Notes
Awesome new commercial with Pulisic, Messi & Ochoa if you haven’t seen the US vs The World Series on HBO – its worth the watch. Gio Finally Scores for Gladbach his first of the season. Here’s why this guy might make the US team Berhalter from Distance. Pulisic with an assist finally in their 2-1 win over Genoa, AC Milan merely need a tie or win this Sunday to secure Champions League next season the last on Pulisic’s contract. Fulham’s Jedi Robinson scored his first goal this season from the spot as Fulham’s 1-1 tie takes them out of Europe discussion. But Tyler Adams and Bournmouth – yes Bournmouth have qualified for Europe & have a chance for Champions League next season with Aston Villa’s Europa Cup win on Wed.(they gotta win Sun & have Villa lose). Even Prince William the future King of England was thrilled with Villa’s Victory Neymar was named to the Brazil World Cup team and Brazil went nuts. Crazy Pep Guardiola is stepping down at Man City with 20 Trophies in 10 seasons.
World Cup Roster Reveal Tues 3 pm
So the US will reveal the roster on Tuesday at Live on 3 pm on Fox (weird time to do it). So who do you have for the biggest soccer games of our generation? I have made my flights and will be on my way June 10th to LA – returning when we lose.
Shane’s US Roster
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Matt Freese, Chris Brady
Center-backs: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty
Flex defenders: Alex Freeman, Joe Scally
Fullbacks/wingbacks: Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman
Central midfielders: Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter
Attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Diego Luna, Tim Weah
Strikers: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
Last cuts: Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn, Miles Robinson, Alejandro Zendejas, Aidan Morris
Indy 11 beat Ft Wayne in PKs – Host Lexington Sat 7 pm
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Indy Eleven goalkeeper Eric Dick made a diving save and Jack Blake, captain Aodhan Quinn, and Josh O’Brien converted their penalty kicks to give the Boys in Blue a 3-1 shootout victory in Prinx Tires USL Cup play at Fort Wayne FC on Saturday. Fort Wayne made its first penalty to take a 1-0 lead in PKs, but Blake responded to tie it, then Quinn made it 2-1, setting the stage for Dick’s stop. O’Brien was successful to make it 3-1, and the next Fort Wayne attempt was off target to end it. Next Saturday is “Pups at the Pitch” at Carroll Stadium when Indy Eleven returns to USL Championship play vs. Lexington SC at 7 p.m. Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans. Indy 11, & former Carmel High and CDC GK Eric Dick Wins Shootout
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Fri, May 22
2:45 pm Para+ Atalanta (Musah) vs Fiorentina
10 pm TUDN Mexico vs Ghana
SAT May 23
12 Noon CBSSN Barcelona vs OL Lyonnes (Heeps/Horan) Womens’ UCL
12N Para+ Bologna vs Inter Milan
2 pm ESPNU, + Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart (German Cup)
2:30 pm Fox St Louis City vs Austin MLS
3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs Lexington
7:30 pm Apple Cincy vs Orlando City
8:30 pm Apple Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC
9:30 pm Apple San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Sun, May 24
11 am ?? Leeds United (Aaronson) vs West Ham
11 am Peacock Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Arsenal
11 am NBCSN Notingham Forest vs Bournemouth (Adams)
11 am USA Fulham (Jedi) vs New Castle United
1 pm CBS KC Current vs Portland Thorns NWSL
2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Cagliari
2:45 pm Para+ Juventus (McKennie) vs Torino
2:45 pm ESPN+ Villareal vs Atletico Madrid
5 pm Apple Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United
5 pm ESPND + Bay FC vs Chicago Stars NWSL
7 pm Fox Inter Miami vs Philly
9 pm Fox LAFC vs Seattle Sounders
9 pm CBSSN Pumas vs Cruz Azul
Wed, May 27
3 pm Para+ Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Raya Vallecano EUFA Conference Final
Fri, May 29
8 pm Prime Racing Louisville vs Denver Summit (Amazon Prime)
Sat, May 30 Champions League Final
12 noon CBS PSG vs Arsenal
1:30 pm Ion, Tubi KC Current vs Boston Legacy NWSL
4 pm Ion, Tubi Portland Thorn vs Utah Royals NWSL
6:30 pm Ion, Tubi Washington Spirit vs Seattle Reign NWSL
8 pm FSI Toluca vs Tigres Concacaf Championship
Sat, May 31
1 pm CBSSN Chicago Stars vs San Diego Wave NWSL
3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal
7 pm Victory Angel City vs NC Courage NWSL
Sat, June 6
2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix
Thur, June, 11 World Cup
3 pm Fox Mexico vs South Africa
10 pm FS1 Korea vs Czech Republic
Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP
9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
Fri, June 19
3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Thur, June 25
10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Complete 2026 World Cup schedule featuring match dates and start times
NWSL Schedule
MLS Schedule
===RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Coming home from Practice or Games at Badger Fieldhouse? Need food for a Graduation, end of school party, World Cup or July 4th party? Call Ryan now to ask about catering options at 317-688-7290. Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/ 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!
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
US Men
Three USMNT Players Pochettino Can’t Forget About Ahead of World Cup
USMNT World Cup roster projection: Who are the sure bets and bubble players by
World Cup roster prediction: Projecting USMNT World Cup roster ahead of Mauricio
Morris & Boro to Wembley, Pulisic sharp, Yanks win Austrian double, & more
Scally & Reyna discuss Bundesliga season and World Cup hopes
Which USMNT players will be the most exciting to watch during World Cup?
Who is most pivotal to the USMNT’s World Cup success
U.S.’s Richards tears ankle ligaments before WCup
USMNT center back Chris Richards’ World Cup status in doubt after ankle ligament t
US Women & EUFA Champions League Final Sat
How the 2027 World Cup team is taking shape
Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly Join National Soccer Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026
Is Barcelona versus OL Lyonnes the UEFA Women’s Champions League’s
Europe’s biggest sides collide in Women’s Champions League final on
Six battles that will decide the Women’s Champions League final between
From Colorado to Lyon and back again: U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps gears up for final UEFA Women’s
EPL + England
‘Trust the process’: Inside Arsenal’s five-phase plan to win the Premier League title
After 8,060-day drought, Arsenal are deserved Premier League champions Mark Ogden ESPN
Arsenal’s Dowman, 16, becomes youngest PL winner
Weekend predictions: Will Tottenham or West Ham stay up? Will Bayern win German Cup Julien Laurens
Twenty-two years in the making: How Arsenal celebrated title win
Arsenal bids farewell to ‘bottler’ label and Pep Guardiola with Premier League title
Arsenal clinches first Premier League title in 22 years
Guardiola set for talks with City chair over exit
De Zerbi: Spurs’ dignity on line in survival decider
Southampton expelled from EFL playoffs for spying
Southampton kicked out of Championship playoff final after spying scandal
MLS & US Open Cup
Orlando City SC, St. Louis CITY SC Advance to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
USMNT’s Max Arfsten, USYNT’s Darren Yapi Power Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
MLS on FOX! Messi & Son highlight pre-World Cup doubleheader
Matchday 15: Everything to know for this weekend’s biggest matches
Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes: What to know for Walmart Saturday Showdown
Red Bull New York vs. New York City FC: What to know for Walmart Saturday Showdown
Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United: What to know for Sunday Night Soccer
Lionel Messi dazzles in Inter Miami’s first win at Nu Stadium
Paul Rothrock finds purpose on hometown Seattle Sounders
GK
Indy 11, & former Carmel High and CDC GK Eric Dick Wins Shootout
Great Women’s Champions League Saves!
Best Saves | UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Top saves from the Champions League semi-finals | Video
GK Neuer, 40, makes Germany World Cup squad
Angelina Anderson with a Spectacular Gk Save vs. Kansas City Current
Germany goalie Manuel Neuer, 40, coming out of retirement
World Cup
Ancelotti’s Neymar pick for Brazil is an act of faith that could reap rewards
Could Japan’s recent run lead to World Cup surprise?
Why Erling Haaland, Norway could be World Cup dark horse
21 days to the World Cup: The FIFA policy requiring every stadium (except 1) to scrub its branding
2026 World Cup news live tracker: Squad announcements, injuries, key storylines and latest updates
2026 FIFA World Cup daily schedule: Every match date, kickoff time and venue for all 48 teams
Every 2026 World Cup squad announced so far — and when teams will reveal their rosters
21 days to the World Cup: The FIFA policy requiring every stadium (except 1) to scrub its branding
Reffing
Pressure of Reffing Scottish Title Game
Chris Richards’ World Cup not in doubt despite USMNT star’s ankle injury: Sources
John Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
By Paul TenorioMay 21, 2026 Updated 5:22 pm EDT
U.S. men’s national team defender Chris Richards is not expected to miss the World Cup despite having suffered two torn ligaments in his left ankle only three weeks before the start of the competition, sources have told The Athletic.Richards’ club manager, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, revealed the extent of the injury on Thursday, but multiple sources briefed on Richards’ injury say that while a return for next week’s Conference League final may be “a day or two” too soon, they insist that the center back will be “good for the World Cup, 100%.”Richards, 26, appeared to twist his ankle in a substitute appearance for Palace against Brentford on Sunday. He received medical treatment on the pitch but finished the game, having come on after an hour. Glasner has ruled Richards out of the club’s final Premier League fixture, which is against newly crowned champion Arsenal, and said it is “50-50″ whether he will be able to return for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.“He tore two ligaments in his ankle,” Glasner said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “I think it’s stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling. He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time.“He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments and everything we can do that reduces the swelling, and of course we have a great medical department, so we will give our best and he will give his best — and then let’s see if we can get it done.”Richards is a vital member of the defense for the U.S, which opens its World Cup against Paraguay on June 12. After the announcement of Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster on Tuesday, the U.S. plays Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6) in a final set of pre-tournament friendlies.Paul Tenorio is a senior writer for The Athletic who covers soccer. He has previously written for the Washington Post, the Orlando Sentinel, FourFourTwo, ESPN and MLSsoccer.com.
Promotion, relegation, and silverware.Americans Overseas
BY Brian SciarettaPosted American Soccer Now
May 19, 2026 1:00 PM
IT HAS BEEN a big week for Americans abroad as many of the top leagues in Europe are now over. But over the last few days we learned a lot. Christian Pulisic showed signs of his early-season form, Americans can thrive in Austria, Robinson is ready for the World Cup, and the USMNT is strong at forward.
But will start the column off today in England, where a “spy gate” has sunk Southampton and benefited Aidan Morris, who will get another crack at getting to the Premier League next season.
Morris & Boro back into playoff final
In a shocking twist of events, Middlesbrough will get a chance to play in the Championship playoff final against Hull after Southampton were found guilty of spying on opponents throughout the 2025/26 season. The punishment is that Southampton would lose their spot in the playoff final and it would instead go to Middlesbrough, who lost to Southampton in the semifinal. In addition, Southampton was given a four-point penalty next season in the Championship.
Southampton has the right to appeal, which could delay the game which is scheduled for May 23.
For Aidan Morris, he will get another crack at making it to the Premier League. The former Columbus Crew midfielder has been thriving at Boro where he has been a lock starter and a consistently good midfielder in the Championship. At one point it looked as if Boro would quality automatically but the club tumbled down the stretch and finished fifth.
Pepi & Balogun finish at 19
Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie concluded their seasons over the weekend and Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun both had seasons to remember.
Ricardo Pepi played all 90 minutes for PSV and scored the final goal from the spot in a 5-1 pounding of Twente. With PSV having secured the title, Pepi was dominant down the stretch having scored six goals in his last five games (including goals in his last five games). He finished with 19 goals across all competitions (16 in the Eredivisie, 3 in the Champions League).
Folarin Balogun, meanwhile, was robbed of a goal when a 55th minute goal for Monaco was ruled an own goal instead of a goal from the American. It seemed like a harsh ruling. But it did not affect the result, which as a 5-4 Monaco loss to Strasbourg. Balogun played 76 minutes in the game and finished the season with 13 goals in Ligue 1, 5 goals in the Champions League, and 1 in the Coupe de France for 19 across all competitions. Regardless, Mauricio Pochettino will have two in-form strikers to select at the World Cup.
Trusty wins Celtic title
Auston Trusty won his second Scottish Premiership title with Celtic after a 3-1 win over Hearts. The game was much closer than the scoreline suggested as the game was 1-1 into the 87th minute, and Hearts needed just a draw to secure the title. But Celtic scored twice late after Trusty was subbed out.
Just about every neutral fan was supporting Hearts in this game to breakup the Old Firm’s 40-year grip on the top division of Scotland. But it was not to be as Celtic was clearly the better team in this game and down the stretch, where they didn’t lose over their last seven Premiership games.Trusty remains a bubble player for the USMNT World Cup roster but he is clearly trending up after having played over 2500 for a title-winning Celtic combined with the U.S. team being very shallow in central defense.
Pulisic sharp off the bench
Christian Pulisic’s form is the biggest story in the world of the U.S. team right now. The Hershey native has been in a slump since the end of December. Entering this weekend, he has no goals or assists in 2026.Fortunately for both Milan and the U.S. national team, Pulisic had his best shift in months for Milan in a 2-1 away win over Genoa. He entered the game in the 76th minute and assisted on Zachary Athekame’s goal five minutes later.
The win gives Milan a two-point cushion on a Champions League spot heading into the final game of the season. On Sunday, Milan will host 16th-place Cagliari.For the national team, the hope is that a good performance will now have Pulisic trending upwards into the World Cup. We will learn more this weekend. Regardless, it is hard to see the U.S. team succeeding at the World Cup without Pulisic being at his best.
Weah returns from injury
Tim Weah, 26, made his first appearance since April 26 on Sunday for Marseille in a 3-1 win over Rennes. Weah played 88 minutes at right back and was sharp throughout. Unfortunately, Marseille missed out on the Champions League with a fifth-place finish but will still participate in the Europa League next season.
Despite the recent injury to Weah, his start on Sunday saw him surpass the 3000-minute threshold this season for the first time in his career. While he has been at Marseille on loan from Juventus, the expectation is that he will remain with Marseille on a permanent basis. For the national team, having Weah in solid form is a huge net presence as the team needs more wide attacking players.
Minor injuries to Aaronson & Richards
Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United extended their Premiership unbeaten run to eight games with a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion with a late stoppage time winner from Dominic Alvert-Lewin. That has lifted Leeds into 13th place heading into the final game of the season.
Aaronson started but hobbled off in the 60th minute. Fortunately, the injury does not seem to be major as Daniel Farke suggested it was a dead-leg that should have him ready for the finale, which will be against relegation-threatened West Ham.
Chris Richards hobbled off the field after the final whistle when his Crystal Palace team played Brentford to a 2-2 draw. Richards entered the game in the 61st minute and was quite during his time on the field. Fortunately, Richards is expected back for the finale against Arsenal. While it is a minor injury, it was a nervy moment for the USMNT who cannot afford to lose Richards for the World Cup. He is by far the team’s best central defender at the moment.
Robinson scores from the spot
Fulham’s chances of qualifying for Europe are almost entirely dead after being held to a 1-1 draw against last-place Wolves.
The good news, for the U.S. team, is that Antonee Robinson scored his first Premier League goal just before halftime when he stepped up to convert a penalty inside the left post after a teammate drew the foul.
Even more importantly for Robinson, he went a full 90 minutes and looked healthy. He has been touch and go all season but looks ready for the World Cup.
Tracking title races, relegation: Arsenal clinch Premier League
May 19, 2026, 05:01 PM ET
The end of the European soccer season is fast approaching, and the battles for major honors, UEFA Champions League qualification and relegation are truly heating up.
Here’s where things stand across the English Premier League, Spanish LaLiga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1, plus other key title races in the sport across the world. This story will be updated weekly through the season’s final day, so be sure to check back frequently for the latest information.
Last updated: May 19
Jump to:
Premier League | LaLiga
Bundesliga | Serie A | Ligue 1
Other races to watch
Premier League
Champions: Arsenal
Arsenal‘s 22-year wait to win the Premier League ended on Tuesday, as they were crowned champions with Manchester City‘s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Their last league title came via the famous “Invincibles” team of 2003-04.
Champions League race: Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool
The Premier League will be granted an extra place in the UEFA Champions League next season due to the UEFA club coefficient rankings. It means the top five finishers will play in Europe’s premier competition next season.
That was good news for Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool, who have been vying for Champions League qualification.
United cemented third place with a victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend, meaning they will return to European football next term after suffering the embarrassment of playing only 40 total games this season.
Aston Villa have cemented fourth place. That has repercussions for whoever finishes in sixth — had Villa finished in fifth and win Wednesday’s Europa League final, then sixth would have been granted Champions League football, too. However, Villa are too far ahead of fifth-place Liverpool for that outcome to happen.
It means only one more Champions League spot remains up for grabs. It will almost certainly go to Liverpool; Bournemouth would have to win their final match, hope Liverpool lose, and make up a six-goal deficit in goal differential to earn fifth place.
Europa League / Conference League hopefuls: Chelsea, Brentford, Everton, Brighton, AFC Bournemouth
Chelsea had been in the hunt for Champions League football until their form collapsed — so much so they sacked manager Liam Rosenior after just 106 days — and there is now a decent chance they miss out on European football altogether.
The club had a chance to secure a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup, but they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in last weekend’s final. It means they must now qualify for Europe through the Premier League, but the competition has never before been so fierce in the final week of the season.
Just seven points separate Bournemouth (fifth) and Newcastle United (11th). Chelsea would move up to seventh with a win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
It is worth keeping an extra eye on both Bournemouth and Brentford, who have both never qualified for European football before.
Crystal Palace could also earn a separate European spot by winning next weekend’s Conference League final.
Relegation battle: Wolves (R), Burnley (R), West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur
For two straight seasons, the three teams that came up from the Championship were sent straight back down the following season. This year, however, that won’t happen. Newly promoted Leeds have enjoyed a superb run of late, meaning their place in next season’s Premier League is safe.
Bottom-of-the-pack Wolves were officially relegated last month, and second-bottom Burnley joined the following week.
It means one more relegation spot looms, and West Ham are now most likely to be given it. Tottenham Hotspur can secure their survival with a victory over Chelsea on Tuesday. A draw would also all but mean they stay up due to their much better goal difference.
Should Spurs lose, it would mean they could still go down on the final day of the season if West Ham win at home to Leeds and they lose at home to Everton.
LaLiga
Champions: Barcelona
Barcelona clinched their second straight LaLiga title on May 10 by winning 2-0 against their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, in the final Clasico of the season.
Champions League: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, Real Betis
All of the Champions League spots in Spain have been awarded. Rayo Vallecano’s run to the Conference League final sealed a bonus fifth spot for Spain and Real Betis.
Europa League / Conference League hopefuls: Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, Getafe, Osasuna, Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia
CONFIRMED: Real Sociedad
6. Celta Vigo (51, plus-4 goal differential)
7. Getafe (48, minus-6)
8. Rayo Vallecano (47, minus-6)
9. Valencia (46, minus-12)
10. Real Sociedad (45, minus-1)
By winning the Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad automatically qualify for next year’s Europa League.
Celta Vigo have essential confirmed their Europa League place as well. Getafe can seal a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds if they win their last match on Saturday vs. Osasuna — otherwise, the door is open for the teams below them.
Rayo Vallecano have made the Conference League final, and winning that competition would guarantee a place in next season’s Europa League, regardless of their league finish.
Relegation battle: Elche, Girona, Alaves, Mallorca, Sevilla, Levante, Real Oviedo
13. Sevilla (43, minus-13)
14. Alaves (43, minus-11)
15. Levante (42, minus-13)
16. Osasuna (42 points, minus-5)
17. Elche (42, minus-8)
18. Girona (40, minus-16)
19. Mallorca (39, minus-13)
20. Real Oviedo (29, minus-31)
It’s absolute chaos at the bottom of the table. Girona, third-place finishers in LaLiga in 2023-24, are currently facing the drop, but they’ll be taking on Elche (the team directly above them in the table) in a true relegation six-pointer on Saturday. Mallorca are also in the relegation zone, but they could yet drag themselves out of it with a win over last-place Real Oviedo.
One thing’s for sure: This race will go down to the wire.
Bundesliga
Champions: Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions with a 4-2 win over Stuttgart on April 19. It was the second straight league title for the Rekordmeister and their 35th all time.
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart‘s draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the final matchweek, combined with TSG Hoffenheim’s loss, meant that Stuttgart sealed the fourth and final Champions League place. Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen gain entry to the Europa League.
Freiburg have also made the Europa League final and will earn a spot in next year’s Champions League if they claim the trophy.
Relegated St. Pauli, VfL Wolfsburg, Heidenheim
16. Wolfsburg (26, minus-26)
17. St. Pauli (26, minus-29)
18. Heidenheim (26, minus-29)
The final weekend is sure to be a frenzied one in the relegation battle as well. The bottom three teams are tied on points and have similar goal differentials — whoever finishes highest in the table will participate in the promotion/relegation playoff with the third-place finisher of the 2. Bundesliga, while the other teams will be automatically relegated.
Wolfsburg and St. Pauli will clash in a true relegation six-pointer. Wolfsburg are currently ahead of St. Pauli based on total goals scored, so St. Pauli must win to have any hope of staying in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Heidenheim must win against Mainz and hope for a draw in the Wolfsburg-St. Pauli match; otherwise, their only chance of safety is winning by a large enough margin to overtake the other two teams on goal differential.
Serie A
Champions: Internazionale
Inter Milan clinched the Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma on May 3. Their 21 titles keeps them in second behind only Juventus (36).
Champions League: Napoli, AC Milan, Como, Juventus, AS Roma
CONFIRMED: Inter Milan
The race for the top four is going down to the wire. Napoli are still leading the pack beneath Inter — a draw or a win in their final match vs. Udinese will seal their Champions League place. AC Milan and Roma are currently in third and fourth, and they would clinch the Champions League with wins, as Como and Juventus trail them by two points.
Regardless of how everything turns out, it will have been a wonderful season for Como, who are two seasons removed from competing in Serie B.
Relegation battle: Cremonese, Lecce, Hellas Verona, Pisa
17. Lecce (35, minus-23)
18. Cremonese (34, minus-22)
19. Hellas Verona (21, minus-34)
20. Pisa (18, minus-44)
The relegation fight has effectively whittled down to four teams. Two of the three teams going down have essentially been decided already — Pisa and Hellas Verona — but it figures to be a dramatic conclusion to the season for Lecce and Cremonese. If Cremonese better Lecce’s result, they will avoid relegation — their superior goal differential in head-to-head matches with Lecce this season would be the tiebreaker if they end up level on points.
Champions: Paris Saint-Germain
There are no prizes for guessing who is top of Ligue 1 this season. Paris Saint-Germain clinched the title after defeating Lens in a top-of-the-table clash.
Elsewhere, Lens and Lille were granted a place in next season’s Champions League league phase, while fourth-place Lyon get admission to the Champions League qualification playoffs.
Relegation battle: Le Havre, Nice, Auxerre, Nantes (R), Metz (R)
14. Le Havre (35, minus-12)
15. Auxerre (34, minus-10)
16. Nice (32, minus-23)
17. Nantes (23, minus-23)
18. Metz (17, minus-44)
Like the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 automatically relegates its bottom two finishers, with the 16th-placed side entering a playoff against the third-placed Ligue 2 side. It means Nice will face Saint-Étienne in a two-legged contest to decide who plays in the French top-flight next season.
OTHER LEAGUES
Saudi Pro League: Will Cristiano Ronaldo win first major title in five years?
Cristiano Ronaldo is just 30 goals shy of his aim to reach 1,000 before he retires one day. Before then, though, Ronaldo is ticking toward another milestone: His first major trophy since winning the Italian Cup with Juventus in 2021.
After 20 straight league victories, his Al Nassr side looked set to steamroll to the title, but a defeat away to Al Qadsiah opened the door for Al Hilal. Al Nassr and Al Hilal met on May 12 and played out a 1-1 draw. Fast forward to this week, and Al Nassr can clinch the title with a win over Damac. Drop points though and it could allow Al Hilal to win the title on goal-difference.
The only trophy Ronaldo has won since his arrival in Saudi Arabia in December 2022 is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, which is not recognized by FIFA.
Scottish Premiership: Celtic break Hearts
Scottish football is dominated by two Glaswegian giants: Celtic and Rangers. They’re archrivals, and between them, they have won every league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1984-85. But, amid disatrous seasons at times in Glasgow, that almost changed this season.
Rangers began the season with Russell Martin as manager, but he was sacked in October after winning just one of their opening seven league games. Celtic went through their own reckoning as Brendan Rodgers, who began the season as manager, resigned later in October, leading to 74-year-old Martin O’Neill stepping in as caretaker manager. They hired Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy in December, only to sack him 33 days later as he won just two of his six league matches.
Meanwhile, Hearts, who finished in the bottom half of the table last season, enjoyed a superb season. They led the Scottish top flight for most of the season and still led as they travelled to second-place Celtic on the final day of the season, needing only to avoid defeat.
It wasn’t to be, though. Celtic pipped Hearts with goals in the 86th- and 97th-minute to earn a 3-1 win and lift the title. However, the game was marred by fan trouble at the end as Celtic fans stormed the pitch with two minutes to play, meaning the game could not be restarted.
Soccer
As World Cup Host, USMNT Embraces Chance to Take Soccer to the Next Level
The heat will be turned up on the U.S. as it hosts the tournament for the first time in 32 years. With a trendy coach and a strong nucleus of players, the opportunity to make a deep run is here.
Jon Arnold|8 hours ago SI
The 1994 World Cup opening ceremony did not get off to an auspicious start for soccer purists. Diana Ross, singing “I’m Coming Out” at what was meant to be the world game’s coming-out party in the United States, stepped to the penalty spot to have a go at converting the first goal of the tournament. The shot missed the mark by some distance, but the goal still theatrically split in half down the middle. The show went on, but it ended up being wildly upstaged by the tournament itself, with the spectacle of soccer hitting the target and helping to launch the game to greater renown. When the World Cup begins on June 11, the United States has a chance to show the world how much it has learned since Ross’s effort. The biggest showcase in the sport is finally back on U.S. soil in a totally different landscape than when Bill Clinton was in his first term. There is no coming-out party needed. The sport has arrived in the U.S. At least, that’s the idea. Like 1994, there will be cringey moments from entertainers; we’re getting the first World Cup final halftime show, curated by Coldplay and headlined by Shakira, Madonna and BTS. But the ball rolling in the U.S. men’s national team’s opener against Paraguay is a moment many have dreamed of for decades.
BUY NOW: Get SI’s World Cup 2026 Preview Issue
It also will be a moment charged with expectation. Club owners, stakeholders and fans have long hoped this summer’s tournament would firmly move soccer out of the niche it has occupied for more than six decades in this country and take its place as a “major” sport. Or perhaps it could at least help convince the thousands of people who turn up for exhibition matches played by teams visiting from England or Mexico or who flock to bars in the early morning to watch teams from Germany or Spain that it’s worth tuning in to the local league as well—or at least subscribing to the streaming service it’s offered on.
“We have an opportunity to inspire generations of people,” says USMNT defender Tim Ream. “From young to old, from diehards to casual fans to people who aren’t even interested in the game until the World Cup rolls around.”
The easiest path to that actually becoming a reality is a deep run for the U.S., one that sweeps up those periodic fans and turns them into the type of soccer supporters who will pay attention more than every four years.
“You want to have success in front of your own fans because you know what it means,” says Cobi Jones, a World Cup veteran who played at the 1994 tournament and appeared in more matches for the USMNT than any other player. “You know that if you do have a successful World Cup, it allows for exponential growth of the game within your country.”
The U.S. heads into the tournament as the No. 16 team in the FIFA rankings, so seeing the team standing alone as the confetti falls July 19 at MetLife Stadium feels all but impossible. But a run to the knockout stage that truly captures the nation’s attention is within reach—especially with games played at an hour when it’s socially acceptable to grab a beer at a bar, as opposed to, say, the 10 a.m. kickoff for the Yanks’ last knockout game, in 2022 against the Netherlands.
The goal is “to go as far as we can because obviously anybody and any team entering the World Cup is going there to win it and has plans to win it. That’s why we’re there,” midfielder Weston McKennie said in March. “That’s why we do what we do, because we compete. I think that’s the best way to describe success: for us to be proud of our performance.”
Will the team’s pride match the public’s expectations? Can the USMNT do enough in this tournament to give a whole sport a boost? It will need everything to break right. It will need a number of superb performances from individuals and as a team. And it will need a guiding hand that leads the team to the correct decisions.
Following the Leader
Wooing Mauricio Pochettino to the U.S. national team program in September 2024 felt like a coup. Predecessor Gregg Berhalter had played and coached abroad but hardly has the international cachet of the Argentine manager, nor had he produced anything close to the same on-field achievements. Pochettino, 54, has worked at some of the most important clubs in the world—including Tottenham Hotspur, which he took to the 2019 Champions League final, and Paris Saint-Germain, which won the Ligue 1 title in 2021–22.
EXPLORE THE 48 COVERS: Scouting Reports for Each World Cup Nation
On top of that, while Pochettino had no experience managing a national team, he had gone to the tournament as a player. The combination of a successful playing career, experience coaching prestigious clubs and actually being available to work through the summer of 2026 made him a home run hire—even if he wasn’t at all familiar with the idea of a home run. At least, that’s how it seemed at the time.
It hasn’t all been sunshine in the Pochettino era. The U.S. lost both regional trophies on offer in 2025, falling to Panama in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League and losing to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. The rest of the year saw positive performances in friendlies, with a switch to a formation anchored by Crystal Palace standout Chris Richards that allows the wide defenders to aggressively join the attack.
In March, however, Pochettino’s side lost 5–2 to Belgium and 2–0 to Portugal, though the manager insisted the learning experiences against two top 10 teams will serve the Stars and Stripes at the tournament.
“Even if it’s painful, it’s the only way to improve, the only way to learn, the only way to see how these top players and teams compete,” Pochettino said after the Portugal loss.
Widely expected to return to a job in the European elite after the World Cup, the 54-year-old has generally been able to stay free from the types of tiffs that can plague international teams. He and star Christian Pulisic had a difference of opinion about how much the attacker should play during the summer of 2025, with the coach snapping, “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan.” That saga, though, is now well in the past.
Getting along off the field is one thing. Getting everyone pulling in the same direction on it is another.
Rather than continue to utilize the same formation in those March games that had worked in the fall, Pochettino experimented further. He played Pulisic as a center forward rather than his usual role as a playmaker. He went to a flat back four instead of a three-man back line and stuck Tim Weah, who typically plays in attack, at right back against one of the world’s best wingers, Belgium’s Jérémy Doku.
The moves didn’t work out, but the competition also was much steeper. While plenty of fans perceived a regression, members of the team itself insist the enthusiasm remains high. “I feel like we are a lot closer than people think,” Pulisic said. “We put a lot of pressure on them in the first half of both the games.
“We were able to create chances, which if I finish chances, which I know I’m going to, then things are going to be a bit different.”
Putting the ball in the back of the net more often is the simplest fix in soccer, but the lessons learned from matches against the European squads may go deeper. The nature of the international game, Ream says, is that the friendlies are one thing, but the World Cup is another. “We understand where things went wrong, and we understand how and when and what we need to do to fix those things,” Ream says. “At the end of the day, the World Cup is the World Cup. Everything is completely different, and games that you played previously aren’t actually going to matter. You can’t think of all the bad things or the negative things or the momentum-sapping things that have happened because they don’t matter at that point.”
Pochettino will have to work quickly, though, to make sure the team is in the right place mentally ahead of the tournament and to determine how to get the most out of his group. While the USMNT won’t run into a squad as deep as its March opponents in the group stage, the knockout round will produce those types of matchups.
“I think now is the time to learn, to get better,” the manager said after the Portugal defeat. “I think the preparation for a World Cup has to be at the highest level, understanding we can get better. We have quality players, but we’ve got to improve, above all when we’re playing against top-level players.”
Pochettino has been in big moments before, and probably received more scrutiny in London and Paris than he’ll get this summer across the U.S., but this is by far the biggest moment he’s been in on the international stage.
The Best Chance at Success
Pochettino’s arrival isn’t the only reason for hope at this tournament. The USMNT should be hitting its stride. After the frustration at the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, many young American players started to come through the ranks in MLS academies and make the jump to top clubs in Europe.
The U.S. has had players at important clubs before, but never in this quantity. Richards starts regularly in the Premier League, as does Fulham fullback Antonee Robinson. Pulisic and McKennie are regulars for historic AC Milan and Juventus, respectively. Forward Malik Tillman plays Champions League football for Bayer Leverkusen. The list goes on. Gone are the days when simply having the quality to play in Europe is enough to clinch a place on the team.
The roster largely came together in 2022, and while it always looked too young to make a major statement, the U.S. advanced from its group with a win and two draws. That included a disciplined defensive showing against England and a victory over Iran thanks to a Pulisic goal. In the first round of the knockout stage, however, the USMNT couldn’t cope with the speed of the Netherlands out wide and displayed a listless attack.
This year the field has expanded, meaning the groups are diluted to some extent. While the U.S. won’t want to take anything for granted, its round-robin opponents Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye all have weaknesses it can exploit. Additionally, having topped Australia 2–1 in an October friendly and beaten Paraguay by the same score a month later only will help with confidence.
But simply getting out of the group isn’t the standard for the U.S., especially with the big event taking place at home soil. “We want to show the world why we want to be one of the soccer powerhouses people talk about,” Richards says. “It takes good performances. When it comes World Cup time, we’ll be ready.”
With the Pressure on
Playing at home typically has helped teams at the World Cup. Pochettino cited South Korea’s run to the 2002 semifinal as inspiration for his team.
But as 2026 World Cup cohost Mexico knows too well, sometimes that push from the crowd can become a burden. That relationship, long soured by high expectations and Mexico’s frequent trips to the U.S. for friendlies, hit a low in November when El Tri fans in Torreon booed the team off the field after a scoreless draw. “Maybe that’s why they always take us to the United States,” forward Raúl Jiménez said afterward.
That’s not the dynamic in the U.S., but the spotlight this summer will be brighter than it has been on any men’s team in the nation’s history. “It’s a different kind of pressure when you’re playing for your nation and playing for a World Cup and everything is riding on a few weeks,” Jones says.
Social media increases that pressure, as does the fact that there never have been so many former players with microphones getting paid to opine on the current generation. Some of the best ever to wear the USMNT jersey—including Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Alexi Lalas—will work in analyst roles during the World Cup.
The players have shrugged off any criticism, noting the high expectations they have for themselves. “You guys want me to feel the pressure. That’s for sure,” Pulisic said in March, before the friendlies. “There’s pressure. It’s a World Cup. It’s not because of my position in the team or anything. I’m used to this. I feel privileged to be in this position. There’s pressure. I feel it. Yes. It’s there, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m going to attack it head-on, and we are as a team.”
If the USMNT can shake off the pressure and advance through the field, it may succeed in its goal of further raising the profile of soccer in the country, especially ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But no matter how good or bad the performance, the World Cup—the sport’s absolute pinnacle—will remain a singular event. Players can take the biggest stage only once every four years, with legacies cemented and moments magnified because of the significance of every kick, tackle or save. The tournament won’t return to North America during their careers.This is something so many have waited years and years to enjoy, and each of the 90-minute matches will be remembered forever.The moment is here. It’s up to the U.S. to meet it.
Picking the USA 2026 World Cup squad: A final projection of Pochettino’s 26-man roster
By Paul Tenorio, Henry Bushnell and Tom Bogert
May 21, 2026 Updated 6:54 am EDT
On May 26, U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino will step out at Pier 17 along the East River in Manhattan and announce his 26-man World Cup squad, which will be charged with representing the country on home soil.
Since his arrival to U.S. Soccer in September 2024, Pochettino has been intent to remake the culture around the national team. He wanted to redefine how players thought about call-ups. He believed it critical to root out complacency and entitlement, making every player on the roster treasure the opportunity to put on the crest.
The ultimate prize to those who bought in: the chance to be part of this summer’s World Cup.
Advertisement
It has not been an easy path. Pochettino has used 71 players over nine international windows. He found a group of players at the Gold Cup in 2025, including new faces like Diego Luna, Max Arfsten and Matt Freese, all of whom have featured regularly since. He has challenged the “star” core of this national team — like 2022 World Cup veterans Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Timothy Weah — to fight for their places.
The hope is it all comes together when the opening whistle blows on June 12 at SoFi Stadium.
Pochettino’s approach means it’s not so easy to pick a 26. Yes, there are quite a few players who seem like ‘locks.’ But the science of putting together a roster weighs a number of factors, from positional balance to locker-room chemistry. One decision in one position group can have a ripple effect that impacts the others.
Our writers have taken a shot at predicting Pochettino’s final squad below. This represents our best guess as to what Pochettino would do, not what we would pick if we sat in his chair. None of these projected rosters are the same, a sign of the guessing game still taking place with just a few days left until the team is announced.
Zavier Gozo’s top international experience to date came at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, pictured here playing against France. Might a shock 2026 World Cup call be in the cards?Javier Torres / AFP / Getty Images
Paul Tenorio’s USMNT World Cup squad prediction
- Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Chris Brady
- Center-backs: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty
- Flex defenders: Alex Freeman
- Fullbacks/wingbacks: Max Arfsten, Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah
- Central midfielders: Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter
- Attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, Gio Reyna
- Strikers: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, Zavier Gozo
- Last cuts: Miles Robinson, Alejandro Zendejas, Aidan Morris, Joe Scally, Jack McGlynn
Despite the tinkering in the March window, I think Pochettino is going to lean into the hybrid back line that builds out of a back three and defends in a four. I think Freeman’s versatility makes for an interesting choice between one of Pochettino’s favorite players, Arfsten, and bringing a fifth true center-back in Miles Robinson. Right now, I think he leans toward Arfsten.
Top FIFA MEN’S WORLD CUP Stories
Sources: World Cup not in doubt for USA’s Richards despite ankle injury
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer out of England squad, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo in
Foden and Palmer are victims of Tuchel’s cool pragmatism – but the warning signs were there
This team doesn’t have enough attacking threats, and that’s why I think Gozo is Pochettino’s shock pick for the World Cup. Gozo is exactly the type of player and personality to complement what Pochettino has built, even if it’s a longshot.
Advertisement
Remember: when thinking about the bench, you can’t think just about role players. Those are important, of course, but you also have to consider the glue guys you want pushing players in training and going all-in for the team. This is where guys like Roldan, Berhalter, Luna, Wright, Gozo and Reyna are key. Are those players the ones you believe will push this squad even if they aren’t playing regularly? Will their fight to get on to the field make the team better?
When you consider this side of it, the last cuts start to be a bit more painful. The player I think loses out is Miles Robinson, who drops off the squad with Freeman and Tessmann providing enough cover at center-back.
One position to keep an eye on is goalkeeper. I think there could be another surprise there.
Gio Reyna starred vs. Paraguay in November. Might he get the chance again in the World Cup opener?Emilee Chinn / Getty Images
Tom Bogert’s USMNT World Cup squad prediction
- Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Chris Brady
- Center-backs: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally, Miles Robinson
- Fullbacks/wingbacks: Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman
- Central midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan
- Attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Gio Reyna
- Strikers: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
- Last cuts: Zavier Gozo, Aidan Morris, Auston Trusty, Alejandro Zendejas
For me, at least 17 roster spots are not up for debate. And those 17 will have a much more significant influence on whether the U.S. has a successful run at the World Cup — or doesn’t.Still, the final nine can play a part. There are a couple definite positional needs — third goalkeeper, fifth center-back, last deep-lying midfielder — but the others can go in a number of different directions.For the final center-back slot, Miles Robinson has athleticism and an ability to defend in space, and he can hold up if defending from a right-back role against the ball, but he has not played 90 minutes in a game since March 8, which is concerning. Trusty is the other option.
The last central midfield bid goes to Roldan, who may have been on the outside looking in before Johnny Cardoso’s untimely injury. Morris, who now finds himself playing for promotion to the Premier League, could very well be named to that last spot instead.There is flexibility within this team that informs other decisions. Weah can play attacking midfield or wingback. Freeman can play as a wide center-back or a wingback. The same can be said for Scally, who deserves to be on the roster — but so does Gozo, the RSL breakout star. To be clear: I would call in Gozo, but I think it is much more likely that Pochettino leaves him off.
For all the furor about Reyna’s lack of consistent minutes, he has gotten five consecutive Bundesliga appearances off the bench. He was also called to the March roster despite not playing at all around that time. By comparison, Tillman, long presumed a shoo-in for the team, started only one game since the March international break for Bayer Leverkusen.Pochettino could even opt for a fourth center-forward if he wants, though I don’t think he will. Balogun (19 club goals in all competitions this season), Pepi (19) and Wright (18) should have the spot covered.Keep this in mind, too: at the 2022 World Cup, the first with an expanded 26-man roster, six players did not see the field (two GK, four others). Another five played 45 minutes or less. That’s 42% of the team playing no more than a single half.
Alex Freeman’s versatility makes him a likely World Cup selection for Mauricio PochettinoJared C. Tilton / Getty Images
Henry Bushnell’s USMNT World Cup squad prediction
- Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Chris Brady
- Center-backs: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty
- Flex defenders: Alex Freeman, Joe Scally
- Fullbacks/wingbacks: Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah, Zavier Gozo
- Central midfielders: Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter
- Attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Diego Luna
- Strikers: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
- Last cuts: Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn, Miles Robinson, Alejandro Zendejas, Aidan Morris
A few weeks ago, I felt like I knew where Pochettino was going with this roster. Now? I still feel that way for 21 or 22 spots, but picking the last few players will be agonizing.
The 15 locks, for me, are: Freese, Richards, Ream, Antonee Robinson, Dest, Weah, Freeman, Adams, Tessmann, Pulisic, McKennie, Tillman, Balogun, Pepi and Wright. And I see no reason to exclude McKenzie, Trusty, Scally, Roldan, Berhalter or Aaronson.
For the last few spots, it becomes a question of what Pochettino values more: USMNT track record or recent club form. If the latter, Gozo, McGlynn and Zendejas are in. If the former, Arfsten, Luna and Reyna are in.
The thought behind the projection above is that, by bringing both Scally and Freeman, you have:
- Seven guys capable of playing in a back three (including Tessmann), which makes a fifth true center-back, Miles Robinson, unnecessary
- Five capable fullbacks, almost all of whom can play wingback, so, rather than taking a sixth who probably wouldn’t see the field (Arfsten), you can choose Gozo for his unpredictability and attacking flexibility
You also then have extra room further up the field for Reyna (or Zendejas, or McGlynn).
I’ll admit, though, that this is tinged with wishful thinking. I still think it’s more likely that Pochettino picks Arfsten and not Gozo. I also think Reyna vs. McGlynn is a toss-up, and the calculus could change if Luna’s or Aaronson’s recent injury issues put their inclusions in doubt.
Inside the NWSL’s strategy to convert World Cup buzz into loyal fans
Jon Springer Ad Age https://adage.com/ad-age-video-podcast/marketers-brief/aa-nwsl-cmo-rachel-epstein/?utm_source=cmo-strategy&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260520
May 20, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
Everyone on the bus. That’s effectively the NWSL’s strategy heading into the wave of global soccer attention around the FIFA World Cup, which begins next month. The National Women’s Soccer League plans to aggressively insert itself into the broader conversation, with a “Summer of Soccer” campaign built around key league events and a traveling bus tour designed to meet fans around the country, according to Rachel Epstein, the league’s newly named chief marketing officer.The NWSL’s 2026 season began March 13 and runs until the championship game Nov. 21. The league is pausing regular-season games from June 1 to 28 while FIFA World Cup group-stage games are played.“I am coming into a league with a tremendous foundation. We are in growth stage—up and to the right—and there is more to do,” Epstein said on the latest episode of the Marketer’s Brief podcast. “But I’m so excited about the opportunity and where we can go.”Epstein, who joined the league April 1 after overseeing women’s sports marketing at ESPN, said the NWSL enters this period with advantages previous women’s sports leagues lacked, including stronger ownership investment, rising attendance, and increasing support from brands. She also pointed to the importance of a broader women’s sports media ecosystem that has helped create what she described as a flywheel for fan growth and engagement.
New franchises began play this year in Boston and Denver, bringing the NWSL to 16 teams; new clubs have been announced for Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, beginning in 2028.A key opportunity for the league now is converting broader soccer interest into lasting fandom, particularly among women audiences. Female sports fans often connect through player stories and personal affinity, which is why the NWSL plans to expand its own content and storytelling efforts, Epstein said. The goal is to create more pathways into the league at a moment when soccer itself is poised for heightened visibility in the U.S.
Subscribe to the Marketer’s Brief podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible and YouTube Music.
Ad Age Marketer’s Brief podcast transcript
Ad Age Marketer’s Brief host Jon Springer moderated this podcast episode with guest Rachel Epstein. Below is the transcript, which has been lightly edited for clarity.
“Audience growth is vital for me and for our league. It’s really important that we find and cement our brand in the hearts and minds of current fans and new fans.”
Rachel Epstein, chief marketing officer, National Women’s Soccer League
Leveraging the World Cup to grow the NWSL
Jon: Let’s start with the big question out there. The World Cup feels like a potentially transformative moment for soccer here in America. How much of an accelerant do you think that could be for the NWSL specifically?
Rachel: Yeah. I mean, it’s a huge opportunity for the NWSL and for soccer, right? Global moments like these, these big events, bring in waves of new fans—current fans, of course, core global football fans, but also new fans who come in, learn about the game, get excited about the game.
And then our job is to embed NWSL into that momentum and narrative in that window, and then bring them in—hang on to their new and growing soccer interest—and bring them into the NWSL, into our ecosystem.
Jon: Are there ways you’re going to do that specifically that we’ll see?
Rachel: Yes, absolutely. We have a whole strategy that we’re calling Summer of Soccer that will do just that. We’ll be driving conversation that integrates NWSL into the men’s World Cup conversation, that brings our voice and our personalities to games.
And we literally have a bus that will be making stops across the country, including our key tentpoles during those windows—our Challenge Cup, our return to play, our Queens Classic at Citi Field. All of that we are going to integrate into the men’s World Cup momentum and conversation.
Jon: Yeah, there’s a lot of brands and a lot of entities that want to draft on this event. Do you feel like there’s some competition where you’ve got to stand out among all the places and all the people that want to be a part of this?
Rachel: I don’t know if I think about it as competition. Obviously, there will be a lot of noise. But the good news is we are—and aim to be—the premier global women’s soccer league.
We have a really unique voice and territory that we own that allows us to be distinctive and really authentic in that space, alongside brands and other newer entrants into global soccer. We are already a core part of the ecosystem. We just want to ensure that our voice and personalities are heard and elevated during that time.
Also read: How brands are using access to break through World Cup clutter
Where the league is now—and how it’s different from past women’s soccer efforts
Jon: You’ve been at this job only for a matter of weeks. I wonder what your early read is on where the league is right now.
Rachel: I am coming into a league with a tremendous foundation. And in my time at ESPN, I looked after women’s sports marketing there and worked closely with the league, so I have a really good sense of all the momentum it has and all of the upside there still is to drive toward.
We’re in growth stage—up and to the right—and there is more to do. But I’m so excited about the opportunity and where we can go.
Jon: One of your earlier experiences was also as part of the leadership team that founded WPS, which was a predecessor to NWSL. There’s a big change between what happened then and now. What was the impetus for the success you’re seeing now with NWSL and maybe some of the struggles or difficulties to get off the ground that some previous leagues may have had?
Rachel: Just that it’s apples and oranges, and it’s a totally different time. The structure of the business and our tremendous ownership groups, the investment—I think maybe that’s the most important thing.
There is really significant investment, patient investment that understands it takes time to grow, to build audience and drive enterprise value. There’s no comparison.
But on a personal level, that was early in my career. It was the place where my career in women’s sports began and was really formative—made me a soccer person.
So while it truly is apples and oranges in terms of the business, the way it’s structured, and all of the opportunity and advantage and growth that we have now, it still was very formative for me. I take personal lessons from that time. I took those lessons into my time at ESPN, and then I landed here. It really feels like the perfect fit.
Why women’s sports momentum looks different now
Jon: It’s really remarkable how we’ve seen women’s sports turn around from every perspective you can look at. And you mentioned investment, obviously, as one. Brands want to be involved now.
Rachel: When I think about the state of women’s sports—and I have a pretty long view on it from 14 years at ESPN—on a personal level, it’s just thrilling to see the momentum in the space and the health of it.
There are all of the metrics and indicators that make the headlines: exponential growth in expansion fees, valuations, attendance records—63,000 fans at our inaugural Denver Summit match—and the marketplace, as you mentioned, with greater demand for women’s sports than ever.
The NWSL is an active part of that marketplace, and we’re continuing to see that interest and build it, and build alongside our brands and partners.
I would just note that a quieter but really vital indicator, honestly, Jon, is a conversation like this with you. There is a burgeoning media ecosystem focused just on women’s sports. Obviously you’re not dedicated only to women’s sports, but there are dedicated podcasts and shows and documentaries and bylines and events all built for women’s sports—not as an adjacent add-on, but focused and dedicated to it.
That is a vital ecosystem. It creates the flywheel. You tell the stories, you educate new fans, you engage current fans, and all of that helps build audience, build value, bring more eyeballs, bring more investment.
So it’s both the headlines and that quieter infrastructure that are really coming together and indicate how healthy the women’s sports space is.
Also read: Inside the rise of agencies dedicated to women’s sports marketing
Who the NWSL fan is today—and who’s next
Jon: You mentioned the fans, and I’m wondering: Who is the NWSL fan right now, and how has that profile changed?
Rachel: We have a very passionate and committed fan base, there’s no question about it. And we’re seeing healthy growth across attendance and viewership. We have a tremendous opportunity—and you got at this a little bit around the men’s World Cup—but really over the next five years across the men’s World Cup, women’s World Cup [2027 in Brazil], Olympics [2028 in Los Angeles], and possibly, a 2031 women’s World Cup on our soil, to capitalize on that global soccer spotlight.
So a really committed current fan base, but what this next five years will propel is a massive wave of new fans. They’re coming into soccer because they’re rooting for their country, or they’ve come to know the breakout stars that these global events always give rise to.
We are extremely well positioned to convert that spotlight into sustained audience growth. So that’s the job in front of us, there’s no question. Our core women’s soccer fan is the best. We should build our brand around the ethos and spirit of that fan. But the opportunity to grow and expand is in front of us, and we’re going to do that.
Jon: Are there particular areas or demographics or groups that you are sourcing fans from?
Rachel: Look, without trying to be everything to everyone—that’s not how you do it—I should say that we invite all fans into the NWSL. There’s a huge opportunity, especially in this men’s World Cup window, to engage core international global soccer fans and bring them into NWSL. They understand world-class soccer. We have a world-class soccer product—the best in the world on the women’s side.
So that is an opportunity we want to take advantage of and build, in terms of that behavioral demo of a big, core fan of global soccer. One other thing I would add—and this goes a little bit to my time at ESPN—is the opportunity to actually drive female audience growth. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it here: for a long time there was this conflation that women’s sports equals women’s fans, female fans. That is not true. Historically that has not been the case.
Many years ago at ESPN, there were not huge female audience numbers in terms of watching women’s sports. But it is an audience segment that is driving incremental growth right now. So that opportunity to drive female audience growth—say broadly 18 to 44—is a more recent one, and we want to take advantage of that.
It will look a little different on the younger side of that demo, in the way younger audiences—as I’m sure you’ve talked about countless times on this podcast—engage with content, what their fandom looks like, second-screen experience versus tuning into TV.
But irrespective of the breakdown of that female audience demo, there is a huge opportunity to grow there. And one of the ways that we can do that, and will do that, is by building out a robust content strategy and ecosystem. That is an opportunity in front of us, and we are going to do it.
It will drive storytelling and elevate our players—our current stars and new stars—and create entry paths for new fans. Female fans, just as a sweeping generalization, do fan a little bit differently. At ESPN we did a ton of research on this early, starting with the birth of ESPNW, which was really built to serve female audiences. Connection is key. It’s not that women aren’t watching the game on the pitch or on the court or on the field and loving all of the competitive excellence—that is true. But their way into interest and connection might look a little different.
It’s really through a sense of personal connection, whether it’s through a star athlete and their story, or through their family, or through their university or their hometown. Something about it often is personal, and then they come into the sport. So we need to create those pathways, and we will.
Building stars and a stronger storytelling engine
Jon: Maybe you could give me an example of how you’re telling these stories about your players and roping in fans that way.
Rachel: We have a tremendous foundation, but we have more work to do in terms of storytelling from a league-office perspective. So far, we’re counting a little bit on our partners to tell those stories.
ESPN has done a great job. Amazon and everybody we’re partnered with in our ecosystem have as well. The opportunity to really tell those stories from league platforms and through our owned media ecosystem is in front of us, and we are going to start—we’re beginning to build that out now.
Make no mistake, we have star players who are breaking through. I think everybody knows the names: Trinity [Rodman], Sophia [Smith], Mal [Swanson], and a whole swath of current stars. We also want to get fans in front of that rising class of stars. As we build out this content strategy and drive velocity and engagement with our current fans, and create those new pathways for new fans, elevating that new class of players and stars will be really important.
Brand, audience and what’s next
Jon: Do you have other priorities ahead of you?
Rachel: Audience growth is vital—you’ve heard it here—for me and for our league. Again, building on a great foundation, it’s really important that we cement our brand in the hearts and minds of current fans and new fans. What we stand for, the distinctive place and space we can own in the minds and hearts of fans to drive connection and loyalty and, ultimately, growth. We need to really cement that so that we get a little stickier, so that there’s a clear emotional connection. That work is in front of us, and I’m super excited about it.
Jon: I do have one question that we try to ask all our guests. If you could name one CMO out there, who would it be and what would your question be for them?
Rachel: This might be everyone’s answer right now, but I’m really impressed with what the Gap is doing right now. Fabiola Torres is the CMO. What a turnaround, right?
It’s a distinctive new strategy to really drive cultural relevance, which is an imperative for the league as well. I have a whole host of questions, but my question would just be: What did it look like to sell in, inside their walls, this new way of inserting Gap into culture and conversation? It’s unmissable right now, and all the way into Fashion Week and the Met Gala. So I think that would be my answer.
Prinx Tires USL Cup Recap – FW 2(1): IND 2(3)
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Indy Eleven goalkeeper Eric Dick made a diving save and Jack Blake, captain Aodhan Quinn, and Josh O’Brien converted their penalty kicks to give the Boys in Blue a 3-1 shootout victory in Prinx Tires USL Cup play at Fort Wayne FC on Saturday.
Fort Wayne made its first penalty to take a 1-0 lead in PKs, but Blake responded to tie it, then Quinn made it 2-1, setting the stage for Dick’s stop. O’Brien was successful to make it 3-1, and the next Fort Wayne attempt was off target to end it.
Regulation play ended 2-2, with Quinn putting Indy Eleven on top in the 26th minute. He stole an errant pass 30 yards from the goal and knifed diagonally through the defense and got a deflection back inside the area. Quinn then chipped a left-footed shot from just outside the six that Fort Wayne goalkeeper Aurie Briscoe stopped, but the rebound came back to Quinn and he reacted quickly to bury it into the left side of the net to put his team up 1-0.
With the match even at 1-1 in the 64th minute, Blake and forward Bruno Rendon teamed up to put the Boys in Blue back on top. Forward Loïc Mesanvi started the sequence outside the corner of the area, playing it diagonally back to Blake. Blake then took one touch and played a pinpoint ball to the edge of the six, where Rendon volleyed it down just inside the far post for a 2-1 lead.
The goal is Rendon’s team-best sixth in all competitions in 2026, and he now has 11 goals in USL Cup play in three seasons–four more than anyone else in the history of the event!
Next Saturday is “Pups at the Pitch” at Carroll Stadium when Indy Eleven returns to USL Championship play vs. Lexington SC at 7 p.m.
Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
Located on the East Deck, the Desnuda Tequila Deck has an exclusive full-service bar and high-top seating providing panoramic pitch-side views for 50 people. It’s a social experience offering a wonderful place to hang out and take in the game! Desnuda Tequila Deck seats start at $59 and include one FREE cocktail and bottomless chips, salsa, and guac.
The Family Four-Pack is available for all 2026 home games and can be purchased online only. Priced at just $49, the Family Four-Pack includes four tickets, FREE parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area.
Flex Mini Plans include vouchers to be redeemed for any 2026 regular season home match.
For questions, call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com.
- Prinx Tires USL Cup Group 4
Indy Eleven 2(3):2(1) Fort Wayne FC - Sat., May 16, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.
- Ruoff Mortgage Stadium | Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Weather: Cloudy, 76 degrees
- Attendance: 3,794
2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Group 4
Indy Eleven: 0-1-1 (-1), 2 pts, #5 in Group
Fort Wayne FC: 0-1-1 (-2), 1 pt, #6 in Group
| Score | 1 | 2 | F | PK |
| Indy Eleven | 1 | 1 | 2 | (3) |
| Fort Wayne FC | 1 | 1 | 2 | (1) |
- Scoring Summary
- IND – Aodhan Quinn 26’
- FW – Taig Healy 33’
- IND – Bruno Rendón (Jack Blake) 64’
- FW – Jack Thomas (Kabiru Gafar) 90’+1
- Penalty Kicks Converted
- IND – Jack Blake, Aodhan Quinn, Josh O’Brien
- FW – Lilian Ricol
- Discipline Summary
- IND – Jack Blake (caution) 15’
- IND – Logan Neidlinger (caution) 39’
- FW – Ian Abbey (caution) 44’
- FW – Jeremy Garay (caution) 45’+1
- IND – Paco Craig (caution) 68’
- FW – Jack Thomas (caution) 79’
- FW – Tiago Dias (caution) 83’
Indy Eleven Line-Up: Eric Dick, Aodhan Quinn (captain), Paco Craig, Anthony Herbert, Logan Neidlinger (Makel Rasheed 78’), Jack Blake, Cam Lindley, Josh O’Brien, Edward Kizza (Noble Okello 74’), Loïc Mesanvi (Kian Williams 90’+2), Bruno Rendón (Dylan Sing (90’+2).
Indy Eleven Subs Not Used: Reice Charles-Cook, Alejandro Mitrano, Hesron Barry.
Fort Wayne FC Line-Up: Aurie Briscoe, Michael Rempel, Juan Solis, Tiago Dias (captain), Jayden Smith, Taig Healy, Javier Armas (Daniel Oyetunde 83’), Jeremy Garay (Emerson Nieto 63’), Ian Abbey (Kabiru Gafar 63’), Lilian Ricol, Clarence Awoudor (Jack Thomas 78’).
Fort Wayne FC Subs Not Used: Bernd Schipmann, Reid Sproat, Nico Burns, Anthony Hernandez, Tyson Hagaman.
Top MLS Stories
The Ole BallCoach 