summer because teams do not want to lose a key player in midseason. Those deals would likely happen if the season is yet to begin.
With regards to selling players then in January, team are dealing with limited needs and the players getting sold do not have a preseason to try to adjust.
That said, there are a lot of important leagues that operate on a calendar year and still manage to sell players sufficiently. Brazil’s Serie A and most South American leagues are on a variation of a calendar year. These leagues also continue to be major sellers in the world market.
It is a little overstated. Top young players have been sold from the league at a sufficient pace.
As for the buying side, MLS teams have been aggressive regardless of time of season or year. Many of the top imports within the league have arrived midseason, and there hasn’t been much complaining. Sure, if Messi arrived in Miami before the season started in his first year, it would have resulted in them making the playoffs.
But for most of the recent substantial imports – such as Heung-Min Son – joined midseason. With the league’s playoff format, having these players there for the playoffs is really the most important thing.
Playoffs
MLS said that the league is exploring new playoff formats to go along with this schedule change. Regardless of how the playoff changes, it is a big win that the playoffs, nor the stretch run leading to the playoffs, will be affected by the three FIFA international windows in the fall. The September, October, and November windows break up the flow of every league but it is even worse to be deciding titles and elimination during this run.
The talk about which American sports leagues MLS has to compete for viewership is off base. No matter what time of year, the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL is ongoing. These decisions need to be made independent of other leagues. If anything, it’s harder now for the MLS playoffs to compete against the NBA and NHL playoffs along with the start of the MLB season.
But the fact that the MLS playoffs are now uninterrupted is good.
Bottom Line
There is no crystal ball to tell how this is going to go. It seems like there is a lot of risk to fix problems that were exaggerated.
But it does help with not having the league playing in June during international tournaments and it does help with the playoffs going uninterrupted and into nicer weather.
There will be a lot of challenges, and it won’t always be easy for fans. All we can do is hope it works.
Apple TV altered
MLS also announced on Thursday that its broadcasting deal with Apple TV will be altered. Instead of having a separate MLS package on Apple TV, MLS games would now become part of the general Apple TV package. Like with the previous deal, MLS season ticket holders will get an Apple TV package included with their season tickets.
Whatever the numbers were behind this deal, it’s a good move for all parties. MLS is a league that is trying to grow and expand. It’s very hard to do that behind a paywall. Apple TV is still a paywall, but it has a massive market behind it. In total there are 45 million Apple TV subscribers and now MLS will get to push into those numbers as opposed to only those that bought the MLS package. This is the way to expand.
MLS commissioner Don Garber addresses lingering questions after league flips calendar
Pamela Smith / AP PhotoBy Paul TenorioNov. 15, 2025 7:00 am EST
PALM BEACH, Fla. — MLS commissioner Don Garber couldn’t help but smile as he walked quickly through the lobby of the Four Seasons less than an hour after the league’s board of governors meeting adjourned. It was a hint of what he would announce an hour later.For the past two years, owners had studied, analyzed and debated the future of the league. On Thursday, they voted to move forward. The board approved a plan to flip the calendar to run from mid-July through the end of May, syncing MLS with many of the top leagues in the world, setting it up to take steps forward in its sporting product and shifting its biggest games to a more attractive spring window for media partners.League owners also approved a plan to overhaul the regular season and are mulling changes to the postseason format. MLS also announced changes to its partnership with Apple, which takes the league out from behind the paywall of MLS Season Pass and puts it on to the Aple TV streaming platform, where it will be available for tens of millions of subscribers.Garber declared the calendar change, “one of the most important decisions in our league’s history.” And as he sat to speak with reporters, his optimism about what the day meant for the future of MLS was clear. Garber discussed many of the finer details — and some of the questions that linger after such a seismic decision.The concern voiced by most fans centered on how colder weather markets would handle games played in November and December, and potentially an extra week or two in February. Garber said the work the league did to study the issue convinced those markets it would not make a massive dent on their business. Some teams will have to make updates to their facilities, but others won’t, he said. And the overlap of seasons means major changes can mostly be avoided.
“We’re (already) playing games in November now, and it could be really cold in those same markets,” Garber said. “It could be really cold in December. It could be really cold in other months. We’re talking about a couple of games (being added), so I don’t know that it makes sense for a team, for a handful of games, to dramatically change their infrastructure.“It’s not like this is as traumatic as I think most people think. When we were going through this process, 92% [of the footprint] is exactly the same window. MLS Cup was in Toronto in December, and it was really, really cold. It could have been in Toronto this year if they had a good season, right?”
The Seattle Sounders won 2016 MLS Cup in Toronto, which was played in DecemberClaus Andersen / Getty ImagesGarber credited owners for being willing to take on such major changes in order to push the league forward. With 30 ownership groups, the idea of unanimity is long gone. But the league was able to get an overwhelming amount of support for this vote.“They want to push the envelope,” Garber said. “They’re impatient to continue to ensure we’re capturing the opportunity. They’re willing to make decisions … that might not be in their individual interest.“This is the right move,” he continued. “Moving to the international calendar would have been unthinkable years ago. We didn’t have the ability to manage it with our facilities, and we didn’t have strength and commitment within our fan base. So while this will have, in the short term, a disparate impact on certain teams, you know, I watched a (Canadian Premier League) championship where fans were packed into a small stadium and players played in a foot of snow. Now we probably would have rescheduled that game, but I think it speaks to the soccer fan here in this part of the country (who are) committed and they believe in their team.“I can remember back in the day, people said, why won’t you do the calendar? People go to NFL games when it’s cold. I’d say, ‘Well, actually it’s not the players, it’s the fans and it’s our facilities.’ Do we have heated fields? Do we have the way to manage what could be cold weather in markets from a hospitality perspective, and all of that are building blocks that needed to happen over time.”What You Should Read NextMLS calendar flip is a big step, but not the only step, toward greater global relevanceBig change is coming to MLS in the summer of 2027, but what else needs to happen for the league to increase its profile?
Somewhat swallowed by what may be the biggest change in the league in 20 years was the news about changes to the Apple deal. With Season Pass eliminated, subscribers tuning in to watch Severance or Pluribus — or Ted Lasso, which returns with Season 4 in 2026 — can now watch MLS, as can any Formula 1 fans that subscribe for the start of that deal in 2026.Importantly, Garber said the terms of the deal with Apple also changed — though he declined to disclose any details. Sources, however, confirmed Sportico’s report that the deal will now end after the 2028-29 season, three and a half years earlier than expected.“This wasn’t about MLS Season Pass not working,” Garber said. “It’s about, how could we work with Apple, who had a vision for what Apple TV could be, and where sports would fit into that, and how could MLS be a bigger part of a broader distribution vehicle for our league?“Yes, we’ll have different economics. The term will change. The financials will change. And all that’s very positive for us.”
Garber remained bullish on the league’s decision to take all of its local, national and global rights to one streaming partner. The Apple deal has faced harsh criticism by taking MLS out of typical linear rotation — though MLS does maintain a deal with Fox that airs 34 regular season games, eight playoff games and MLS Cup — but the commissioner was firm in his belief it was the right decision.
MLS is bringing its matches outside of a separate paywall on Apple TVIsaiah Vazquez / Getty Images
“We need to take a step back and understand that we (foresaw) the disruption of the sports media space three to five years ago and had a vision to have every single game be treated exactly the same, have those games be globally distributed, because we knew we would continue to sign well-known international players,” Garber said. “In this case, look at [Lionel] Messi, Son [Heung-min] and [Thomas] Müller, just what’s happened this year, and what our viewership has been in Korea, and what we continue to do in Argentina, and the excitement that is existing in Europe with players (who have) only been in our league for a number of months. And it was all part of a grand plan that took some risk, and I think it speaks to the way this ownership group has continued to evolve, where doing things the way it used to be done is not part of the lexicon of the MLS board.”A big part of these changes revolve around MLS’s place in the sports media economy. MLS has failed to deliver the type of audience needed to demand high-level media rights packages. It remains behind not just other North American sports, but also the Premier League here in the U.S.The move to flip the calendar is part of a plan to help the MLS business transition from a model that has thrived as a local entertainment business into one that can resonate nationally and globally.“I think the underpinning of professional sports is media, and in our case, it needs to be global media,” Garber said. “But you can’t have a great product unless you have an in-stadium experience that is really compelling and is saying to the world: Look what I’m experiencing here; you could experience that through a series of devices. So the two have to work together and I think (MLS) could achieve that. The EPL has achieved it. The NFL has achieved it. I don’t see any reason why we can’t.”Garber was asked how quickly that next media deal has to happen.“I think it certainly has to happen in order for us to to be what we want to be, which was going to require us to have more revenues to be able to continue to invest in both infrastructure, player development and signing great players so we could have a product that can compete with a very competitive soccer/football market globally,” he said. “So we look forward to continuing our relationship with Apple, and hopefully that grows our audience. And if our audience grows, that will deliver value for Apple and certainly deliver value for us, because we’ll have a larger audience to be able to think about: How could we monetize that sometime in the future?”To do that, MLS has to put a more attractive product on the field. Flipping the calendar is a tool in that aim. Lining up the transfer windows will allow MLS teams to do better business in the summer, both as a buyer and a seller. They will be able to attract more players coming out of contract, too.But if MLS is truly going to draw more viewers, the level of play has to go up. And to do that, the spending rules will have to change. Garber acknowledged that the league is studying how to modify them.
Star players like Lionel Messi have called on MLS to loosen its rules on club spendingLeonardo Fernandez / Getty Images“We still believe that we’re operating in a very competitive market, in a business that still is growing,” Garber said. “I still think of MLS as a 30-year startup. So just eliminating all rules I don’t think would be prudent. And by the way, almost all leagues have rules. They might be different, [but] even football, soccer leagues have rules. They might be related to spending limits and the like, but there are rules everywhere. We just have our version of them.“We’re excited about the evolution of those rules. And we’re going to continue to work on that. The window for that would be the 2027 season. So similar to the calendar change. We went [into] a very comprehensive presentation to the board about what kinds of things we’re thinking about with our [sporting and competition] committee: research-backed analysis of what these things could look like, what impact it would have on on-field performance, what impact it would have on spending, how does it deal with competitive balance? I want to reiterate to everyone: this is not a bunch of people sitting behind a curtain and just making decisions, as many people think on social media. It’s data-driven strategic analysis, backed by research, so that when we make decisions, they’re achieving the goals we want to achieve.”To make those bigger roster-rule changes, however, the league will have to modify or negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the MLS Players Association. The current CBA runs through January 31, 2028 — a date that was pushed back twice by extensions in negotiations forced by MLS during and after the pandemic.Garber said he did not anticipate the expiration date of the CBA changing, but it’s hard to see how the league could reach its goal of implementing meaningful change to the roster rules by 2027 without a new CBA.“We’ve got a lot of work to do collectively to ensure that we’re doing the work on the league side and on the MLSPA side, to have a deal that will be part of the future evolution of the league,” Garber said. “I don’t expect that we would change the date, but … I have a lot of faith in our players. I care deeply for them. They’ve got good leadership and good representation, and I look forward to sitting down with them both in the short-term as it relates to finalizing whatever we need to finalize on the transition, and then continuing to talk as early as we can, so that we can be in a good spot when the CBA expires.” By Paul Tenorio Senior Writer, MLS
Trinity Rodman negotiations reach NWSL commissioner as English teams express interest in U.S. star
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman will be a free agent this offseason. Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
Trinity Rodman’s representation is in negotiation with the National Women’s Soccer League over her future in the league, as interest from teams abroad continues. While the Washington Spirit would like to retain Rodman, the talks are currently beyond the club’s control due to existing roster constraints, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The 23-year-old will be a free agent this offseason.Rodman’s agent has spoken directly to commissioner Jessica Berman about deals to keep her stateside; however, one of the key points of contention is the player’s salary. Under the current salary cap, teams outside of the league can offer far more than the Spirit — or any NWSL team. Rodman’s team has had talks with at least three teams in the English Women’s Super League, according to sources familiar with the discussions.The Spirit declined to comment, and the NWSL did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.The NWSL operates under a salary cap, currently set at $3.3 million at each club. That maximum will rise every season until it hits $5.1 million in 2030, in accordance with the most recent collective bargaining agreement between the NWSL Players Association and the league.While the minimum player salary for this season is $48,500 and will rise to $82,500 by 2030, there is no maximum salary for an individual player. Still, the Spirit currently has 27 players’ salaries to cover (with three players on loan), whereas teams in Europe do not have to abide by such caps.After her breakout rookie season in 2021, Rodman signed a three-year contract extension with an option for a fourth year, which was exercised this year. In 2022, the deal, worth $1.1 million, made the then 19-year-old the highest-paid player in the league at the time.Rodman told ESPN’s Futbol W at the start of the season that she has “always thought about playing overseas at some point” in her career. The Spirit’s owner, Michele Kang, owns multiple teams across the U.S. and Europe, including OL Lyoness and London City Lionesses and considers herself a “globalist” when it comes to player movement, but has made it clear that keeping Rodman has been a top priority.“We’re going to do everything in our power to hopefully keep her here,” Kang told reporters in March. “She’s an integral part of our success, our success meaning the Spirit as well as NWSL.”
Trinity Rodman was a key goalscorer in the USWNT’s gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Daniela Porcelli / Getty Images
Multiple U.S. players have made the move to Europe this season, including defender Naomi Girma and former Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson, both of whom went to Chelsea. While it isn’t the only draw, the ability for overseas teams to pay higher salaries is a factor in the growing global market.In March, Kang ruled out a loan for Rodman to one of the other teams in her multi-club investment company, Kynisca Sports International, but said that players should experience different types of soccer throughout their career.“The European players should actually go at some point to experience the American football or different football. The same thing with the American football players as well,” Kang said. “Experiencing different styles, different leagues, it’s actually a good thing.”The Spirit selected Rodman with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, and the teenager had an instant impact. She was named rookie of the year in 2021, recording seven goals and seven assists, including one to Kelley O’Hara against the Chicago Stars to secure the team’s first NWSL Championship title.
Before her time in NWSL, Rodman was a standout for the U.S. youth national team, scoring nine goals in the team’s successful 2020 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship. She has been equally as impactful for the senior national team. Rodman has 11 goals and nine assists in 47 games with the U.S. women’s national team. She was one-third of the publicly-branded “triple espresso,” alongside Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson, who led the U.S. to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rodman has spent much of this season dealing with injuries, first with a persistent back problem that limited her to 15 appearances and nine starts through 26 regular-season games.Upon her return in October, she sprained her MCL during a Concacaf Champions Cup match, keeping her out of the Spirit’s final two games of the season. She was on the bench for Washington’s penalty kick shootout win over Racing Louisville in the NWSL quarterfinals last week, but never changed out of her warm-ups, instead helping guide players from the sideline.Still, she has been impactful for the Spirit, playing a contributing role to Washington securing the No. 2 spot in the NWSL standings. She has been impactful for the NWSL as a whole in terms of marketing, too, and was recently the only U.S. player featured in an Adidas campaign for the 2026 men’s World Cup.Rodman participated in full training on Friday ahead of today’s semifinal match at Audi Field between the Spirit and the Portland Thorns. By Meg Linehan and Tom Bogert
Jesús Pérez: Mauricio Pochettino’s right-hand man and the USMNT’s eyes and ears
If you look just over the shoulder of Mauricio Pochettino as he roams the sideline during a U.S. men’s national team game, you’ll find his top assistant, Jesús Pérez, in a place he finds most comfortable.“Two or three yards behind the coach,” Pérez said.Within that short distance, there is a massive difference, he insists. There is a gulf between thinking through decisions and actually making them — and the consequences that come with those choices.“When you are No. 2, you see things,” Pérez said. “But when you are No. 1 … wow, the map is bigger.”Those three yards, however, do not minimize the importance of Pérez’s role on the U.S. staff. Pérez has worked at Pochettino’s side since 2010, rising from analyst at Espanyol to the coach’s right-hand man at Southampton, Tottenham, PSG, Chelsea and now the U.S. He has an outsized impact on the national team as both an integral on-field coach and a chief of staff of sorts, keeping a ulse on every department and connecting the pieces to keep the organization running smoothly.Pérez is always there, whether it’s in stadium suites scouting games of national team players, leaning against the wall during postgame press conferences or running meetings across a number of departments. He is, as Pochettino describes it, the “hands-on coordinator.”“Jesús is someone who coordinates the professional areas and ensures that integration with the staff, whether from the clubs or the national team, [and] allows us to have better communication channels,” Pochettino told The Athletic. “Where everything can flow more smoothly, preventing any problems and ultimately providing the players with a better platform to perform.”
Jesús Pérez commands the attention of the USMNT during pregame warmups before a September friendly vs. JapanJohn Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Pochettino is the face, figurehead and the ultimate decision-maker — those three yards matter. But Pérez grinds behind the scenes to give the staff, and its leader, the best chance at being successful. More importantly, the 54-year-old has become a trusted advisor that Pochettino has leaned on for more than a decade and a half.“He’s a very important person, because, over the years, besides being an important person on the staff professionally, he’s also become a friend,” Pochettino said. “That’s something that doesn’t always happen, especially in the professional sphere like in this sport. That’s something beautiful to experience, because we’re a group of people who have known each other for many years and who have also found common ground, who share life values, not only professional values, but human values. And I think that’s what makes it unique. Within the friendship and within the professional side, that makes us respect each other. That constant challenge of always being better is what’s always the priority — in our entire relationship. And I think that’s something beautiful.”
‘You’re a strong boy’
The memory still sticks in the back of Ryan Mason’s mind.It was preseason at Spurs under Pochettino, who gave him his Premier League debut. The style of play under the Argentine manager was intense, and they were going through a demanding training session. Mason was hitting a wall when he heard Pérez’s voice.“Mase, you’re a strong boy!” the coach shouted.“He was so good on the mental side of it,” recalled Mason, now head coach at West Brom. “The impact that had on my body was huge. I remember feeling it give me more life, give me more belief in my body. And I still hear it to this day. I can still hear it now. It’s something that stuck with me and sticks with me. You have your physical side, but a lot of people have limitations. Some people hit their ceiling because mentally they can’t break through certain barriers and challenges. Whereas I believe Jesús and Mauricio, they’re people that can really push through your barriers and help you reach higher levels.”
Pérez spent much of the early portion of his career as a fitness coach working in Spain and then Saudi Arabia. He got sick toward the end of his time in the latter – a stress-induced illness, he said – and nearly walked away from coaching before Espanyol’s sporting director at the time, Ramón Planes, reached out. Pochettino was looking for someone with Pérez’s background to join the club. The offer was intriguing enough to pull him back to work.Pérez established his value not just on the fitness side, but in other areas, too. He first caught Pochettino’s eye with his work ethic in a shared office, where he worked quietly but diligently. Then he showed an ability as an analyst.Pérez started working from up in the stands but one day offered advice that won Pochettino’s trust. At the time, the staff was discussing dropping a forward in favor of a midfielder because they were being overrun in the middle of the park. Pérez saw things differently.“If you allow me to say you should do the opposite, you are a brave coach, you are a brave team,” he offered. “I think what you have to do is tell one of the center backs to step up and compensate the situation and push high the line, don’t drop the striker.”Within two months, Pérez found himself on the bench with Pochettino.
Jesús Pérez instructs Neymar at PSG in 2021Jean-Francois Monier AFP / Getty Images
“We brought him into the club in the youth academy,” Pochettino said. “From there, for six months we got to know each other, and then, when I had the opportunity to bring him into the technical staff with me, I made him the offer. He accepted, and that’s how we started working together in Espanyol.”
Still, that fitness background never left him. Players felt the assistant had a way of understanding and unlocking what it took to push them to the next level.
“He helped me to maintain my speed, my agility, my power and he helped me to even get better in my game and in my performances,” said LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who played under Pochettino and Pérez at Tottenham. “I still do things (today), it’s part of my routine that I learned from them at that time. … I believe that in the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them. He is a really bright person, really intelligent, and he knows really well his job.”
Over 15 years together, between Pochettino, Pérez and the rest of the staff – which includes Miki D’Agostino (who played with Pochettino at Newell’s Old Boys) and goalkeeper coach Toni Jiménez – there is a chemistry and balance that is unique at the upper end of the sport. The coaches interact well and complement each other’s strengths.
“Jesús is an extension of Mauricio,” U.S. defender Tim Ream said. “He’s got his finger on the pulse with everything, sees all the small details, but also all the big ones as well. He’s very much the glue that kind of keeps all the departments together, and his communication is very similar to that of Mauricio. Lots of personal one-on-one conversations, but also making sure that everybody’s doing the right thing at all times and doing the things together and pulling in the same direction.”
Top managers typically churn through assistants — many leave for other jobs or simply burn out. That the staff has been together this long stands out. There is a level of loyalty that exists within the group. Pochettino typically negotiates contracts for his entire staff.
“He always did what he promised to me,” Pérez said. “ He said (when we) were in Espanyol, ‘We cannot give you the value that you have, but I promise you one day we will try to get the contract that you deserve.’ And since we arrived to England, I never was worried about my contract. When he asked me, you know, what do you think about your contract, I said, ‘Whatever you decide. For me, it’s fine.’ That’s my answer in the last 15 years, and it will be the same forever.”
Pérez was linked to possible top jobs in England, but never took one. Even now he basically laughs off a question about it.
“The credit is his credit,” Pérez said. “It’s Mauricio’s credit. It’s not because I want to be humble, but I know how this business works. If people want to give me some credit, fine. I’m sure some qualities probably are (from) myself. But Mauricio was doing great before I joined the team and I’m sure if all of us, (if) we leave at some point, he will continue having success.”
Pérez insists he is focused on his role within Pochettino’s staff — of being the connector.
Jesús Pérez has been by Mauricio Pochettino’s side throughout his career, for club and countryRodolfo Gonzalez / AP Photo
Building a national team
That role has been different in some ways with the U.S.
Coaches are not around players as much, which brings “completely different dynamics.” That doesn’t just mean in how hands-on coaches can be on the field, but also in some of the relationships and politics that happen behind the scenes. Players who play require less handling. You show them where and how to improve, but their morale is up. With the rest of the squad there is a constant need to stay on top of players’ mentality and belief.“The challenge in the club is to sustain the motivation, the energy, the readiness of the guys that don’t play, and to deal with everything that comes along — the results or decisions or transfers or politics,” Pérez said. “That’s consuming. But in the national team, you select a player, and if a player doesn’t want to come, (they) stay out. So in general, you shouldn’t have problems of motivation in the camp.”
What Pochettino, Pérez and the rest of the staff have learned, though, is there are many uncontrollable variables with the national team. You never really know what players will be available. Since taking over the national team in October 2024, this staff has dealt with numerous long-term injuries to key players, including Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson. That has added to the already-difficult task of team-building.
“When we were discussing the job, you look at the list of the players you know, and you imagine the best version of everyone you know,” Pérez said. “And then (you have) every single situation, injuries or personal situations, and also every group has a past, so things don’t happen without reason. So, our duty was to go through one year knowing, assessing and digesting situations that came from the past, but trying to do (things) our way, with our circumstances. It was the real challenge.
“We want to win matches. We didn’t go to the U.S. to have an experience. We went there to increase our [experience], to play the World Cup. But we are there to win matches, to compete. The way to compete is maximizing resources, but we need to maximize the best group of players that they can be together.”
Jesús Pérez, right, addresses the USMNT during training in September 2025John Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
That process hasn’t come without pain. The staff brought in numerous new faces and left out several regulars in a bid to increase competition and eliminate complacency. But the results that build belief in the process haven’t always been there. Pérez said there is still real conviction they have taken the right approach.
The staff seems to have unlocked something in their move to a hybrid back line that shifts from a three- to four-man look and utilizes wingbacks, a position of strength in the pool. They were also able to truly manufacture competition in a pool where it has often seemed obvious who the best players are.
“There are different ways to win matches, obviously we have our preference, but as Mauricio always says, we adapt to the players’ qualities and to the player’s state, and we are not a slave of one way or another,” Pérez said. “At the end of the day, the principles of the games are there. … But none of them are going to be right if you are not fully committed. Fully committed with no doubts. And that’s the basics. So before we talk (about) other things, we [must] feel that we have a group really committed. And if it was some noise around those circumstances, I think everything (is now) clear.”
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With time winding down toward the World Cup, and with yet another camp with numerous key figures missing, Pérez said the coaches are confident they’ve gone through the right process to find the players they trust. That was part of why they spent so much time calling in new faces and looking at options beyond the previous core.
“We know exactly the big group of players that we can rely on,” Pérez said. “Depending on the circumstances, now it’s a matter of state and injuries. But we know (for example), if we call Alex Freeman, what Alex can give us. When we gave him the opportunity, we saw the potential. And now (he is) just getting better for the national team, for his club. But if we need to call Nathan Harriel, that probably has played less with us, we know him very well (too).”
Each player — and there have been 71 called into camp since Pochettino took over — has added value in working toward the end goal, Pérez insisted.
“That’s the biggest asset of the group,” he said. “That we are going to feel bad and sorry for the guys that probably at the end, they can’t make it, but we will give (them) credit and value for what they did for us and for the group, because without them, we couldn’t have the final group.”
For Pérez, that part of the process is critical to team-building. And delegating credit in the name of group success – that’s just part of Pérez’s process.
Jack Pitt-Brooke contributed reporting to this story.
2026 World Cup ticket prices jump; FIFA targets knockout rounds, USMNT games, cohosts
Chris Tanouye / FIFA / Getty Images By Henry Bushnell Nov. 12, 2025
FIFA hiked ticket prices for dozens of 2026 World Cup games ahead of the second phase of sales, which began Wednesday. The initial prices, described last month by fan groups as “super high,” “astonishing” and “unacceptable,” were already multiple times higher than those at previous World Cups. But, sensing strong demand, FIFA raised the cost of many tickets to new record-setting heights — the first large-scale implementation of its “variable pricing” strategy. The price of a Category 1 ticket to the 2026 World Cup final, the most expensive non-hospitality ticket, jumped from $6,730 last month to over $7,000 this month, according to multiple fans who gained access to pricing data. The cost of upper-deck tickets to the final also rose, with most now priced at $5,055 (up from $4,210 last month) or $3,450 (up from $2,790). Prices for many group stage games in the United States stayed stagnant. But tickets for the games in Mexico and Canada, which generally sold quicker in last month’s “Visa Presale” phase, got more expensive across the board, with some prices rising by around 25%, according to screenshots and data seen by The Athletic.
And in the knockout rounds, prices for every single match jumped in at least one category. For the first semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a Category 1 ticket now costs $3,295 (up from $2,780 at the start of the previous phase). A Category 2 ticket is $2,350 (up from $1,920) and a Category 3 ticket is $930 (up from $720).In most stadiums, according to color-coded maps embedded in FIFA’s ticketing portal, Category 1 encompasses the entire lower bowl and most or all of the second deck. Category 2 is predominantly the upper deck along the sidelines, while Category 3 is the upper deck above either goal. Category 4 tickets appear to be extremely scarce — confined to the upper portion of a few corner sections in the upper decks of stadiums. (Fans buy tickets by category, and FIFA assigns the exact section, row and seat closer to the start of the tournament.)
FIFA has not said how many tickets are available in each category. In fact, soccer’s global governing body has not communicated pricing details to the general public at all, as it did ahead of pastWorldCups. It has tightly guarded prices, and hasn’t made executives available for interviews. It even refused to reveal prices to fans who bought the “right to buy” tickets and clamored for the transparency they’d been promised.
But on Wednesday, the ticket portal opened to a random selection of fans in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They’d entered FIFA’s second lottery, the “early ticket draw,” and won the opportunity to purchase tickets to World Cup games in their country during a so-called “domestic exclusivity period.”
After hours-long waits in digital queues, they saw and helped reveal prices. Among the other matches subject to price hikes were:
The World Cup opener at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca
Canada’s opener at BMO Field in Toronto
Games in Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara
The U.S. men’s national team’s second game, at Lumen Field in Seattle
The U.S. men’s national team’s third game, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
Every game from the round of 16 onward
Prices for the U.S. opener at SoFi Stadium did not change — perhaps because those tickets did not sell as quick as others in the first sales phase. On Wednesday, they were still listed at:
Category 1: $2,735
Category 2: $1,940
Category 3: $1,120
Category 4: $560
But for the USMNT’s game in Seattle on June 19, they rose by 13% in Category 1, 16% in Category 2 and 22% in Category 3, to:
Category 1: $605
Category 2: $470
Category 3: $225
Category 4: $90
Prices also rose for the USMNT’s third game, to:
Category 1: $910 (up 13%)
Category 2: $750 (up 24%)
Category 3: $340 (up 21%)
Category 4: $140
A full list of updated prices — and, in parentheses, the percentage increase compared to initial Oct. 1 prices — is below.
Every 2026 World Cup ticket price (as of Nov. 12)
Most of the following list has been sourced from screenshots and screen recordings of FIFA’s ticketing portal, plus other individual prices sent by fans to The Athletic.
Some of the numbers — including the $7,875 price tag for a Category 1 ticket to the final — have not been independently confirmed with 100% certainty, but everything seen by The Athletic on Wednesday aligned with a full list compiled by a fan that circulated Tuesday in online communities. (The fan told The Athletic they wished to remain anonymous.)
Some of the prices also vary slightly by currency. On Wednesday, games in Mexico were only offered to fans in Mexico, and the prices they saw were therefore in Mexican pesos. Ditto for games in Canada and Canadian dollars. The Athletic, though, has chosen to publish the prices in U.S. dollars that FIFA is offering this week to fans in the U.S. and elsewhere — which are always rounded to “0”s or “5”s.
2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Group Stage
Mexico opener (CDMX)
$2,140 (+17%)
$1,550 (+20%)
$925 (+24%)
$370
Canada opener (TOR)
$1,970 (+13%)
$1,430 (+15%)
$845 (+18%)
$355
U.S. opener (LA)
$2,735
$1,940
$1,120
$560
Group stage (LA, SF, NYNJ)*
$620
$465-500
$215
$60-105
Group stage (TOR)*
$505-525
$390-405
$185-195
$60-75
Group stage (PHI, MIA, DAL)
$445
$335-385
$155
$60-75
Group stage (VAN)*
$440 (+7%)
$375 (+21%)
$155 (+11%)
$60-70
Group stage (BOS, ATL, HOU, KC, SEA, GDL)*
$405-415
$300-330
$140-160
$60-70
Group stage (MTY)
$390 (+13%)
$285-325
$135-145
$60
Canada Game 2 and 3 (VAN)
$540 (+14%)
$455 (+28%)
$195 (+18%)
$80
U.S. Game 2 (SEA)
$605 (+13%)
$470 (+16%)
$225 (+22%)
$90
U.S. Game 3 (LA)
$910 (+13%)
$750 (+24%)
$340 (+21%)
$140
Mexico Game 2 (GDL)
$525 (+18%)
$405 (+21%)
$195 (+26%)
$75
Mexico Game 3 (CDMX)
$630 (+18%)
$490 (+21%)
$230 (+24%)
$90
*Excluding games involving host nation
2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Knockout
Round of 32 – LA – June 28
$750 (+13%)
$575 (+15%)
$290 (+21%)
$185
Round of 32 – BOS- June 29
$470 (+7%)
$390 (+16%)
$180 (+13%)
$125
Round of 32 – MTY – June 29
$400 (+8%)
$305 (+9%)
$150 (+11%)
$105
Round of 32 – HOU – June 29
$440
$355 (+6%)
$160
$125
Round of 32 – NYNJ – June 30
$715 (+8%)
$580 (+16%)
$265 (+10%)
$185
Round of 32 – DAL – June 30
$480
$385 (+7%)
$175
$135
Round of 32 – CDMX – June 30
$515 (+17%)
$405 (+21%)
$200 (+25%)
$125
Round of 32 – ATL – July 1
$440
$360 (+7%)
$160
$125
Round of 32 – SF – July 1
$665
$525 (+5%)
$240
$185
Round of 32 – SEA – July 1
$470 (+7%)
$390 (+16%)
$180 (+13%)
$125
Round of 32 – TOR – July 2
$545 (+14%)
$415 (+15%)
210 (+20%)
$135
Round of 32 – LA – July 2
$665
$530 (+6%)
$240
$185
Round of 32 – VAN – July 2
$500 (+14%)
$430 (+28%)
190 (+19%)
$125
Round of 32 – MIA – July 3
$505 (+5%)
$405 (+13%)
$175
$135
Round of 32 – KC – July 3
$470 (+7%)
$385 (+15%)
$180 (+13%)
$125
Round of 32 – DAL – July 3
$515 (+7%)
$420 (+17%)
$195 (+11%)
$135
Round of 16 – PHI – July 4
$760 (+19%)
$560 (+15%)
$290 (+21%)
$185
Round of 16 – HOU – July 4
$620 (+5%)
$505 (+12%)
$220
$170
Round of 16 – NYNJ – July 5
$980 (+10%)
$785 (+16%)
$365 (+11%)
$260
Round of 16 – CDMX – July 5
$695 (+18%)
$540 (+20%)
$275 (+25%)
$170
Round of 16 – DAL – July 6
$640
$515 (+6%)
$240
$185
Round of 16 – SEA – July 6
$695 (+18%)
$565 (+26%)
$270 (+23%)
$170
Round of 16 – ATL – July 7
$665 (+13%)
$525 (+17%)
$245 (+11%)
$170
Round of 16 – VAN – July 7
$730 (+24%)
$595 (+32%)
$305 (+39%)
$170
Quarterfinal – BOS – July 9
$1,270 (+13%)
$890 (+16%)
$590 (+22%)
$275
Quarterfinal – LA – July 10
$1,775 (+5%)
$1,220 (+6%)
$800 (+10%)
$410
Quarterfinal – MIA – July 11
$1,375 (+13%)
$955 (+15%)
$635 (+21%)
$295
Quarterfinal – KC – July 11
$1,265 (+12%)
$940 (+23%)
$535 (+10%)
$275
Semifinal – DAL – July 14
$3,295 (+19%)
$2,350 (+22%)
$930 (+29%)
$455
Semifinal – ATL – July 15
$2,895 (+13%)
$2,185 (+23%)
$780 (+18%)
$420
Third place – MIA – July 18
$1,070 (+7%)
$825 (+15%)
$395 (+10%)
$165
Final – NYNJ – July 19
$7,875 (+24%)
$5,055 (+20%)
$3,450 (+24%)
$2,030
Most other tickets, at this stage, are still for matches between unknown teams. Most matchups and game locations will be determined on Dec. 5 at the World Cup draw and shortly thereafter when FIFA sets the schedule.
Soon after that, FIFA will open a third ticket lottery phase, and its variable pricing strategy will likely kick in again.
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