Spain Wins WC Final 1-0, Messi gets ripped off in Awards
Ok lets start with the World Cup final – Spain scored the winner late (Spain Goal) and held on for the 1-0 victory (Highlights) in Extra time thanks in large part to the send off of Enzo Fernandez on a hard tackle earning his 2nd yellow card. (The shame is his first yellow was for dissent and his sendoff ruined the game basically giving the win to Spain). Yes Spain dominated possession and deserved the goal after making Argentina’s GK Martinez (should have won Golden Gloves) make the most saves (11) ever in a WC Final. But Argentina had come back so many times late and in Extra Time but never had to do it a man down – and yes they had 3 shots on goal in ET (not zero) as many folks in the Press have reported – (more than Spain BTW in ET). Either way Spain kept the ball from Messi for the first 95 minutes of the game – and took the game out of his hands with their high press and ball control. Cudos for Spain a deserving World Cup winner who gave up just 1 goal in the World Cup. But the awards at the end were ridiculous! Unai Simon for Golden Glove? He had 10 saves all World Cup long (4 impressive) – Martinez had 11 in the final. Real Top 10 WC Goal Keepers. The 2nd was Rodri winning the Golden Ball as best player? Seriously? Across the entire WC NO ONE was better than Messi (8 goals, 4 assist, 5 Man of Match, created 29 chances on goal). Messi got ripped just because he couldn’t pull off a Miracle late game goal for a 4th straight game. Whoever decided the individual awards was simply blinded by Spain winning, Best young player was right in Pau Cubarsi (of Spain) however and best coach – though not a category was Spain’s De La Fuente hands down. I was extremely disappointed in the fighting post game by Argentina – the poor sportsmanship was astonishing. However the MEDIA got it wrong when they said Argentina turned their backs on the medal presentation to Spain – the Argentine Fans were singing goodbye to Messi – who stood alone in tears looking into the crowd and his teammates simply joined him in acknowledging the Argentine fans who were singing to Messi. The Real Reason Argentina Turned Their Backs on Spain … Folks can get on Argentina all they want about the after game fights – but THEY DID NOT PURPOSELY TURN THEIR BACKS ON SPAIN during the medal presentation – so just stop!
So what really happened to Argentina in this final? That was not the Argentina we have seen this World Cup late in games. I have heard conspiracy theory’s about FIFA sending a letter to Argentine officials telling them they can’t win, I have heard about a fight between coach Scaloni & Messi pregame (evidently Scaloni wanted to play a low block and counter – which is what Argentina did) and Messi wanted to attack and possess more. While some of that may be true – I think Spain simply took the fight out of Argentina much they way these did vs France. They kept possession and did not let Messi get comfortable with the ball – until the last 10 minutes or so when Argentina was pressing for the equalizer. (an equalizer I feel would have come late if Argentina was not a man down in the last 15 minutes). Give Spain and Del Fuente credit – all he’s done is won his only 3 tourneys coached – Nations League 2023, Europa 2024, World Cup 2026. That’s 13 wins no losses and 1 tie during the streak. (that’s never been done before). Somebody tell Del Fuente its nice in the US in the winter time – maybe he’s ready for a change. LOL. I will have more about the US breakdown and my personal trip across the west to follow the US in next week’s OBC.
MLS Allstar Game Wed, 8 pm on Apple/MLS Skills contest Tues 8 pm Apple Free
Lionel Messi is one of four players to have been ruled out of Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game at Charlotte, N.C., as he recovers from the World Cup (More); everything you need to know about the All-Star game (More) |The game has evolved beyond a typical exhibition. For MLS, it represents an opportunity to showcase the league’s growth and competitiveness. For Liga MX, it is a chance to defend its long-established reputation as the region’s traditional powerhouse. Thanks World, We’ll Take it From Here – MLS is Back
Indy 11 Loses at Home 1-0, Travels to San Antonio Fri 9 pm, Returns Sun 8/9 @ 5 pm vs Hartford
Indianapolis – Indy Eleven had its 10-game home league unbeaten streak (9-0-1) snapped in a 1-0 loss to Loudoun United FC at Carroll Stadium. The run without a home loss in the USL Championship lasted nearly a full calendar year, starting last August and concluding with a 2-0 win over Charleston Battery on July 4. The Boys in Blue earned a plethora of chances, finishing with 20 shots, 14 shots from inside the box, 10 shots on target, nine corners, and 36 crosses. But Loudoun goalkeeper Ethan Bandré had an extraordinary performance, making 10 saves, tying the the most in a USL Championship match this season. At the midpoint of their season, Indy Eleven is in playoff position in eighth with 15 league games remaining. The Boys in Blue take a 2-0 record against the USL Championship Western Conference this season to San Antonio FC on Fri. July 31 at 9 p.m. on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Indy Eleven returns home on Sunday, August 9 at 5 p.m. vs. Hartford Athletic. It is a 317 Night, so fans can purchase $11 tickets through the link and add on an Indy Eleven Medical Scrub Cap at checkout for $15 (cap must be picked up at the match). Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
Wed, July 29 8 pm Apple Free MLS Allstar Game vs Liga MX 8 pm CBSSN KC Current vs Racing Louisville NWSL 10 pm CBSSN Bay FC vs Gotham FC Fri, July 31 7:30 pm Apple Free NYCFC vs Toronto FC (Stewart) 8 pm Prime NC Courage vs Orlando Pride (Marta) NWSL 9 pm CBS Golazo Indy 11 @ San Antonio FC Sat, Aug 1 4 pm CBSSN Racing Louisville vs Chicago Starts NWSL 6:30 pm Tubi, Ion KC Current vs Angel City (Thompson) 7:30 pm Apple Free Cincy vs San Jose 7:30 pm Apple Free DC United vs Nashville SC 7:30 pm Apple Free Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew 7:30 pm Apple Free Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC 8:30 pm Apple Free Chicago Fire vs Charlotte 8:45 pm Ion, Tubi Bay FC vs Seattle Reign NWSL 10:30 pm FS1 Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders Sun, Aug 2 12 noon ESPN Wrexham vs Sunderland 4 pm ESPN+, Des Liverpool vs Leeds United 4 pm CBSSN Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs San Diego Wave 7 pmVictory+ Utah Royals vs Portland Thorns 9 pm ESPN Denver Summit (Heaps) vs Boston Legacy Wed, Aug 5 10 pm CBSSN Denver Summit (Heaps) vs NC Courage Sat, Aug 8 8 am CBSSN Chelsea vs AC Milan 11 am CBSSN Man United vs PSG 4 pm Ion, Tubi Denver Summit vs Utah Royals 4:30 pm Apple Free New England vs Houston Dynamo 6:30 pm Ion, Tubi Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs NC Courage 8:45 pm Ion, Tubi Houston Dash vs KC Current Sun, Aug 9 4 pm CBSSN Boston Legacy vs Portland Thorns 5 pm My Indy TV Indy 11 vs. Hartford Athletic 9 pm ESPN Seattle Reign vs Angel City (Thompon)
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FIFA has announced its ‘Dream XI’ of the 2026 World Cup, which was decided by fan voting throughout the tournament. It features three players from eventual champions Spain, the same number from France and two from Argentina, with England’s Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland of Norway and Cape Verde’s Vozinha completing the line-up.
To make life a little more interesting, we asked some of The Athletic’s writers to choose their best XI from this World Cup, with one rule: they could have a maximum of two players from any one nation.
Nobody went for Unai Simon, despite the Spain goalkeeper conceding only once in eight matches en route to lifting the trophy, while the cap on how many you could choose from each country meant there was room for some slightly left-field names. Julian Quinones and Youri Tielemans, come on down.
Here are those teams, along with their reasons for picking them…
The most obvious alternatives in central defence were Argentina duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, but while they both made eye-catching contributions in certain moments, I felt they were all over the place in the victories over Cape Verde and Egypt in the knockout stage. I’ve turned instead to Diney, who was outstanding for Cape Verde in the group stage, particularly that opening 0-0 draw with Spain.
Brett Davis/Imagn Images via Reuters/Brett Davis
In goal, there will be a lot of votes for Vozinha, whose heroics for Cape Verde at the age of 40 were wonderful to watch, but I felt there was a stronger case for Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir.
The front six picked themselves, really. It wouldn’t be any different without the restrictions.
It might seem a little surprising to have only one player apiece from runners-up Argentina and third-placed England, but it was the back-four positions that were up for grabs and I didn’t feel either of those teams defended particularly well. They were heavily reliant on Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham, respectively.
There would be a case for England’s Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele of France, but it’s impossible to look beyond that Kylian Mbappe-Erling Haaland-Lionel Messi front three.
Mark Carey
It is an outside, data-led shout, but Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel deserves credit for exceeding shot-stopping expectations — conceding four goals fewer than the quality of shots he faced, which is more than any other goalkeeper in the tournament.
Daniel Munoz’s marauding, box-crashing runs were as much of a joy to watch for Colombia (below) as they have been for Crystal Palace, while England’s Djed Spence secured his cult-hero status with some memorable moments at both ends of the pitch on the other flank. Cubarsi and Martinez can hold the fort while the full-backs push on, with both being excellent in possession throughout this World Cup.
Daniel Becerril/Reuters
Rodri’s place in the team was never in doubt, but from here things get a little… top-heavy.
I have squeezed in Bellingham in a deeper midfield role (one he did play on occasion this summer), to allow Messi to play as the No 10 ahead of him. While those two scored 15 goals between them, both are also crucial in catalysing their team’s attack creatively from the middle third of the pitch.
I am shifting Michael Olise back to the right flank after his World Cup roaming central role, while Mbappe is moved from his centre-forward role to the left side — given that he drifts into those spaces anyway.
That allows me to shoehorn in Haaland through the centre, with a ridiculous return of seven goals from five games in his first World Cup.
Phil Hay
It’s not too easy to think outside the box because this World Cup was dominated by the biggest names, right from the start.
Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all have to figure up front. They notched 25 goals combined. There’s also no way you can leave out player-of-the-tournament Rodri (back to his Ballon d’Or-winning best). Similarly, Bellingham and Olise were too influential to overlook.
At the back, though, I thought I’d mix it up a little (with the exception of Cubarsi — again, he should make every XI here). Munoz scored a beauty for Colombia from right-back and was full of beans until his team ran out of steam against Switzerland in the last 16. Pico Lopes put in a huge shift for lovable Cape Verde, and Spence (below) came of age internationally with England. He was one of this World Cup’s surprise packages.
Elsa/Getty Images
Really, Cucurella should have been at left-back with Unai ‘You shall not pass’ Simon in as the goalkeeper, but the rules set for us meant my quota of Spaniards was full. So for good reason, I went with Australia’s Patrick Beach in net.
Amelie Claydon
Rodri is the foundation. The Golden Ball winner controlled Spain’s title run, completing a tournament-record 790 passes. His positional discipline will also give Bellingham and Olise the freedom to play further forward. Mbappe is equally unavoidable after winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals, while Messi is my team’s chief creator.
Vozinha made the case for an expanded World Cup and supplied much of the tournament’s romance. The 40-year-old former electrician made seven saves in that goalless draw with eventual champions Spain, then another eight against Argentina as Cape Verde pushed the holders turned runners-up into extra time.
Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes provide elite pace and recovery speed that allow Messi and Mbappe to move into central areas without leaving the side too narrow. Manuel Akanji offers composure and experience between them, while Cubarsi (below) takes Spain’s second allowed place after winning the Best Young Player award and helping the tournament’s winners concede just once in their eight matches.
Calvin Hernandez/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Haaland gives the attack a focal point after his seven goals powered Norway to the quarter-finals. His movement and physical presence would create space for Messi and Mbappe.
Bellingham also scored seven but earned his place for more than his goals, supplying pressing, late runs into the box and essential midfield balance. Olise completes my trio after seven assists, making him the tournament’s outstanding provider.
Kane is unfortunate to miss out, but selecting him would overload an attack already containing three elite finishers.
Colin Millar
Until the quarter-final stage, this World Cup was dictated by stars: chiefly Messi, Mbappe, Olise, Bellingham, Haaland and Kane. It was telling that none of the obvious names then scored in the semi-finals or final, which was fitting for a tournament won by Spain: the epitome of a collective excelling ahead of individuals.
Focus will be on that mesmerising Spanish midfield, but in truth their entire game — which conceded just one goal and 10 shots on target in eight games — was built on an excellent defence whose positional sense, discipline, focus and technical quality were streets ahead of any other side.
Vozinha was the personal story of the tournament in the only team capable of stopping Spain: his performances for Cape Verde in the opening game and in extra-time defeat to Argentina bordered on heroic.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Julian Quinones was the standout player among the three co-hosts, scoring in four of Mexico’s five games, including several stunning strikes.
Honourable shoutouts to Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, Norway’s Martin Odegaard, Johan Manzambi of Switzerland, Cape Verde’s Pico Lopes, Ismaila Sarr of Senegal and Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande. Oh, and the entirety of Spain’s starting line-up.
George Edwards
The many underdog stories of this World Cup seem eternities away now, but they made its early stages gripping, and Vozinha, a clubless 40-year-old playing for rookies Cape Verde, ended the tournament as the only goalkeeper to stop Spain from scoring.
Cubarsi’s composure both on the ball and in defensive actions rightly earned him young player of the tournament, and despite William Saliba never looking fit, France only seemed capable defensively with him by Dayot Upamecano’s side.
Flanking them, the availability of Hakimi and Spence would allow progression up the park, as well as the Moroccan’s recovery pace and the Englishman’s one-on-one speciality protecting what is admittedly an attack-heavy line-up.
Rodri’s ability to consistently make the correct decision in any scenario and his building presence as the tournament progressed was testament to the ripening of Spain — his composure would allow Bellingham and Manzambi (below) to float between midfield and attack as they saw fit.
Alex Grimm/Getty Images
The selections of Mbappe and Messi need no explanation, toppling and toying with records between them across the World Cup, and Haaland’s stubborn No 9 positioning and instinct gives this team the sharpest possible blade.
It’s very attacking, and relies heavily on Rodri’s anchoring, but given that 11 Spaniards cannot be selected, balance has gone out the window.
Eduardo Tansley
Rodri was the first name on the sheet, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player — while leading Spain to victory.
I had to max-out my Cape Verde picks as they were the fairytale of the tournament: unbeaten in the group, including that goalless draw with Spain, and then going toe-to-toe with Argentina before being beaten in extra time. The people have spoken, with Vozinha on close to 30 million Instagram followers, and Lopes recruited via LinkedIn to play a blinder at the World Cup.
In defence, Spence didn’t start every game, but after fans questioned his inclusion by Thomas Tuchel, he turned out to be one of England’s most valuable contributors. Cubarsi was an assured presence in Spain’s back line at just 19 years old, and Munoz scored twice to help Colombia win their group ahead of Portugal. I wish I could include more Spain defenders considering they only conceded once.
Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Mikel Merino of Spain were in with a shout in midfield, but there were a lot of attacking options to fit in.
Kane was one of the players of the tournament as well, but I chose its two top scorers in Mbappe and Messi and its record assist-maker Olise.
Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In his first World Cup, Haaland helped knock Brazil out with a brace on the way to the quarter-finals, scoring seven goals and starting various massed rowing incidents.
Bellingham was the match-winner against Norway (and settled things against France), and no Englishman has scored more World Cup goals at one tournament than his seven in this edition.
Spain are worthy World Cup winners. It’s a victory for method over madness
The Spain squad join captain Rodri to lift the World Cup trophy – a title they fully deserve Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images
Had you closed your eyes, you might have thought you were sitting in Las Ventas, the famous bullring on the outskirts of Madrid. The fight wasn’t quite over yet, but it had reached the stage where the matador felt ready to tease the raging bull. “Ole!” the delighted Spanish supporters shouted. “Ole! Ole! Ole!”
After 104 games across three countries over five and a half weeks, the 23rd edition of the men’s World Cup was down to its closing stages. Spain had finally made the breakthrough in the final and glory was within touching distance. For a couple of minutes, they kept possession like it was a training-ground rondo, enraging their opponents. Argentina’s players saw red, their fury growing with every pass. Ole! Ole! Ole!
The late Cesar Luis Menotti, the cerebral coach who led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in 1978, said in 2004 that Spanish football, having underachieved on the international stage for so long, needed to “forget its fury and decide if it wants to be the bullfighter or the bull”. It caused indignation in Spain at the time, but Menotti was right. In the past 18 years, since embracing possession-based football like never before, Spain’s men have won the European Championship three times and now the World Cup twice.President Donald Trump booed at World Cup final | World Cup Daily Briefing
Megan Feringa and Laura Williamson
It is a remarkable run of success and, while the first five weeks of this World Cup were dominated by the exploits of star players such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, few would dispute that Spain, after a slow start, asserted themselves as the outstanding team come the tournament’s business end. They beat Mbappe’s France 2-0 in the semi-finals and then, after 105 minutes of stalemate, a goal from Ferran Torres broke the increasingly fraught resistance of Messi’s Argentina in the final.
It was a triumph of teamwork, of intelligent, controlled possession football and of composure in contrast to their opponents’ aggression and paucity of attacking ambition. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence just before the end of regulation time and the ugly antics of Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina at the end were in keeping with a performance that did not yield a single shot until the closing minutes of extra time.
Ferran Torres hammers home the winning goalJewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images
The way it unfolded called to mind two previous World Cup finals.
Long before he became FIFA’s chief of global football development, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had a dim view of the international game, likening it to “fast food” as opposed to the haute cuisine produced by the best club teams. A national-team coach, he told reporters in 2010, “has to make a quick meal and he has little time to do it. There’s little time to practise, to work on the style of the team, so… it’s instinctive, quick-fix management”.
Argentina were carried to Sunday’s final by a wave of emotion and by the genius of their 39-year-old captain. Spain, by contrast, were a calm, controlled, measured side, built on sound footballing principles. Their win was a victory for method over the madness that always threatened to be Argentina’s undoing.
Where does the greatest credit lie? Their captain Rodri, of Manchester City, won the FIFA Golden Ball award as the tournament’s outstanding player, looking back to something like his best form in midfield nearly two years after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Pau Cubarsi beat his fellow Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to the young-player award after another outstanding performance alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defence. Full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella excelled at both ends of the pitch. Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal and others have made big contributions along the way, as did Torres by coming off the bench to score the World Cup-winning goal.
Pau Cubarsi, Rodri and goalkeeper Unai Simon, who won the Golden Glove, with their awards after the finalCarl Recine/Getty Images
But more than any of that, it comes down to the collective, to what is not just a coherent playing style in the senior team but a joined-up approach to developing players — and indeed coaches. Two of the most successful club coaches of this era, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, are Spanish, as are the coaches of five Premier League teams, including champions Arsenal (Mikel Arteta), Europa League winners Aston Villa (Unai Emery), Chelsea (Xabi Alonso), Fulham (Alvaro Arbeloa) and Liverpool (Andoni Iraola).
England reached the World Cup semi-finals this summer under a successful and high-profile German coach, Thomas Tuchel, whose approach to the tournament seems to reflect the “fast food” approach of Wenger’s description. Spain have entered another golden era under a coach, Luis de la Fuente, who spent nine years coaching their under-19 and under-21 national teams.
“I never imagined anything like this,” De la Fuente, 65, told reporters after Spain’s victory yesterday. “I always just wanted to enjoy those moments I was experiencing (with the development teams). I always worked and coached where I wanted to be. When you look at this process, we couldn’t have achieved anything on this journey without these players and with the knowledge of the raw materials and the way Spanish players play and compete.”
Luis de la Fuente has now guided his team to the European Championship and World Cup doubleMaurice van Steen/ANP via Getty Images
It has not been uninterrupted success, or anything like it. There were painful learning experiences between winning Euro 2012 under Vicente del Bosque and reclaiming that title 12 years later with De la Fuente. Neither is the modern team a facsimile of the generation built around a Barcelona midfield of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta; this one can look a little more functional, until it comes to the flamboyant threat of Williams and particularly Yamal on the wings.
But eventually they dominated this World Cup final. By the end of 90 minutes, they had recorded 66.2 per cent of the possession and 15 shots to Argentina’s zero. Extra time continued in the same vein and, while they were accused of being too devoted to their passing game in that group-stage draw against Cape Verde (just as they were when they were knocked out of the previous World Cup in 2022 on penalties by Morocco after recording 77 per cent possession in that match), their patience and confidence in that style has sustained through the rest of the tournament.Spain defeats Argentina to win the World Cup
David Ornstein and Lia Griffin
There was a direct element to the goal — a hanging cross from Porro, a clever and determined far-post header by Williams and an emphatic Torres finish — but it was a product of a controlled, composed performance that always looked likely to wear Argentina down eventually.
Yamal is the face of this Spain team, the one who will be on billboards for years to come, but that word “team” overrides everything else. In a World Cup that was so often illuminated by the game’s biggest stars, glory was claimed by the strongest collective.
It goes back to the message De la Fuente said he gave his players before the game.
“I told them, ‘Gentlemen, we have an appointment with history — and we want to be there first’,” he said.
It took a while, but in the end they got there with a flourish. Ole! Ole! Ole!
Oliver Kay Before joining The Athletic as a senior writer in 2019, Oliver Kay spent 19 years working for The Times, the last ten of them as chief football correspondent. He is the author of the award-winning book Forever Young: The Story of Adrian Doherty, Football’s Lost Genius.
So why should you be tuned in today to watch the World Cup Final? Because its the Best team from Europe vs the Best from the Americas? Or because over 1.6 billion people are expected to watch across the world (compared to the Superbowl at 125 million), because its the culmination of the a month long tourney which over 5 billion people watched and captured even the heartbeat of America? No you should watch today – because the GOAT – the undisputed GREATEST SOCCER PLAYER of all Time is playing in what should be his last International Competition. He was considered the GOAT based on his club play for Barcelona over the past 25 years – but that was solidified when he lead Argentina to the World Cup Championship 4 years ago. Now the chance at a 2nd straight title for Argentina (which would match the Great Pele for Brazil 1958 – 1962) is upon us.
Argentina has grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat 3 times in this run to the Final — tied with Cape Verde in the Round of 32 late, trailing the Swiss with 10 minutes to go in the round of 16 and finally down 2 goals in the Semi-Final vs England. Each time it was Messi who lead the charge delivering assists and goals to help lead Argentina to victory. What he is doing at 39 years old is matched by only perhaps the Great Tom Brady – QB for New England. You MUST WATCH TODAY because this is history – this is a chance to see the GOAT of a sport: Futbol ride off into the sunset with his country Argentina and millions of others like me crying on the sideline. Do yourself a favor – watch and Enjoy!!
Now onto the game today – listen Spain is really really good. They are the best defensive team in this tourney – having only given up 1 goal this entire World Cup – that to the explosive France. They do this by possessing the ball for endless amounts of time, a good center defense and a very good goalkeeper in Unai Simone?? So can Argentina press the attack and keep the ball enough to worry the Spanish? I expect Spain will have 70-30 possession until its crunch time. I think Spain will take a 1-0 lead late in the first – and Argentina will again – make a go in the last 20 minutes to net the equalizer. Then in Extra Time – before overtime – Messi will find a way to get Argentina a goal and take home the victory. Or so I hope – Argentina wins it 2-1.
Here are a ton of things about Messi
Congrats to the Carmel FC U13 Girls, Coach Matt, Coach Tracy, and all the families – Finishing off with a 1-0 victory against Real NJ, closes out a season culminating in the @usysnationalchampionship. Its the furthest a Carmel FC team has ever gone!
TV Schedule
Sun, July 19 3 pm Fox WC FINAL – Argentina vs Spain 7 pm Victory+ Boston Legacy vs Washington Spirit All games on Fox, FS1 & Telemundo Wed, July 22 MLS 7:30 pm Apple Free Columbus Crew vs NYCFC 7:30 pm Apple Cincy vs Vancouver 7:30 pm Apple Inter Miami vs Chicago 7:30 pm Apple Philly vs NY Red Bulls 8:10 on FS1 Charlotte vs Atlanta United 10;30 pm FS1 LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Fri, July 24 8 pm Victory+ Houston Dash vs Bay FC NWSL 10 pm Prime Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC Sat, July 25 5 pm Tubi, Ion Boston Legacy vs KC Current 7 pm FS1 Columbus Crew vs Cincinnati FC Sun, July 26 5 pm CBSSN San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign 7 pmVictory+ Washington Spirit vs Denver Summit 9 pm ESPN Angel City vs Racing Louisville
Good Morning World Cup Fans MIB
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World Cup final: Argentina vs. Spain – What you need to know, predictions, odds
ESPN
Jul 19, 2026, 02:46 AM ET
We’re down to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as there are now just two teams still harboring dreams of becoming world champions. We’ve seen 46 teams — including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well traditional powerhouses Brazil and Germany — fall by the wayside over the past month. Now only reigning world champions Argentina and reigning European champions Spain still have their eyes on victory in the final in New Jersey on Sunday. But how did we get here? Who are the players who have stood out the most? And what are the moments that we’ll never forget? ESPN’s Mark Ogden brings you up to date with answers to all of those questions, Sam Tighe looks at where the final will be won and lost, a selection of our writers who have been reporting on the tournament give us their predictions on the winner, and we’ll bring you the latest betting odds via DK Sports.
Spain vs. Argentina (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET | East Rutherford, New Jersey)
SPAIN
How they got here: The European champions have flown under the radar at this tournament after opening up with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. But despite that inauspicious start, Spain have quietly gone about their business and conceded their first — and only — goal of the tournament in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against Belgium. Any doubts over La Roja’s ability to go the distance were emphatically blown away with a 2-0 semifinal win against France in Dallas. Luis de la Fuente’s team went into that game as underdogs because of France’s impressive run to the last four, but Spain defeated Les Bleus with a dominant performance that showcased the very best of the Euro 2024 winners.
Star player: Mikel Oyarzabal is the unheralded striker who always delivers for Spain, and the Real Sociedad forward has done it again at this World Cup, where he has scored five goals in the team’s run to the final. Oyarzabal scored the winning goal in Spain’s Euro 2024 final win against England in Berlin and, with three goals in the knockout stages of this World Cup, he has helped take his team to the final. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with Sociedad and lacks the star quality of many of his teammates, but Spain wouldn’t be playing on Sunday without his goals.
Best moment: Pedro Porro‘s goal in the 2-0 win against France made the game safe, but it was the manner of the goal which stood out. The Tottenham Hotspur defender is not one of Spain’s attacking players, but he took his goal with such calmness and authority — it highlighted that this is a team that can hurt an opponent from all areas of the pitch.
Why were Argentina able to come back vs. England?
ARGENTINA
How they got here: On paper, Argentina have had an easy route to the World Cup final having avoided an opponent in the top 15 of the FIFA world rankings until facing England — ranked fourth — in the semifinals. But while their path has looked straightforward, it has been anything but with Cape Verde taking the world champions to extra-time before losing 3-2 in the round of 32 and Egypt claiming an “injustice” after VAR decisions contributed to their 3-2 defeat in the round of 16. Switzerland looked set to take Argentina all the way to penalties — or even beat them — during a hard-fought quarterfinal that only turned following a red card for Swiss striker Breel Embolo. England were five minutes away from the World Cup final before Argentina turned the semifinal on its head with two late goals, but Lionel Scaloni’s side have certainly played on the edge — but they keep on winning.
Star player: Lionel Messi — who else? The 39-year-old carried Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022, but it’s incredible to think that until recently, there were doubts as to whether he would even play in this tournament. He has not only played, he has dominated, and he goes into the final tied with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. But while Messi is everything for Argentina, it is only fair to mention Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández because both have delivered in big moments. Lautaro has three goals at this tournament and Enzo has netted twice — both scored in the 2-1 win against England, so Messi knows he has a reliable support cast.
Best moment: Argentina and Messi have had plenty, but the moment that has made this World Cup for La Albiceleste is Lautaro’s winning goal against England. The semifinal was such a tense, emotional encounter, so to win the game with a header from Messi’s cross will be a highlight of Lautaro’s career and a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime in Argentina. — Ogden
Where will this game be won?
The original ethos of the World Cup was to bring together the globe’s various different footballing styles and approaches, then pit them against each other to see who emerges victorious. In that sense, Spain vs. Argentina is a fitting finale to this year’s edition; it’s the ultimate battle between consummate control and frenetic frenzy.
Spain got the whole world talking with their remarkable dismantling of France in the semifinals, winning 2-0 thanks to a performance that held that vaunted attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé to almost nothing; Fabián Ruiz and especially Rodri delivered a masterclass in midfield that allowed for total domination.
France boss Didier Deschamps failed to match up tactically (and numerically) in midfield and it cost them. They also could not get a handle on Dani Olmo’s one-touch playmaking, or Yamal’s speed and directness on the flank.
Argentina will not make the same mistake. This is a team that floods the middle of the pitch with numbers in order to get players combining quickly with Messi, and an important part of their game is committing little fouls to break up their opponent’s rhythm. Can Spain keep their nerve and stave that off?
That, truly, is the key question here, and it’s not a case of doing it for 60 or 70 minutes and being fine — it’s a case of doing it for all 90. Because La Albiceleste‘s track record of launching late sieges in this tournament is stunning, as the defeated trail of Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England will attest.
It is remarkable what Messi & Co. can conjure when their backs are against the wall with the clock ticking. This match will not end quietly. — Tighe
Laurens: Halftime shows should be left to American sports
Predictions
Becherano: Argentina 2-1 Spain. It’s hard to imagine Argentina not clawing their way to the trophy after the way they’ve played this tournament. The team have found scrappy ways to win, proving that you don’t always need to play well to eliminate a rival. It won’t be the prettiest game of football from either side, but Argentina may just have enough to become consecutive World Cup champions.
Carlisle: Spain 2-1 Argentina. Argentina’s survival instincts are off the charts, but they haven’t yet faced a technically superior team. That changes with the matchup against Spain, who will starve La Albiceleste of the ball much like they’ve done to other opponents, giving La Roja their second World Cup title.
Connelly: Spain 4-1 Argentina. With the way Argentina put together late-game charges, you either knock them all the way out ahead of time or you get knocked out in the 12th round. We’ll say it’s the former (though the latter wouldn’t be surprising at this point).
Dawson: Spain 3-1 Argentina. Argentina’s knockout games have been entertaining but chaotic. If Spain can find the same level of control as they did against France, they’ll score first and be able to withstand Argentina’s late push to close out the game.
Hamilton: Argentina 1-3 Spain: Spain won’t make the same mistakes England did. They’ll score one, and then go for another – just like they did against France. Argentina will have their moments but this is Spain’s final. They know how to control big matches, how to nullify threats (Mbappe and Dembele) and their form is ridiculously good. Argentina have completed many Houdini-esque escapes, but this is one ask too many.
Olley: Spain 2-0 Argentina. Spain have peaked at the right time and have the mixture of togetherness and composure that can see off an Argentina side that are probably a little lucky to reach the final.
Ogden: Spain 3-1 Argentina. My predictions in the knockout stage have been woeful, so I need to redeem myself with the final and that’s why I am tipping Spain. Argentina have Messi, they have the desire, they will probably have 90% of the fans in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, but Spain are so good with the ball and so full of quality that I am tipping La Roja — and if it descends into a scrap, they showed against France that they can get tough when they need to.
Lindop: Spain 2-1 Argentina. Both of these teams have recent experience of international glory, but ultimately I think Spain’s superior quality will win out. Argentina have ridden their luck at times in this tournament, and I expect Spain’s well-drilled possession game will prove too much for the reigning world champions.
Marcotti: Spain 2-1 Argentina. I write this in the full knowledge that Messi can subvert logic and football. However, if Spain keep the ball half as well as they did against France, it’s going to be very hard for Argentina to create chances: they’re another side that simply doesn’t match up well with De la Fuente’s crew.
Odds (via DK Sports, correct at time of publication)
Spain: +115
Argentina: +285
The two teams being level after 90 minutes is +200.
For the past two decades, watching Lionel Messi has been a joy, a privilege and a source of near-constant wonder. There are good footballers, there are great footballers and then there is Messi, who plays as if he has been sent here from another dimension, a superior life form inside the 5ft 7in frame of a normal guy from Rosario, Argentina.At the dizzy peak of his powers at Barcelona, spanning all the way from the late 2000s to the early 2020s, he took the breath away almost every time he played. In the blink of an eye, he went from mesmerising to killer mode. He didn’t just score goals at a prodigious rate. He created, caused havoc and performed in a way that left even the most cynical press-box veterans in thrall. Watching Messi at this World Cup — and indeed the previous one, given how little we knew at the time — has felt different. You are not just watching in awe of his other-worldly talent. You are watching in disbelief that he is still doing it, albeit perhaps more sporadically, at the age of 35 in Qatar in 2022 and at 39 now, and knowing, in the knockout stages, that each time might be the last you see him play on the sport’s biggest stage.Beyond that, there is the knowledge that every game, every performance, every dramatic intervention on Argentina’s behalf, is embellishing a sporting legacy that already seemed complete. Among those who have long felt Pele’s or Diego Maradona’s legacies unsurpassable — perhaps even for a small minority of those who insist the Argentina captain is not the greatest of the modern era — Messi is challenging deeply entrenched beliefs. Sunday’s final against Spain will be Messi’s last game on the World Cup stage. He has made that clear — even if he said the same thing in 2022 and for a long time afterwards, reflecting that leading Argentina to glory at his fifth attempt, fulfilling his life’s ambition, “closed a circle” and represented the perfect ending.This time it really will be the end. That song Argentina’s players and fans have been singing, which features a well-documented line about wanting to win the World Cup “por las Malvinas” (for the Falkland Islands, the subject of a decades-long dispute with the UK), also contains a line about wanting to do it “por la ultima de Leo” (for Leo’s last one).
Messi has appeared far more emotional at this World CupGetty Images
He might yet continue as far as the Copa America in 2028, also to be held in the United States, but the 2030 World Cup looks beyond even his remarkable powers of endurance. For the vast majority of sports fans across the world, those who are not minded to tune in to follow his exploits for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, this could, realistically, be the last time they see Messi play.At times over the past five weeks, it is as if that realisation has dawned on him in the closing stages of games. For long periods he has been quiet until, at 2-0 down against Egypt in the round of 16 and trailing England 1-0 in the semi-final, a raging intensity has taken hold of him. As his former Barcelona team-mate Thierry Henry put it, in the Fox studio: “You do not (want to) wake up the beast. You look at his eyes, and he switches. When he goes into that mood, it’s very difficult to stop him. He starts to take the ball and dribble past almost everybody to try to change the game.”The danger is that, if Argentina find themselves trailing once again in Sunday’s final, their opponents will be far less accommodating than Egypt and particularly England were. England’s response to taking the lead against Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta was to retreat further and further until Messi’s inevitable impact, setting up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. By contrast, Spain’s response to going 1-0 up against tournament favourites France 24 hours earlier was to double down and dominate the game until they scored a second.CSince a stuttering start with a draw against Cape Verde, Spain have looked the most complete, most cohesive team at this tournament. Argentina have played in bursts, frequently drawing on their never-say-die spirit as well as Messi’s brilliance. Bookmakers’ odds, data-based predictive models and indeed the majority of Athletic readers in our predictions hub lean towards a Spanish victory at MetLife Stadium.That said, France were favourites in the last final and Argentina beat them, albeit by the finest of margins, recovering from the shock of Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick before holding their nerve to win the penalty shootout.In 2022, there was much focus on the symbolism of a meeting between Messi and Mbappe, seemingly the heir to the Argentinian’s throne. Mbappe is a wonderful player, as he has demonstrated for France during this World Cup, but Messi has remained pre-eminent, even while playing his club football in Florida. Now thoughts turn to whether the final might see the torch passed to Spain’s 19-year-old phenomenon Lamine Yamal, which would be all the more poignant given the extraordinary circumstances of their only previous meeting.In these situations, the narratives can be so seductive. But in Messi’s case, his status and his legacy are surely by now so secure that he has nothing left to prove.The same feeling took hold in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup final. The notion that Argentina had to win it in order to secure his position on the pantheon of all-time greats, elevating him to the level of Pele and Maradona, was appealing but ultimately facile. Had Argentina lost that penalty shootout, rather than won it, would it really have caused Messi’s career to be seen in a less favourable light?It probably would, but it shouldn’t. Before that World Cup final in Qatar, he had played 1,002 games at senior level for club and country. In that time, he had changed our perception of what elite performance in football looks like. The idea that his legacy should hinge on the outcome of one game — let alone a game settled on a penalty shootout — was the 1,003rd game of his career for club and country. His greatness had already been proved over and over.The same applies now. Sunday’s final will be the 1,196th game of his career. It makes little sense to suggest that his legacy hinges on whether or not, at the age of 39, he is able to lead Argentina to a second world title.But that word “lead” is significant because, for years, leadership was the one thing Messi was perceived to lack. His talent was extreme, but his introverted personality seemed at times to inhibit him on the World Cup stage, where the burden of trying to deliver glory for his country — as Maradona did so memorably in 1986 — weighed so heavily on his shoulders. Maradona himself remarked after Argentina’s defeat by Chile in the 2016 Copa America final that Messi had “no personality” and lacked the “character” to be a leader.
Messi has a devoted following among Argentina’s playersElsa/Getty Images
In 2016, Messi was faced with a dilemma: fight or flight. His instinctive reaction, tearful after losing another final, was to throw in the towel, to announce his career with Argentina was over at the age of 29, to focus on his club career, which by comparison brought him so much joy and so little anxiety. But then he listened to his heart, listened to the advice of his nearest and dearest, and pledged to carry on trying to bring Argentina success. He reevaluated his role as a captain and a leader and made it his greatest obsession. He finally won his first senior trophy with Argentina at the Copa America in 2021. Since then, they have won the Finalissima (a one-off match between the champions of Europe and the Americas), the World Cup in 2022 and the Copa America again in 2024. Now he has the opportunity to win his second World Cup and Argentina’s fourth. In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012. Not as reliably, breathtakingly, constantly brilliant — you would not expect that of a 39-year-old — but perhaps slightly more human, more relatable, more conscious of his own (notional) fallibility and of how time is now so precious, particularly in those moments when Argentina’s ambitions have been hanging by a thread. He knows his time as a footballer is running out. He knows his powers have to be used more selectively these days. There have been times at this World Cup, even until the closing stages of the semi-final against England, when it has felt as if his previous endeavours might just have caught up with him. Watching him has become a more intense, more dramatic experience, perhaps less about appreciating his incredible talent and more about marvelling at his ability to conjure up one more piece of magic when the stakes are so high and when time — not just on the scoreboard but on his body clock — appears to be catching up with him. He is astonishing: the prolific goalscorer who is also a selfless creator; the virtuoso who brings out the best in every team-mate; the quiet, unassuming guy who is transformed with a ball at his feet; the teenage wunderkind who is illuminating the World Cup more brightly than ever in his 40th year. Now, as ever, he leaves his audience in thrall. Oliver Kay Before joining The Athletic as a senior writer in 2019, Oliver Kay spent 19 years working for The Times, the last ten of them as chief football correspondent. He is the author of the award-winning book Forever Young: The Story of Adrian Doherty, Football’s Lost Genius.
Messi’s Argentina face Spain in today’s 2026 World Cup final: Live updates
Argentina attempt to defend their title against European champions Spain.
The Athletic Live Team
July 19, 2026 at 12:15 PM EDT
Argentina take on Spain in today’s World Cup final. Getty
Luke Brown·
Senior Managing Editor, Live
Spain vs Argentina — Latest
The 2026 World Cup winners will be crowned today at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Spain and Argentina meet in the final, bringing the curtain down on a 104-match tournament staged across North America.
Follow our live coverage for all the latest news, updates and analysis from our team.
2m ago
Ed Mackey·
Senior Editor, Live
Spain look almost impenetrable
Getty Images
Spain are only slight favourites, but I think they should be more highly fancied to win this World Cup final.France had become many people’s favourites to win the tournament after they way they ripped through everything in front of them, but then they were soundly dispatched by Luis de la Fuente’s men in the semi-final.Spain have conceded just one goal at this tournament and we are often told that defence wins you titles. Well, their defence looks worthy of winning this title.To their credit, Argentina were great against England after going behind but they have struggled their way through this World Cup a little.They needed extra time to see off Cape Verde and 10-man Switzerland, while they left it late in normal time against Egypt and England.Granted, they also kept finding ways to win on their way to the trophy four years ago but I can see Spain keeping them at arm’s length today.
Check our tournament hub for on-the-ground reporting, instant scores, and expert analysis as the drama unfolds.
Mark Carey·
Football Writer
Spain have the edge
Getty Images
Sunday will have the first- and second-placed teams in FIFA’s current global rankings going head-to-head, and is the first World Cup final between the reigning European Championship and Copa America title holders.
The Athletic’s forecast model gives Spain the edge, with a 59 per cent chance of victory to Argentina’s 41 per cent.
Neither nation has made a habit of losing in recent years: Spain’s last competitive defeat came in March 2023 away to Scotland during qualification for a European Championship they subsequently won, and Argentina haven’t been beaten in a major-tournament knockout since the 2019 Copa America semi-final against Brazil.
They have won three major tournaments on the bounce in the years since. Something has to give today. May the best team win.
Andrew Marchand·
Senior Writer, National
Fox quartet including Henry, Lalas to arrive by helicopter
Getty Images
Fox’s top studio crew of Rebecca Lowe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas started the network’s four-hour pregame show at 11 a.m. ET under the Brooklyn Bridge.
So how will they get to MetLife Stadium for the rest of the show? A little after noon ET, the foursome will travel by boat and helicopter.
20m ago
Michael Dominski·
Deputy Managing Editor, Live
IShowSpeed to perform?
Getty Images
In addition to the unprecedented half-time show, today’s final will also feature a closing ceremony for the World Cup, which will begin 90 minutes before kick-off.
Rapper Post Malone will headline the show, which will also feature performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed.
What IShowSpeed will be performing is anyone’s guess. Tom Cruise will also be making an appearance.
Closer to kick-off, Jennifer Hudson will sing U.S. national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Christopher Macchio will perform “America the Beautiful”.
2Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Argentina fans span the globe
Getty Images
As you can see from this snap in Kolkata, India.
These guys are performing a yagya, a special prayer to express their hopes for Argentina’s victory.
Our reporter Anantaajith Raghuraman dives into the phenomenon of support for the South American nation in Bangladesh, which borders India, below.
These two men are the leading goalscorers for our two finalists and will be tasked with leading the charge again today.
Mikel Oyarzabal has been superb for Spain, after also playing a key role at Euro 2024, while Lionel Messi is… Lionel Messi.
It feels that if Argentina are going to have a chance, the 39-year-old is going to have to play a starring role again.
Will Jeanes·
Senior Editor
This tournament could be the highest-scoring since 1958
Getty Images
If there are five goals in today’s final then the 2026 World Cup will have averaged exactly three goals per game.
That would be the first time a World Cup has averaged three goals per game (or higher) since the 1958 tournament (3.6).
46m ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Tom Cruise is here!
Getty Images
Seeing the Hollywood star and failing to mention him feels like Mission Impossible.
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Sounds like pretty good conditions to play football, Aaron.
Albeit maybe a little hot.
51m ago
Aaron Mentkowski·
Meteorologist
How’s the weather looking today?
Getty Images
A pleasant day for the World Cup final. kies have cleared out after yesterday’s storms and the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, and it will be mostly sunny today.For the 3pm ET start of the match, the temperature will be near 82F (28C), winds will be northwesterly at five to 15 miles per hour, and the humidity levels will be comfortable.
Luke Brown·
Senior Managing Editor, Live
Reuters
Pope Leo XIV has been greeting people at the Piazza della Liberta in Rome today, where a number of the faithful have brought Argentina and Spain flags.
The Pope said earlier this tournament that he was rooting for the United States.
That’s because his other two favourite teams — Italy and Peru, the country where he has spent most of his life and started following soccer — had failed to qualify.
What can we expect from the half-time show?
Getty Images
In genuinely unprecedented scenes — rather than the standard sporting hyperbole — the interval during the World Cup final will extend beyond the usual 15 minutes and could last between 25 and 30 minutes. Alongside the introduction of hydration breaks, the first Super Bowl-style half-time show at a World Cup final represents another American influence on this tournament. Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the show, with Justin Bieber also among the performers. Whether the managers will extend their team talks accordingly remains to be seen.
Nancy Froston·
Senior Writer, Live
Has Messi surpassed Maradona?
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One player has traditionally been revered above all others in Argentina: Diego Maradona.
Would a second World Cup triumph elevate Lionel Messi beyond his former national-team manager?
His performances at this tournament may already have done so in the eyes of some supporters.
Messi has arguably sustained excellence for Argentina over a longer period. Another victory today would strengthen his claim to be regarded as the greatest player of all time.
1h ago
Luke Brown·
Senior Managing Editor, Live
Getty Images
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer is among the first to arrive at MetLife Stadium today.
Buffer, 81, is the official announcer for the World Cup final.
1h ago
Nancy Froston·
Senior Writer, Live
Do not expect to see Messi running today
Getty Images
It might be the World Cup final, but if this tournament has taught us anything, it is that Lionel Messi will spend much of the match walking.The challenge for Spain will be keeping track of him while he appears relatively inactive, before he suddenly comes to life and causes problems for their defence.Messi will remain heavily involved — he will simply do it at his own pace.
2h ago
George Edwards·
Sports Writer
Who is the referee?
Getty Images
Slavko Vincic will referee the World Cup final. It will be his first Argentina match since their shock 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.
The 46-year-old Slovenian has officiated three Spain matches, all victories at European Championship finals. They include the 2024 semi-final win over France before Spain went on to lift the trophy.
Vincic is appearing at his second World Cup and fourth major international tournament. He also refereed the 2021-22 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers and the 2023-24 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Today’s final will be his sixth World Cup match. His most recent was Ecuador’s round-of-32 defeat by Mexico, during which he sent off Piero Hincapie following a confrontation with Santiago Gimenez.
Vincic also oversaw the group-stage meetings between Brazil and Morocco and Jordan and Algeria at this tournament. At the 2022 World Cup, he refereed England’s 3-0 group-stage victory against Wales.
Vincic was in tears when he learned of his appointment at FIFA’s refereeing base in Miami on Thursday.
2h ago
Conor O’Neill·
Senior Football Writer
Where will the game be won and lost?
Getty Images
The final could hinge on Argentina’s ability to withstand Spain’s intense pressure.
Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled against England’s high press early in their semi-final, managing only three touches in the opposition penalty area before half-time.
Unlike England, Spain are unlikely to retreat or tire to the same extent, leaving Scaloni to devise a way through that sustained intensity.
Argentina tend to grow into matches. If they can withstand Spain’s suffocating counter-press, the final could develop into a battle for control.
Alongside the contest in midfield, the individual duels on the flanks could prove decisive.
2h ago
Melanie Anzidei·
Football Writer
Spain hope training disruption does not affect them
Getty Images
Spain’s final training session on Saturday was cancelled after initially being delayed when a lightning storm moved through the area.
The same weather system affected the start of Argentina’s session, held about five miles away in Morristown. Their training was delayed by approximately 45 minutes before beginning at 12.15pm.
Argentina’s players appeared unfazed by the disruption. All 23 outfield players were seen passing among themselves and appeared in good spirits during a rondo.
Conditions alternated between steady rain and torrential downpours — common summer weather for local residents in New Jersey.
2h ago
Aaron Mentkowski·
Meteorologist
What is the weather looking like for the final?
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
It will be another active weather day, with an Air Quality Alert in effect until this evening and a Flood Watch continuing until late tonight.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with heavy rain potentially causing flooding in areas with poor drainage. Severe storms are also possible later this afternoon, bringing damaging winds, large hail and even isolated tornadoes.
The rain should help to clear some of the smoke from the sky. Yesterday’s rainfall may be described as “dirty rain”, a common occurrence during wildfires.
As raindrops fall through the atmosphere, smoke particles attach themselves to the water and fall to the ground through a process known as wet deposition.
When the rain dries, those particles remain and can leave brown or grey spots on windows, cars, decking and other outdoor surfaces. Prolonged rain is far more effective at clearing the air than a brief shower.
The rain is expected to ease and the sky should clear during the afternoon.
By the 3pm ET kick-off, the temperature is forecast to be around 28C (83F), with mostly sunny conditions and the thickest smoke having cleared.
Will Argentina be affected by their knockout-stage exertions?
Getty Images
One factor that could work against Argentina is the demanding nature of their matches at this World Cup, particularly since the end of the group stage.
Cape Verde took Lionel Messi and company to extra time in the round of 32 before Argentina eventually emerged as 3-2 winners and avoided one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s history.
In the round of 16, Egypt led 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining, although Argentina recovered to win 3-2 without requiring extra time.
10-man Switzerland then took the holders to extra time in the quarter-finals, before Argentina eventually prevailed 3-1.
Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed England until late in their semi-final, but two goals in the closing stages completed another comeback and sent Argentina into a second successive final.
Spain, by contrast, have required a couple of late winners but have not been taken to extra time at this tournament.
Jordan Campbell·
Football Writer
What can Argentina learn from Scotland’s win?
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Scotland set up in a 5-4-1, with their wide midfielders choosing their moments to press Spain’s centre-backs and disrupt the build-up.
After taking the lead — with both goals originating from the left — Scotland defended deeply and encouraged Spain to cross because of their limited aerial threat.Frustrating Rodri was crucial. Avoiding an indiscr
Another option is to disrupt Spain emotionally — something Argentina are capable of doing — with Rodri likely to be a particular target if they can get close enough to him.
3h ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Who were the last team to beat Spain in 90 minutes?
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Perhaps a little surprisingly — with all due respect to Steve Clarke and company — it was Scotland.
Spain have conceded only once in seven matches at this tournament and are unbeaten in 37 games, equalling the men’s international record set by Italy. That sequence includes their penalty-shootout defeat by Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final, which officially counts as a draw.
Their run stretches back to March 2023, when Scotland beat them 2-0 at Hampden Park. No team has defeated Spain inside 90 minutes since.
3h ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Expect plenty of touchline antics
Reuters
Our writers were asked to make some extremely specific predictions before the semi-final between England and Argentina.
This reporter predicted that an Argentina substitute would storm off the bench and onto the pitch to confront the referee over a decision.
I was half-right. Instead, Valentin Barco sprinted onto the field and celebrated in front of several England players after Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser.
John Stones gave him a small shove as he lingered in front of the defender, while Jude Bellingham clipped him around the back of the head after the match.
Spain have also shown a willingness to challenge refereeing decisions, so it would be no surprise to see similar scenes involving either side today.
3h ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Argentina president absent for superstitious reasons
Getty Images
Argentina president Javier Milei has said he will not attend today’s final because of superstition.
The 55-year-old will instead watch from the presidential residence in Olivos, north of Buenos Aires, where he has watched each of Argentina’s previous matches at the tournament.
Milei said he became too hot while wearing a jacket during the quarter-final against Switzerland and removed it, only for Argentina to concede. He promptly put it back on.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has also revealed that he steps onto the field with his right foot first.
Do you believe such rituals make a difference? What sporting superstitions can you not let go of? Join the conversation using the tab at the top of the page or email live@theathletic.com.
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
‘You talkin’ to me?’: How De Niro helped New York New Jersey secure the final
Getty Images
MetLife Stadium — known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup — has a charmless exterior, awkward transport links and a playing surface described by players and coaches as “dry”, “hard”, “uneven” and “a bit like artificial turf”.
When The Athletic’s team of football writers ranked all 16 venues a week into the tournament, MetLife finished last. Its aesthetics received a score of 4/10, while its transport and location scored 3/10. A return train ticket from Manhattan for a World Cup match also costs $98 (£73).
Despite those drawbacks, FIFA selected it to stage the most-watched sporting event on the planet, with the global audience expected to exceed one billion. Why?
It may have helped that Robert De Niro, a New Yorker, narrated a three-minute, 20-second video presented to a FIFA delegation.
It began with the Statue of Liberty, her torch reaching towards the sky and described as a beacon shining a light on dreams.
“We dare to dream big, really big, because that is what we do in New York and New Jersey,” De Niro, one of the country’s most celebrated actors, said in a video viewed by The Athletic.
He called the sport football rather than soccer before the video cut to the Empire State Building.
“Are we ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?” De Niro asked. “Come on, baby, we were born ready. Our time is now.”
Credit to Adam Crafton, Henry Bushnell and Dan Sheldon for the reporting.
3h ago
Nancy Froston·
Senior Writer, Live
Rodri will pull the strings
Getty Images
While Lamine Yamal often dominates the headlines with his attacking displays, Rodri is the player Spain can least afford to be without.
The Manchester City midfielder is a Ballon d’Or winner and has returned to his best after an anterior cruciate ligament injury kept him out for much of 2025.
Expect him to receive and distribute the ball under pressure while dictating the tempo of Spain’s play.
3h ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Which Spanish substitute might make an impact?
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Alejandro Grimaldo is a tenacious, technically accomplished left-back and a set-piece specialist.
He could provide an important delivery if Marc Cucurella is booked early or Spain need greater attacking threat from that position.
Mikel Merino’s habit of making an impact from the bench is well documented, while Barcelona midfielder Gavi could also have a role after several injury-disrupted seasons.
Liverpool winger Victor Munoz offers unpredictability, while striker Borja Iglesias provides experience and a physical presence.
The 33-year-old was prolific for Celta Vigo and previously refused to represent Spain while Luis Rubiales remained president of the Spanish football federation.
Rubiales had kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent after Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup and initially refused to resign.
Rubiales later stepped down and was found guilty of sexual assault and fined. Iglesias subsequently returned to the national team.
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Which surprise Argentina player could make a difference?
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The experienced Nicolas Otamendi, 38, remains a threat at set pieces and could be called upon if Cristian Romero or Lisandro Martinez encounters difficulties.
Thiago Almada has lost his place in midfield but remains a creative option, while 21-year-old Nico Paz could thrive if given a cameo.
Striker Jose Manuel Lopez has been prolific for Brazilian side Palmeiras but is unlikely to feature, with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez ahead of him in the pecking order
Nancy Froston·
Senior Writer, Live
Messi remains Argentina’s leading figure
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Argentina have several players who are stars at club level, including Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, but nobody has displaced Lionel Messi as the team’s leading figure.
Messi continues to deliver on the biggest occasions, creating and scoring decisive goals. Even when Argentina’s goals come from elsewhere, he is so often involved in their construction.
If anyone can rival his importance, it is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. But even his match-defining saves tend to be overshadowed by Messi’s contributions at the other end.
4h ago
Nancy Froston·
Senior Writer, Live
Will this be Messi’s farewell?
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We do not know whether this will be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance, but time is clearly against him.
Croatia’s Luka Modric and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo are among the other great players who may have made their final appearances at the tournament.
It seems almost impossible that Messi would return in 2030, when he would be 43, but he has spent his career defying the usual expectations and conventions.
Conor O’Neill·
Senior Football Writer
What should we expect from Argentina?
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Combativeness, a refusal to accept defeat and, of course, Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have laboured through long stretches of matches before coming alive late on, with 12 of their 19 goals arriving after the 75th minute of normal time.
Sit off them, as England fatally did late in the semi-final, and they possess enough midfield quality to circulate the ball comfortably and create a steady stream of chances.
Their tournament-high average of 5.4 passes per possession sequence reflects that patience and composure. Those combinations are concentrated through the middle, where Messi generally operates.
Argentina have directed a smaller proportion of their passes towards the flanks than any other team at the tournament.
4h ago
Conor O’Neill·
Senior Football Writer
What should we expect from Spain?
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Control, cohesion and dogged intensity without the ball.
Spain’s identity as a possession-dominant, short-passing side is well established. They have remained true to those principles throughout this tournament, averaging 63.7 per cent possession across their seven matches.
That dominance is physically and mentally exhausting for opponents, who are left chasing shadows as Spain’s technicians pass around them with precision.
But their approach is not simply about grinding teams down and waiting for gaps to appear.
Spain’s movement is dynamic, with players exchanging positions and making surging runs that pull defensive structures apart.
4h ago
Max Mathews·
Staff Writer, Live
Parallels with their 1966 meeting?
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Two names stand out when looking through the team sheets from the sides’ only previous competitive meeting, at the 1966 World Cup.
For Argentina, there was captain Antonio Rattin, the powerful Boca Juniors midfielder.
For Spain, there was outside-left Paco Gento, the diminutive Real Madrid great.
And today? Argentina are again led by an influential captain, while one of Spain’s greatest threats is a brilliant winger.
Some things never change.
5h ago
Darren Richman·
Contributor
Head-to-head record
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There is nothing to separate these teams historically.
Spain have won six of their 14 meetings, Argentina have also won six and the other two ended in draws.
It is worth noting that 13 of those matches were friendlies. In their only competitive meeting, Argentina beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage of the 1966 World Cup.
Somewhat surprisingly, given that it took place between Spain’s two golden eras, the most recent meeting between these sides ended in a 6-1 Spanish victory.
Argentina had reached the 2014 World Cup final and the friendly formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2018 tournament.
Lionel Messi missed the game through injury, while Isco scored a hat-trick for Spain. Both countries were subsequently eliminated in the round of 16 in Russia.
Austin Green·
Staff Writer, Live
Argentina’s journey to the final
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Argentina’s road to a second consecutive World Cup final has been anything but smooth. But boy, it’s been entertaining.
The reigning champions breezed through the group stage, unfurling a team that defended tenaciously and was built to get the best out of a 39-year-old Lionel Messi, whose intelligence, passing and finishing ability has made up for his inability to run like he used to.
Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick in the opener against Algeria, broke the World Cup all-time scoring record against Austria and scored a vintage free kick against Jordan.
But then the knockouts came, and the road suddenly became much tougher. Messi scored the opener in the round of 32 against Cape Verde, but the underdog African side kept fighting back, first by equalising late in the first half.
Then, after Argentina retook the lead at the beginning of extra time, leveling the score again thanks to an absolute stunner from full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral. It took a Cristian Romero header to create an own goal off a Messi corner kick for Argentina to finally put away Cape Verde for good.
Argentina appeared on the ropes again, down 2-0 against Egypt with a third goal from the Pharaohs controversially ruled out due to a perceived foul in the build-up. Yet they waged a stunning comeback with three goals from the 78th minute to win in normal time.
They did, however, need extra time to get past 10-man Switzerland, with late goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to avoid penalties.
And lastly, another shock comeback against a stunningly tentative England side, with an 85th-minute equaliser from Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez — both assisted by Messi — for a 2-1 win to return to another World Cup final.
5h ago
Austin Green·
Staff Writer, Live
Spain’s journey to the final
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Spain were quickly put on notice in a 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their tournament opener, the game which made Vozinha, 40, a household name for keeping Spain’s talented attack at bay.
That turned out to be more of a sign of things to come for Cape Verde than Spain, though.
Luis de la Fuente’s side righted the ship with a 5-0 drubbing of Saudi Arabia in their following match and closed off the group stage with a 1-0 win against Uruguay in Mexico.
They breezed past Austria in the round of 32 but needed late winners from substitute Mikel Merino in the round of 16 against Portugal and quarter-final against Belgium respectively.
But Spain saved their best performance for when they needed it most, dominating fellow heavyweights France in a 2-0 semi-final victory.
5h ago
John Riker·
Staff Writer, Live
Who will be the next World Cup host?
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After today, the World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico will be complete. Fear not – more World Cup action is on the horizon next year.
Brazil will host the Women’s World Cup in 2027, and another group of countries — Morocco, Portugal and Spain — will follow North America with a joint hosting of the 2030 Men’s World Cup.
The 2030 edition, held 100 years after the first tournament, will also see special centenary matches take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
5h ago
John Riker·
Staff Writer, Live
Recent Golden Glove winners
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Excellent goalkeeping performances are near-essential in launching a nation’s run into World Cup contention, as reflected by the recent run of winners of the Golden Glove award.
Four of the past five Golden Glove winners played on the World Cup-winning squad. Which goalkeeper will join this fine company?
The leading goalscorer at each World Cup receives the Golden Boot — and this year’s race has been historic.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have not only emerged as the leading contenders for the award but have also become the two highest goalscorers in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record.
Here are the Golden Boot winners from the past five tournaments:
2022: Kylian Mbappe (France)
2018: Harry Kane (England)
2014: James Rodriguez (Colombia)
2010: Thomas Muller (Germany)
2006: Miroslav Klose (Germany)
6h ago
John Riker·
Staff Writer, Live
Recent Golden Ball winners
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Awarded to the tournament’s best player, the race for this year’s Golden Ball remains wide open and could be decided by events in today’s final.
Here are the winners from the past five World Cups:
2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2018: Luka Modric (Croatia)
2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2010: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
2006: Zinedine Zidane (France)
6h ago
Lukas Weese·
Staff Writer, Live
World Cup finals decided by penalties
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Ah yes, penalties — the most dramatic way to decide a knockout match after 120 minutes of football.
Four matches at this World Cup have required a penalty shootout: Germany against Paraguay, the Netherlands against Morocco, Australia against Egypt and Switzerland against Colombia. Could a fifth be on the cards today?
Three previous World Cup finals have been decided on penalties.
Brazil’s victory over Italy at the Rose Bowl in 1994; Italy’s win against France in Berlin in 2006, after Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt; and, of course, Argentina’s triumph over France in Qatar four years ago.
It is a brutal way to lose but a euphoric way to win. If today’s final goes to penalties, expect plenty of drama.
6h ago
Austin Green·
Staff Writer, Live
Other awards at stake today
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Remember, the FIFA World Cup Trophy will not be the only prize presented in New Jersey today.
Several individual honours will also be awarded: the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player, the Golden Boot for its leading goalscorer, the Golden Glove for its best goalkeeper and the Best Young Player award.
We will bring you the latest Golden Boot standings shortly, but several nations could be represented among today’s individual winners.
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are the leading contenders for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, although Messi remains in contention to claim both.
The Golden Glove also remains up for grabs, with Spain’s Unai Simon well placed to win it if he produces another strong performance today.
The same applies to 19-year-old team-mate Lamine Yamal, who has been consistently lively without producing eye-catching numbers and remains a leading candidate for the Best Young Player award.
6h ago
Lukas Weese·
Staff Writer, Live
Have Spain and Argentina ever played at a World Cup?
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Yes — Spain and Argentina have met at the World Cup before.
Their only previous encounter at the tournament came during the 1966 group stage, when Argentina won 2-1.
Luis Artime scored twice for Argentina, either side of Pirri’s equaliser for Spain.
The nations have faced each other 14 times in senior internationals, with six wins apiece and two draws.
Today’s final will therefore break the deadlock in their remarkably even head-to-head record.
Why pink boots are causing problems for World Cup commentators
Pink boots are everywhere at this World Cup – much to the annoyance of play-by-play announcers. Alex Pantling / FIFA via Getty Images
When Vicki Sparks takes her seat in the broadcast booth for a World Cup game, she takes out her print-out of the two matchday rosters and scours the field during the warm-ups.As a commentator for the UK’s BBC Sport, one of her first steps in the stadium is to look out for any clues which may help differentiate between the stars in the match ahead. She will scribble little notes by each player’s name.Play-by-play announcers are often positioned towards the very top of vast stadiums, reducing the players to ant-like specks far below. Of course, they have already done hours of preparation, but no stone is left unturned as they seek every marginal gain from the gantry, eager to ensure that the game’s definitive moments can be called with confidence.
They look for signs of any difference between the 20 outfield players in the match: hair color, hairstyle, a wristband, a bandage, whether a player is in a short- or long-sleeved jersey and, in many cases, the color of their footwear.
Yet this World Cup has presented a unique challenge, because so many of the players are wearing pink boots. From such a distance, whether these are made by Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance or Skechers, they all look very similar. There are exceptions — including Lionel Messi’s white and pale blue Adidas cleats, or the golden pair designed by Nike for Cristiano Ronaldo — but pink footwear is pervasive at this World Cup.
Why are World Cup boots pink?
The blur of pink has also created complications for announcers such as Sparks, particularly for identifying players from those countries whose national teams are not usually followed by mainstream audiences outside major tournaments. In an expanded 48-team World Cup with increased rosters of 26 players, that leaves commentators trying to familiarize themselves with more than 1,000 individuals. That’s a lot of pink boots.“You want to get them in your head so you can immediately call it,” Sparks tells The Athletic. “The aim is to call it in the moment. Anything that can give you those marginal gains makes it easier and makes it more likely to be more accurate, which is so important as a commentator.“I’ve done some games in the World Cup at SoFi Stadium (in Los Angeles). It is an incredible venue, but you are nearly at the very top of the stadium. Those players are tiny dots running around in front of you, so you are looking for absolutely anything to distinguish. Boots are the first thing you go to, because they stand out and it is just such an easy way. It really helps if you’ve got a mix of colors, you narrow it down.”Ian Darke, who has been working on the tournament for Fox Sports, wrote on X: “Only the commentators care — but why are all the World Cup players wearing the same pink boots? Clearly commercial reasons but so dull and sameish. Don’t they come in other colours anymore?”
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Derek Rae, who has also called games for the same U.S. broadcaster during this World Cup, is more forceful, joking that “pink boots can be banished to the dustbin of history”.Rae tells The Athletic: “People always say, ‘What do you do to make sure your identification is as well-oiled as possible?’ Boot colors are a very important part of that. As soon as the teams come out, I do my writing up of the line-ups. When the players warm up, you can see me with binoculars glued to every single player, looking at their boot colors and other identifying features on that particular day. Pink is the ‘in’ color at this World Cup, much to the chagrin of every commentator, because normally we have an even spread of maybe white, black, red, orange and blue. But this time, it is not much else except pink.“I’m always grateful for the one or two who are not wearing pink. They get big capitals (by their names) with the color that they’re actually wearing!”Sparks laughs: “Leandro Trossard, who played for Belgium, started the tournament with blue boots! I was like, ‘Yes! Thank you, Trossard!’ He has a big ‘Blue’ next to him on my sheet.”For other announcers, different factors have presented obstacles in calling names.Seb Hutchinson, a commentator for ITV in the UK, also has binoculars to hand, but his preparation and visual aids focus more on hairstyle, a player’s gait and the positions they occupy on the field. He says one complication has been identifying the number on the back of player jerseys, particularly where the digits can blend in with the pattern on striped fabric.Ian Dennis, a BBC Radio 5 Live commentator, says the vantage points in NFL stadiums being used at this World Cup have created “a real test for the eyesight”. Dennis, who has been in the U.S. since England first arrived for two pre-tournament friendlies in early June, has another preparatory trick: gaming via EA FC.“At home, I normally play on my son’s game,” he says, adding that the graphics are so “lifelike” that it helps to associate player movements with the figures he calls on the field. “All I do is, for instance, play a video game simulating Borussia Dortmund against Borussia Dortmund. I literally pass the ball from player to player. I don’t play the game as such, but it’s all about number association for me.”
He continues: “Boots are normally a giveaway. But a problem I’ve found is, normally, you spot the numbers on a player during their warm-up and align them with the players early doors. That 15-minute warm-up for a commentator is absolutely crucial, because it gives you an opportunity to look for distinguishing features.
“But one thing I noticed with three or four teams is that, because of the heat at some venues, they were not wearing the kit with their numbers on to warm up, which they would tend to do back in the UK. So they’re wearing different training tops, without numbers, and different shorts. I noticed it with Saudi Arabia and with Iraq.
Not too many pink boots but no numbers as Saudi Arabia warm up to play Cape Verde in Houston on June 26.Leslie Plaza Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“It means that you can’t get that number association, which is how you identify the players. When the team sheets come out, I can normally say, ‘Right, number 15, black boots or orange boots, blond hair’, and I write it down in little thumbnail descriptions to go alongside the player.”
To Rae, however, the footwear has been the biggest challenge:
“It is obviously our job to know the players, their traits and what they look like on the ball irrespective of boot color… but it has been harder. Also, because the commentary positions in the USA are, by and large, a lot higher than we are accustomed to in Europe and further away.
“That may be a function of how things are set up for the NFL and, talking to colleagues who cover the NFL, they don’t necessarily want to be close to the action. They want to have this bird’s-eye view, as if they’re watching a chessboard in front of them. But, of course, they have spotters who help them with who’s carrying the ball and who’s made the tackle. We don’t have that in our work.
“I’ve never worked with a person who would call themselves a spotter. It’s down to our own identification. We’re always up for a challenge. It is not meant to be easy. I would say the pink boots have definitely been a little bit of a detriment this summer.”
Adam Crafton is a British journalist based in New York City, having relocated from London in 2024. He primarily covers soccer for The Athletic. In 2024, he was named the Sports Writer of the Year by the Sports’ Journalist Association, after winning the Young Sports Writer of the Year award in 2018.
So this fantastic World Cup is wrapping up this weekend with the Current South American Champs Argentina and Messi playing the European Champion Spain and Yamal. Argentina continues to find a way to win games the comeback vs England in the last 15 minutes of the game down 1-0 was a thing of brilliance. (highlights) Let’s be real – England’s Tuchel was an idiot for pulling attackers and replacing them with defenders with 25 full minutes still to go. His approach allowed Argentina to maintain total control of the game and with Messi on the field that is just not a smart thing to do. Just like the last 3 games – Argentina merely found a way to win it. Bellingham was stupid to poke the bear in a confrontation with Messi early in the match Lesson 1 for the from England’s Bellingham was you don’t mess with Messi – 2 – you certainly don’t question him. The quote was supposedly you know the refs are giving you all the calls this world cup – oh and Ronaldo is better – said the Real Madrid man vs the Barcelona legend. It lead to this Last Goal for Argentina and its not coming home for England and their up and comer Bellingham. Now as we head to the battle with Spain what about these pics of Messi with Yamal? Messi: Yamal photo ‘incredible’ path to WC final pret Messi did photo shoot with Baby Yamal. Wild. Listen Spain might be the better team in this final – but you can’t sleep on Messi & the Argentines. I like Arg 2 – Spain 1. Spain has a great D but this is Messi here now.
As for England vs France – the 3rd place game where neither team seems to thrilled about playing – has a chance to be a classic – I mean the odds were these 2 teams would be in the Final – now as 3rd vs 4th its still a great game that I see France winning 3-2 assuming Tuchel doesn’t pull his entire offense off with a 1 goal lead like he just did vs Messi.
Indy 11 lose to Miami, travel to Detroit on Sat
Indy Eleven fell on the road at Miami FC on Wednesday, conceding on both sides of halftime to lose 2-0 at Pitbull Stadium. The defeat snapped a seven-game winning streak against Miami FC in all competitions for the Boys in Blue, who hadn’t lost to their Eastern Conference rival since 2022. Indy Eleven — who entered the game tied for first place in league goals conceded with 12 allowed in 12 games — stayed strong defensively for much of the first half. Indy Eleven have won four of their last six in USL-C play and sit in sixth place in the conference. The Boys in Blue have three games in hand on Miami and two games in hand on three of the other four teams above them in the table. Watch: WRTV 6, ESPN+, Greg Rakestraw & Brad Ring. The next home game for the Boys in Blue is “Princess Night” on Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m. vs. Loudoun United FC. Fans can meet their favorite princesses including the 2026 Indiana State Fair Queen, create magical crafts, get their face painted, and join the halftime Princess Parade. Fans can purchase a “Princess Pack” with four tickets, free parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area for just $49. Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
TV Schedule
Fri, July 17 8 pm Amazon KC Current vs San Diego Wave NWSL 8:10 pm Fox Nashville SC vs Atlanta United MLS 10:25 pm Fox LA Galaxy vs LAFC El Traffico Sat, July 18 12 noon ABC Gotham FC vs Seattle Reign NWSL 2 pm CBS Denver Summit (Heaps) vs Portland Thorns NWSL 4 pm CBS Bay FC vs NC Courage NWSL 5 pm Fox 3rd place France vs England 6:30 pm Ion Tubi Chicago Stars vs Angel City (Thompson) 8:45 pm Ion Utah Royals vs Orlando Pride (Marta) 11 pm Uni Quertaro vs Toluca Sun, July 19 3 pm Fox WC FINAL – Argentina vs Spain 7 pm Victory+ Boston Legacy vs Washington Spirit All games on Fox, FS1 & Telemundo Wed, July 22 MLS 7:30 pm Apple Free Columbus Crew vs NYCFC 7:30 pm Apple Cincy vs Vancouver 7:30 pm Apple Inter Miami vs Chicago 7:30 pm Apple Philly vs NY Red Bulls 8:10 on FS1 Charlotte vs Atlanta United 10;30 pm FS1 LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Fri, July 24 8 pm Victory+ Houston Dash vs Bay FC NWSL 10 pm Prime Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC Sat, July 25 5 pm Tubi, Ion Boston Legacy vs KC Current 7 pm FS1 Columbus Crew vs Cincinnati FC Sun, July 26 5 pm CBSSN San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign 7 pmVictory+ Washington Spirit vs Denver Summit 9 pm ESPN Angel City vs Racing Louisville
Good Morning World Cup Fans MIB
Day 35 of the Copa das Copas saw a game at biblical levels—and of biblical miracles. A football match between Argentina and England that epic poems will be written about and which tapestries will be woven to commemorate. A clash of football, but also one about war and politics. Imperial colonialism, the death of empire and collective memory, and at the end of the day, Argentina progressed thanks to another epic comeback. England were shattered. They’re gonna make Thomas Tuchel walk home after experiencing this kind of World Cup Final edge-lording and curiosity. 1990, failure. 2018, failure. 2022, failure. All noble failures, but agonizing ones. We’re filming with John Oliver later today and he previously compared England in World Cups to Charlie Brown running at a football with Lucy holding it. Twas always thus, and always thus will be. Much more on yesterday’s stuff-of-legends semifinal below, but for now, Spain await Argentina. In true Atlanta form, they left France smothered and covered. They are fit and have played six of their seven games in climate-controlled stadiums. Lamine Yamal has never lost while playing for La Roja in 32 games. But maybe most fascinating of all: the two people in this photo will face off in the World Cup Final, 19 years after it was taken. The odds of this happening are impossibly small, and yet, we’re just one game away.More:Watch my instant reaction to Argentina’s epic comeback against England here.
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World Cup final: Argentina vs. Spain – What you need to know, predictions, odds
ESPN
Jul 16, 2026, 09:30 AM ETK
We’re down to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as there are now just two teams still harboring dreams of becoming world champions.We’ve seen 46 teams — including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well traditional powerhouses Brazil and Germany — fall by the wayside over the past month.Now only reigning world champions Argentina and reigning European champions Spain still have their eyes on victory in the final in New Jersey on Sunday.
But how did we get here? Who are the players who have stood out the most? And what are the moments that we’ll never forget?
ESPN’s Mark Ogden brings you up to date with answers to all of those questions, Sam Tighe looks at where the final will be won and lost, a selection of our writers who have been reporting on the tournament give us their predictions on the winner, and we’ll bring you the latest betting odds via DK Sports.
Spain vs. Argentina (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET | East Rutherford, New Jersey)
SPAIN
How they got here: The European champions have flown under the radar at this tournament after opening up with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. But despite that inauspicious start, Spain have quietly gone about their business and conceded their first — and only — goal of the tournament in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against Belgium. Any doubts over La Roja’s ability to go the distance were emphatically blown away with a 2-0 semifinal win against France in Dallas. Luis de la Fuente’s team went into that game as underdogs because of France’s impressive run to the last four, but Spain defeated Les Bleus with a dominant performance that showcased the very best of the Euro 2024 winners.
Star player: Mikel Oyarzabal is the unheralded striker who always delivers for Spain, and the Real Sociedad forward has done it again at this World Cup, where he has scored five goals in the team’s run to the final. Oyarzabal scored the winning goal in Spain’s Euro 2024 final win against England in Berlin and, with three goals in the knockout stages of this World Cup, he has helped take his team to the final. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with Sociedad and lacks the star quality of many of his teammates, but Spain wouldn’t be playing on Sunday without his goals.
Best moment: Pedro Porro‘s goal in the 2-0 win against France made the game safe, but it was the manner of the goal which stood out. The Tottenham Hotspur defender is not one of Spain’s attacking players, but he took his goal with such calmness and authority — it highlighted that this is a team that can hurt an opponent from all areas of the pitch.
Why were Argentina able to come back vs. England?
ARGENTINA
How they got here: On paper, Argentina have had an easy route to the World Cup final having avoided an opponent in the top 15 of the FIFA world rankings until facing England — ranked fourth — in the semifinals. But while their path has looked straightforward, it has been anything but with Cape Verde taking the world champions to extra-time before losing 3-2 in the round of 32 and Egypt claiming an “injustice” after VAR decisions contributed to their 3-2 defeat in the round of 16. Switzerland looked set to take Argentina all the way to penalties — or even beat them — during a hard-fought quarterfinal that only turned following a red card for Swiss striker Breel Embolo. England were five minutes away from the World Cup final before Argentina turned the semifinal on its head with two late goals, but Lionel Scaloni’s side have certainly played on the edge — but they keep on winning.
Star player: Lionel Messi — who else? The 39-year-old carried Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022, but it’s incredible to think that until recently, there were doubts as to whether he would even play in this tournament. He has not only played, he has dominated, and he goes into the final tied with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. But while Messi is everything for Argentina, it is only fair to mention Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández because both have delivered in big moments. Lautaro has three goals at this tournament and Enzo has netted twice — both scored in the 2-1 win against England, so Messi knows he has a reliable support cast.
Best moment: Argentina and Messi have had plenty, but the moment that has made this World Cup for La Albiceleste is Lautaro’s winning goal against England. The semifinal was such a tense, emotional encounter, so to win the game with a header from Messi’s cross will be a highlight of Lautaro’s career and a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime in Argentina. — Ogden
Where will this game be won?
The original ethos of the World Cup was to bring together the globe’s various different footballing styles and approaches, then pit them against each other to see who emerges victorious. In that sense, Spain vs. Argentina is a fitting finale to this year’s edition; it’s the ultimate battle between consummate control and frenetic frenzy.
Spain got the whole world talking with their remarkable dismantling of France in the semifinals, winning 2-0 thanks to a performance that held that vaunted attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé to almost nothing; Fabián Ruiz and especially Rodri delivered a masterclass in midfield that allowed for total domination.
France boss Didier Deschamps failed to match up tactically (and numerically) in midfield and it cost them. They also could not get a handle on Dani Olmo’s one-touch playmaking, or Yamal’s speed and directness on the flank.
Argentina will not make the same mistake. This is a team that floods the middle of the pitch with numbers in order to get players combining quickly with Messi, and an important part of their game is committing little fouls to break up their opponent’s rhythm. Can Spain keep their nerve and stave that off?
That, truly, is the key question here, and it’s not a case of doing it for 60 or 70 minutes and being fine — it’s a case of doing it for all 90. Because La Albiceleste‘s track record of launching late sieges in this tournament is stunning, as the defeated trail of Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England will attest.
It is remarkable what Messi & Co. can conjure when their backs are against the wall with the clock ticking. This match will not end quietly. — Tighe
Laurens: Half-time shows should be left to American sports
Predictions
Becherano: Argentina 2-1 Spain. It’s hard to imagine Argentina not clawing their way to the trophy after the way they’ve played this tournament. The team have found scrappy ways to win, proving that you don’t always need to play well to eliminate a rival. It won’t be the prettiest game of football from either side, but Argentina may just have enough to become consecutive World Cup champions.
Carlisle: Spain 2-1 Argentina. Argentina’s survival instincts are off the charts, but they haven’t yet faced a technically superior team. That changes with the matchup against Spain, who will starve La Albiceleste of the ball much like they’ve done to other opponents, giving La Roja their second World Cup title.
Connelly: Spain 4-1 Argentina. With the way Argentina put together late-game charges, you either knock them all the way out ahead of time or you get knocked out in the 12th round. We’ll say it’s the former (though the latter wouldn’t be surprising at this point).
Dawson: Spain 3-1 Argentina. Argentina’s knockout games have been entertaining but chaotic. If Spain can find the same level of control as they did against France, they’ll score first and be able to withstand Argentina’s late push to close out the game.
Hamilton: Argentina 1-3 Spain: Spain won’t make the same mistakes England did. They’ll score one, and then go for another – just like they did against France. Argentina will have their moments but this is Spain’s final. They know how to control big matches, how to nullify threats (Mbappe and Dembele) and their form is ridiculously good. Argentina have completed many Houdini-esque escapes, but this is one ask too many.
Olley: Spain 2-0 Argentina. Spain have peaked at the right time and have the mixture of togetherness and composure that can see off an Argentina side that are probably a little lucky to reach the final.
Ogden: Spain 3-1 Argentina. My predictions in the knockout stage have been woeful, so I need to redeem myself with the final and that’s why I am tipping Spain. Argentina have Messi, they have the desire, they will probably have 90% of the fans in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, but Spain are so good with the ball and so full of quality that I am tipping La Roja — and if it descends into a scrap, they showed against France that they can get tough when they need to.
Lindop: Spain 2-1 Argentina. Both of these teams have recent experience of international glory, but ultimately I think Spain’s superior quality will win out. Argentina have ridden their luck at times in this tournament, and I expect Spain’s well-drilled possession game will prove too much for the reigning world champions.
Marcotti: Spain 2-1 Argentina. I write this in the full knowledge that Messi can subvert logic and football. However, if Spain keep the ball half as well as they did against France, it’s going to be very hard for Argentina to create chances: they’re another side that simply doesn’t match up well with De la Fuente’s crew.
Spain, Argentina talk up World Cup final of Messi, Yamal and ‘two super teams’
Messi spoke warmly about Yamal as Spain and Argentina traded compliments (Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK — There was a strong theme of mutual respect and admiration from the figureheads of Spain and Argentina as the teams enter the final day of preparation before Sunday’s World Cup final.Speaking in a press conference at the Javits Center on the West Side of Manhattan, Spain captain Rodri praised both Lionel Messi and Argentina as “the toughest rival” for a World Cup final. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez countered by calling Spain “a great team.”For both coaches, it’s clear that they see the other as a worthy confrontation to earn the title of world champion.“I really do see two super teams with a lot of similarities in behavior and in footballing talent,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said.Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni said: “How could Spain not worry us? They’re a great team.”Indeed, these two teams enter the final with arguably the sport’s best resumes. Argentina is looking to win four consecutive major trophies: two Copa América titles and back-to-back World Cups. Spain, meanwhile, is unbeaten in 37 straight matches and won both the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League and 2024 European Championship. The two were due to battle in La Finalissima — the match pitting the reigning Copa América and Euro winners against each other — in March in Qatar, but the occasion was canceled due to the conflict in nearby Iran. They’ve found their way to a match with the greatest possible significance instead.Is Rodri back to his Ballon d’Or best?
Reuben Pinder
They are teams known for their respective stars — Messi and Lamine Yamal — but who have thrived off of team mentality as much as the ability of those respective players.
“Regarding Messi, I don’t think it’s necessary to spell out the kind of player he is or what he means to Argentina,” Rodri said. “I consider him the greatest player of all time, a player who has been able to lead his national team, taking them to win the World Cup in Qatar and now in this case to a final.
“However, I believe Argentina is much more than just Messi; they have proven to be a very well-rounded team with top-tier players. Honestly, I think the two of us are currently the teams that play the best collective football, so to speak. So, obviously, we’ll have to keep Leo in mind, but plenty of others as well.”
Following suit by lauding Messi’s abilities, De la Fuente recalled the first time he faced him.
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“I met Lionel Messi, I was training at Sevilla Fútbol Club in the (youth academy), and we played a Copa del Rey match … and we went to Barcelona,” the manager said. “People had told me very good things about a kid named Messi. Well, obviously at the start we put an individual marker on him, and by the 70th minute it was still 0-0, and when the player marking him got a card, I made a substitution — and in 15 minutes he scored four goals on me. Does this mean we’re going to man-mark him? No. But are we going to be very attentive to him? Yes.
“But exactly the same way they’re going to have to pay close attention to our players. Great players always deserve special attention. What happens is that in this match there are many players — both on Argentina’s team and Spain’s — that you have to watch closely, but one of them, obviously, is Leo Messi.”
Lionel Messi winks and flashes a thumbs up at a pre-World Cup final press conference in New YorkDylan Martinez / Reuters
Messi praised Yamal as a top talent during an event with Fanatics in between the respective press conferences.“Lamine is a huge talent, someone I’ve followed a lot because he plays for a club (Barcelona) I love and I always wish him the best, I always want the best for him,” Messi said. “And, well, he’s one of the world’s benchmark players at 19 years old, and he has his whole career ahead of him. He has a great opportunity to achieve something historic, which we’ll try our hardest to make sure doesn’t happen this time. I just want to wish him the best.”Yamal has just one goal in this tournament, a nod to an approach that has leaned into the quality of the group as much as any individual brilliance. Spain has suffocated opponents and has allowed just one goal in the tournament.“It’s not just about Lamine, they have a great group, they work very hard as a team,” Martinez said. “They have their weapons, but we have our weapons too, and hopefully it will be a match that the audience will remember for a long time.”Scaloni pointed out that both Argentina and Spain like to try to win games by dominating on the ball, and noted the similarities in philosophies between he and De la Fuente, under whom he took coaching licensing courses. The two shared an embrace at the Fanatics event in which they shared a stage.For Argentina, it’s a chance to make history by becoming the World Cup’s first repeat champion since Brazil in 1962. Meanwhile, Spain sees it as a coronating moment for a group aiming for the nation’s second title (2010).
Lamine Yamal goes on the attack vs. France in the World Cup semifinalsMaria Lysaker / Imagn Images / Reuters
“Our goal when we came to this World Cup was to win it,” Rodri said. “And we were convinced that it could happen. And we’ve shown that this national team has been capable of beating huge rivals, and now we face perhaps the toughest rival, the one that has shown the most in recent years, the one in the best form. So it’s going to be the perfect test to determine whether we’re capable of lifting this World Cup against the team in the best form.“I already told the guys in the World Cup semifinals that we needed to have more desire to win than fear of losing. And that’s what we’re going to try to do in Sunday’s final. We’re going to go all out for this World Cup.”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.
Spain vs. Argentina mega-preview: Predictions, form guide, key players and more
Yamal and Messi have never faced each other on a football pitch (Getty Images)
Spain, who have only conceded one goal in seven matches at the tournament, are looking to win the World Cup for a second time, 16 years on from their first success.Argentina, meanwhile, are defending the title they won in 2022 — their third in total — in a match that is widely expected to mark Messi’s farewell from the game’s biggest stage.We take a closer look at this mouthwatering tie, and where it might be decided…
What’s the key info I need to know?
Round: World Cup final World rankings: Spain (FIFA ranking: 2nd) vs Argentina (1st) Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York, New Jersey Date: Sunday, July 19 Kick-off: 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST
How did Spain reach the final?
Spain’s World Cup began with a big shock, as they were held to a goalless draw by African competition debutants Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world.
Luis de la Fuente’s team then made sure they topped Group H by eking out a tough 1-0 victory over a stubborn Uruguay side in game three, thanks to Alex Baena’s snapshot.
The idea was always for the team to grow into the tournament, as key players including Yamal and Rodri returned to 100 per cent sharpness after recent injuries.
The last 16 brought a tight and tense 1-0 win over Iberian neighbours Portugal, decided by substitute Mikel Merino’s 91st-minute goal, which ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo embrace after Spain’s 1-0 win in the last 16Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images
Spain upped their level further in the quarter-finals. Although a mistake by Belgium’s replacement keeper Senne Lammens helped ‘supersub’ Merino score late on again, the 2-1 final result did not fully reflect how well they played against a team who had eliminated the United States in the previous round.
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The biggest test came against pre-tournament favourites France in Tuesday’s semi-final. Spain matched the occasion with an outstanding display in both attack and defence, as 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri helped his team control the midfield completely, frustrating superstar French attackers Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Yamal’s persistence and intelligence won a penalty which Oyarzabal converted, and playmaker Dani Olmo set up Porro’s second-half strike to seal a fully deserved 2-0 victory.
Dermot Corrigan
How did Argentina reach the final?
There’s been more than a whiff of survival about Argentina at the World Cup, which is why their powers of progression are so remarkable. They’ve been backed into a corner more than once, and in a number of ways (physically and tactically), yet always able to find solutions. The group stage was a doddle, as it was always likely to be in a pool containing Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Messi ran riot, their defence experienced very little stress and it was nailed on that they would top the group from the moment they saw off Algeria at a canter, winning 3-0. The nature of the World Cup draw, with teams seeded by FIFA for the first time, meant that trouble wasn’t likely to occur until the knockouts — when it absolutely did.
Argentina trailed Egypt 2-0 before coming back to win 3-2Elsa/Getty Images
Come the last 32, the pressure escalated drastically. Argentina were pushed hard by Cape Verde, and their legs threatened to give up on them in extra time. They were borderline eliminated in the last 16 before fighting back from 2-0 down against Egypt (and no mention of that tie can pass without reference to certain refereeing decisions in it).
They were in trouble again in their quarter-final against Switzerland, who had impetus behind them at 1-1, only for Breel Embolo to pick up a red card. And their semi-final victory over England was plucked from another incredibly precarious position.
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Messi’s influence is clearly critical. Eight goals and four assists are the definition of carrying a team, but just as vital to Lionel Scaloni is Argentina’s knack of hanging in, riding out storms and coming up with late goals. If this isn’t a name-on-the-trophy run, what is?
Phil Hay
How to watch on TV
United States: 12pm PDT/3pm EDT: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish) Canada: 12pm PDT/3pm EDT: TSN/RDS Mexico: 1pm CST: Televisa Univision/TV Azteca United Kingdom: 8pm BST: BBC One/ITV Streaming (U.S. only): Fubo (Stream Now)
What should we expect from Spain?
Control, cohesiveness, and a dogged intensity off the ball.Spain’s identity as a possession-dominant, short-passing side is well established, a principle they have adhered to in this tournament, averaging 63.7 per cent of the ball across their seven matches.This dominance is physically and mentally exhausting for opponents, who are left chasing shadows as Spain’s technicians pass around them with precision. But their approach is not just about grinding teams down and waiting for gaps to appear. Spain’s movement is dynamic, with players swapping positions and making surging runs that pull defensive structures apart.
Dani Olmo has been one of Spain’s best performers in midfield and attackAric Becker / AFP via Getty Images
Deep runs from full-backs into advanced areas have been particularly fruitful. Porro’s goal against France in the semi-final came from exactly that route, while Marc Cucurella has been even more active on the opposite flank, making 139 runs behind defensive lines, the fifth-most of any player at the tournament. Despite that volume, opponents are still struggling to track those movements or decide who should take responsibility.Spain’s obsession with controlling possession is matched by an equally fierce commitment to winning it back. De la Fuente’s forwards press aggressively, while centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte hold a high defensive line, squeezing the pitch and pinning their opponents back. Holding it all together is the irrepressible Rodri, sweeping up loose balls and snuffing out counter-attacks with a positional awareness few central midfielders match.Spain have had the most well-defined playing style at this tournament, with every player knowing their exact responsibilities and sharing a strong understanding with their team-mates. Add to that the sprinkling of stardust provided by Yamal, and they will be a daunting proposition for Argentina to overcome.
Conor O’Neill
What should we expect from Argentina?
A feisty combativeness, a never-say-die attitude, and of course, Messi. Scaloni’s side have laboured through long stretches of games only to come alive late on, with 12 of their 19 goals arriving after the 75th minute of normal time. Sit off them, as England fatally did late in the semi-final, and they boast enough quality in midfield to knock the ball around comfortably, creating a steady stream of chances. A tournament-high 5.4 passes per sequence speaks to their composure, patiently moving the opposition around until an opening appears. Those combinations are concentrated through the middle, where Messi generally lurks, with Argentina directing a smaller share of their passing towards the flanks than any other team.
While Messi’s seemingly boundless talent has dragged them to the final, the 39-year-old’s physical limitations mean they do not operate with the same aggressive high press as Spain. They win possession in the final third 2.9 times per game, roughly half Spain’s rate. Instead, they sit off before snapping into challenges (and yes, sometimes fouls) once possession moves into midfield.
The focal point is obvious, but it is reductive to view them solely as a one-man team. Julian Alvarez provides bustling energy and quality up top, Enzo Fernandez has popped up with crucial late goals, and Emi Martinez is a confident presence between the posts.
Spain are the more complete side, but Argentina boast an indefatigable spirit and an uncanny ability to conjure moments of individual quality when they need them most.
Conor O’Neill
Who is the star player for each team?
For Argentina, while the supporting cast have pitched in with big moments, this is undoubtedly, and once again, the Messi show.
Joint leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals (level with Mbappe), Messi has scored or assisted 12 of Argentina’s 19 goals, with the graphic below showing that he is both their chief creator and primary threat, averaging the most shots and chances created per 90.
But this is part of the magician’s sleight of hand, springing into life when his country need him most. Against England, he completed 10 take-ons, more than any player in any of the tournament’s other 101 games, and his ability to hold off opponents with his remarkable core strength and weave away in either direction remains as potent as ever.
For Spain, Yamal brings the attacking fireworks, but Rodri is De la Fuente’s most important player. The Manchester City midfielder is unflappable at the heart of Spain’s build-up, providing the composure and control from which they launch their attacks. According to FIFA’s data, Rodri has completed 47 passes under pressure per match, the most of any player at the tournament.
Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’OrMauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Image
Calm on the ball, Rodri is a ferocious monster off it, hoovering up second balls with his sharp anticipation and brushing opponents aside in duels with his imposing physicality. The map of his tackles and interceptions below shows that he covers the entire pitch, but he is particularly integral to Spain’s counter-press, winning two tackles in the final third per game, the most out of any player to reach the quarter-finals.
Conor O’Neill
Is there any history in this match-up?
Spain’s history with Argentina goes back to Iberian explorers reaching what is now Buenos Aires in the 16th century, and links between the two countries remain huge. Their national football teams have met 14 times previously — the record is dead even with six wins for Argentina, six for Spain, and two draws. Surprisingly for two historic heavyweights, their only World Cup meeting came at the 1966 tournament in England. Argentina won 2-1 in their opening group stage match. It’s also notable that, over a long international career spanning two decades, Messi has only three times played against Spain — the country where he spent most of his club career at Barcelona, which tried and failed to convince him to represent them internationally.
Messi’s most recent meeting with Spain came in November 2009, when he scored a penalty in a friendly in Madrid, and bamboozled club colleagues including Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets with his mazy dribbling. However, a double from Xabi Alonso saw Spain win 2-1.
Messi has only faced Spain in three matches, the last of which was in 2009Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Spain and Argentina last played in another friendly before the 2018 World Cup, with Spain hammering a Messi-less Argentina 6-1. Then-Real Madrid playmaker Isco bagged a hat-trick while Nicolas Otamendi, who could feature on Sunday, got Argentina’s consolation. The players in this year’s final will all know each other well from La Liga encounters — 24 of the 52 across both squads feature for Spanish clubs (18 for Spain and six for Argentina). Among the plotlines could be Atletico Madrid colleagues facing each other directly: Alex Baena and Marcos Llorente for Spain versus Nahuel Molina and Julian Alvarez for Argentina. Many of the eight Barcelona players in the Spain squad — including Yamal — grew up watching Messi at the Camp Nou. Of these, only midfielder Pedri actually shared a pitch with Messi for the Catalan club. Yamal was still just 14 years old when the Argentine left in 2021.
Dermot Corrigan
Where will the game be won and lost?
The game will hinge on Argentina’s ability to withstand intense Spanish pressure. They struggled against England’s high press early on in their semi-final, managing just three touches in the opposition box before half-time. Unlike England, Spain are unlikely to retreat or tire to the same extent, leaving Scaloni to plot a way through this sustained intensity. One small relief for Argentina against this relentless pressure is that, as shown in the graphic below, while Spain ferociously hound teams high up the pitch to win the ball back, they rarely mount rapid counters once in possession, averaging 1.9 direct attacks per 90. Yamal aside, there is not a huge amount of pace in Spain’s forward areas, an aspect Argentina have struggled with.
Argentina are a side that grows into games, and if they can withstand Spain’s suffocating counter-press, expect this to develop into a battle for control. Argentina actually shade Spain for passing accuracy, leading the tournament with a completion rate of 90.5 per cent, compared with Spain’s 89.8. Using that composure to gain a foothold and feed Messi consistently in dangerous areas between the lines will be key to their chances.
As well as the battle for midfield control, duels down the wings could prove decisive. Yamal is devastating down Spain’s right, tearing France left-back Lucas Digne apart in the semi-final with his explosive dribbling, and whoever Argentina start there, likely Nicolas Tagliafico, faces a daunting task.
But Messi, in something of a throwback to his early Barcelona days, has also provided crucial cameos out wide. Against Egypt and England, he shifted over to the right flank with Argentina behind, and his ability to weave inside and deliver pinpoint through balls and crosses helped swing both games, and could prove vital yet again.
Conor O’Neill
Who do our experts think will win?
Carl Anka:Spain 2-1 Argentina.The final will be a bitty affair thanks to hydration breaks and a 30-minute half-time show. Factor in Argentina’s tactical fouling and Spain’s midfield carousel, and this game will take a while to warm up. Argentina will score (likely through a header on a Messi cross) but ultimately lose.
Amelie Claydon: Spain 2-1 Argentina. Spain’s semi-final was controlled and Argentina’s comeback against England demanded far more physically from the players. Spain has the tournament’s strongest defence, but Messi’s delivery and Argentina’s resilience make a goal likely. Spain’s midfield control should eventually decide the final.
Greg O’Keefe:Spain 3-1 Argentina. Argentina’s helter-skelter run to the final will come up against its greatest test and their ferocious mentality won’t quite be enough against a better team in all regards. Messi may yet have one final say in New Jersey, but it won’t be decisive.
Conor O’Neill:Spain 2-0 Argentina. Only a fool bets against Messi, but I cannot see past Spain’s collective brilliance (cue a Messi hat-trick).
Dermot Corrigan: Spain 2-0 Argentina. Logic says this should be quite comfortable for Spain, who have looked like a much more complete team through the tournament. Argentina and Messi have shown an almost supernatural ability to defy such logic, but I’m going for Spain to win their second World Cup, with Oyarzabal and Yamal (due a standout performance) to get on the scoresheet.
How might they line up?
Tell me one thing about Spain that’s going to make me look clever to my friends
Spain are, statistically speaking, the best defensive side ever to reach a World Cup final. Expected goals (or xG) measures chance quality by assigning each shot a value between zero and one based on its likelihood of being scored.
Spain have conceded just 0.3 xG per game, the lowest figure recorded by any finalist, while allowing only 10 shots on target. Their defence has been just as imperious in reality, conceding only once across seven matches, against Belgium in the quarter-finals. A tough nut for Messi and company to crack on Sunday.
Conor O’Neill
Tell me one thing about Argentina that’s going to make me look clever to my friends
The best player at the tournament but also… the laziest? Among all outfield players, Messi has spent 64 per cent of his time walking, the highest share at the tournament. As a once-in-a-generation talent who is now 39, he has earned the right to take his foot off the pedal, conserving his energy for the most decisive moments. He may be sedentary, but he is always subtly drifting into dangerous areas, lulling opponents into a false sense of security.
Keep this statistic in the back pocket for the next time you are too lazy to track back during five-a-side.
Conor O’Neill
Who is the referee?
Slavko Vincic will take charge of the final; it will be his first Argentina match since overseeing their shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in the opening round of the 2022 World Cup’s group stage. The 46-year-old Slovenian has officiated three Spain games, all victories at the European Championship finals, including their semi-final win against France in 2024 before they went on to win that competition.
He is appearing at his second World Cup and fourth major national-team tournament. He was also in charge of the 2021-22 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, and the 2023-24 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Vincic took charge of Mexico’s round of 32 game with Ecuador and Brazil vs Morocco in the group stageKevin C. Cox/Getty Images
In last season’s Champions League quarter-finals, Vincic sent off Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga for a second yellow card offence in the 86th minute of their second leg at Bayern Munich, when the tie was 4-4 on aggregate, before the German side scored two late goals to progress. The midfielder was deemed to have delayed a restart by throwing the ball away. He also dismissed Madrid’s Arda Guler, who got two bookings for dissent at the end.
Sunday’s final will be his sixth World Cup match in total and first since dismissing Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth while confronting Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez in the round of 32. He also took charge of the group-stage meetings at this edition between Brazil and Morocco and Jordan and Algeria. He also oversaw England’s 3-0 group-stage defeat of Wales at the 2022 finals.
Messi is the best player at the World Cup, and the best male athlete of all time
Ryan O’HanlonJul 17, 2026, 05:00 AM ET
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Soccer isn’t supposed to be easy to understand.
Data companies collect millions of data points, and that’s only for what’s happening with the ball. Tracking information, a newer technology in the space, now layers in millions more, updating the position of all 22 players and the ball multiple times per second. And that’s all just for a single game.
The complex interplay of everyone on the field, the fact that a player can pretty much do anything he wants with the ball other than pick it up with his hands, the volatility of a bouncing ball interacting with the oddly shaped human foot — it all adds up to the most popular game in the world, one that’s so dynamic and unpredictable that we’re left with no choice but to reach for magical or religious metaphors to make sense of what we’re seeing.
The one player who both embodies and defies all of this is Lionel Messi. He has spent 20 years doing the impossible: making soccer easy to understand. He’s the greatest we’ve ever seen because he’s the greatest at everything we see: scoring goals, creating chances, dribbling, passing, even walking.
That’s still true, but it didn’t feel that way before the 2026 World Cup started. Coming into the tournament, we had lost the defining modern feature of the sport: knowing that Lionel Messi is better than everyone else.
He had spent the past four years dominating Major League Soccer, but his performance had been close to the same as what we saw from him in Europe, despite the steep decline in his competition. And the last time we saw him play in a major tournament, the 2024 Copa America, he scored only once, assisted only once and came off injured in a final that Argentina won in extra time without him.
Messi was 38 when the 2026 World Cup began and turned 39 halfway through it. The proper expectation, it seemed, was for him to contribute some moments of brilliance on the margins, to help Argentina win but not be the reason Argentina win. Instead, he has done what he’s always done and proved that he’s still the best soccer player alive.
Four years ago, I was a little more equivocal about the idea, but after this summer I might not even be willing to concede that it’s arguable: Lionel Messi is officially the greatest male athlete we’ve ever seen. Period.
How Messi is still the best at 39
Earlier this summer, analyst Michael Caley put some even more definitive data behind what I wrote about four years ago and have been writing about, seemingly, for the past decade: why there’s no debate about who the greatest soccer player of all time is.
Here’s how Caley put it:
“Lionel Messi was not the best player of his era. He was the three best players of his era.
He was roughly tied with Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest goal-scorer. He stands alone as the greatest chance creator, with Ángel Di María, Neymar and De Bruyne his only competitors at his peak level. And he was the greatest ball progressor, with only perhaps Eden Hazard in the same class in his best seasons.”
When a team has the ball, there are three simple phases of achievement: moving the ball up the field, moving the ball into position for a shot to be taken and taking shots when the ball gets near the goal. Goal scorers need someone to pass the ball to them, and creators need someone to get them the ball in a position from where they can create.
Messi was the best at all three phases of the game. And the amazing thing about what we’ve seen this summer is that’s all still true.
Now, while you will hear announcers tell you that Messi looks as good as he ever has, that is simply not true. There was a two-year stretch when he scored 96 goals and added 27 assists for Barcelona across 64 starts when LaLiga was the best league in the world. He’s not doing that anymore, but he still is doing everything at a higher level than anyone else.
He is tied with Kylian Mbappé of France atop the goal-scoring charts for this World Cup, with eight goals. And that’s not just a random hot run of finishing or anything like that. No, Messi leads all players at the World Cup with 34 shots attempted.
The dots here are sized by expected-goal value, or the average probability of the chance being scored. The larger the circle, the higher the xG value of the attempt:
While Messi — what a bum — is only second in assists (four, behind France attacker Michael Olise), assists are a noisy number. You get one if you pass a ball sideways and your teammate rips a shot into the upper corner from 35 yards out. You don’t get one if you split an inch-perfect pass through six defenders and a goalkeeper but your teammate somehow misses the net.
Instead, we can look at expected assists, or xA, which awards players based on where they’re completing their passes. If you complete a pass to a teammate in a location where goals are scored, say, 50% of the time, you get 0.5 expected assists for the pass. And Messi, of course, is leading all players at the 2026 World Cup in expected assists.
Most players can’t even do both of these things. Just take a look at Mbappé and Norway striker Erling Haaland, the two other goal-scoring sensations from this summer. They’ve combined for 1.7 expected assists — just over half of what Messi has produced by himself.
If barely anyone else can score and create, then no one else can score, create and move the ball up the field. The stats app Futi tracks progressive passes and progressive carries. These are passes and carries that move the ball at least 25% of the remaining distance toward the opposition goal.
With one game to go — the World Cup final against Spain — Messi has completed 68 progressive passes; that’s 20 more than anyone else in the tournament. And he has made 45 progressive carries; that’s three more than his opponent Sunday and potential heir apparent, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. Here, courtesy of Futi, is how all of that looks together:
Just in case it wasn’t clear already, Messi is also shattering metrics that didn’t even exist when he won his first Ballon d’Or. Futi created a possession-value model that “measures how much each touch changes the probability of scoring or conceding.” These models help highlight players who do more than score goals and also better contextualize players who score goals but do little else.
To make the numbers easier to understand, Futi adjusts for the player’s role and then normalizes their possession-value ratings on a percentile scale, where a 50 means you’re providing an average amount of value. Among the four teams that reached the World Cup semifinals, Mbappé was the second-highest-rated player, at 83.
Messi? He’s a 99.
Why Messi is officially the best male athlete of all time
When I talk about Messi being the best athlete of all time, I want to be clear about something: Yes, I do think he would be a better quarterback than Tom Brady, a better golfer than Tiger Woods and a better power forward than LeBron James.
Obviously, I don’t actually think that. “Athlete” has many different meanings, something that gets lost every summer when we all try to figure out how to fix American soccer.
The best middle-distance runner in the world has a very different body type than the best NBA player. Does being able to dunk mean you’re a better athlete than someone who can run a mile in under four minutes? In fact, most soccer players have similar body types and muscle fibers to middle-distance runners because that’s kind of what soccer is: lots of jogging and endurance with some sprinting sprinkled in.
Instead, to define the “best athlete,” I think we need to look at just two criteria: How much better are you at your sport than the second-best person? And how many other people actually play that sport?
(We have to rule out the likes of Pelé and Diego Maradona because the sport simply wasn’t as globalized or as competitive or as consistent when they played. Plus, Messi has now dominated for way longer than either of them ever did, across national team and club soccer. If you want to fly your flag for Pelé or Maradona still, then I won’t stop you, but there’s no way to make an argument for either one based on peak individual performance across their entire careers.)
We’ve already established that Messi is a lot better than the next-best player of the modern era of the sport. In the major American sports, there isn’t any man who has a bigger gap between himself and the next-best guy than Messi does.
In the NFL, Tom Brady won a record seven Super Bowls and was still a superstar into his 40s, but he won only three MVP awards — two other quarterbacks from Brady’s own generation, Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning, won more. In the NBA, the debate over Michael Jordan and LeBron has been fueling the basketball economy for more than a decade. And in MLB, you’ll hear reasonable arguments for Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds and Shohei Ohtani.
Instead, the closest thing to Messi-like undisputed dominance comes in the NHL, where Wayne Gretzky still holds claim to the most incredible individual record in sports. Gretzky scored 894 goals in his career — the second most all time. But if Gretzky never scored a single goal, he would still have more combined goals+assists than anyone else in NHL history.
Unfortunately, Gretzky — and all of the others mentioned thus far — fall by the wayside in this analysis. Gretzky dominated a sport that requires an ice rink and isn’t played by most of the rest of the world. American football is, well, just look at the name. Baseball has a global reach, but it barely exists in Africa, Europe and most of South America. And though the NBA is becoming increasingly globalized, it still can’t come close to matching soccer’s reach.
As I mentioned in 2022, researchers in Australia found that only about 5% of the global population has the physical capacity to play basketball because of the size it requires. However, nearly 30% of the global population has the physical traits you might find on a soccer field. Another survey found that twice as many people across the globe play soccer as do basketball.
Given how popular soccer is and how much better Messi is than the next-best soccer player, there’s really only one other sport where someone could lay claim to being so much better than as many other people who participate in their sport.
It’s not tennis, an incredibly popular sport but one with many financial filters at an early age and an ongoing argument over who the best player ever really was. And it’s not cricket, where the Australian Don Bradman holds a similar level of statistical dominance as Messi — and perhaps even a greater level of statistical dominance — because his career was limited and he played before major countries like India and Pakistan had competitive teams.
Other studies, unsurprisingly, have found that soccer and running are the two most popular leisure activities in the world. For one, you just need a ball. For the other, you don’t need a ball. And to get even more specific, short-distance sprinting, in particular, is accessible to every able-bodied person in the world.
The history of sprinting has, in fact, produced one Messi-like athlete: Usain Bolt, the only person to win the 100- and 200-meter dash in three consecutive Olympics. Not only that, he set the world records for both races in 2009 — and both still stand to this day.
Like Messi, Bolt has the extreme highs, the unmatched longevity and the versatility. Only eight other men have won gold in both the 100 and 200 in the same Olympics. No one else did it twice; Bolt has done it three times. Despite theoretically increasing technological advancements in sprinting, Bolt’s records have stood for 17 years and counting. And he’s the oldest person (29) to win gold in the 200.
In 2022, I was inclined to give the edge to Bolt over Messi: Everyone can run, and he was so much better at running than any person who has ever lived. But, four years later, I’m no longer sure that comparison is right.
Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, for his age-21 season. He’s currently 39, and based on what we’ve just watched this summer, he’s still the best player in the world. Bolt won his first gold in an Olympics or world championship at 21, too. But his last came at 29. That gives Messi an extra 10 years — a full decade — at the top.
Soccer is the most competitive team sport on the planet, and at worst, it’s the second-most competitive of all sports outside of running. Messi has been better than everyone else at soccer for almost 20 years at this point. His run at this World Cup, in my opinion, has stretched the lead he has held over the rest of the soccer world to the lead he now has on the rest of the sports world.
He’s the best male athlete of all time — and no, it’s not even close.
We are Down to 4-As France faces Spain Tues & England vs Argentina Wed 3 pm
So we are finally down to the best 4 teams in the World facing off in Semi-Final Action Tues & Wed. I will continue to say this is the BEST WORLD CUP Ever – as so many games have gone down to the last minutes. Despite all the upsets – we do get Chalk in the Final 4 as these are the top ranked teams in the World. For this first game today — France vs Spain – we have perhaps the best 2 teams in the World Currently – the finals of the Euro’s 2 years ago – which Spain won in the end. Somehow this year I see France with all its superstars getting the win. Lets call it 2-1 in a hard fought battle.
Now Argentina vs England – the Falkland’s War part 3 – remember Argentina and Maradona used the Hand of God Goal – and perhaps the best goal ever scored in the end to send England home from Mexico City in 1986. Now we get Messi – the GOAT vs England with Kane & Bellingham – is it time to bring it home for England. I really like England in this game – but I can’t root against the GOAT Messi – the best player to ever put on a pair of Cleats in soccer. I will take Argentina 3-2 in Extra Time of Course. Argentina vs England what is means.
Indy 11 win – Travel to Miami FC Wed 7 pm on ESPN+
Indianapolis – Indy Eleven scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to extend its USL Championship home unbeaten streak to 10 (9-0-1) dating back to last August with a 2-0 shutout of Charleston Battery at Carroll Stadium. Indy Eleven forward Loïc Mesanvi ignited the sequence for a valuable insurance goal in the second minute of stoppage time by poking the ball away and providing a burst of speed and a sliding tackle to win a 50/50 ball that caromed to Jack Blake. Boys in Blue goalkeeper Eric Dick made four saves to record his 34th career shutout against the highest-scoring team in the league. Dick moved up to a tie for 13th on the USL-C all-time list in clean sheets. The Indy Eleven defense has recorded four shutouts in the team’s last five matches in all competitions, tied for second place in goals conceded with 12 goals allowed in 12 league contests. The Boys in Blue have won four of their last five in USL-C play to improve to 6-3-3. Indy Eleven travels to Miami FC on Wed. July 15 at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. The next home game for the Boys in Blue is “Princess Night” on Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m. vs. Loudoun United FC. Fans can meet their favorite princesses including the 2026 Indiana State Fair Queen, create magical crafts, get their face painted, and join the halftime Princess Parade. Fans can purchase a “Princess Pack” with four tickets, free parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area for just $49. Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
TV Schedule
Tues , July 14 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 1 France vs Spain Weds , July 15 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 2 Argentina vs England 8 pm ESPN Gotham FC vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) NWSL Fri, July 17 8 pm Amazon KC Current vs San Diego Wave NWSL 8:10 pm Fox Nashville SC vs Atlanta United MLS 10:25 pm Fox LA Galaxy vs LAFC El Traffico Sat, July 18 12 noon ABC Gotham FC vs Seattle Reign NWSL 2 pm CBS Denver Summit (Heaps) vs Portland Thorns NWSL 4 pm CBS Bay FC vs NC Courage NWSL 5 pm Fox 3rd place game 6:30 pm Ion Tubi Chicago Stars vs Angel City (Thompson) 8:45 pm Ion Utah Royals vs Orlando Pride (Marta) 11 pm Uni Quertaro vs Toluca Sun, July 19 3 pm Fox WC FINAL 7 pm Victory+ Boston Legacy vs Washington Spirit All games on Fox, FS1 & Telemundo Wed, July 22 MLS 7:30 pm Apple Free Columbus Crew vs NYCFC 7:30 pm Apple Cincy vs Vancouver 7:30 pm Apple Inter Miami vs Chicago 7:30 pm Apple Philly vs NY Red Bulls 8:10 on FS1 Charlotte vs Atlanta United 10;30 pm FS1 LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Fri, July 24 8 pm Victory+ Houston Dash vs Bay FC NWSL 10 pm Prime Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC Sat, July 25 5 pm Tubi, Ion Boston Legacy vs KC Current 7 pm FS1 Columbus Crew vs Cincinnati FC Sun, July 26 5 pm CBSSN San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign 7 pmVictory+ Washington Spirit vs Denver Summit 9 pm ESPN Angel City vs Racing Louisville
Gk Moms. The world cup in a Keeper’s mom eyes The days of celebration are about to come to an end—the days of sitting in front of the TV, yet somehow feeling connected to people all around the world, are almost over. But this year, I experienced the World Cup differently—not just as a soccer fan, but as the mother of a goalkeeper who no longer just plays the game, but breathes soccer. During these days, I felt so many emotions. And as a mom, there are moments I will never forget. I was the mom of the Netherlands goalkeeper—the one who, after saving a penalty, accidentally knocked the ball into his own net. I knew he was going home devastated, and as a mother, I felt devastated too—not because of the loss, but because I knew he felt his dream had slipped away, even though he had given it his all. I was also the mother of the Cape Verde goalkeeper, the one nobody knew just a couple of weeks ago, yet who proved that no one has the right to tell you that you’re not good enough. If you have a big heart and you’re willing to fight, sometimes… that is all it takes. And of course, I was Courtois’s mom too—the mom of a legend, but still the mom of the little boy who needed a hug when he had to leave the field injured. I was also the mother of the goalkeeper who had to replace him. I could feel the pressure on that young man who never expected to wear the gloves that day, but when someone said, “It’s your turn,” he had no choice but to step onto the field and give everything he had. They didn’t win. But as a mother, all I could feel was pride in his courage to stand between the posts. And for sure, I was the mother of Dibu Martínez, telling him to be respectful with everyone, but to keep dancing and enjoying the game as if he were playing with his best friends. For a month and a half, I have been the mother of 48 men, young men, and boys who dared to dream of keeping the ball out of the net and becoming world champions but for the rest of my life, I will be the mother of one brave boy who wears the goalkeeper’s gloves. So don’t tell me about failure, joy, injuries, or challenges. Every one of us who raises a goalkeeper already knows those feelings… We were not born to be stars—we were born simply to love one.
US Mid – Tyler adams statement Tyler Adams sends USMNT fans a message following the home World Cup run to the Round of 16 🗣️ “When this journey begins, you don’t see it ending,” Adams said. “Like, when you’re at the start of it, the finish line in your mind is July 19th. That’s when the final’s gonna be. “In my mind, that was what I wanted more than anything. It’s gonna be a homecoming to play in MetLife in New York. Like, that for me would have been really, really special. “But I think everything happens for a reason. I have this overwhelming sense of gratitude, belief, just grateful that we went through that journey together. “The Belgium loss? It’s just one of those days. I think anyone that’s played sports at any level understands some days you got it, some days you don’t. “And it was just one of those days where it just felt like anything that could go wrong went wrong. “It wasn’t lack of competitiveness. It wasn’t lack of togetherness. It wasn’t lack of belief. I don’t think it was a lack of any of those things. “It was the lack of just moments in a game that, you know, sometimes you get them right, sometimes you get them wrong, and it just felt like we just got them wrong on that day. “So, we win together, we enjoy the best moments together, but we lose together and we suffer together. “And that’s what makes this sport incredible in the best moments and horrible in the worst moments. “So, you know, we have to stick together and continue believing that we did something special. Not as special as we wanted it to be, but, again, we’re changing how the game is viewed for sure amongst people in the U.S. and the world. “The support I’ve received individually and as a team throughout this journey was incredible. The best support I’ve ever received. “It’s great to see a nation rally behind you, have belief in you. The adjectives go on and on. But I think for me, it’s continued to have this belief now, right? “It can’t stop here. We have an opportunity now to grow the sport bigger than it’s ever been in the U.S. “It’s trending in the right direction. And not because of us. It’s because of everyone in the country, you know what I mean? “It’s because of you guys, the fans that support us, watching the games, coming to the games. Thank you. It doesn’t go unnoticed. And let’s keep this thing moving.”
Good Morning Football Fans – Men in Blazers
If you ask us, two whole days without World Cup football was two too many, but thankfully the most prestigious semifinals in the tournament’s history are here to rescue us all. In Spain, Argentina, France and England, for the first time ever, FIFA’s top four-ranked teams make up the World Cup’s final four. Lionel Messi will face the Three Lions for the first and probably last time in tomorrow’s war in Atlanta, but before that, a somewhat more neighborly affair between Spain and France in Dallas today. All of your El Clásico and Premier League favorites will congregate in a match that has the cachet of a final, as La Roja seek vengeance for a 3-1 schooling at the hands of Zinedine Zidane at the World Cup 20 years ago. Savor these mammoth matches, because time is the enemy of this tournament and the jeopardy couldn’t be higher. Didier Deschamps can become only the second manager in history to win this trophy twice, while Luis de la Fuente is on the verge of doing the Euros-World Cup double, something only two other coaches have achieved. Argentina won’t let go of their trophy easily, and if they retain, they’ll be the first nation to do so since Brazil in 1962, but there’s arguably no country more desperate to lift it than England. Despite insisting football’s coming home for the last seven tournaments, the Three Lions haven’t won the World Cup in 60 years, but they also haven’t had a player like Jude Bellingham before…
A World Cup Final Four Unlike Any Other
In the first iteration of a 48-team field, FIFA’s top-four ranked teams have made the semifinals for the first time… ever, in any format. For context, all four No. 1 seeds have only reached the Final Four during March Madness twice since the 64-team bracket began in 1985. This is a rare sporting moment, and one where football fans should take a step back and soak it all in.
Ahead of the tournament, FIFA announced that the four top teams were put in different quadrants and opposite sides of the bracket so that they couldn’t possibly meet until the semifinals to ensure a “competitive balance,” while also saving potential blockbuster matches for this stage. In five of the last six World Cups, one of the four top-ranked sides didn’t even make it out of the group stage, and the last time two played each other before the semifinals was in the 2010 competition. However, FIFA’s plan has worked out, and now the best of the best really are set to meet for a berth in the tournament’s epic finale next weekend in New Jersey. Gianni Infantino has also shared that FIFA is “exploring” the idea of an expanded 64-team field that would mimic the NCAA tournament’s size for 2030. With more nations participating, the potential for upsets expands and the likelihood of favorites making it to this stage theoretically lessens. But… is anyone really asking for a 64-team field? Let us know what you think at meninblazers@gmail.com.
France vs. Spain (3 p.m. ET, FOX) In a week where Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” debuts, it feels fitting that the World Cup’s own cinematic experience returns with a gargantuan clash between two European heavyweights gearing up for battle. Much like the city of Troy, both France and Spain have borderline impenetrable defenses, with just three total goals conceded between both teams across a combined 12 matches. But Les Bleus and La Roja also each have their own heroes heading into this one, which makes it all the more exciting. France’s Kylian Mbappé sits on eight goals, level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, while Michael Olise is just two assists shy of passing Pelé’s single-tournament record. The reigning European champions, however, have defeated Les Bleus in their past two meetings in the Euros and the UEFA Nations League. Lamine Yamal is the brightest footballing talent we’ve seen since teenage Mbappé in the 2018 World Cup, but even if he can’t make the stage his own, it seems Arsenal’s Mikel Merino is perfectly fine doing so with two consecutive late winners off the bench to lead them here. More: France vs. Spain: The 2026 World Cup’s best attack meets its best defense.
Fierce France attack vs Steadfast Spain defence (and other subplots)
It’s a classic clash of the unstoppable force coming up against an immovable object. This is a basic way of looking at the first semi-final of the 2026 World Cup later today (Tuesday). It’s a battle between France, who have the best attack in the tournament with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise battering most other teams into the ground, and Spain, the best defence, having only conceded once in six games, midfielder Rodri prowling in front of centre-backs Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, setting the table for Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal. A tense, cagey battle as one side hurls flaming boulders at the other’s city walls, and we all sit there nervously, waiting to see whether it breaches? Well, it could be. Or it could be a sensational clash between what are obviously the two best teams at this World Cup. Is it possible to have a dull game when Olise and Lamine Yamal are on the pitch? Stuart James has written about Olise, a “showman” one of his former managers compares to Lionel Messi, but is a different kind of superstar who doesn’t have a boot sponsor (he likes to match the colour of his footwear to the kit he’s wearing in a given game), doesn’t really give interviews and plays chess. And then there’s Yamal, who has been a little quieter than Olise over the past few weeks but still has the capacity to do something extraordinary and win Spain the match. Did you know his name isn’t actually Lamine Yamal? Well, it is… but he’s not ‘Mister Yamal’, because there’s a little more to it than that. And if you were to translate his name from Arabic into English, you might call him ‘Trustworthy Grace’… which is quite nice and fitting, isn’t it? Dermot Corrigan has more for you on that. Winner takes all? The chances are that the winners of the whole thing on Sunday will come from this first semi-final. And not just because of the trifling and spurious reason that ‘Both France and Spain are miles better than England and Argentina’. No. History says so, too. Because, as Michael Cox writes, 13 of the past 14 men’s and women’s European Championships and World Cups have been won by the team who played their semi-final first. That extra day of rest before the final might seem like a minor detail, but at the end of a gruelling tournament — this one more so than most, with the heat and the travel and the extra knockout-phase game — it really does seem to be crucial. And the exception, the 2017 women’s Euros, isn’t really much of an exception: the Netherlands won it after playing their semi-final second, but in that tournament both the semis were on the same day.
2026 World Cup: Best bets for France-Spain and England-Argentina semifinal
Jul 13, 2026, 12:02 PM ET ESPN
The 2026 World Cup moves into the semifinal round on Tuesday, with the field having been winnowed all the way down to the final four teams — all ranked in FIFA’s top four.
There’s some exciting soccer left to play and that means plenty of opportunities still remain to make some wagers on the action.
With so many potential bets that can be made over these next two games, it might be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. Fear not! Victoria Matiash and Liz Loza hvave looked over the options and landed on their favorites as the teams battle it out to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
*Odds as of time of publication. For the most updated odds, visit DK Sports
Kylian Mbappé‘s record-setting play has dominated tournament headlines. He leads the French team with 30 total shots taken, 20 shots on target, and eight goals successfully achieved. Close behind him, however, is the seemingly ambidextrous Dembélé, who has averaged more than three shots per game, recording 16 in total throughout the 2026 World Cup. Facing a staunch Spanish defense and in what’s projected to be a tight match, Les Bleus figure to stay on the attack with Dembélé remaining a primary offensive focus. — Loza
UNDER 1.5 total goals, 90 minutes (+275)
Even though this epic semifinal is being billed as a clash of footballing heavyweights in Kylian Mbappé versus Lamine Yamal (and others), it also pits the two staunchest defenses against one another. Guided by midfielder Rodri, Spain has conceded just one goal this entire tournament. Arguably the second-strongest unit defensively, France has surrendered all of two.
While most fans would like to see the stars put on a scoring show and a 2-1 final is the most popular prediction from ESPN’s expert panel, a 1-0 result after 90 minutes (or even nil-nil) hardly feels unreasonable considering how well both sides are defending. For the record, UNDER 2.5 total goals is currently offering -105. — Matiash
Total corners, OVER 10.5 (+140)
Spain leads the remaining contenders in corner kicks with a total of 44 taken. This makes sense given Luis de la Fuente’s possession-heavy approach. France is not too far behind with 41 total corners taken across six matches. Both teams registered exactly five corners in their quarterfinal matchups. Additionally, the last time these two teams faced each other (a little over a year ago during the UEFA Nations League finals in Germany) 10 total corners were recorded (six for France, four for Spain). Given the stakes, Spain’s defense, and France’s attack? A total of 11 corners is a reasonable outcome to anticipate. — Loza
Two exhausted powerhouses with decades of bad blood? This matchup figures to be equal parts ill-tempered and physical, likely leading to an abundance of fouls committed. While England’s cards have increased, the Three Lions’ infractions count has decreased since entering the knockout rounds as the squad has managed fewer than 10 fouls in back-to-back efforts. Meanwhile Argentina’s trademark “garra” has continued at a consistent clip with La Albiceleste registering exactly 14 fouls committed in three consecutive outings. With pressure and accusations of favoritism mounting, Argentina’s approach doesn’t figure to change. — Loza
Defensively, England is not Spain or France. If Thomas Tuchel’s side performs as shoddily as it did for too much of their quarterfinal against Norway, Argentina is going to find the net. So, if you’re buying that hypothesis, why not side with the nation’s most dynamic scoring threat? Some are arguing that Argentina and their superstar are running out of steam. Others suggest No. 10 doesn’t have it in him to fade out quietly. After racking up eight goals over his first five matches, Messi failed to score against Switzerland. Running neck-and-neck with Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot, expect the 39-year-old to get back on track against England — win or lose. — Matiash
Gordon has, quite fittingly, outpaced Marcus Rashford, establishing himself as England’s top-option on the left wing. The 25-year-old effectively broke out during the Round of 32, logging two assists against Congo DR and becoming the first player in World Cup history to do so as a substitute in a knockout match. Gordon is now tied with Bukayo Saka for the most team assists (3), having successfully set up Jude Bellingham versus Norway. Gordon’s facilitating skills should “flash” again when facing an Argentinian defense that has allowed at least one assist per match since entering the knockout stage of the tournament. — Loza
France counterattack, Argentina set pieces: How World Cup semifinalists score goals
Bill ConnellyJul 13, 2026, 09:58 AM ET
Despite a beautifully unpredictable group stage and a consistently dramatic set of three knockout rounds, we’ve somehow managed to land exactly where everyone thought we would at the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The four favorites from each quadrant of the bracket — France, Spain, England and Argentina — have crafted a star-studded set of semifinals. France and Spain will meet in Dallas on Tuesday, before England and Argentina face off on Wednesday in Atlanta.
While France has been mostly comfortable to date, each of the other three semifinalists have needed late-game excellence to hold on and get to this stage. But all four attacks have been pretty unique.
As we prepare for the final four matches of an exhilarating tournament, let’s ask a simple question: How do each of these semifinalists score the goals that got them here?
– Progressive carries (possessions ending in goal): Mbappe 4, Doue 4, Olise 3, Barcola 2, Dembele 2, LB Theo Hernández 2, RB Jules Koundé 2, CB Maxence Lacroix 2, five players with 1 – Progressive passes (possessions ending in goal): Olise 6, Mbappe 4, Rabiot 3, CB William Saliba 3, DM Aurélien Tchouaméni 2, four players with 1 – Duels won (possessions ending in goal): Mbappe 4, Doue 4, Olise 2, Tchouameni 1
No one in the World Cup has scored more goals from counterattacks than France’s three. All three came when France were up 1-0: Adrien Rabiot assisted Bradley Barcola against Senegal, Kylian Mbappe assisted Ousmane Dembele against Norway, and Michael Olise assisted Barcola against Sweden. For that matter, their second goal against Morocco — another Mbappe-to-Dembele job — wasn’t technically a counter, but it was sudden and vertical all the same.
A France goal is quite likely to involve transition in some way — a ground duel won, a progressive carry or a ball recovery in an opportune position and then sudden danger. France have always attacked more vertically than other dominant nations; it’s been the best way to get the most out of Mbappe, and in Dembele and either Barcola or Desire Doue, he has by far his most dynamic dance partners yet.
Honestly, you could even make the case that France’s most important attacker isn’t even Mbappe, no matter how many goals he has scored.
Olise hasn’t found his shooting range at all in the U.S. — he has attempted 17 shots worth 2.1 xG, but has yet to score — but he’s averaging 16 progressive carries per game in the knockout rounds. (For a frame of reference, he averaged 10.7 while absolutely dominating the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich this past season.)
And wherever Olise needs to go to fill a gap for the French attack, that’s where he is.
Once France open the spigot, it stays open. They scored three times in 30 minutes against Senegal, three times in 25 minutes against Norway, three times in 29 minutes against Sweden and twice in six minutes against Morocco. The first goal, however, has taken a while at times; after all, you can’t beautifully attack open spaces if they don’t exist. They needed until the 66th minute to score against Senegal, until the 70th against Paraguay in the round of 16 and until the 60th against Morocco in the quarterfinals.
They always break through, but sometimes it requires some extreme grinding (as against Paraguay), and sometimes it requires a moment of absolute magic, like Mbappe’s tiebreaker against Morocco.
That’s like the soccer version of a step-back jumper. He created space from nothing, but still got enough power on it to beat an excellent keeper.
Spain vs. France will be a ridiculously interesting semifinal for a million different reasons, but here’s one I’m really intrigued by: Spain aren’t going to park the bus. They defend with the ball in their possession, and they’re willing to make games extremely boring — a compliment, I swear — if it keeps you far away from their goal. They’ve allowed just one goal in six matches, and they could make France defend more and theoretically take their attacking legs away in the process.
Or they could leave exactly the spaces that France love to exploit and lose big. It could go either way, and I can’t wait to watch.
– Progressive carries (possessions ending in goal): Rodri 3, CB Pau Cubarsí 3, Porro 2, Pedri 2, seven players with one – Progressive passes (possessions ending in goal): Pedri 6, Rodri 3, Cucurella 3, CB Aymeric Laporte 2, Porro 2, Yamal 2, three players with one – Duels won (possessions ending in goal): RB Marcos Llorente 1, Merino 1, Oyarzabal 1, Rodri 1, Torres 1
Burley: France will punish Spain if they don’t improve
Spain’s eight goals in six matches are easily the fewest of any semifinalist. That would be more alarming if they had allowed more than one goal in the tournament, but even with their extreme talent and generally mistake-free play, they’ve left games dangerously close. They suffered a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their tournament opener and almost got hit by a shocking late counterattack; more recently, they weren’t able to put either Belgium (in the quarterfinals) or Portugal (in the round of 16) away until the 88th and 91st minutes, respectively.
Both goals were scored by substitute Mikel Merino, which is a cool story in itself. But Spain would benefit more from not waiting so damn long to find the winner.
Now, in other words, would be a good time for Lamine Yamal to get a little bit more connected to the rest of the attack.
Yamal’s been hard to evaluate in this tournament. He’s 18 years old, and he’s already the primary defensive focus for every opponent. He’s still led his team in shot attempts worth 0.2 xG or more (three), shots on goal (10), one-on-one attempts (48, with no one else over 13), ground duels won (36), fouls won (seven), fouls won in the attacking third (three) and crosses completed (six). He’s also second in average carry distance (6.1 meters), ball recoveries in the attacking third (eight) and, perhaps most surprisingly, tackles won in the defensive third (four). No one in the tournament has attempted more than his 78 ground duels, and only Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi has won more than his 36.
Yamal’s doing so many things and is putting in the work, but after producing five combined goals and assists at Euro 2024, he has produced only one goal with no assists in six World Cup matches. Opponents have kept him isolated on the wing, winning duels but finding nowhere productive to go with the ball. Therefore, goals have had to come from the other side of the pitch.
Against France, they could hog the ball and limit counterattacking opportunities, but the French back line is so incredibly destructive in one-on-one situations — center backs Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba and fullbacks Jules Kounde and Lucas Digne have won 62% of ground duels and 61% of aerial duels in this tournament — and Spain will need their very best attacker to do some incredible things.
– Progressive carries (possessions ending in goal): Saka 4, Bellingham 3, DM Declan Rice 3, DM Elliott Anderson 2, O’Reilly 2, GK Jordan Pickford 2, four players with one – Progressive passes (possessions ending in goal): Anderson 3, Rashford 2, eight players with one – Duels won (possessions ending in goal): Gordon 3, five players with one
Burley: Bellingham believes ‘he can take England all the way’
England have had a journey over this past month. In six matches they’ve been about five different teams. The fun (and mostly healthy) team we saw thumping Croatia in the tournament opener spent their next three matches struggling mightily to break down low-block defenses and quickly cycling through a number of right backs looking for a healthy one. After surviving Congo DR in the round of 32, they got four goals from Jude Bellingham in two matches to beat Mexico and Norway: the former in the absurd elevation of Mexico City, the latter in the absurd midday heat and humidity of Miami.
England haven’t been the best team, but they’ve survived each unique test uniquely. As someone who married himself to the idea that It’s Coming Home, it’s been heartening, if stressful.
For a team that looks so different hour to hour, though, England have still produced some themes in their goal-scoring possessions.
– Six have involved headers — four goals, plus two more shots that created rebounds – Five involved successful crosses – Five involved set pieces, either directly or indirectly
There are plenty of rebounds involved — in the knockout rounds, they’ve averaged 1.4 shots per scoring possession, the most of any semifinalist. And for the tournament they’re averaging 4.7 box touches per scoring possession, also the most. Aside from a couple of breakaways against Mexico, they’ve been best at arranging bodies in advantageous areas and sending the ball in after them. It certainly worked to put away Norway.
As you can probably piece together from the fact that wingers Gordon and Saka have six of England’s 10 assists, crosses have been a pretty solid weapon for England as well. England have averaged 21.5 cross attempts per game, the sixth most in the tournament (among semifinalists, only Spain have attempted more), and looking specifically at open-play situations (no corners), their 3.8 completed crosses per game rank fifth.
There are some old-school, get-it-into-the-mixer vibes here, but when combined with top-to-bottom big-club talent and a willingness to bunker in to defend a lead, it has worked.
I’m curious if this works against Argentina. Their semifinal opponents have primarily allowed goals from sudden, brilliant strikes with no rebounds. Jordan‘s goal and Egypt‘s second came from high-percentage opportunities, but usually you need a great individual effort to score on the defending champs. Can England provide that?
– Progressive carries (possessions ending in goal): CM Leandro Paredes 8, Messi 6, CB Lisandro Martínez 4, LM Thiago Almada 4, CB Nicolás Otamendi 3, RM Rodrigo De Paul 3, Alvarez 2, Romero 2, Mac Allister 2, Fernandez 2, two players with one – Progressive passes (possessions ending in goal): Messi 6, Paredes 3, Martinez 3, De Paul 2, Mac Allister 2, Almada 2, CM Enzo Fernandez 2, RM Giuliano Simeone 2, 10 players with one – Duels won (possessions ending in goal): Mac Allister 3, De Paul 2, Almada 2, Alvarez 2, five players with one
Klinsmann: Argentina vs. England semifinal will be 50-50
Argentina have scored 16 goals in this tournament. Leo Messi has scored eight of them and assisted two more, and he’s played a role in some of the others, too, like firing in a tough shot that Switzerland‘s Gregor Kobel could only parry, beginning the sequence that ended with Julian Alvarez’s game-winning goal in the quarterfinals.
Even beyond goals themselves, Messi has had a hand in almost everything threatening Argentina have done; he comfortably leads the tournament in combined xG and xA.
It would therefore have been pretty easy to just say “Argentina score because of the 39-year-old GOAT.” But there have been two other dominant Argentina trends:
1. They have dominated on set pieces. They’ve been officially credited with five set piece goals in six games, the most in the tournament. And it even goes beyond that: Three other goal-scoring possessions also featured corners, even if they didn’t directly lead to the goal.
Messi’s corners are effective enough that Argentina even maintain possession from them if they don’t score. Considering they scored only two set piece goals in 2022, this has been a life saver in 2026.
2. When they need a late goal, they score it. Argentina have certainly given themselves some work to do considering what looks on paper to be a pretty easy path to the semis — they’ve only beaten one team that ranks higher than 23rd in the FIFA rankings. They were down 2-0 against No. 24 Egypt in the 79th minute (and tied in the second minute of stoppage time) in the round of 16; they were tied in the 111th minute against No. 64 (but No. 1 in our hearts) Cape Verde in the round of 32; and they were tied in the 112th minute against Switzerland in the quarters.
In each instance, however, they ratcheted up the pressure until the goals came. They got a goal from Lisandro Martinez and an own goal against Cape Verde, then Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez all scored against Egypt. Messi couldn’t break through against the Swiss, so Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez did instead.
Considering Thomas Tuchel’s willingness to ask England to park the bus late in elimination games, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a scenario in which England lead late in the semis, and Argentina are constantly searching for the equalizer with long, late possessions.
England vs Argentina at the World Cup means pantomime villains. Who will it be this time?
For English fans, the rivalry has centred around individuals. For Argentina, it runs deeper (Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)
The World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta will be the sixth time the two nations have met at the competition.The first was in 1962, a relatively routine 3-1 group-stage England win. But the others have each been marked by some kind of controversy caused by the supposedly nefarious actions of an Argentina player.his is why, from an English perspective, it is a rivalry that, for the most part, has been defined by individuals.In their 1966 World Cup quarter-final, it was Antonio Rattin, the Argentina captain who refused to leave the pitch after being sent off in a 1-0 win for tournament hosts England. This was painted in England as a cheating foreigner who refused to respect the authority of the referee, but the reality might have been a bit more nuanced.Rattin had been told that if anything was lost in translation between him and the German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, he could ask for an interpreter, but when he was given his marching orders for slightly unclear/spurious reasons, no interpreter was forthcoming, hence his protest. Still, that did not stop England manager Alf Ramsey calling the Argentina players “animals” in a TV interview, and a spiteful on-pitch rivalry was born.Two decades later, the villain was Diego Maradona following his ‘Hand of God’ goal, viewed in England as the lowest form of cheating (even after his sensational second goal in their 1986 World Cup quarter-final 2-1 victory). In Argentina, and by Maradona, it was celebrated for its cunning.Who to root for in the World Cup final four
“I am not sorry for scoring with my hand,” he wrote in his book Touched By God, about that game at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. “Not sorry at all! With all due respect to the fans, the players, the management, I am not the least bit sorry.”
In 1998, it was Diego Simeone, who supposedly needled David Beckham into the fairly weak kick that earned him a red card in the 47th minute of a World Cup last-16 epic, which Argentina won on penalties following a 2-2 draw.“Let’s just say the referee fell into the trap,” Simeone said a year later, before facing Beckham again when his Inter side played Manchester United in the Champions League.
Simeone and Beckham clash in 1998Gerard Cerles/AFP via Getty Images
The pair reached a detente after that match, exchanging shirts (Beckham had Simeone’s jersey framed and hung in his snooker room).
For Argentina, the rivalry has never been so personalised, and the villain has rarely been an individual. One minor exception was England’s midfield hard man Nobby Stiles, who was singled out for opprobrium after his robust performance against Argentina in 1966, a reputation burnished when he was sent off during the 1968 Intercontinental Cup (a forerunner to the Club World Cup) final first leg in Buenos Aires between Manchester United and Estudiantes.
“Stiles had been goaded all game,” wrote Jonathan Wilson in Angels With Dirty Faces, his history of Argentinian football. “Suffering a cut eye from a headbutt, and with 11 minutes remaining, he finally snapped, flicking a V-sign at the linesman. Having already been booked for a foul on Carlos Bilardo, he was duly sent off.”
For Argentina, the ‘villain’ has been the concept of England, a national enemy rather than a personal one, an enmity which has taken a few different forms.
Maradona is synonymous with the England-Argentina rivalryLouisa Buller/AFP via Getty Images
One was the idea that England were part of an establishment who tried to screw them over in 1966. FIFA was, at the time, headed by the Englishman Sir Stanley Rous, and there were various complaints about Argentina’s training arrangements and the appointment of referees.
Another is the constant moaning from England about the individual Argentinian players mentioned above. But most significantly, it’s been about the Falkland Islands, and the war which was fought in 1982 when Argentina attempted to ‘reclaim’ the territory, which is around 300 miles from their coast but had been part of the United Kingdom since the 1800s.
So while the Argentinian players still sing songs about the Falklands (or Las Islas Malvinas, as they call them) and focus their attention on the wider idea of England, history suggests the English will still look for a pantomime villain at whom to direct their ire.
There are a few candidates in this Argentina side. Often in these cases the focus is on the opposition’s best player, but aliens cannot be cartoon baddies, so that rules out Lionel Messi. But there are plenty of other possibilities.
There’s Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, on the basis that anyone nicknamed ‘The Butcher’ is likely to ruffle a few feathers. Enzo Fernandez is not the most popular player in England — among Chelsea fans because he constantly seems to have one foot out the door, among non-Chelsea fans because he plays for Chelsea — and could take on the role.
Cristian Romero is a live candidate too. He’s an agent of chaos, the football equivalent of those balloons that fly in every direction when you let go of them. Only in his case, the balloon is stuffed with firecrackers.
Since making his Spurs debut in August 2021, Romero has been sent off six times in all competitions — more than any other Premier League player during that timeKyle Rivas/Getty Images
The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back is just as likely to score the winning goal as he is to cut Jude Bellingham in half with a ludicrous foul. At the moment, anyone who so much as harms a hair on Bellingham’s head will face the anger of a nation, and while Romero has been relatively quiet on that front during this tournament, there’s always a sense that his next outburst is just around the corner.
But let’s be honest: if we’re looking for a pantomime villain in the Argentina team, someone who could join the ranks of Rattin and Maradona and Simeone as players who have wronged the English in some way, there’s only one name.
Emiliano Martinez has made being a performative rotter his unique selling point. He’s part goalkeeper, part alpha dog, part troll, using whatever means he can to throw you off your game.
Martinez was an Argentina hero in the 2022 World Cup final penalty shootout against FranceDavid Ramos/Getty Images
The Aston Villa No 1 can be a menace to opponents at any stage of a match, a wind-up merchant extraordinaire, but he really comes into his own during penalty shootouts. His approach to these situations is to impose himself on them before a ball has been kicked, whether that’s through insults, crude psychological warfare, trying to convince the taker he knows where they are going, making a funny face — whatever works, whatever helps him gain mental control of the situation.
And it often does work, most famously four years ago at the World Cup in Qatar, when he psyched out France in the final.
For the most part, neutrals enjoy the brazenness of Martinez’s antics or are slightly irritated by them. He’s almost too cartoonish to properly dislike, a man whose intentions and tactics are so naked that hating him almost seems pointless.
But let’s say the game on Wednesday goes to penalties, he pulls his usual stunts — insulting Harry Kane, throwing the ball away from Bellingham, pulling Bukayo Saka’s shorts down — and Argentina win. He will become even more of a hero than he is in his homeland, and public enemy No 1 where he works, in England. There’s been a sense for some time that Martinez has an eye on the exit door at Villa: if he becomes a figure of hate by doing something… well… ‘Martinez-y’, he’ll be charging towards that door headfirst.
Perhaps this game, whatever the result, will come and go relatively peacefully, with no incidents to speak of and no new Argentinian ‘villains’ in the collective English consciousness.
But history tells us there’s a good chance the opposite will be true.
Nick Miller is a football writer for the Athletic and the Totally Football Show. He previously worked as a freelancer for the Guardian, ESPN and Eurosport, plus anyone else who would have him.
France vs Spain mega-preview: Predictions, form guide, key players and more
France’s Kylian Mbappe, left, and Lamine Yamal of Spain Getty Images
Didier Deschamps’ preferred attacking quartet is Kylian Mbappe (eight goals in this tournament), Ousmane Dembele (the reigning world footballer of the year), Michael Olise (one of the standout players at this World Cup) and Desire Doue (scored twice in the 2025 Champions League final).
Their bench is not bad either.
Good luck to Unai Simon, the Spain goalkeeper.
Of course, the Spanish have some wonderful talents of their own, including the best teenager in the world, Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona forward helped Spain win the European Championship in 2024, just a day after turning 17. Their midfield is superb, with Rodri pulling the strings and helping Luis de la Fuente’s team pass sides to death on their way to this semi-final.
This match, at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, pits the two teams at the top of the world rankings against one another, and the winners will face either England or Argentina in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City, on Sunday.
We take a closer look at this game and where it might be decided…
What’s the key info I need to know?
Round: World Cup semi-final World rankings: France (FIFA ranking: first) vs Spain (Second) Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Date: Tuesday, July 14 Kick-off: 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST
How did France reach the semi-finals?
With greater ease than anyone else.
Their last-32 tie against Sweden was a 3-0 breeze in which they could have scored a few more had the woodwork not been their enemy.
France were felt to not have faced a proper test yet at this tournament. Morocco were meant to be the team that changed this in the quarter-finals, but opted for an uncharacteristically conservative approach, having lost star forward Ismael Saibari to injury, and barely laid a glove on the French, who won 2-0. Are Mbappe & Dembele the deadliest World Cup duo?
Liam Twomey
They have not conceded a goal in the knockout stage and have not really looked like doing so. In the opening group-stage game against Senegal, they were far from convincing and, even against a Norway second-string in match three, looked too open at the back. They have tightened up as the competition progressed, though. Crucially, France arrive at the semi-final stage having not expended any of the emotional energy of the others, who have all been embroiled in dramatic and prolonged battles.
Jordan Campbell
How did Spain reach the semi-finals?
Spain have won their last two knockout stage games against Portugal, in the round of 16, and Belgium, in the quarter-finals, through late Mikel Merino goals off the bench.
Against Portugal, they prevailed 1-0, reaching the quarter-finals without conceding a goal in five matches. Belgium were the first team able to breach their defence but lost 2-1 after Merino pounced on substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ error in the 88th minute.
Mikel Merino pokes the ball beyond Senne Lammens to give Spain a late victory against BelgiumDavid Ramos/Getty Images
They started the tournament frustratingly when Cape Verde and inspired ’keeper Vozinha held them to a goalless draw, but Spain went on to top Group H with wins over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0).
Mikel Merino – World Cup super sub & Spanish hero 🇪🇸
Felipe Cardenas
Round-of-32 opponents Austria provided no real challenge, as they eased to a 3-0 victory. Mikel Oyarzabal got his second goal double of the tournament in that match, having also scored twice against Saudi Arabia.
Eduardo Tansley
How to watch on TV
United States: 3pm ET / 12pm PT: Fox (English), Telemundo / Peacock (Spanish) Canada: 3pm ET / 12pm PT: CTV, TSN / RDS (French) Mexico: 1pm CST: TelevisaUnivision / TV Azteca, with streaming on ViX UnitedKingdom: 8pm BST: ITV1 and ITVX
What should we expect from France?
A less philosophical approach to the game than Spain. While today’s opponents operate in a strict system with a near-religious commitment to possession and pressing, France are happy to adapt depending on what a match demands.
It is what makes them so dangerous and difficult to stop.
Sit off them and the front four of Mbappe, Olise, Dembele and Doue will pick holes where you thought there were none. Try to press them and they will tear you open with two passes through the middle. Take the game to them and they will kill you on the break.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele celebrate a goal against Sweden in the round of 32John Sibley/Reuters
They appear to have the answers to every equation, and are playing a more expansive game than at the three previous World Cups. Deschamps has found a way of platforming four attackers by having Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone protecting the midfield behind them. So far, it has not posed them many problems, but against Spain, they will need to find the perfect balance. Jordan Campbell
What should we expect from Spain?
Passes, and lots of them.
No team have averaged a greater share of possession across their six games so far at this World Cup (65.8 per cent). They had even more of the ball at the previous edition in Qatar in 2022 (76.5 per cent), and also led the way at the one before that in Russia eight years ago.
Such a patient approach is embedded in Spain’s identity — they will look to control the flow of the game with the ball at their feet, pen their opponents back, and try to counter-press aggressively and win possession straight back the second they lose it.
All of that has led to a solid, if yet unspectacular, route through the tournament, conceding only once along the way and recording three of their five wins by a single goal. Rodri has shone at the heart of midfield, his innate sense of positioning and quality on the ball keeping them ticking in the final third.
Rodri has been essential to Spain’s passage through the tournamentCarlos Barria/Reuters
Full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have both pushed high and kept their wingers supplied, while Yamal’s threat has simmered, yet to truly bring his game-breaking talents to this World Cup.
Spain’s ambitious high line has yet to be truly tested by a clinical centre-forward; how they deal with the pace of Mbappe could make or break this game.
Thom Harris
Who is the star player for each team?
Mbappe is the obvious choice for France, with his eight goals being the joint-highest by anyone in this tournament. However, French fans could feasibly make a case that Olise has been the team’s most indispensable man this summer.
Michael Olise glides past a Paraguay challengeKyle Ross/Imagn Images via Reuters
Olise’s ability to glide across the pitch makes him one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch in the world, but there is an end product to his game that few opponents can live with. His five assists are more than any player in the tournament, while his punched balls between the opposition lines have been enough to knock most sides to the canvas.
Only Lionel Messi (15) has attempted more through balls than Olise’s 14, with nobody completing more than his seven. Mbappe will rightfully get the headlines, but Olise has been powering France’s attack.
For Spain, it is difficult to look beyond Yamal as the jewel in their crown. The teenager (he was 19 on Monday) continues to look at home on the biggest international stage, even if he has not reached the goalscoring numbers of his fellow elite global stars.
Lamine Yamal celebrates his goal against Saudi Arabia in the group stageJustin Setterfield/Getty Images
In truth, Spain’s biggest strength is their collective unit, but Rodri’s fingerprints have been all over anything they do well in and out of possession. A tempo-controller on the ball and an aggressive counter-presser off the ball, the 30-year-old is hitting the levels that we saw prior to his season-ending ACL injury in September 2024.
Mark Carey
Is there any history in this match-up?
France will become only the second European nation to reach three successive World Cup finals if they overcome Spain, but it is De la Fuente’s side who have had the upper hand in the teams’ two most recent meetings.
In June last year, Spain defeated the French 5-4 in an exhilarating UEFA Nations League semi-final in which they led 4-0 just before the hour but were very nearly reeled back in.
Yamal and Nico Williams celebrate during their Nations League final win in 2025Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Eleven months before that, in a Euro 2024 semi-final, they also emerged the victors, coming from behind to win 2-1 and seal their place in the final.
France have had their own momentous wins in this fixture: in 1984, they beat Spain 2-0 in the European Championship final and also came out on top, 2-1, in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League final.
The only World Cup meeting between the nations came in 2006, when Zinedine Zidane inspired France to a 3-1 victory in the round of 16.
Spain holds the lead in the overall head-to-head record with 18 wins to 13, alongside seven draws. They have the momentum from those recent meetings, but this is a France team which has rapidly evolved and has become more adventurous since Spain’s European title two years ago.
Jordan Campbell
Where will the match be won and lost?
Spain are likely to dominate possession to maximise control in the game, but that may play into the hands of France’s greatest strength at times.
The breakneck speed with which the French can spring forward is a potent weapon they have not been shy about using this summer. Their 32 direct attacks (a proxy of counter-attacking play) are already more than in their previous four major tournaments, dating to winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Even adjusting for minutes played, that rate of 5.3 direct attacks per 90 remains the highest.
A neat example of their devastating counter-attack was Bradley Barcola’s goal against Sweden in the round of 32. After Aurelien Tchouameni recovered the ball on the halfway line, a simple pass to Olise then released Barcola to finish at the near post within seconds of recovering possession.
Thankfully for Spain, they have been one of the best counter-pressing sides in this World Cup.
As The Athletic recently analysed, their defensive strength has been built upon excellent recovery work to sustain attacks and keep the other team far from goal on the rare occasion they do give up possession.
As shown below in their round-of-32 clash with Austria, Yamal loses the ball in the penalty area, but Rodri is quick to hound Marcel Sabitzer and regain the ball in seconds — with four Spanish team-mates congregated around him in support to keep those spaces tight and suffocate the opposition.
With so much individual talent on show, this game is likely to be decided by Spain’s counter-pressing to nullify France’s counter-attacking threat.
Mark Carey
Who do our experts think will win?
Colin Millar: France 2, Spain 1 (after extra time). The tournament’s best two teams. Spain’s connections, rhythm and control of both possession and territory are a step above anyone else in the tournament, but their key attackers, notably Yamal, are lacking form and full fitness. This is a side who have lost some of their sparkle from that European Championship win two years ago, while France have blown away their World Cup opposition to date.
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Eduardo Tansley: France 2, Spain 1. We saw Morocco try to nullify the French with possession in the previous round, and it didn’t work. France’s performances have been too convincing and their attack too fluid to bet against them.
Mark Carey: France 2, Spain 1. I think Spain will try to control the tempo of the game as much as they can, but the attacking firepower of France’s front four will prove too devastating.
Thom Harris: France 1, Spain 1 (France win on penalties). Spain should be able to keep France at arm’s length with the ball at their feet. I see a moment of magic from both Mbappe and Yamal, before penalties decide the teams’ fate. France will make it through!
Amelie Claydon: France 2, Spain 1. Spain will probably have more of the ball, but that should suit France. Their full-backs push high and their midfielders commit numbers ahead of the ball, leaving space for the French to attack as soon as possession changes hands. France do not need to dominate possession to control the direction of a game. They are comfortable absorbing pressure and waiting for the moment when Spain overcommit.
Miller: France 2, Spain 1 (after extra time). If anyone has a good enough defence to stop France, it’s Spain, who have only conceded once in this tournament. But even they won’t be able to completely hold off Mbappe, Olise, Dembele and the ‘lobster thermidor or Wagyu steak?’ choice between Doue and Barcola. I think this will be the tightest game either will play — including the final — and much higher quality than their semi-final at Euro 2024, when France were weirdly, crushingly dull. I’ll say France, with a late Mbappe winner.
Dermot Corrigan: France 2, Spain 1. Spain’s chances in this game rely on their midfield — led by Rodri — dominating possession so they can keep the ball away from France’s tremendous attackers. I can definitely see them outnumbering and outplaying the French in central areas to have more of the ball, but it’s more difficult to see their attack really hurting Deschamps’ defence. Mbappe, Olise and Dembele are playing so well that, over the 90 minutes, logic says they will have enough opportunities to send France through to a third straight World Cup final.
Charlie Scott: France 2, Spain 3.Surely one of us has to back Spain?! Yamal scores twice in a performance for the ages, and Simon has a ridiculous game in goal. Mbappe and Dembele to both find the net for France.
How might they line up?
Tell me one thing about France that’s going to make me look clever to my friends
Mbappe scored an incredible opening goal in the quarter-final against Morocco, opening his body up to finish beyond Yassine Bounou to the far post.
One of Mbappe’s biggest strengths is being able to switch between a near-post and far-post finish depending on the situation — a skill he has developed since earlier in his career. When he gets himself into his favoured left zone of the pitch (see below), seven of his efforts have gone to the far post and six have gone to the near, with an unpredictability that can leave goalkeepers guessing until the very last second.
Contrast that with France’s right zone, where left-footed Olise and ambipedal Dembele typically reside, and a more predictable pattern emerges. Both tend to opt for a far-post finish when unleashing their efforts, and considering their success rate when they do, you can understand why.
If Simon is looking to play the percentages, he can be confident that France’s left-footers are going to shoot across goal when he is making a save.
When the ball is on Mbappe’s side, Simon might just have to pray that the goalkeeping gods are looking down favourably on him as France’s captain shapes to release his shot.
Mark Carey
Tell me one thing about Spain that’s going to make me look clever to my friends
Keep an eye out for cutbacks.
With opponents often sitting deep against De la Fuente’s side, space rarely opens up in central areas of the pitch, meaning Spain are frequently tasked with going around the defensive block as they cannot go through it.
Their 14 chances created via cutbacks are the most of the nations still in the tournament, and brought them a goal when Alex Baena’s pulled pass found Porro during the last-16 meeting with Austria.
France are more likely to go toe-to-toe with them today, meaning there might be more space to exploit through the heart of the pitch.
However, on the occasions when Spain do pin their opponent back and look to create, do not be surprised to see them reverse a pass backwards to find a free man when all others converge towards France’s goalmouth.
Mark Carey
Who is the referee?
If a referee can ever ‘shoot to fame’, the official in charge of the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain certainly had a shot at becoming an overnight sensation earlier in the tournament.
Ivan Barton, a 35-year-old from El Salvador, became the first referee to send off a player under the new law barring them from covering their mouths while confronting an opponent.
After watching the incident at the pitchside monitor, Barton returned to the field and delivered his verdict to Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron with considerable gusto.
“After review! Number 10! Paraguay! Cover his mouth! Decision is: red card!”
Darren Yamashita/Reuters
Almiron’s dismissal aside, Barton has kept a low profile through draws between Japan and Sweden in the group stage, and Switzerland (who advanced on penalties) and Colombia in the first knockout round.
This is his second World Cup. His games in Qatar four years ago included Germany’s shock group-stage defeat to Japan and England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the round of 16.
While his card count is normally around average, Barton reduced the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico to nine men each in a 16-minute spell late in a 2023 Concacaf Nations League semi-final. He then blew for time early, due to homophobic chanting in the crowd.
He will be hoping for a quieter time of it on Tuesday and I wish him well, while secretly hoping he has to overturn a decision so we get to hear another on-field announcement.
Graham Scott
Who will the winners play?
The victors in Arlington today will face whoever wins the other semi-final between world champions Argentina and England, which is being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST.
That final will be played at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a few miles west of New York City, this Sunday, July 19, with kick-off at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST.
How France are playing four proper attackers and not conceding chances at this World Cup
Ousmane Dembele, right, celebrates with his team-mates after scoring France’s second against Morocco Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Creating a World Cup-winning side is all about balance. As a disciplined defensive midfielder who won the tournament in 1998, and as a cautious manager who won it again in 2018, Didier Deschamps knows this better than most. This summer, his France team feel more attack-minded than usual. And yet, ominously, their defensive record remains excellent.
It’s not simply that France have yet to concede a goal in the knockout stage of this tournament, recording clean sheets against Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco. The real story is that they have barely even allowed any half-chances. Sweden looked meek when recording just 0.7 expected goals (xG, a measure of the quality of goalscoring opportunities a team creates) in their round-of-32 match, but that’s more than Paraguay (0.2) and Morocco (0.1) managed between them. In their 2-0 defeat on Thursday night, Morocco only had sights of goal from set pieces or hopeful long-range shots.
This is despite Deschamps continuing to use four attackers, a departure from his previous approach at World Cups, when he often favoured a more responsible central midfielder shifted out wide to help screen the defence.
Neither Adrien Rabiot nor Manu Kone is a world-renowned holding player: Rabiot is more of an all-rounder, Kone is an unheralded 25-year-old in his first international tournament. But they have been excellent together, patrolling the centre as a tight duo, and they are being trusted to cover the width of the pitch — sometimes without huge support from ahead.
But France are making it work, in part because of their boldness in attack.
France’s main task against Morocco at Gillette Stadium was coping with Achraf Hakimi, the best right-back in the tournament and familiar to the France players who have played club football with him at Paris Saint-Germain.
Hakimi has sometimes seemed like a right-back, a No 10 and a No 9 combined in this tournament, and here he carried Morocco’s main attacking threat, operating as their most advanced player on occasions.
France, in general, seemed happy for him to push forward, knowing that he would leave space to break into. That’s not quite what they would have done at previous tournaments — in 2018, box-to-box midfielder Blaise Matuidi played on the left and would have been practically man-marking an attacking full-back like Hakimi. But here, Desire Doue played a little deeper than usual, and Kylian Mbappe drifted over to that side, always ready to break. France’s passing network, below, shows the extent to which Mbappe took up inside-left positions.
Midway through the first half, there was the perfect example — Hakimi pushed forward and was tackled by Doue. Morocco’s key player was stranded upfield.
This was France’s dream scenario, and they broke quickly. Mbappe drifted left, sprinted in behind to get on a pass from Michael Olise…
… and was clumsily brought down inside the box by Noussair Mazraoui. Mbappe’s subsequent penalty was saved after a long VAR review.
France eventually went ahead 10 minutes into the second half with a classic Mbappe curler. It came after a good example of another element of the game France do excellently: counter-pressing. The heat has made it physically tough to spend all game closing down, but various top teams have been excellent at pouncing to regain the ball quickly after losing it.
For their opening goal, France effectively won possession in those situations three times within the space of 20 seconds — and as much as this period was scrappy, it showed how France’s attackers were simultaneously denying counter-attacking chances, and creating chances of their own. Their defensive work isn’t about shielding the back line, but about being proactive — Morocco were trying to launch a break here, but Rabiot stepped in to intercept and put France on the attack shortly before Mbappe curled home.
At 1-0, there was another incident where Hakimi got caught high up the pitch acting as a right-winger, while a France player — this time William Saliba — jumped in to make an interception. Mbappe was free to break into the space Hakimi had vacated, and a Morocco centre-back — this time Issa Diop — flew into a tackle to bring him down.
This was different to the Mazraoui penalty concession, in that it was a deliberate foul to halt a counter-attack, but the pattern was the same. Often, a team’s strength is also their weakness, and that was the case for Morocco and Hakimi.
The second goal came from a rare example of France attacking through the middle. The instigator was again Mbappe, who played a simple pass to Ousmane Dembele — coming off the right flank — to record an assist, but more crucially made a sudden burst that occupied both Morocco centre-backs and allowed Dembele the freedom to cut onto his right foot and squeeze a shot under Yassine Bounou and put the game out of Morocco’s reach.
You can argue that France haven’t been seriously tested yet — or, at least, not since their 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening fixture. A semi-final meeting with Spain, who face Belgium on Friday, would be a different challenge entirely. But to play two knockout matches without conceding even a sniff of a chance is hugely impressive — especially considering Deschamps hasn’t compromised on his unusually daring approach of using four proper attackers.
USA hosts Bosnia in San Fran Wed 8 pm on Fox (coverage starts 6 pm)
So the US men slipped up and lost at the last second to Turkey on Friday – a 2-3 loss where we gave up a goal in the last 30 seconds of the game. Again this was a game that did not matter – its why Poch changed 9 starters including all 5 defenders & the GK in this game. Pulisic came on late in the 2nd and had a huge impact -though he couldn’t find the net. Again I think all we proved in the end – is if our starting defenders or Tyler Adam’s goes down are in BIG trouble. I still think our true keys to advancing is not Balogun or Pulisic or McKennie – its Crystal Palace man Chris Richards in the centerback slot. He stays healthy (has injured ligaments in his ankle from late in the season) and we have a legit chance to advance to the Quarter Finals. The path if we can win – looks as good as it ever has. If the US can get by Bosnia to the Sweet 16 like Canada & Mexico – we have a chance with an aging Belgium in the way in the Rd of 16 in Seattle. Now on to Bosnia –
Bosnia comes into the match having drawn Canada, losing to Switzerland, and soundly beating Qatar. They needed a win and a draw at least to get out of the group and they find themselves one of the third place teams to advance in the tournament. They follow the tried and true World Cup strategy of being compact and well organized defensively, eschewing possession, and bypassing their opponents’ press in favor of going straight up the field on counter attack to the goal.
So here’s my line-up for the big game Wed — back to the starting line-up that was so powerful vs Turkey (that team who beat Germany to advance to the Sweet 16 – I told you they were good! ) So for this game — I think the US will not score early – but Pulisic will put in a goal — and the US will score two goals while Bosnia scores just 1 and we survive & advance.
World Cup Notes
So here’s my bracket — shot already . But I like France & Argentina in the Finals – again. With Norway, Erling Halland & the Row advancing to the Semi’s for the first time ever.
Following The US Men – Ole Ballcoach Road Trip across the West
Here’s the Ole Ballcoach with Daughter Courtney at the LA game vs Turkey – as this point with 30 seconds to go it was 2-2. I prefer to remember our 2nd team’s game vs Turkey’s A team with that score rather than the 3-2 last second winner they had. Pregame vs Turkey in LA – So Fi Stadium Courtney’s friends and I caught the Japan game in Little Tokyo in LA last week.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Weds, July 1 9 am Fox England vs Congo DR 1 pm FS1 Belgium vs Senegal (Mane) 5pm Fox USA vs Bosnia & Herzergovina Thur, July 2 12N pm Fox Spain (Lamal) vs Austria 4 pm Fox Portugal (Renaldo) vs Croatia (Modric) 8 pm FS1 Switzerland vs Algeria Friday, July 3rd 11 am Fox Australia vs Egypt (Salah) 3 pm Fox Argentina (Messi) vs Cape Verde 5 pm Victory Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Houston NWSL 6:30 pm Fox Colombia vs Ghana 7 pm Prime Angel City vs Orlando Pride NWSL Saturday, July 4 (Sweet 16) 10 am Fox Canada vs Morocco 2 pm Fox Paraguay vs France 3:30 pm ION NC Courage vs Seattle Reign (NWSL) 5:45 pm ION San Diego Wave vs Gothan FC Sun, July 5th 1 pm Fox Brazil (Neymar) vs Norway (Haaland) 5 pm Fox Mexico vs ?? Mon, July 6 pm 12N pm 5 pm Fox USA vs Belgium?? World Cup Printable Schedule
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Quick Take US vs Turkey
SA versus Turkey result was difficult, but it was a good match for us to analyze. First, Turkey is an incredible team. We are so result oriented in soccer that sometimes we forget how good a team truly is. Take Turkey for example: a side that shot the ball 62 times and scored 0, a FIFA World Cup record. Was that due to poor management? No. Was that due to bad players? No. Was that due to bad finishing? Yes, but also very good goalkeeping and effort by the opposing teams. Turkey is truly a team capable of finishing top 4. We know this from their experiences in European competitions, their previous World Cup, and their roster full of marquee players like we saw tonight. This team is very reminiscent of our 2006 team, except they dominated all their group stage matches except the one against us. Which leads me to point number two: we actually played well as a group, but very poorly in some areas. Yes, stats do not tell the whole story, but when you watch our match and re-watch it, you see how close we were on so many occasions to extend the lead even further. From an attacking perspective, we did not lose a step minus a few players and the finishing. Now, I take a different approach with Gio Reyna than some of you because I thought he played well and made some really good passes. I know he did not score, and there were a few one-on-one opportunities he could have taken against his defender, but I was comfortable every time the ball landed at his feet. His ability to make the correct decisions was higher than any other forward. But of course, the star of the night was Sebastian Berhalter. This man bleeds red, white, and blue and showed it on the field tonight. We know there is a split between MLS good and MLS bad in the fan base, but at the end of the day, we just want good players who care. He showed this. We have been looking for a set-piece mastermind for years and every time we went to the corner flag, he was truly a threat. There were probably four goals we could have scored all set up by him. And his goal was spectacular. So, we added another reliable player to our list. Ricardo Pepi did not make a strong case as a goal scorer. I was disappointed with his dribbling speed, but I was very encouraged by his tracking back. We should not underestimate our opponents, but I am very certain that if the likely draws happen, his speed will be enough in those matches to make him a goalscroing threat until the Quarter-finals. But the amount of times he came back to provide just some pressure was very good. Still, I would have rather seen Haji Wright, a hometown native who I think is undervalued and does have a World Cup goal in limited minutes. I believe that Haji Wright would have done much better in attack. I do not know about defense though. Still, Pepi has shown enough to deserve the second spot with his performances against Senegal in the friendly and Australia in matchday 2 in Seattle. Brenden Aaronson was wasteful in his shots, should have scored, and was not as fast as usual. And Tim Weah was terrible on the night. But, these two have shown much more before. I am not sure what the issue was, I just know what I saw was not good, and I think most would agree. Nevertheless, there were positives to take away from Aaronson and part of goalscoring is being in the correct position to take the shot which he was in. When it comes to midfield and defense, which of course Berhalter was a key part of again, I was impressed by Weston McKennie. McKennie showed speed and was in so many places at once. Perhaps the only negative was that he wanted to score so badly at times that he put himself out of position. Same could be said about Berhalter throughout the match. Joe Scally showed good pace going forwards and made some good decisions. He did not particularly have a strong night defensively. I know he kept blaming his center back partner on the right which maybe he was correct in doing, but at a certain point you too need to adjust in game. I think he played better at the end, so maybe this is good news for the knockout rounds. Miles Robinson was not at his best. I am concerned about him because it felt like he was out of position all the time and slow to react and move, similar to Tim Weah. I know his abilities, and I know a good game by him would have helped us win against Turkey, but a bad game leads to a side scoring 3 goals on practically 5 true opportunities. Mark McKenzie was not very impressive either. Usually, center backs are supposed to be the best defenders on the ball, but there were times where he would be in position, with speed no longer being a threat, but he would still be beaten toward goal. I know he is capable of more, but last night was not good enough. Auston Trusty had a magnificent goal and his ability to rise above the defense for headers is extremely valuable and he should have had another goal. But, his defense was more of a mixed bag. This is partly because he was going forward so often so I believe that the next match he plays in during this World Cup will be improved because it appeared more of a fitness issue than an abilities issue. And not that he has a fitness issue, more so that he just has not played enough like the starters. The subs did contribute some good play. Christian Pulisic looked like himself out there and brought a lot of energy to the match. He had a few opportunities he could have finished, but overall his speed going forward and tracking back was what we needed throughout the whole match. Unfortunately, he was outplayed defensively on the last goal against, but that is a good learning experience for him in the future rounds. Alex Zendejas looked good while in for cleaning up some weak points in our team. He needs to be more of a threat going forward, but I felt he made the team better once in. However, he appears to have that starter’s mentality whereby he gets going with time. As a sub, he needs to get going faster or else he will risk playing time. Conversely, if a match goes into extra time, I believe Zendejas would be a great substitution because he would last past the 120 minute mark. Sergiño Dest was not as much of a threat in the attack as I had hoped he would be. I really thought once on, him and Christian would lead us to victory, but he did not hold up his end of the bargain. Defensively he seemed his usual self. Alex Freeman was good defensively and showcased his speed to get back, which others on the team did not possess. But, whenever you come in late into the match and a goal is scored, it looks bad, and he will have to analyze his positioning because against other teams and even other players, speed will not always bail you out. I am thinking of Edin Džeko. Malik Tillman did well when he first came on. A little more was expected, and again, a goal scored so late does not instill confidence in the team when you are brought in for your energy and abilities. Both he and Freeman did not have their best nights in the key moments at the end, which usually they do. Some say soccer is a game of moments and usually these two are very good in moments so I am not concerned going forward. Lastly, our goalkeeper Matt Turner will not remember this match fondly. Whether it was his fault on the goals or not is not really the point, rather it is the fact that on four shots on target, three went in. I liked his activity in the middle of the match to go after crosses and passes deep into the box and his abilities to lead break aways into the attack with heads up passing both from his hands and feet. It was not all bad and perhaps he was put into a difficult game due to poor defense. Still, being a World Cup goalkeeper requires going above and beyond, as we have seen with other goalies far less talented than Matt Turner this year. Mauricio Pochettino had a good match managing. I think his lineups were fine and his substitutions improved the match. He pushed for the win which was good and his strategy showcased us as the better side. Where I felt he went wrong was three things. First, it may have been better to start Matt Freese because he needed more practice saving shots. Two, if he was truly trying to win, taking Gio Reyna off lowered our threat potential as Gio was the one making the key passes to Christian toward the end there. And three, we still do not know how good Haji Wright is. Is he someone we can count on when we need a goal? I understand why Chris Brady did not play due to being the third choice goalkeeper and why Christian Roldan did not play due to injury, but we need more depth and Haji Wright could be that “super sub” we need to score. We have not seen him enough in World Cup matchplay to know going back to 2022. It seems unjustified that a player who scores a World Cup goal in very little minutes played, leads a Championship side to The FA Cup Semi-finals, and then leads them to promotion to the Premier League never gets minutes. Maybe there is something we do not know. But, for a player who probably knew Turkey better than anyone out there due to playing in their league, it was perplexing. As for Max Arfsten, he may be disappointed to not have played against Turkey, but he should be happy in that he did not lower his stock when it comes to how confident fans are of him. He should stay ready because World Cups bring unlikely scenarios. And if we had known how certain players would play, Arfsten may have been chosen instead. Overall, our team did well against a very good nation. We were unlucky to lose, and even unlucky not to win. Our second unit in defense and goalkeeping needs vast improvements, and whatever Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson were eating, drinking, or whatever was wrong with them needs to be figured out fast because on a usual day, they would have been really good and we probably would have won. But, now learning experiences go out the window. We are the host nation and a win is expected every time we go onto the field. We absolutely need to get our third win for this to be successful. A Round of 16 appearance should not be applauded unless contexts change (so a fourth win is necessary at the least). Simply put, we cannot 2010 this opportunity in front of us. Already you can see momentum leaving the casual fan base. Yet similar to the result against Germany, I feel this result can propel us to new highs. The only difference is that our casual fan base knows how good Germany is, but does not quite understand how talented Turkey is. So, the people who truly care and those who will be in Santa Clara need to elevate that hype so the players feel confidence like they did playing Paraguay. The next match is extremely winnable and this is coming from someone who has watched Bosnia and Herzegovina my whole life. But, to win, finishing is necessary! We do not want to rely on a 1-0 win or even worse, penalty shootouts! Bosnia and Herzegovina know how to win even when they should not. They are that type of team. So, we need to score on our chances.
I have fallen in Love with the LA Dirty Dog – outside each game these little booths pop up cooking these glorious dogs for just $6 to $10 (I get to negotiate). Love them!!
USMNT vs. Bosnia World Cup mega-preview: Predictions, odds, must-reads and more
The moment the U.S. men’s national team has built toward is here: The knockout stage of World Cup 2026.The USMNT hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., for a ticket to the round of 16. The U.S. topped Group D, convincingly beating Paraguay and Australia, while Bosnia finished third in Group B after a win over Qatar on the final day of the group stage.The U.S. lost its final group game to Turkey, but with the group already wrapped up, Mauricio Pochettino had made wholesale changes to his lineup. The good news is star forward Christian Pulisic made his return from a calf injury off the bench, playing more than 30 minutes. On Tuesday, Pulisic assured the media he’s ready to go from the start, with no limitations.Bosnia is led by legendary forward Edin Džeko, who, at 40, remains a key part of their attack. Around him are talented wingers Esmir Bajraktarević and Kerim Alajbegović. Bajraktarević was born in the United States and represented U.S. youth national teams and earned one senior cap before switching to represent Bosnia. He scored the game-winning penalty against Italy to send his country to the World Cup during qualifying playoffs in March.The U.S. was eliminated in the round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar. It needs a win on Wednesday night to at least equal that finish — but the team has ambitions for much more. Here’s a closer look at Wednesday night’s match:
What you need to know about the matchup
Round of 32: United States (FIFA ranking 17) vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (FIFA ranking 64)
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara, Calif.
Date: Wednesday, July 1
Kick-off: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
U.S. pathway: Winners of World Cup Group D: Two wins vs Paraguay and Australia, one loss to Turkey.
Bosnia pathway: Qualified for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Group B record: One tie with Canada, one defeat to Switzerland, one win vs. Qatar.
Edin Džeko remains a key in Bosnia’s attack as it prepares to face the United States in the round of 32.Jane Gershovich / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Staff predictions
Paul Tenorio: U.S. 2, Bosnia 1 – We have seen that these knockout games are mostly tight affairs. The U.S. will be in control and build a two-goal lead, but have some nervy moments when Bosnia pulls one back. Ultimately, the home crowd will help push them through to the round of 16.
Henry Bushnell: U.S. 3, Bosnia 1 – The U.S. will come out flying, just like against Paraguay in the opener, and steamroll Bosnia. Maybe there won’t be four goals this time, and maybe Bosnia will put up more of a fight, but it feels like another convincing victory.
Tom Bogert: U.S. 2, Bosnia 1 – There is legitimate worry this game has “1-1 draw but Bosnia wins on penalties” written all over it … but the U.S. was rampant against Paraguay and Australia. I’m expecting more of that against Bosnia.
Charlie Davies: This game is perfect for… Antonee Robinson
It’s a great game for wide players. Bosnia looks to play through theirs to generate chances. If the U.S. can pin back those wingers, they’ll have to work so hard that by the 60th minute, they’ll be exhausted when it’s time to transition. For the U.S., the emphasis will be on continuing to use the high press and width to breach Bosnia’s deep defence. A 4-4-2 is difficult to break down centrally, but once it’s pinned back, it demands constant running from the outside midfielders. The U.S. overloads both flanks with Alex Freeman and Sergiño Dest on one side and Pulisic and Antonee Robinson on the other, making it extremely difficult to defend if Bosnia’s communication isn’t perfect. I also notice the space between their back line and midfield can become too large. Players are forced wide, leaving big central pockets. When the back line drops, Pulisic and Weston McKennie have plenty of options. Qatar found opportunities in those areas, which should give the U.S. confidence. Robinson has always had the athleticism. Over the past couple of seasons, his decision-making has caught up. He knows when to make long runs or put pressure on, and which cross he should play. He understands where he can make an impact and expose weaknesses.He’s on the precipice of being world class. I could see him becoming one of the top left backs in Serie A or La Liga, and this is his opportunity to elevate himself into that category. If he does that, I wouldn’t expect him to remain at Fulham beyond August.
The circumstances could be ripe for Antonee Robinson (5) to have a big game vs. BosniaKeith Birmingham / MediaNews Group / Pasadena Star-News / Getty Images
Odds
The Americans were favored in every match in the group stage and that continues against Bosnia. On both DraftKings and FanDuel, the United States is -750 (2-to-15) to advance, which implies the Americans have nearly a 90 percent chance of moving on to the final 16.
For context, only Argentina, England, Spain and France were bigger favorites in this round. Even in regulation, the Americans are priced between -265 and -280 to win, which implies a greater than 70 percent chance. As far as we can find the betting numbers on, this is only the second time the U.S. has been favored in a knockout match in a World Cup, the first being 2010 vs. Ghana. That was nearly a toss-up. This is not. The U.S. doesn’t have a long history of knockout matches (this is the ninth ever) and the Americans have been a significant underdog in most of them. Not this time around.
If U.S. beats Bosnia it will be because…
They replicate—or create a loose facsimile of—the performance from the U.S.’s 4-1 win over Paraguay. Even more than the final scoreline suggests, it was a complete domination, especially in the first half.
The USMNT’s press suffocated Paraguay, while the American back line grew increasingly aggressive as the first half wore on, completely pinning Paraguay in its defensive third. They could not string passes together, either losing possession almost immediately or resorting to hopeful clearances for only brief moments of relief. Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have developed strong attacking chemistry, while midfielders McKennie and Malik Tillman are intelligent and relentless with their off-ball movement. Those qualities are where the U.S. can win this game, creating wide overloads on the right through Dest and McKennie, then exploiting the left with Pulisic and Robinson.Set pieces play an outsized role in knockout-round matches. Bosnia is dangerous from dead-ball situations, including on long throws. Limiting those opportunities will be crucial, as will finding an early goal, just as the U.S. did in both of its group-stage victories. The longer Bosnia keeps the match level, the more pressure shifts onto the U.S.Why everyone will (finally) be watching the U.S. knockout game
Henry Bushnell
If U.S. draws it will be because…
Bosnia defends in a compact, well-organized shape, then picks its moments to break forward with purpose, particularly through Bajraktarević and Alajbegović. If those transitions don’t materialize, this team are still dangerous from set pieces, especially if Džeko is on the pitch.Bosnia will not be an easy opponent—no knockout-round match at the World Cup ever is. It held Canada to a draw in their tournament opener in front of a raucous home crowd and won’t be intimidated by whatever home-field advantage Levi’s Stadium can generate.Bosnia has conceded more than one goal just once in its last 10 matches, a stretch that includes games against Italy, Wales, Canada and Austria. A draw in the knockout stage will send the game to penalties, where Bosnia is more than comfortable after winning consecutive shootouts in the UEFA qualifying playoffs.
If U.S. loses it will be because…
Any given day, right? The U.S. is a heavy favorite, but that’s the beauty of sport: anything can happen.The path to a Bosnia upset is straightforward. It capitalizes on its transition and set-piece opportunities while delivering a near-flawless defensive performance.“Bosnia is a very competitive, aggressive and physical team, who also has good organization and a very good coach,” Pochettino said. “You see the games they played in the group stage or in March for qualification, they have quality.”At this World Cup, goalkeepers from underdog teams have repeatedly earned points for their sides. Nikola Vasilj will have to play a major role if Bosnia is to get a result.“Bosnia are here because they deserve to be here,” Pochettino said. “For us, it’s full respect.”The U.S. attack will need to be clinical to break down Bosnia’s defense and ultimately find a breakthrough on Wednesday night.
Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest are all expected to start for the USMNT vs. BosniaSarah Stier / FIFA / Getty Images
Key injuries
Star man Pulisic has been dealing with a calf issue but is in the frame to start for the first time since the opening game of the tournament, and says he is ready to last the duration of the game—whether that is 90 minutes or even 120 minutes if it goes to extra time. There are no major injury concerns among the other expected starters, either. Auston Trusty, who scored in the Turkey game, has an ankle problem but should be included as a substitute. There are doubts around the availability of Mark McKenzie, who has a foot irritation, and Cristian Roldan, who has a muscle strain. Tyler Adams, Balogun, Chris Richards, and Robinson were all left out of the Turkey game due to a risk of suspension, but now come back into the fold after yellow cards were wiped following the group stage.
Predicted lineups
United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun.
Raphael Claus of Brazil will be the match official. He is one of South America’s most experienced referees, having also officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and Copa Libertadores. His assistants are fellow Brazilians, Danilo Manis and Rodrigo Figueiredo, while the fourth official is Dario Herrera from Argentina.
Schedule and TV information
USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara: July 1, 10 p.m ET on Fox (English) and Telemundo, Peacock (Spanish)
Next U.S. match (if advanced)
Round of 16 vs. Belgium or Senegal in Seattle: July 6 on Fox (English) and Telemundo, Peacock (Spanish)
By almost any measure, Pulisic has joined Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan at the top of the USMNT GOAT conversation. Becoming the game’s new standard-bearer now feels inevitable.
If the U.S are to progress any further in this tournament, they must overcome a terrible recent record against European opponents. They have lost 10 straight games against Euro rivals, so need to buck the trend.
Breaking down the USMNT’s opponent and how it prefers to play.
World Cup: One big question for every round-of-16 team
Ryan O’HanlonJun 30, 2026, 03:53 PM ET
After the first four round-of-32 games in World Cup history, I think we were all asking the same question:
What?!?!?!?
Just like we all predicted, the first four teams through to the round of 16 are Brazil … Canada, Paraguay and Morocco. Germany lost a shootout for the first time in World Cup history. The Netherlands also lost a shootout — and OK, fine, they always do that, but the forebears of Total Football played a game where they had only 32% possession, their lowest for any World Cup game on record. Also: Canada are currently the only team in World Cup history with a perfect, 100% win rate in knockout-round matches.
With its 20-something shots per game and its two or three goals, soccer is random enough as is, but introducing an extra single-elimination round to the World Cup has added another layer of volatility to the world’s greatest sporting event. The chaos is likely to continue, but even if it doesn’t: we’re still only four games into this thing, and four games isn’t close to enough match time for us to produce any kind of confident conclusions about who is left.
So, we’re going to go a little deeper than the collective “what?” that you probably could’ve heard from outer space right after Morocco forward Ismael Saibari’s penalty hit the back of the net. We’re going to pinpoint the biggest question for each team that qualifies for the round of 16, and we’ll be updating this page as more teams qualify, with the most recently qualified teams listed at the top.
All numbers come courtesy of the stats app Futi or Stats Perform data, unless otherwise noted. All projections cited come from Michael Caley’s PADDLIN’ model.
Morocco
The big question: Will they keep this up?
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, that is an incredibly weak “big” question. And sure, fine, whatever: you could say that about any other team, too. The other ones will be better, I promise. But I’m struggling here because Morocco have been excellent in all four matches so far. If Morocco keep playing like they’ve played so far, then Zohran Mamdani is going to be right again: they absolutely can win the World Cup.
I can’t really think of a better are-they-good stress-test than this: Morocco have straight-up outplayed both the Netherlands and Brazil already, producing a 25-to-18 shot margin across those two matches and controlling about two-thirds of the final-third possession.
Pick whatever part of the game you want, and they’ve shown us they can do it: They can build from the back, they can break you down with high possession, they can counterattack at speed, and they held the Dutch to six shots and just 0.24 expected goals across 120 minutes.
The only lingering doubt in my mind, then, is … should these players be this good? This team has lots of top-level talent, but Achraf Hakimi is the only real star on the roster, and he’s a fullback. No one else is a consistent contributor to one of the top club teams in Europe. Bilal El Khannous, Noussair Mazraoui, Ismael Saibari and Azzedine Ounahi have been among the best players in the tournament, but no one would’ve tagged them as such before it started.
International soccer is a different game than what we see in England and Spain every weekend, though. It’s simpler, different spaces appear, and certain skill sets become more valuable.
And sometimes? A collection of players and coaches happen to fit together just so — skill sets amplify, rather than overlap — that they produce something well beyond the sum of their parts.
Paraguay
The big question: Can they keep scoring first?
There really aren’t any questions about what to expect from Paraguay. They’re an excellent defensive team. They’re not going to try to do anything other than sit back, play on the counter and sneak a goal or two from set plays. If they’re allowed to do that, then well, why don’t you ask Türkiye and Germany about what it’s like to play against them?Can Paraguay cause problems in the Round of 16?Paraguay have made 718 low defensive actions so far — essentially, defensive interventions in their own half — while no other team had made more than 478 through the first four games of the round of 32. That is, in large part, by design.Of course, you can’t just sit back and counter if you’re losing — as we saw when the Paraguayans got obliterated by the USMNT after conceding an own goal in the seventh minute of their opening match of the tournament. Their low-block defending is good enough to frustrate anyone, but it’s really hard to see them going any further if they ever go behind.
Brazil
The big question: Uh, what’s the plan here, guys?
While it took until injury time to take the lead over Japan, Brazil were totally dominant in the second half. They took 11 shots to Japan’s one, controlled 80% of the final-third possession and ultimately deserved the victory.
The bigger the circle, the higher the expected-goal value of the attempt:
It’s just that … well, there was a first half to the game, too. The collection of chances were roughly even across the first 45 minutes, and Japan went into the breakup 1-0.So what changed? The Brazilians finally broke free from the system-obsessed tactical shackles created by European club soccer’s global dominance and freestyled their way to a victory.Nicol: Brazil have ‘too many problems’ to be contendersJust kidding: they simply smashed the ball into the box over and over and over again until they broke through. Carlo Ancelotti’s team attempted 40 crosses against Japan, Brazil’s third most ever in a World Cup match since 1960. And 70% of those crosses came in the second half.In both of their matches against competent, well-coached opposition — Japan, and the opener against Morocco — Brazil struggled badly in the first half before Ancelotti made some subs and the team’s individual talent eventually got something from both games. Japan’s three best players were injured for Monday’s match, and they just ran out of steam in the second half.But what happens once the Brazilians meet up with an organized side that also has superstar attacking talent? We’re going to find out next round.
Canada
The big question: Can Alphonso Davies play for more than 20 minutes?
Hutchison: Canada have to have positive approach to Round of 16 match
From a tactical standpoint, we know exactly what Canada are going to do: play like a team funded by an international energy drink conglomerate.
Most teams fall into one of two camps: press high and control the game with possession or sit back and counterattack. Except for his current Canada, and all of the Red Bull teams Jesse Marsch managed in the past. No, they both press high and play incredibly aggressively as soon as they win the ball back.
As measured by passes allowed per defensive action (PPDA), Canada are one of the 10-most-aggressive pressing teams in the tournament. And yet, they’re also moving the ball upfield at a rate of 1.85 meters per second — by far the fastest rate of any team in the tournament. No one else ranks in the top 10 of both metrics.
And so the ceiling for Canada here is defined by something quite simple: How much will the greatest player in the history of their country actually play? Davies reinjured his hamstring while playing for Bayern Munich in early May, and he’s only featured in 22 total minutes so far this summer. He’s the one Canadian player who can break a game open all by himself.
Bosnia: Tough, smart and led by an ex-poker pro. Here is how the USMNT can win
Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez played poker professionally for 10 years after retiring as a player Patrick T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Underestimate Bosnia and Herzegovina at your peril.The United States’ World Cup round-of-32 opponent is among the supposedly less impressive teams to emerge from the group stage, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side need only ask Italy about the dangers of taking it lightly.When Bosnia beat Wales away on penalties in March to set up a qualification play-off final against the four-time World Cup winners a few days later, Italy’s players were filmed celebrating — clearly viewing it as the easier opponent. Now, after another shootout win, Italy is watching this tournament from home as Bosnia’s North American adventure rolls on.
Pochettino will be guarded against similar complacency for the match at Levi’s Stadium, south of San Francisco, on Wednesday (early Thursday UK time), affording it the respect of detailed analysis and a tailored tactical planIn the opposite dugout will be Sergej Barbarez, appointed in 2024 to what was his first coaching job at any level. A 54-year-old former Borussia Dortmund striker who spent a decade playing professional poker after retiring, he knows a thing or two about strategy.Here, The Athletic breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of his tactical approach and explains how the USMNT might find a way past Bosnia to reach the World Cup’s last 16.
USMNT prepares for Bosnia knockout m
Bosnia is not the most glamorous side to watch. It struggles to dominate games, averaging 44 per cent possession across the three group stage games (the Americans were at 60 per cent). Nor does it create many chances, with just four shots inside the penalty area per match compared to the United States’ 12.
Expected goals, or xG, is a statistical metric that measures chance quality, giving each shot a value between zero and one, based on its likelihood of going in. Bosnia have generated just 1.87 xG, the second-lowest total among the teams to reach the knockouts (Paraguay are bottom).
That bluntness in attack is partly down to a lack of quality. Few in the Bosnia team are household names, with Edin Dzeko, the now 40-year-old former Manchester City, Roma and Inter striker, the most recognisable. But attacking caution is a deliberate trade-off in an approach that prizes solidity.
Bosnia sets up in a 4-4-2 and, unlike the more fluid USMNT, rarely rotates positions to try to unsettle opponents — but that rigidity helps it keep good defensive cover and structure behind the ball when possession is lost.
It is not completely static, though, with full-backs offering overlapping runs to free up tricky wingers, particularly ex-Arsenal man Sead Kolasinac down the left for gifted youngster Kerim Alajbegovic.
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While Dzeko is the squad’s established leader, 18-year-old Alajbegovic is the star. He boasts wonderful dribbling ability and is comfortable with both feet, allowing him to glide past defenders in either direction. In the 3-1 win against Qatar in the last group game, Alajbegovic completed six take-ons, the second-highest total by any player in a game at this tournament.
He possesses a thunderous shot, as shown by his strike from outside the area for the opening goal in that match.
Set to join Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen this summer from Red Bull Salzburg of Austria, Alajbegovic is Bosnia’s chief creator, having completed a team-high 16 passes into the opposition penalty area in the three group games. Given his eye-catching talents, it is unsurprising that Bosnia funnels 46 per cent of its attacks down his left flank, the highest share down that side of anyone at this tournament.
On the opposite wing is likely to be Esmir Bajraktarevic, the Wisconsin-born 21-year-old who developed in MLS, playing three seasons for New England Revolution before moving to PSV of the Netherlands in January last year. Not quite as technically gifted as Alajbegovic, Bajraktarevic is still a threat the United States need to be cautious of, particularly on the counter-attack with his blistering pace.
Nullifying its threat out wide will be the USMNT’s defensive priority.
In attack, the challenge for the USMNT will be breaking down a stubborn, committed and physical defence. In the opening 1-1 draw against Canada in Toronto, Bosnia had just 39 per cent of the ball and frustrated the tournament co-hosts, as Jesse Marsch’s side struggled to find space against a compact, deep-lying back line. Ermedin Demirovic regularly dropped from centre-forward into midfield to help clog things up, and at times Bosnia had six players strung across the pitch in a resolute defensive wall.
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The good news is the best way to prise Bosnia open is with sharp, unpredictable movement and slick interplay, which is exactly the kind of football the USMNT has championed under Pochettino. Barbarez’s side is not blessed with pace at the back and has been exposed by quick one-touch passing moves, such as the one below by Qatar.
A brute-force approach, by contrast, is unlikely to make much of a dent in a sturdy Bosnian side. At an average height of 6ft 1in (185cm), it is aerially dominant and have won 65 per cent of its aerial duels at this World Cup. Canada tried this route, putting in 30 crosses, but Bosnia made first contact on 23 of them.
That physicality doubles as an attacking weapon, as they are among this World Cup’s strongest set-piece sides, scoring a tournament-high three goals from corners.
Finally, there is the lurking presence of Dzeko up top.
Now with German side Schalke in the twilight of his playing days, he has enjoyed a glittering club career, helping win multiple trophies at Wolfsburg, City and Inter. His inevitable physical decline means he is now more selective with his movements, but he still retains those masterful centre-forward instincts for creating space, linking play and timing penalty-box runs.
That nous is shown below, where Dzeko, despite his lack of pace, manages to beat Qatar’s offside line near the centre circle, finding himself clear to drive towards the box and take a shot that cannons off the post.
At the heart of the U.S. defence sits 38-year-old Tim Ream, who is hardly a greyhound, so Pochettino would be wise to hand responsibility for marking Dzeko to his more sprightly center-back partner Chris Richards.
With the stakes suddenly raised and the threat of elimination looming, knockout football can devolve into a tetchy, uncomfortable affair.
Bosnia thrive in an attritional battle, and if the USMNT is not wary of that, the World Cup campaign could come to an abrupt, anti-climactic end.
World Cup weather: 75F for USMNT vs Bosnia, 93F in Atlanta for England’s indoor game vs DR Congo
Victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina would earn the USA a World Cup last-16 meeting with Belgium or Senegal Fran Santiago/Getty Images
World Cup weather: 75F for USMNT vs Bosnia, 93F in Atlanta for England’s indoor game vs DR Congo
Victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina would earn the USA a World Cup last-16 meeting with Belgium or Senegal Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it is likely to be the warmest edition since the previous time the tournament was held in North America, when the U.S. hosted it solo in 1994.
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While extreme heat and humidity will affect how matches are played, thunderstorms could provide the greater logistical challenge.
Under the thunderstorm protocol in place in the States, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium involvedOnce that happens, a 30-minute countdown begins, but resets if another strike is detected before it ends.On Tuesday night, the round-of-32 tie between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City became the latest World Cup game to be delayed by storms, with kick-off taking place an hour later than scheduled. France’s match against Iraq on June 22 was the first to be affected — the delay there, which came at half-time, was more than two hours.To help understand which games will be most affected, The Athletic is working with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist at WKBW-TV Buffalo, to provide a daily forecast. Aaron will join live coverage to explain what’s happening during storm delays.
England vs DR Congo
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. Kick-off: 12pm local time (EDT), 5pm BST
An indoor match, so no issues out on the pitch. A heat advisory is in effect from 12pm to 8pm in Atlanta today. It will be sunny and hot in areas surrounding the stadium. At 12pm, the match will start with an outside temperature of 91F (33C). Temperatures will rise to 93F (34C) after the game, with a 30 per cent chance of thunderstorms. Winds will be out of the east at 5mph.
Belgium vs Senegal
Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington. Kick-off: 1pm local time (PDT), 4pm EDT, 9pm BST
Partly sunny and comfortable. At kick-off, the temperature will be 67F (19C), with winds out of the southwest at 5-10mph. Temperatures will hold steady near 67F (19C) during the match.
United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California. Kick-off: 5pm local time (PDT), 8pm EDT, 1am (Thursday) BST
Mostly sunny skies. The game will start with sunny skies and a temperature of 76F (24C). By the end of the match, the latter will be 72F (22C). Winds will be northwesterly at 5-10mph.
Aaron Mentkowski is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, a professional distinction granted by the American Meteorological Society. He is the chief meteorologist at WKBW, the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York. Aaron’s career as a meteorologist spans 30 years, and includes working at TV stations in Florida and Georgia. Aaron is also the owner and president of Weather in Detail, LLC, serving as a consultant and forensic meteorologist for law firms, insurance companies, concert promoters and event organizers. Aaron is an avid sports enthusiast. He is a two-time Ironman finisher, holds a Guinness World Record for participating in the longest hockey game, and he
US Men Dominate Paraguay 4-1, play Aussies in Seattle on Fri 3 pm on Fox (coverage starts 1 pm)
Wow – What a Win. I have been watching US Soccer since 1989 – that’s 37 years – and never have I seen the US offense look like that. It was truly amazing. Let’s see how Australia in Seattle goes first – but another show like that and I will gladly eat my words on Pochitino. Whatever he did – it worked when we slaughtered a really good Paraguay team. Listen folks this Paraguay team gave up 6 goals in qualifying – did not lose to Argentina (with Messi), Brazil and Uruguay. So when I said I was scared vs Paraguay I meant it. In fact you heard it here first – Paraguay will win a game against either Turkey or Australia.
Back to the US – that pentagon approach employed by Poch – had Paraguay confused with its high press. Paraguay literally didn’t pass midfield more than a handful of times and should have had a clean sheet. With Pulisic on fire in the 1st half – the US team looked as good as anyone in the first round of play. Balogun was on point up front – (I am sorry for saying perhaps Pepi should get the start – boy was I wrong!) McKinney, Tilman and Pulisic were in-synch and along with Balogun check these goals were simply unstoppable. It could have been 5-0 at the half. Overall the US simply dominated a very good opponent unlike anything we have seen before in World Cup play. Everyone played well – the D was solid with the Crystal Palace man Chris Richards stepping in from injury to the middle where he worked with Ream and Freeman to nearly shut Paraguay out. Its going to take a better effort vs a motivated Australia – who is feeling disrespected by the US press. Of course all eyes on our talisman Pulisic who sustained a calf injury in the first half and sat out the 2nd. He’s been training alone this week trying to get ready. Hard to think he won’t start however. Here’s who I see taking the field – (if Pulisic is out) – I think Tim Weah comes on right and Tillman goes left. Much like my daughter Courtney are going to find a way into this game – I think the US will find a way to win a really hard fought – rough and tumble battle against Australia – 2-1.
World Cup Notes
So I have been going to US games since 1992, close to 30 caps total and this was the most emotional National Anthem I have EVER seen. Dan & Shea crushed it as we all sang along with tears in our eyes – American Outlaw Indy Scarf over my head. The National Anthem made Lallas cry tooReaction to the Win Rich Eisen. Folks have asked me to share some images as my daughter Courtney (Carmel FC GK 2008) and I follow the US. Here we are in So-Fi great seats for $1100 (cheapest category), US post game -1 section from AO. Post Game Celebration on the way out -love our diversity. Here was our Pregame at the AO Celebration. The scenes around LA & the fan celebrations have been fantastic. More pix below in the OBC. Now we are off to Seattle for Fri’s 12N game. (still looking for tix)
Our Seats at So-Fi Win #1 over Turkey 4-1 (more pics below)
If you are like me you haven’t slept much – 8 hours of soccer a day is glorious but exhausting! I will try to update more often at least with pics – as we follow the US on this trek.
Indy 11 win 2-0, travel to Lexington Sat
Indy Eleven is 4-0-1 in its last five matches in all competitions after a 2-0 win vs. Forward Madison FC in the Prinx Tires USL Cup.Rendón, who was a finalist for USL-C’s May “Player of the Month” award, was threatening all night long and recorded the game’s only assist. Although his four-game goal-scoring streak ended, he nearly scored midway through the first half. Fifteen year-old forward Tyler Lowden made his Indy Eleven debut with four minutes to go, becoming the youngest player to play for the First Team in franchise history. The Greenwood native signed a USL Academy contract on May 29. The Boys in Blue are 1-1-1 in USL Cup Group 4 play with one group game remaining at Lexington SC on June 20 7 pm on ESPN+.
Looking for a Place to Watch in Carmel – here’s the schedule = GOAT is Great too
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Thurs, June 19 9 am Fox Czech Republic vs South Africa 12 noon Fox Switzerland vs Bosnia 3 pm FS1 Canada vs Qatar 6 pm Fox Mexico vs Korea Fri, June 19 3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup 6 pm Fox Scotland vs Moracco 8:30 pm Fox Brazil vs Haiti 11 pm FS1 Turkey vs Paraguay Sat, June 20 10 am Fox Netherlands vs Sweden 1 pm Fox Germany vs Cote dIvore 5 pm FS1 Ecuador vs Curacao 9 pm Fs1 Japan vs Tunisia Sun, June 21 9 am Fox Spain vs Saudi Arabia 12 noon FS1 Belgium vs Iran 3 pm FS1 Uraguay vs Cape Verde 6 pm FS1 New Zealand vs Egypt Mon, June 22 10 am Fox Argentina vs Austria 2 pm Fox France vs Iraq 5 pm Fox Norway vs Senagal 8 pm FS1 Algeria vs Jordan
Thur, June 25 10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
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Adventures of the Old Ballcoach Following the US Men in the World Cup
Courtney and I arriving at our seats at So-Fi for our first WC Win in 2026 This old hat has won like 25 plus games – had to bring my Bruz Cable (was the Best soccer player in our family-RIP) Outside So-Fi 3 hrs before the game
Here at the US Soccer House for the Brazil Game – with Courtney’s friends – Good times Confused Netherlands / Japan fan at the Official WC Fan Fest at the Coliseum.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It began with thunderous chants of “U-S-A” and climaxed with the best 45 minutes in U.S. men’s World Cup history.It was seven years and 364 days in the making, and it was worth every day, hour, second of waiting.U.S. soccer fans and players had, for years, dreamed of this moment, a glitzy World Cup opener on home soil, an unparalleled stage for their sport. They had dreamed of meeting it, of igniting America, of elevating soccer.But no one could have realistically envisioned this — a rousing 4-1 win over Paraguay, patriotic glee on the field and in the stands, silky soccer and eruptions of noise.“I mean, my whole life I feel like I’ve envisioned it,” U.S. defender Chris Richards said. “But tonight was way better than what I could’ve envisioned. It was surreal.”In front of 70,492 fans at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, it was more than a near-perfect start to this home World Cup.It was, as Sebastian Berhalter said while recalling the victory lap to thank the fans, “what U.S. soccer should be.”It was a launchpad into a new U.S. men’s national team era.
Antonee Robinson (5) lets out a roar during a USMNT goal celebrationKeith Birmingham / MediaNews Group / Pasadena Star-News / Getty Images
Eight years ago, when this World Cup was awarded to North America, the U.S. men’s soccer program was at a nadir. It was absent from the 2018 World Cup, starving for stability and talent. And that’s when the “golden generation” first began to appear. Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams joined Christian Pulisic on the scene. Promise and potential began to surface.
And for eight years, in many ways, it remained just that.
Talented players appeared, and won some regional trophies, but as a U.S. team, they never rose beyond that.
In Qatar, they played to their level, winning one game, scoring three goals, conceding four. On Friday, in 90-plus minutes, on one remarkable night, they surpassed that scoring haul.
They seized a World Cup game in a way U.S. men never previously had. They scored four goals in a World Cup game for the first time in program history.
For years, there were intermittent hints that they were capable. Pulisic would score a brilliant goal or light up Italy’s Serie A. Adams would look like a world-class defensive midfielder. At their best, many agreed, this group of U.S. players could be better than ever before, but there always remained one problem: they never actually were at their best simultaneously.
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Some were always injured. Some were always absent. Some, perhaps, slumbered through repetitive regional games and inconsequential friendlies. In 2025, a malaise seemed to set in. Questions swirled about whether this generation would ever reach its potential. Did they have the heart? Was their talent overblown? Fans grumbled and became apathetic.
But their head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, told us all to be patient.
The most important thing — no, the only important thing — was to arrive at the World Cup in prime condition, he’d constantly remind us.
Mauricio Pochettino joins the USMNT goal celebration after Gio Reyna’s exclamation point in a win over ParaguayShaun Clark / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Pochettino, an accomplished European club coach, was brought in to elevate the players. He was handed the fattest contract in U.S. Soccer history, with some help from deep-pocketed donors and corporate sponsors, to help them meet this moment.
Players, too, structured their careers around the summer of 2026. Pulisic took last summer off, with an eye on managing his body for the big year ahead.
Even fans laid low, saving their money and energy for the one moment that mattered.
On Friday, the moment arrived. And everyone met it.
Fans met it from the time they first arrived well over four hours before kickoff. They came in star-spangled overalls and facepaint, with Pulisic jerseys and posters, with plans for Instagrammable photos, yes, but also with genuine, take-in-the-moment, awestruck excitement.
They roared when 26 U.S. players first took the field. The players inhaled all the enthusiasm and channeled it. All 10, minus goalkeeper Matt Freese, buzzed around SoFi Stadium’s temporary grass.
The partisan U.S. crowd was in full force from start to finish of the USMNT’s World Cup openerAlex Livesey / FIFA / Getty Images
“Being in America, having this crowd around us, seeing the red, white and blue, all our red and white striped shirts in the crowd, it’s awesome,” Pulisic said. “I mean, hearing the ‘U-S-A’ chants, it’s really pushing us forward. So we just hope it continues like that, and I’m sure it will.”
Pulisic, before exiting at halftime with a calf injury, darted between defenders, like the player everyone one knows he can be. McKennie ran the game from midfield. Richards made World Cup history with an 83-for-83 passing performance, the best at this storied tournament in at least 60 years. Malik Tillman helped the U.S. boss the proceedings. And Folarin Balogun showed why he’s the best USMNT striker in a decade.
“It’s a dream,” Balogun, who became the first U.S. man to score twice in a World Cup game since Bert Patenaude’s hat trick vs. Paraguay in the inaugural 1930 World Cup, said afterward. “It’s a dream.”
The players fed off the fans, and the fans fed off the players, and together, they soared into a new stratosphere.
American fans watching nationwide surely began to let themselves wonder: Could they do it? Could the U.S. win the World Cup?
The pragmatic answer is: Slow down. It’s still only one game. Pochettino will drive home that message over the coming days. Players will stay level-headed.
But the era of potential is over. On this near-ideal night, all the ills of the past few years faded away, and an era — or at least a month — of real ambition began. Fan support is booming. Players are jelling. Paraguay was suffocating. The Americans are flying, and there’s no telling how high they can fly over the coming weeks.
Henry Bushnell is a senior writer for The Athletic covering soccer. He previously covered a variety of sports and events, including World Cups and Olympics, for Yahoo Sports. He is based in Washington, D.C.
Why Adidas has embraced Trinity Rodman as the U.S. face of its men’s World Cup marketing
I love a good World Cup commercial.Who can forget Nike’s 2002 Secret Tournament commercial? Or this year’s Rip the Script? Stacked with soccer stars from the past and present, and handful of Hollywood heavy-hitters to make it relevant for casual fans. Bingo.When Adidas unveiled its flagship World Cup commercial a few weeks ago, the creative team similarly packed it with soccer royalty, including England’s Jude Bellingham and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, two players expected to help define this World Cup. In the spot, Timothée Chalamet assembles a three-a-side team to take on a mythical street-soccer trio in a fictional city.His first two picks make perfect sense.The third is Trinity Rodman.
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Not Christian Pulisic. Not Weston McKennie. Not Gio Reyna. Rodman, the U.S women’s national team and Washington Spirit winger.
Adidas’s choice was no coincidence. Nor is it a slight against the U.S. men’s national team. Rather, it speaks to Rodman’s place in American soccer today and highlights the unique position women’s soccer occupies here.
Rodman and her “Triple Espresso” teammates (Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson) perform in front of American audiences every week with their NWSL clubs. Their success happens in stadiums across the country, creating a level of connection and familiarity with fans. (Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna was featured heavily in commercials leading up to the World Cup, but was not selected to Mauricio Pochettino’s final roster.)“The players are legitimate global stars,” Kyle Sheldon, chief operating officer of Name & Number, a soccer-specific creative and marketing agency, told The Athletic. “The domestic league (NWSL) is arguably the strongest in the world, top to bottom. Unquestionably, the fact that those players are in the U.S. backyard constantly has a significant impact.”Sheldon attended a Spirit match earlier this season when Rodman scored her first goal of the season after almost a year hiatus from the league. “It was sold out,” he said. “The pop in the stadium when she was introduced was, from my experience, second only to David Beckham and Lionel Messi where I have seen them play.”That is a remarkable comparison for any American soccer player, let alone a 24-year-old still entering her prime, working to make her own way on a U.S. team that has won four of nine Women’s World Cup titles.
“There really is this love for her and for what she represents,” Sheldon added. “For how she handles herself, that really is amongst the best in U.S. soccer history. She still has a long career to go, but I think it speaks to the impact of having that player playing domestically versus abroad.”
Trinity Rodman is one of the NWSL’s most marketable players.Claudio Villa / Getty Images
During the men’s World Cup on U.S. soil, Adidas is not the only company that tapped Rodman. She appears in marketing for State Farm, Sam’s Club, Dick’s Sporting Goods and even Dove Men+Care. Yes, Dove Men+Care.
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While Rodman has fewer than one million Instagram followers, a platform where she regularly shares these partnerships, marketers say follower counts alone do not determine influence.
“When Trinity drops something or goes on Instagram Live, the ripple effect captures attention,” Laura Correnti, CEO and founder of Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment told The Athletic. “Brands are so pressed for stopping people in the feed.”
The modern sports economy is no longer driven primarily by audience size. It is driven by attention. Everything Rodman does becomes news. From her injuries to her fashion choices, she generates headlines. Her relationships attract coverage. She possesses something marketers covet but few athletes achieve: cultural gravitas, paired with authenticity.
And if Rodman’s commercial value still needed validation, the NWSL essentially provided it. Last year, the league created its “High Impact Player” mechanism, a roster-building rule designed to help clubs retain transformational stars by allowing teams to spend beyond traditional salary restrictions. Around soccer circles, many simply call it the “Rodman Rule.” The comparison Sheldon immediately thought of was another player whose value extended beyond wins and losses.
“The only other time you’ve really seen something similar in American soccer was David Beckham,” Sheldon said. “The league created a mechanism to bring Beckham to MLS. There are parallels there.”
The NWSL created the High Impact Player rule, in part, to keep Trinity Rodman in the league.Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
Rodman is not Beckham. Not yet. But the fact that league executives felt compelled to create greater roster flexibility to retain a player of her stature in the face of lucrative opportunities in Europe and would-be domestic rivals speaks to her importance. (Beckham, by the way, is also massively capitalizing on this World Cup with a handful of near-ubiquitous national TV ad campaigns, including Adidas, Home Depot, Lay’s, Stella Artois and McDonald’s.)
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“I think we’ll look back and understand that it was one of the most consequential rulings that had to happen to preserve the longevity of women’s soccer in this country,” Correnti said. If Rodman had left for Europe, the NWSL would not only have lost one of its best players, but it would have lost one of its most valuable commercial upsides. “I truly believe it would have been detrimental to the future commercial success of women’s soccer in this country.”
The phenomenon reflects years of groundwork laid by women athletes who were forced to become marketers long before most male athletes needed to. For much of the modern era, U.S. women’s national team players earned a fraction of what their male counterparts made in playing salary. To close that gap, the women embraced the opportunities presented by social media, built quantifiable personal brands, cultivated sponsorships, created content and learned how to remain relevant between matches.
Think Alex Morgan, who realized and capitalized on her on-the-pitch success for commercial gains very early in her career and, even in retirement, remains active in nationally televised brand campaigns and as the founder of an investment fund, backing an array of businesses focused on women’s sports and its audiences.
“Women inherently have done these brand deals and capitalized on these opportunities out of necessity,” Correnti said. “Now that’s changing.” According to Correnti, social media, athlete-owned media and NIL have accelerated a trend that favors athletes capable of building direct relationships with fans. The next generation increasingly follows people rather than institutions.
“We’re entering the individual-over-institution era,” Correnti said. “People aren’t asking, ‘Am I a fan of the men’s national team or the women’s national team?’ They’re saying, ‘I’m a fan of Trinity Rodman.’”
That may be the most important business lesson of this World Cup.
Champions League Sweet 16 2nd leg Tues/Wed on Para+ & CBSSN
Champions League Sweet 16 action is here with some powerhouse games on hand in defending Champs PSG facing World Club Champ Chelsea up 5-2 head to London Tues, while powerhouses Real Madrid & Man City will once host Madrid down 3-0 Tues – sound familianr? A couple of American’s are still alive as Atletico’s Johnny Cardosa willtravel to Tottenham on Wed 4 pm on Para+ up 5-2, while Yanus Musah & the only Italian side left Atalanta will travel to Bayern Munich down 6-1 at 4 pm on CBSSN & Para where an American Born GK just 16 ____ might have to play for the Germans. Wed gives us Bayer Leverkusen and American Midfielder Malik Tillman hosting Arsenal at 1:45 pm on Para+.
Last 16 fixtures in full.
PSG 5 vs Chelsea 2 Galatasaray 1 vs Liverpool 0 Real Madrid 3 vs Man City 0 Atalanta 1 vs Bayern Munich 6 Barcelona 1 vs Newcastle 1 Bodo/Glimt 3 vs Sporting 0 Leverkusen 1 vs Arsenal 1 Atletico MAdrid 5 vs Tottenham 2
US Officially Releases New Jersey Look
If you read this blog – I released this a month ago -but its official now — Where’s Waldo Stripes is Back for the World Cup
Indy 11 Open Season Sat night at the Mike – US Open Cup on Tues, 8 pm Para+
Indy Eleven begins Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. vs. Des Moines Menace indoors at the Community Health Network Events Center on the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus. The Boys in Blue open their regular-season home schedule at Carroll Stadium on Sat. Mar. 21 vs. Eastern Conference rival Detroit City FC. Ticket options available are Season Tickets, Flex Mini Plans, and Home Opener Packs. Season Ticket Benefits (starting at $13.50 per game) include Season Parking Pass, unlimited ticket exchanges, and a 20% discount on all Indy Eleven merchandise. Flex Mini Plans include vouchers to be redeemed for any 2026 regular season home match. The 2026 Home Opener Pack includes two tickets to the home opener, two flex tickets to be redeemed to any 2026 home match, two Indy Eleven pennants, two posters, and access for two to a post-match autograph session for just $44. Carmel native and former Carmel Dad’s Club player and 2025 USL Championship MVP and Prinx Playoff MVP GK Eric Dick will start in the goal this season for Indy after winning the Cup with Pittsburg last season.
The 2026 Season Opens Saturday night at 7 pm at the Mike vs Detroit City – Special Tix Prices Available
NWSL Opening Weekend to Remember
Collectively, players scored 19 goals across the eight matches. All but the final match of the weekend between Angel City and Chicago Stars was decided by a single goal. While some teams welcomed back familiar faces, others embraced their new sparks. The league made history with 129,202 fans in attendance across eight matches, with an average of 16,150 per match. You can read an in-depth look at the weekend here.
Sophia Wilson’s return to the soccer field after more than a year away, Olivia Moultrie continuing to establish herself as a game changer and the Portland Thorns getting their playoff revenge on the Spirit; Seattle Reign also avenging their playoff loss in Orlando in the same place that their 2025 season came to an end; Banda getting back to her epic scoring ways; conversely, seeing Kennedy Fuller and Angel City completely dominate Chicago (sorry Alyssa Naeher, but what were you doing?). Dash forward Makenzy Robbe, Reign forward Brittany Ratcliffe, Angel City midfielder Ary Borges and Bay FC’s Alex Pfeiffer scoring for their new teams. Croix Bethune scoring for her new club, Kansas City Current, after her $1 million transfer, and on her birthday no less; Canadian players Janine Sonis and Bianca St-Georges receiving the first red cards in Denver Summit and Boston Legacy’s history. The very special return of Savy King to the NWSL after her cardiac incident last May. Seeing a record-breaking crowd of 30,000+ watch professional soccer return to Boston with the debut of the Legacy, knowing Denver has sold more than 50,000+ for their home opener on March 28. bonus)Rodman running herself right out of her cleat.
Man it was Great being back on the soccer fields this weekend doing a little reffing at Grand Park
Always a blast reffing with Mike A and Dan D at the Event Center Friday Night It was actually Warm Enough Sunday afternoon to go shorts – with Jakob and Ricardo in the Championship Game
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, March 17 1:45 pm CBSSN, PAra+, Uni Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glint 4 pm Para+ Man City vs Real Madrid 4 pm Para+ Chelseavs PSG 4 pm Para+ Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tillman) 8 pm CBS Galazom PAra+ Indy 11 vs Des Moines Menace 11 pm FS1 Monterey vs Cruz azul CCC Wed, March 18 1:45 pm Para+ Barcelona vs Newcastle United 4 pm PAra, CBSSN Bayern Munich ( ) vs Atalanta (Musah) vs 4 pm Para+ Atletico Madrid (Johnny) vs Tottenham 4 pm Para+ Liverpool vs Galatasaray 7 pm FS2 Inter Miami 0 vs Nashville 0 CC Cup 9 pm FS1 Club America vs Philly Union CCC 11 pm FS2 Toluca San Diego vs Cup 11 pm FS1 Seattle Sounders 4 vs Vancouver 0 CCup Thurs, March 18 1:45 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Midtylland 1:45 pm Para+ Crystal Palace (Richards) vs AEK Lanarca 4 pm Para+, CBSSN Lille vs Aston Villa 9 pm FS1 Cincy vs Tigres UNAL CUP Fri, March 19 4 pm USA Bournemouth vs Man United 8 pm Victory+ Racing Louisville vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) NWSL 10 pm Amazon Prime Portland Thorns (Sophia Smith) @ Seattle Reign Sat Mar 20 8:30 am USA Brighton vs Liverpool 10:30 am ESPN+ Heidenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tillman) 11 am USA Fulham (Jedi) vs Burnley 1 pm PAra+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Torino 1 pm Apple free Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew MLS 1:30 pm USA Everton vs Chelsea 3:45 pm Para+ Juventus (McKennie) vs Sassuolo 4 pm Ion Houston Dash vs Boston Legacy NWSL 4 pm USA Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Brentford 6:15 pm FS1 Nashville FC vs Orlando City 6:30 pm Ion NY/NJ Gothem FC vs NC Courage NWSL 8:30 pm Apple St Louis City vs New England 8:45 pm FOX Austin FC vs LAFC 8:35 pm ION Bay FC vs Angel City NWSL Sun Mar 21 8 am USA Newcastle United vs Sunderland 8 am ESPN+ Barcelona vs Rayo Vallencano 10:!5 am USA Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest 12:30 pm Para+ ARSENAL vs MAN CITY CUP 1 pm Apple Free NYCFC vs Miami (Messi) 1 pm Apple Cincy vs Montreal 2:30 pm FOX Minn United vs Seattle Sounders 4 pm ESPND, ESPN+ REAL MADRID vs ATLETICO MADRID 4:45 pm FOX Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy 7 pm Victory+ Utah Royals vs San Diego Wave NWSL
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 Fri. Apr. 17, 7:30 pm | IU vs. Notre Dame GRAND PARK Sat. Apr. 18, 6:00 pm | Saint Louis vs. Xavier GRAND PARK
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 NWSL Schedule
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USMNT midweek viewing guide: Staying alive
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week.
by Justin Moran Mar 16, 2026, 12:59 PM EDT Stars & STripes
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Muenchen competes for the ball with Yunus Musah of Atalanta BC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images)Getty Images
Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. Let’s get into it!
Monday
Portsmouth vs Derby, 4p on Paramount+: Patrick Agyemang and Derby County visit Portsmouth in the EFL Championship.
Also in action:
Albacete vs Las Palmas, 3:30p: Jonathan Gómez and Albacete visit Las Palmas in La Liga 2.
Racing Club vs Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, 7p on Fanatiz: Matko Miljevic and Racing Club go on the road in Argentina’s Liga Profesional.
Tuesday
Arsenal vs Leverkusen, 4p on Paramount+, ViX: Malik Tillman, Monty Culbreath, and Bayer Leverkusen are even 1-1 with Arsenal after the home leg in Champions League. They will need to win at the Emirates to advance.
Also in action:
Mantova vs Cesena, 3p: Jonathan Klinsmann and Cesena visit Mantova in Serie B.
Venezia vs Padova, 3p on DCTV: Gianluca Busio and Venezia host Padova in Serie B.
Alajuelense vs LAFC, 9p on FS1, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Timothy Tillman and LAFC only managed a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home, so they’ll need to win in Costa Rica to advance in Concacaf Champions Cup.
Wednesday
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta, 4p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, Fubo, ViX: Yunus Musah and Atalanta trail Bayern 1-6 after getting demolished at home in the first leg of this Champions League matchup.
Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid, 4p on Paramount+, DAZN: Johnny Cardoso and Atléti are up 5-2 on Spurs as they go into the away leg in Champions League.
You know that expression “a picture is worth a thousand words”? That started because of Brandi Chastain. Probably. You know the picture I’m talking about. She had just won the ’99 World Cup with a penalty kick, and in a moment of unfiltered elation fell to her knees, ripped her shirt off, and screamed with a joy most of us can only hope to one day feel. Today, it’s universally regarded as a symbol of women’s strength, and fearlessness, and ability. And while some saw it that way at the time… many, very loud people, did not. Let’s view this photo, and Chastain herself, through the prism.
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Also in action:
Ried vs LASK Linz, 1p: George Bello and LASK are on the road in a cup semifinal in Austria.
Inter Miami vs Nashville SC, 7p on FS1, TUDN, UniMás, Fubo, ViX, Univision NOW: Matthew Corcoran, Thomas Williams, Reed Baker-Whiting, and Nashville are still even 0-0 with Noah Allen, Ian Fray, and Miami in this Concacaf Champions Cup showdown.
Club América vs Philadelphia Union, 9p on FS1, TUDN, Fubo, UniMás, ViX, Univision NOW: Alex Zendejas and América are up 1-0 over Quinn Sullivan, Frankie Westfield, Cavan Sullivan, and the Union in this Concacaf Champions Cup clash.
Seattle Sounders vs Vancouver Whitecaps, 11p on FS1, Fubo, ViX: Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira, Jackson Ragen, and the Sounders are up 3-0 over Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White, and the ’Caps in this Concacaf Champions Cup matchup.
Toluca vs San Diego FC, 11p on FS2, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Luca Bombino, Pedro Soma, Duran Ferree, and San Diego hold a 3-2 lead over Toluca going into the Concacaf Champions Cup second leg.
Thursday
Lyon vs Celta Vigo, 1:45p on Paramount+, DAZN: Tanner Tessmann and Lyon are in a strong position, tied 1-1 going into the second leg at home in this Europa League fixture.
AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace, 1:45p on Paramount+, ViX: Chris Richards and Palace didn’t manage a goal at home in Conference League, leaving it 0-0 as they travel to Cyprus for the second leg.
Also in action:
Mainz vs Sigma Olomouc, 1:45p on Paramount+, ViX: Lennard Maloney and Mainz are still at 0-0 in their Conference League tie with Sigma Olomouc.
Real Betis vs Panathinaikos, 4p on Paramount+, DAZN: Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos hold a thin 1-0 lead over Betis going into the Europa League second leg on the road.
Mount Pleasant vs LA Galaxy, 7p on FS1, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Edwin Cerrillo, Elijah Wynder, and the Galaxy are up 3-0 from the home leg in Concacaf Champions Cup.
Tigres vs FC Cincinnati, 9p on FS1, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano, Matt Miazga, and Cincy are winning 3-0, and will advance in Concacaf Champions Cup unless they collapse in Monterrey.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad, 4p on ESPN Select, ESPN Deportes, Fubo (free trial): Alex Freeman and Villarreal host Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Also in action:
RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim, 3:30p on ESPN Select, Fubo: Cole Campbell played 45 minutes with Hoffenheim’s reserves on Sunday, so he may not be with the senior squad for this Bundesliga match.
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USMNT Player Tracker: Tessmann experiment, Balogun work pays off, and is Pulisic in need of a reset?
Folarin Balogun and Tanner Tessmann Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images; Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images
Experimental positions, goal-scoring consistency and, perhaps, is it time for a reset? It was another busy weekend for Americans in Europe. Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
In France on Sunday, Lyon conducted an experiment which may have interesting implications for the USMNT. Tanner Tessmann, the 24-year-old midfielder, played at centre-back for the third time this season and produced another assured performance in a goalless draw at Le Havre. On each occasion the Alabama-native has been moved into the back-line by coach Paulo Fonseca, Lyon have kept a clean sheet. His flourishing comfort in the role could give Mauricio Pochettino pause for thought. Is it too late now, with the World Cup only three months away, for the national team to conduct their own experiment given their defence has been relatively settled? Only Pochettino can answer that, but Tessmann’s growing versatility will do his own cause for a place on the roster no harm. And given there are forthcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, Tessmann’s performance on Sunday might be perfectly timed to allow the USMNT manager to at least try it.
Tanner Tessmann has played more recently as a centre-half for LyonOlivier Chassignole/AFP via Getty Images
At 6ft 2in (188cm), the former Venezia player has the physical stature to play as a centre-back, and his eye for a progressive pass may offer the USMNT another dimension to their defence as they seek to break opposition pressing.
Against Le Havre, Tessmann was the most accurate passer of any of the starting Lyon team at 92 per cent accuracy, according Opta, and he made more passes into the final third (17) than any other player on the pitch. He also made more ball recoveries (eight) of any defender on either team.
Tessmann is a defensive midfielder with growing potential, a player who already boasts top-level experience in the Champions League and Ligue 1. Now he has demonstrated the ability to influence games from the back, having previously played at centre-back in a top-flight win over Nantes and a 6-0 thrashing of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.
His latest cameo in defence may yet tempt Pochettino to try him there. He may have far more experienced and tested options in Chris Richards, Auston Trusty and Tim Ream, but in tournament football, multi-positional players are a compelling option.
Tessmann scored the last goal of the USMNT’s last impressive game, that 5-1 win against Uruguay in November, from midfield. His credentials in the middle of the park are still strong.His credentials in the middle of defence, though, are intriguing.
Balogun timing his scoring run
Another week, another positive sign for Pochettino’s front line.
Folarin Balogun now has six goals in six games for Monaco. His response to an injury-hit and underwhelming last season, when he managed only four goals in 13 Ligue 1 games, has so far been emphatic. His timing might be in when it comes to the World Cup, too.
Balogun scored the first in a 2-0 Monaco win over Brest with a left-footed effort on 19 minutes on Saturday. His coach Sebastien Pocognoli credited Balogun’s streak to hard work on and off the field.
Folarin Balogun celebrates scoring against BrestValery Hache/AFP via Getty Images
“It is quite simply the fruit of his labour,” the Belgian said after the game. “He invests a tremendous amount of effort to achieve this level of consistency. His performance level also elevates the other players in the attacking third.
“Today, he is reaping the rewards of his efforts. He is an ambitious player, highly focused on his objectives.
“He knows that he still has plenty of opportunities to shine this season — and even beyond his time at AS Monaco, with his national team. His professionalism is exemplary.”
Pulisic reset?
It is getting to the point where the imminent international breaks might be helpful for Christian Pulisic to reset his club form.
It is not that the USMNT star is playing badly for Milan. He isn’t. It’s only that, after such a strong start to the season, his numbers have ground to a halt.
The 27-year-old has still not registered a goal or assist in Serie A in 2026, and that continued on Sunday as his side let slip a chance to make ground on table-topping rivals Inter by losing 1-0 at Lazio.
Christian Pulisic fires off a shot against LazioAlberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
Pulisic created two big chances, per Opta, but his partnership in attack with Rafael Leao failed to spark.
The American rarely fails to deliver for the national team. Maybe he could use the games against Belgium and Portugal to sharpen his attacking edge.
What’s coming up this week?
The second leg of the Champions League last 16 round beckons with some interesting U.S. sub-plots.
On Tuesday (4pm, Paramount +) Malik Tillman, fresh from helping Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw with table-topping Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga at the weekend, goes into his team’s finely-poised tie at Arsenal after they drew the first leg 1-1 in Germany.
Tillman missed a big chance against Bayern, but was back in the starting line-up — a sign he is getting over over the ankle problem he picked up against Mainz in February.
On Wednesday (4pm, Paramount +) Johnny Cardoso, an unused substitute in Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 win against Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, will hope to be involved for the Spaniards at struggling Tottenham Hotspur. Atletico lead 5-2 after the first leg in Madrid.
Finally, Yunus Musah did not feature for Atalanta in their draw with Inter on Saturday. But the midfielder may get the chance to assist his team’s daunting assignment in overhauling their first-leg 6-1 hammering by Bayern in Munich.
The hosts have some injury problems, particularly in goal where first-choice Manuel Neuer is out and there are concerns over the fitness of other senior shot-stoppers Sven Ulreich and Jonas Urbig. If none are passed fit it could mean an extraordinary senior debut for 16-year-old American goalkeeper Leonard Prescott, who was on the bench for the last two fixtures.
Prescott, who was born in New York, is eligible for both the USMNT and Germany, but appears to be leaning towards the country where he plays his football with six under-17 caps for Germany and three under-16 appearances.
He started at Union Berlin’s youth system before joining Bayern’s academy in 2023.
A 16-year-old German-American goalkeeper could potentially find himself playing in the Champions League this week. Leonard Prescott, who was born in New York, but who has never made a senior appearance in his career, might be the beneficiary of unprecedented injury crisis at Bayern Munich that thrusts him into the limelight.
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Bayern’s first choice is legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Now 39, Neuer suffered the latest in a succession of muscular injuries at the beginning of March and has not played since. Jonas Urbig is Bayern’s second choice — and most likely Neuer’s eventual successor — but he might be unavailable, too. While deputizing for Neuer in last week’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Atalanta, Urbig was involved in a collision at the end of the game. He missed this weekend’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen with a suspected concussion.
And Urbig’s deputy, Sven Ulreich, is also unavailable. Ulreich, 37, has been at Bayern for 11 years, barring one season spent at Hamburg, and was Neuer’s long-term backup prior to Urbig’s arrival in 2025.
He was called into action for the game at the BayArena and, despite not having played a competitive minute since September 2024, performed extremely well, making a couple of crucial saves. But the cost of that appearance was a torn adductor muscle, which Bayern estimate will keep Ulreich sidelined for the next six weeks.
Bayern are due to face Atalanta again on Wednesday night, carrying a 6-1 aggregate lead from the first leg into a game carries little jeopardy; barring anything except a historic collapse, Bayern are assured of a place in the Champions League quarterfinal.
Yet they do still need a goalkeeper, which leaves head coach Vincent Kompany scrambling for options. Bayern have a second team, a side built from U-19 players and amateur veterans, that competes at Regionalliga level —the fourth tier of German football — but its first-choice goalkeeper Leon Klanac, 19, is, remarkably, also injured. He has a hamstring problem and will not be fit in time for Wednesday.
That leaves 19-year-old Jannis Bartl, Klanac’s backup, as an option, or Prescott, who was on the substitutes’ bench for Bayern’s Bundesliga game against Leverkusen on Saturday. He joined Bayern from Union Berlin in 2023, having grown up in the German capital, and, still 16, has never made a senior appearance anywhere, even for Bayern II.
He is extremely well regarded by the club, though, and seen as the most talented goalkeeping prospect within the youth campus. Prescott has represented Germany’s U-17 team internationally, and has also played for Bayern’s U-19 team at UEFA Youth level.
is German and father is American, were to play on Wednesday, he would break a record. The youngest starting goalkeeper in Bayern’s history so far is Sven Scheuer, who made his debut at 18 years and 237 days back in 1989, before embarking on a nomadic career in Turkey and Austria (and growing an outstandingly 1990s hairstyle).
If Prescott is to break his record, he will have to navigate some red tape. The Youth Employment Protection Act prevents under-18s from working after 8 p.m. Athletes do enjoy an exemption from that under special circumstances, but only up to 11 p.m.
That means that with the game due to kick off at 9 p.m. CEST, he would need further dispensation to take part in extra-time and penalties, were they to take place.
The chances of that are extremely slim, with Bayern are expected to cruise through. And the chances of Prescott taking part at all, beyond the substitutes’ bench, may also be diminishing. On Monday, Urbig took part in some aspects of first-team training, with Bayern expected to make a decision about his involvement closer to game time.Prescott is seen as a great prospect. Well-built at 6-foot-4 (1.96m), technical, modern and brave, he seems likely to have a future in the professional game. It’s just that nobody expected that moment to arrive this week.
If it was to happen, it would also present a moment of symmetry. Prescott was once a ballboy at Allianz Arena. In March 2024, he was working behind Neuer’s goal when Bayern played Lazio in the Champions League and was pictured celebrating with him at full time. Almost exactly two years later, he could be about to replace him.
Champions League 2025-26 Projections: Who will lift the trophy in Budapest on May 30?
Design: The Athletic; Photo: Getty Images
By The Athletic UK Staff
March 12, 2026
Which club will win the 2025-26 Champions League?
Paris Saint-Germain are the holders after their stunning 5-0 win against Inter in last season’s final, the biggest margin of victory in the competition’s history. The Premier League, meanwhile, has six entrants in this season’s edition, and several of those will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
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Throughout the season, we will publish projections — powered by Opta data — to show how teams are expected to perform. These will update after each matchday, so check in each time to see how the latest results have impacted your team’s chances.
Last updated March 12, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Before round of 16 second leg
The state of play after the Round of 16 first leg as teams aim to win the 2025-26 Champions League in BudapestCHANGE PROJECTIONS:Before round of 16 2nd leg (Mar. 17-18)Before K.O. playoff 1st leg (Feb. 17-18)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)
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.
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.
With just 260 days to the World Cup and the 1st round of ticket ordering done (4.5 million entries were submitted -we put in like 15) it will be interesting to see if we get selected this week to buy tix and how much they are – cute World Cup Mascots announced this week. The US should announce our squad for the Oct friendlies sometime this week as well. US players rocked this past weekend and week as Pulisic became the all-time leading goal scorer overseas for an American and led the way with 3 goals and an assist, Chris Richards helped Crystal Palace stay unbeaten in the EPL, while Tanner Tessman scored this banger for Lyon in Europa League. In other news legendary EPL announcer Jon Champion shares his game notes, gotta love the EPL, Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets announced his retirement at the end of the season, and of course Ousmane Dembélé Won the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Enjoy the Madrid Derby Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Sat at 10:15 am on ESPN Desportes or ESPN+, & undefeated’s Liverpool vs American Chris Richard & Crystal Palace (Preview) at 10 am on Peacock and a battle of 2 American’s Juventus’ Mckennie vs Atalanta’s Musah as Juve vs Atalanta plays at noon on CBS.
INDY 11 Indy Eleven scored two second-half goals in a six-minute span to rally to a key 2-1 victory over USL Championship Eastern Conference opponent Birmingham Legion FC in front of 10,375 at Carroll Stadium. The win moves the Boys in Blue to one point out of playoff position behind Rhode Island FC with five games remaining in the regular season. Indy Eleven hosts Western Conference leader FC Tulsa on Saturday at 7 pm on Oktoberfest ($11 tix, Special Indy 11 Beer Stein, Guest Brewers in fun zone starts at 5:30) at Carroll Stadium. Single-game tickets for all matches are available via Ticketmaster.
Beer’s, Brat’s, & Bangers at the Mike for Octoberfest Sat nightGot the Distinct pleasure of reffing with Edwin Schowe who at 80 years old we think is the oldest active ref – reffing high school or middle school games in Indiana. A rainy afternoon at Northview Middle – solid teams. Working with Jakob from Gainesville, FL at Kuntz on a Tues Night. Fellow Gainesville High Soccer player and University of Florida Grad. Beautiful Sat morning at North Central Boys Varsity game with Omar & Alex
First Time reffing at Tipton High Varsity Boys with Jacob and Zach. Beautiful night of soccer.
When you Ref in Broadripple you have to go to La Piedad after right? Here with my longtime buddy Mike Arrington grabbing a bite after our Purdue Polytech Varsity Boys game. Another beautiful night reffing.
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FULL TV GAME SCHEDULE
Fri, Sept 26 2:30 pm ESPN2 Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen 8 pm Prime KC Current vs Chicago Stars NWSL 10:30 pm Para+/Golazo San Diego Wave vs Orlando Pride NWSL Sat, Sept 27 7:30 am USA Brentford vs Man United 10 am USA Man City vs Burnley 10 am Peacock Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Liverpool 10 am Peacock Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Bournemouth (Adams) 10:15 am ESPND, ESPN+ Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid 12 pm CBS, Para+ Juventus (Mckinnie) vs Atalanta 12:30 pm ESPN+ B Mglabach (Reyna, Scally) vs Frankfurt (Chandler) 12:30 pm USA Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland 3 pm USA Tottenham vs Wolverhampton 7:30 pm Tubi Racing Louisville vs Angel City FC NWSL 10 pm Tubi Bay FC vs Utah Royals NWSL Sun, Sept 28 9 am USA Aston Villa vs Fulham (Robinson) 11:30 am USA Newcastle United vs Arsenal 2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Napoli (Musah) 3 pm ESPNd, ESPN+ Barcelona vs Real Sociedad 7 pm Apple TV Cincy vs Orlando City 7 pm FS1 Brazil U20 vs Mexico U20 World Cup 7 pm FS2 Cuba U20 vs Argentina U20 Mon Sep 29 3 pm USA Everton vs West Ham 4 pm FS2 France U20 vs South Africa U20 7 pm FS1 USA U20 vs New Caledonia U20 World Cup 7 pm FS2 Colombia U20 vs Saudi Arabia U20 Tues, Sept 30 Champions League 12:45 pm Para+, Uni Kairat vs Real Madrid 3 pm CBSSN Paphos vs Bayern Munich 3 pm Para+ Galatasaray vs Liverpool 3 pm Para+ Atletico Madrid vs Frankfurt 3 pm Para+ Marseille (_) vs Ajax 3 pm Para+ Chelsea vs Benefica 3 pm Para+ Inter vs Slavia Praha 3 pm Para+ Boda vs Tottenham 4 pm FS2 Panama U20 vs Ukraine U20 WC 7 pm FS1 Chile U20 vs Japan U20 7 pm FS2 Korea U20 vs Paraguay U20 Wed, Oct 1 Champs League 12:45 pm Para, Uni Union Saint Gilloise vs Newcastle United 3 pm CBSSN Dortmund vs Athletic Club 3 pm Para+ Barcelona vs PSG 3 pm para+ Arsenal vs Olympiakos Piraues 3 pm Para+ Napoli vs Sporting CP 3 pm Para+ Bayer Leverkusen vs PSV 3 pm Para+ Villareal vs Juventus (McKinney) 4 pm FS2 Spain U20 vs Mexico U20 7 pm FS1 Brazil U20 vs Morocco U20 7 pm FS2 Argentina U20 vs Australia U20 8 pm CBSSN Austin City vs Nashville SC US Open Cup Thurs, Oct 2 Europa 12:45 pm CBSSN Roma vs Lille 12:45 pm Celtic (Carter Vickers) cs Sporting Braga 12:45 pm Dynamo Kyiv vs Crystal Palace (Chris Richards) 3 pm CBSSN Feyenoord vs Aston Villa 3 pm Para_ Sturm Graz vs Rangers 3 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Middtylland 3 pm Para+ Olympique Lyonnais vs Salzburg Fri, Oct 3 3 pm USA Bournemouth (Adams) vs Fulham (Robinson) 7 pm FS1 Egypt U20 vs Chile U20 WC 7 pm FS2 New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 Sat, Oct 4 7:30 am USA Leeds United vs Totteham 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayer Leverkusen (Tillman) vs Union Berlin 9:30 am ESPN+ Dortmund vs RB Leipzig 10 am USA Man United vs Sunderland 10 am Peacock Arsenal vs West Ham 12:30 pm NBC Chelsea vs Liverpool 4 pm Tele Mexico U20 vs Morocco U20 4 pm Univision Spain U20 vs Brazil U20 7 pm FS2 Argentina U20 vs Italy U20 10:30 pm Apple Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers Sun, Oct 6 4 pm FS2 USA U20 vs South Africa U20 7 pm FS2 Nigeria U20 vs Colombia U20 9 pm Apple LAFC vs Atlanta United MLS Fri, Oct 10 8:30 pm TNT, Max USA Men vs Ecuador Tues, Oct 14 9 pm TNT, Max USA Men vs Australia Thurs, Oct 23 9 pm TNT, Max USA Women vs Portugal Chester PA Sun, Oct 26 4 pm TNT, Max USA Women vs Portugal Hartford CT Sat, Nov 15 5 pm TNT, Max USA Men vs Paraguay Chester PA Tues, Nov 18 7 pmTNT, Max USA Men vs Uruguay Tampa, FL
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Important impressions
World Cup selections are getting closer every window by jcksnftsn Sep 26, 2025, 1:42 PM EDT
Getty Images
With rumors that Mauricio Pochettino intends to use the October USMNT roster to begin to lock in his intended World Cup call ups, and the announcement for the October roster likely to be made late next week, this weekend likely represents a last chance for players to make their statement about why they should be considered for a callup. To add to it there are head-to-head matchups in the EPL, Bundesliga, and Serie A to watch this weekend. It’s a full weekend of action so let’s get to the matches that we’ll be keeping an eye on:
Friday
Strasbourg v Olympique Marseille – 2:45p on beIN Sports
Tim Weah followed up his Bernabeu Banger with a solid shift against PSG last weekend as Marseille handed the French giants their first loss on the season, dropping them into a four-way tie atop Ligue 1. Marseille are three points back of the league leaders, a group which also includes this weekend’s opponent, Strasbourg, who’s lone loss on the season was a 3-2 defeat to Monaco who are also a part of the four at the top of the table.
Saturday
Coventry City v Birmingham City – 7:30a on Paramount+: Haji Wright and Coventry City tied their third straight game last Saturday, 0-0 with Leicester. Coventry have yet to suffer a loss this season but they have drawn four of their six matches and currently sit in sixth place.
Heidenheim v Augsburg – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Noahkai Banks has appeared in one of Augsburgs four matches to start the season, seeing just one minute. You probably don’t need to work your schedule around this match and we’re going to drop Augsburg from the guide until it looks like he may start getting regular action.
St. Pauli v Bayer Leverkusen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: James Sands and Malik Tillman will go head-to-head in the midfield on Saturday morning as St. Pauli face Bayer Leverkusen. Sands and St. Pauli suffered their first loss of the weekend last Friday, falling to Stuttgart 2-0 with Sands playing the full 90’ and picking up a yellow card in the 40th minute. Meanwhile on Sunday, Tillman scored a goal against Borussia Monchengladbach but his team would end up settling for a draw after giving up a tying goal in stoppage time.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool – 10a on Peacock: Chris Richards and Crystal Palace have yet to suffer a loss to start the 2025-26 season though they have drawn three times and sit in fifth place. Their opponent for this weekend is a Liverpool side that has won every match in league play. However, Palace did defeat Liverpool to start the year in the Community Shield match.
Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth – 10a on Peacock: Our EPL head-to-head matchup of the weekend sees Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds side take on Tyler Adams and Bournemouth. Adams has started every match for a Bournemouth side that haven’t lost since their opening match against Liverpool and currently sit in fourth place, they are coming off a scoreless draw with Newcastle. In Leeds, Aaronson has started the last two matches after coming off the bench in the first three, and Leeds’ 3-1 win over Wolverhampton last weekend gave them seven points through five matches this season as they move into 12th place and look to snap the streak of newly promoted sides heading straight back to the English Championship.
Stoke City v Norwich City – 10a on Paramount+: Josh Sargent has cooled off a bit in the Championship, failing to score in his past two matches after starting the season with five goals in his first four. Norwich lost to Wrexham 3-2 last weekend, their third loss early in the season and they currently sit in 15th place in the Championship table.
Southampton v Middlesbrough – 10a on Paramount+: Meanwhile, also in the Championship, Aidan Morris has played every minute for a Middlesbrough side that have five wins and a draw through their first six matches and currently sit atop the Championship standings, four points ahead of Stoke. This weekend Middlesbrough face a Southampton side that were playing in the EPL last season but have only one win in the Championship to start this campaign and currently sit in 19th place, just a point out of a second straight relegation.
Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid – 10:15a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso will miss his first chance at a Madrid derby as he suffered a sprained ankle in training that held him out of Atletico’s Champions League match with Liverpool and has already ruled him out for this weekends match as well.
Lorient v Monaco – 11a on beIN Sports: Folarin Balogun was an unused substitute last weekend in Monaco’s 5-2 win over FC Metz. Balogun had started the past three league matches for Monaco as well as the Champions League match just three days prior so it is unsurprising there was some rotation. He’ll hopefully be back in the lineup this weekend as Monaco look to continue their hot form in league play that has them tied for the league lead.
Juventus v Atalanta – Noon on Paramount+: Yunus Musah will face off against his old team including fellow USMNT member Weston McKennie as Atalanta travel to Turin to face Juventus on Saturday. Musah has come off the bench in his first two league matches since joining Atalanta but he did start the teams Champions League class with PSG (albeit an embarrassing 4-0 loss). Weston McKennie did not make it off the bench last weekend as Juventus settled for a 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona who were tied for last place in the league standings. It was Juventus’ first hiccup of the season and they are now two points back of Napoli, and two points ahead of this weekends opponent.
Borussia Monchengladbach v Eintracht Frankfurt – 12:30p on ESPN Select: Joe Scally, Gio Reyna, and Borussia Monchengladbach notched a late goal last weekend to steal a draw with Bayer Leverkusen. It was Gladbach’s first goal of the season and just their second point through four matches. This weekend they will face a Frankfurt side that has a pair of wins to go with a pair of losses.
Toulouse v Nantes – 1p on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie has played every minute of the season for Toulouse thus far. Unfortunately the club have lost three straight and currently sit in ninth place. If you set aside the embarrassing 6-3 loss Toulouse have given up just three goals in their other four matches this year which would be a solid defensive record. This weekend Toulouse host a Nantes side that sit near the bottom of the table with just one win and one draw, but they have been close in every match this season, never loosing by more than a goal, and only once conceding more than one.
Excelsior v PSV – 2p on ESPN Select: Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and PSV settled for a draw with Ajax last weekend and are now three points back of league leading Feyenoord. PSV now face an Excelsior side that are coming off their second win of the season, a 2-1 win over Volendam.
Club America v Pumas UNAM – 11:05p on CBSSN: Alex Zendejas scored for Club America last weekend after coming on as an injury substitute just before the end of the first half. Zendejas’ late goal was the match winner for America as they defeated San Luis to move within three points of league leading Cruz Azul. America now face a Pumas side who are coming off a 3-1 win over FC Juarez.
Saturday MLS Matches with USMNT flavor – here is when the September MLS call ups are kicking off their matches this weekend, all matches on MLS Season Pass:
Charlotte v Montreal – 7:30p: Tim Ream
DC United v Philadelphia Union – 7:30p: Nathan Harriel
New York Red Bulls v NYCFC – 7:30p: Matt Friese
Nashville SC v Houston Dynamo – 8:30p: Jack McGlynn
Real Salt Lake v Austin FC – 9:30p: Diego Luna
Seattle Sounders v Vancouver Whitecaps – 10:30p: Cristian Roldan
San Diego FC v San Jose Earthquakes – 10:30p: Luca de la Torre
LA Galaxy v Cincinnati – 10:30p: Roman Celetano
Sunday
Aston Villa v Fulham – 9a on USA Network: Antonee Robinson played 90’ minutes midweek in Fulham’s 1-0 EFL Cup win over Cambridge United. Robinson was back on the field after missing Fulham’s past two league matches. On Sunday Fulham will take on Aston Villa who are still looking for their first win of the Premier League season though they did defeat Bologna in Europa League action on Thursday.
Lille v Olympique Lyon – 11:15a on beIN Sports: Tanner Tessmann is doing everything he can to catch the eye of Mauricio Pochettino. Tessmann scored in his second straight match on Thursday, coming off the bench to lift Lyon to a 1-0 win over FC Utrecht in Europa League action. Tessmann also scored the lone goal last weekend as Lyon defeated Angers 1-0 in league play. Lyon are 4-0-1 to start the season and part of the group at the top of the Ligue 1 table, a group that are two points ahead of this weekend’s opponent, Lille.
AC Milan v Napoli – 2:45p on Paramount+: Perhaps the only USMNT player hotter than Tessmann right now is Christian Pulisic who came off the bench and scored on Tuesday in a Coppa Italia match on Tuesday after starting and contributing to all three goals Milan scored against Udinese last weekend, scoring two and assisting on the third. If Pulisic can keep that form heading into this weekends match against league leading Napoli it would be a huge boost to Milan’s title hopes this season. Napoli are currently three points ahead of Milan and have won every league match that they’ve played.
Sunday MLS Activity:
Cincinnati v Orlando City – 7on MLS Season Pass: Alex Freeman
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Yanks Abroad
Malik Tillman faced off against fellow countrymen, Gio Reyna and Joe Scally, on Sunday as Leverkusen tied Monchengladbach 1-1. Tillman scored the goal, making that 2 goals in his first 3 Bundesliga matches. Good to see the trio linking up after their game as well.
Tanner Tessman scored a game-winner for Lyon in their 1-0 win over Angers on Friday. Chris Richards put together another stellar outing against West Ham. Full highlight clip. He has solidified himself as one of the top defenders in the world’s top league. Crystal Palace and Liverpool are the only remaining undefeated teams in the Premier League. They’ll face off on Saturday.
It’s been a MASSIVE week for Christian Pulisic. He had a brace andan assist in Milan’s 3-0 win over Udinese. It’s early, but he’s tied for first in Serie A for goals and goals per 90. After the game head coach, Massimiliano Allegri, called him the “Michael Jordan of soccer”. While that’s a stretch, his form is elite. With the goals, he passed Clint Dempsey (57) for the most ever by an American in the top 5 European leagues (59). He scored again yesterday in the Coppa Italia after coming on as a sub, making that 5 goals in his last 6 games.
USL Investment for Pro/Rel
The United Soccer League (USL) has attracted a major investor to help develop its football league pyramid system, aiming to rival Major League Soccer (MLS). The investment comes from BellTower Partners, a firm run by former Carlyle Group CEO Kewsong Lee. Earlier this year, the USL announced plans to launch a new US men’s league with first-division sanctioning in 2027, thus becoming the second such league in the country, alongside MLS. The USL already operates three men’s leagues, and the addition of a tier-one league will enable the organisation to become the first sports league of any type in the United States to implement a promotion and relegation system. Dive deeper into how this move will compete against the MLS here. The USL is not disclosing the size of the investment, the size of the equity stake, or the current valuation of the USL used for the purposes of the investment.
Expanded World Cup Considered
FIFA is reportedly open to expanding the men’s World Cup to a 64-team tournament in 2030. It follows a formal pitch made to Fifa by football executives from CONMEBOL, South America’s governing body, to celebrate the centenary of the competition. One source, unverified, claims that Fifa is sceptical about whether expanding the tournament again is a viable proposition. Expansion would represent an increase from the 48 teams competing in next year’s tournament, which is already a rise from the 38-nation format that has been in place since 1998. CONMEBOL is lobbying to further enlarge the tournament in a move that would likely guarantee a qualification spot for all 10 of the continent’s member nations. The proposal has drawn opposition. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin believes that expansion would be damaging to the tournament and would reduce jeopardy in the qualification stage. If Fifa approves the move, it would create a tournament of 128 matches, double the number that was played from 1998 through 2022. The 2030 edition of the World Cup will be played across six host nations and spread across three continents—read more here.
NUTMEG SOCCER MLS Match Day 34 Recap
Max Palmer & Mason Palmer Read Online Decision day is looming. Here’s what went down over the weekend… Orlando City SC beat Nashville 3-2 behind a brace from Martin Ojeda and a goal from Duncan McGuire. Nashville’s recent league form has been abysmal; they’ve lost 6 out of their last 7 league games and are close to falling into the play-in round. They’ll play Austin FC in the US Open Cup final for maybe their only chance at hardware this season.
FC Dallas beat Colorado 3-1 and have now gone 6 straight unbeaten, all since selling Lucho Acosta. Logan Farrington and Petar Musa linked up once again for the game’s first goal. For the first time since early May, Dallas is back in a playoff position, one point ahead of Houston with a game in hand.
Austin FC beat the Seattle Sounders 2-1 behind Myrto Uzuni’s last-second goal. Brad Stuver was phenomenal in this one, preventing 1.81 expected goals. It’s Austin’s 3rd win in their last 4 league games. Meanwhile, Seattle is winless in their last three games and now gets Vancouver.
The Chicago Fire blanked Minnesota 3-0 on the road for one of their best performances of the season. Their 8th road win ties their club record in a season. The last wild card spot in the East is between them and the NY Red Bulls. The Fire are two points ahead and have a game in hand. They’ll try to end the Red Bulls historic 15-year playoff streak and join the dance for the first time since 2017. Inter Miami beat DC United 3-2 on Saturday. Messi had two goals and an assist to become the fastest player in league history to reach 70 goal contributions, doing so in just 46 games. His second goal was spectacular. That’s 22 goals and 12 assists in 22 games played, utterly insane stuff. Miami has three more consecutive weeks of two games per week. If they win out, they’ll win the Shield and he’ll win MVP again. But that’s far from a sure thing.
The Best Attacking Duo in MLS
What a week for LAFC. They beat Real Salt Lake twice in the span of four days by the same score of 4-1 each time. They now have three straight league wins, scoring 12 goals in that span. Led by the best attacking duo in MLS, they can score in bunches and are peaking at the right time.Denis Bouanga (8) and Son Heung-min (6) have scored all 14 of their goals in the last 5 games. It didn’t take the two stars long to start clicking. Bouanga has two hat-tricks in the last three games to put him even in the Golden Boot race with Messi at 22 goals. He became the first player in league history to score 20+ goals in three straight seasons. He’s quickly becoming one of the best players in league history. As for Son, he scored a hat trick mid-week in their first match-up against Salt Lake. He now has 6 goals and 2 assists in just 550 minutes played. His presence has taken much of the opposing defense’s attention away from Bouanga, who has 9 goals in the 7 games since Son made his debut. They complement each other perfectly. Per Tom Bogert, before Son’s debut, LAFC ranked 12th in goals, 10th in expected goals, and 20th in chances. Since his debut, they’re 1st in goals, 4th in expected goals, and 4th in chances. This attack is scary good. If I were a betting man, my money would be on LAFC coming out of the Western Conference.
Will Tessmann leapfrog McKennie, Musah to start World Cup for U.S.?
Jeff CarlisleSep 25, 2025, 10:05 AM ET ESPNFC
The European club season has been in full swing for over a month now, giving those U.S. men’s national team players plying their trade overseas the chance to establish themselves. Some have gotten off to uneven starts, with the opening round of UEFA Champions League fixtures proving to be especially difficult. Others have hit the ground running. Those in MLS have been in rhythm for a while now.Then there’s Christian Pulisic, who has been leading the U.S. charge in Europe for nine years now and already has five goals in all competitions this season. Fortunately for the USMNT, Pulisic is one of several players who have been hitting their stride in recent weeks.Throughout the season, ESPN will be monitoring the progress of the U.S. player pool, delivering insights into those whose form or fitness has made them particularly intriguing. We call it the USMNT’s countdown to the World Cup.ESPN will count down to June 11 every week so that way, when the U.S. team is announced for this highly anticipated World Cup on home soil, no names on that 26-man roster will come as a surprise. Only 260 days to go.
Tessmann had already enjoyed a solid start to the season, but last weekend he kicked his campaign into overdrive, scoring the lone goal in Lyon’s 1-0 victory over Angers, a result that put the club in a tie atop the Ligue 1 table, behind AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain on goal differential. Not bad for a team that was threatened with relegation due to financial irregularities before the start of the season.
As for Tessmann, the question remains: Will these performances be enough to get him back in the U.S. squad? He hasn’t been called up since the Concacaf Nations League in March. To be clear, they should be, but the mind of U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino works in mysterious ways. At minimum, Tessmann should be in contention to provide cover for Tyler Adams, or even crack the starting lineup.
USMNT could do with a dose of Tillman’s perseverance
Credit Tillman for showing a strong mentality, bouncing back from a dreadful match in midweek against F.C. København in the Champions League to deliver a man of the match performance against Borussia Mönchengladbach in which he scored his second league goal of the season. A tactical tweak from manager Kasper Hjulmand might have helped.
Against Copenhagen, Tillman was operating as one of the dual No. 10s and struggled mightily to get on the ball. Against Gladbach, he was deployed deeper in midfield and had a much stronger impact on the game, even beyond his 70th-minute goal. Hjulmand afterward continued to preach patience, as Tillman is one of many new arrivals to the squad, but the player’s ability to shake off a poor performance will serve him well for both club and country.
This was an impressive week for Pulisic, even by his lofty standards. After scoring two goals and helping set the table for a third in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Udinese, Pulisic maintained his fine form by scoring the final goal — on the half-volley, no less — in a 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Lecce.There’s not much more to be said about Pulisic that hasn’t been already. He remains the USMNT’s most important attacking player, and he now holds the mark for most goals by an American in Europe’s top five leagues with 59. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s a lock to be in the U.S. lineup.He’ll try to keep the momentum going in this weekend’s momentous clash with top-of-the table Napoli.
The in-form XI
When Pochettino switched to a three-man back line during the September international window, it was a move that didn’t appear to benefit Gladbach’s Joe Scally. The wing back position favors the mobility and attacking instincts demonstrated by the likes of Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman over the defending of Scally, but then Gladbach interim manager Eugen Polanski trotted out a 3-4-3 with Scally as the right wing back, and the American delivered an impressive performance. Scally showed an ability to get forward that was unexpected given that he recorded no goals and no assists this past season — his xG of 0.26 is already on its way to eclipsing last year’s 0.38. Granted, who knows what formation the permanent Gladbach coach will prefer once he’s hired, but the performance should help keep Scally in the lineup. Given his performance last weekend, why isn’t he in this week’s in-form XI? It’s a fair question, especially when you consider Dest conceded a penalty that was converted in PSV Eindhoven‘s 2-2 draw with Ajax. Combined with some defensively shaky moments during the September international window, it’s worth weighing whether Dest is enough of a defensive liability that he loses his spot in the starting lineup. That said, Dest’s value in attack is still high enough given his ability to deliver the unexpected, though Scally has given Pochettino something to think about in terms of who his starting wing backs should be. Meanwhile, the relative stock of the U.S. corps of forwards continues to go through some wild swings in form. Folarin Balogun looked to have gained some separation from the chasing pack after a great performance against Japan, but that was before his tepid effort in a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge landed him on the bench for last week’s league encounter against Metz. Even worse for Balogun, his replacement, Mika Biereth, scored the opener in a 5-2 win, while Ansu Fati scored two off the bench and George Ilenikhena also got on the score sheet.
The silver lining for Balogun is that no other U.S. center forwards scored last weekend, although Ricardo Pepi‘s selfless run to the near post allowed Ismael Saibari to score PSV’s first, so he’ll remain the starter in this week’s lineup. Also, Balogun’s skill set is unique within the USMNT player pool, given his ability to make runs in behind the opposition defense, and this should mean his spot in the U.S. squad is still secure. He’ll need to work his way back into the Monaco lineup, though, and this week’s match at Lorient will reveal the extent to which his spot in the club hierarchy has fallen.
Big Board 2.0 update
ESPN’s USMNT Big Board 2.0 went live earlier this month, and each Big Board will provide the foundation for weekly player updates. Below are the minutes and player ratings for each of those 37 players.
Robinson’s recovery from offseason knee surgery took way longer than expected, but he finally played a full 90 minutes for the Cottagers in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory over fourth-tier side Cambridge United. Now let’s see if he can reclaim his spot in league play.
Joe Scally, fullback, Borussia Mönchengladbach: 355 minutes in 2025-26; 7.2 FotMob rating in 2025-26.
Weah has been Marseille’s Mr. Fixit, lining up as a right wing back in OM’s 1-0 win over previously unbeaten PSG. Will that help him or hurt him when the next USMNT camp opens? Either way, his versatility remains impressive.
Malik Tillman, attacker, Bayer Leverkusen: 264 minutes in 2025-26; 7.1 FotMob rating in 2025-26.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi took a comfortable lead for this year’s Golden Boot by scoring two goals in Miami’s dramatic win over New York City FC on Wednesday night.Beneath the Citi Field lights and in the pouring rain, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami clinched a spot in the MLS playoffs. The South Florida club downed New York 4-0, carried by the Argentine striker’s late-game heroics and fueled by a pro-Miami crowd in New York. Messi opened the night with an assist to Baltasar Rodríguez in the 43rd minute, giving Inter Miami its first lead of the night.The team later rallied in the second half, scoring three goals in 12 minutes. Messi scored a brace, first in the 74th minute off a stunning pass from Sergio Busquets, and then again in the 86th. In between both goals, Luis Suárez scored off a penalty Messi’s pair of goals brings his tally to 24 scored this season, while LAFC’s Denis Bouanga trails with 22. Inter Miami sits third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 55 points, behind the Philadelphia Union (60 points) and FC Cincinnati (58 points). Miami heads to BMO Field, where they will face Toronto FC on Saturday. Inter Miami has its eyes set on reclaiming the Supporters’ Shield, which the club won in 2024. “We know how difficult Saturday will be because we have less than 72 hours to play, but we will try to play our best and try to win the game and try to qualify as high as possible,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “If we can win the next five games, we’ll be great and we’ll have (a) chance to fight for the Supporters’ Shield.” While Inter Miami were more than 1,000 miles from home, the near sellout crowd in Queens was unmistakably there for Messi. The crowd of 40,085 cheered after every play made by the striker and roared whenever the 38-year-old appeared on the Jumbotron. After each goal, the stadium filled with chants of “Messi, Messi!” Still, NYCFC tried its best to take advantage of the unusually large crowd that came out to Queens on Wednesday night, with messaging throughout the night reminding fans of their future stadium slowly taking shape next door. (Photo: Mark Smith / Imagn Images)
As Atlanta United flounders, would a Tata Martino reunion be the right play?
It has been a difficult summer for Atlanta United. In July, president and CEO Garth Lagerwey stepped away from his role after a cancer diagnosis. Well-liked around the building and highly respected across MLS, Lagerwey had publicly lauded the current squad entering the 2025 season. Ronny Deila, Atlanta’s first-year head coach, was the candidate that he fought for internally. Deila has led Atlanta to just five wins in 29 matches, though, and Lagerwey’s continued absence heading into the fall could alter the direction of the club.Deila may not be working out as Lagerwey hoped, but he did also hire Chris Henderson, Atlanta’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, last December. Talks with Deila were already at an advanced stage when Henderson joined the club from Inter Miami. He replaced Carlos Bocanegra and is now a leading decision maker on Atlanta’s future, which is under great focus considering the ongoing struggles. And that’s where the avenues the club can take in an effort to return to MLS’s elite could get interesting.Henderson came to Atlanta after helping Tata Martino build a Miami squad that broke MLS’s regular-season points record and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. Having Lionel Messi certainly helped, too. For his part, Martino led Atlanta to an MLS Cup victory in 2018 and he remains a well-regarded figure inside the club. His title-winning team and a near-perfect club launch unexpectedly brought the eyes of the football world to the city. Seven years later, Martino is available again, and it’s only natural to consider whether a reunion might make sense.Speaking exclusively to The Athletic last week, Martino touched on the emotional attachment some managers have after they depart a job. Inter Miami, he said, remains unfinished business. However, there’s nothing pending for Martino in Atlanta. He won a final then accepted the Mexico national team job in 2019 after two seasons.“I think at that time, the Atlanta project, for various reasons, had more room to grow, but not with me in charge,” Martino said. “The Miami project, yes, because I compare it to the Argentina national team project. There was more ahead, more to do. It wasn’t something already finished. Today I understand that some projects start and finish, and that’s that.”Asked if he maintains contact with Henderson, Martino smiled.“Yes, I care about him a lot,” he said. “Honestly, he’s someone I’ve had a really good working relationship with. First, because he’s a great professional, and second, because he’s an extraordinary person. I’ve really enjoyed working with him. Every now and then we exchange messages and say hello. I have a lot of affection for him.”The 62-year-old Argentine is among the top available coaches for MLS teams that are looking for a new manager. New England, St. Louis City, and Sporting Kansas City all have vacancies, and Steve Cherundolo will depart LAFC at the end of this season.
Atlanta United has struggled in Ronny Deila’s first season at the helm (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Atlanta could potentially become an option, too, although Lagerwey has made a concerted effort to turn the page on the club’s successful past. Deila, whom Lagerwey touted as a serial winner, was supposed to end the club’s crisis with a firm European hand. Despite his best efforts and the millions of dollars spent on players, though, few improvements – if any – materialized.
On the other side, if Martino were to consider a highly-publicized reunion in Atlanta, he would put his legacy at the club at stake. The squad has not been well built, with high-priced players failing to deliver, while the shortcomings of long-standing members of the team have held the club back. Secondly, Atlanta’s player profiles don’t align with what Martino would prefer. There is no discernible identity under Deila, so another major evaluation of the roster would be necessary. Even so, Martino offered his thoughts on the state of his former team.
“I try to be careful because I don’t see the day-to-day,” he said. “From the outside, you look at the squad and think, ‘It’s strange to see them in that position in the standings,’ but there are different circumstances, so maybe a season doesn’t turn out the way you expect. In MLS, this happens a lot: players come from different places, and you have to see how the ideas come together, how the players click with each other, with the coaching staff, with the club and with the city.“Sometimes everything clicks perfectly, and it works spectacularly,” Martino continued. “Other times, just as you can’t always explain why everything went so well, you can’t always explain why nothing worked out as expected. Looking at the squad from a distance, you might’ve expected a different outcome for the season.”The same can be said about Miguel Almirón. The Paraguayan international was widely considered the best player in MLS when he wore Atlanta’s black and red kit under Martino. Now 31, Almirón rejoined Atlanta in January after six seasons in the Premier League with Newcastle United. He was celebrated by Atlanta’s fans upon his return, but that euphoria has since subsided. Like Atlanta as a whole, Almirón has struggled to have the same impact as he once had in MLS. He has four goals and seven assists on the year, and at times has either been misused as a traditional winger by Deila, or hasn’t been decisive enough in the middle of the field to make a difference.
Josef Martínez was prolific under Tata Martino in Atlanta (Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports)
In his final year in Atlanta, prior to becoming MLS’s highest outgoing transfer at the time, Almirón teamed with 2018 MLS MVP Josef Martínez to the tune of 12 goals and 14 assists in the regular season. Martino may be watching from afar, but his assessment of Almirón 2.0, an experiment that hasn’t been an immediate success, rings true.“The main difference for Miguel is that the (2018) team had a solid base,” Martino said. “We kept a strong American core through Brad (Guzan), Parky (Michael Parkhurst), (Jeff) Larentowicz and even Greg Garza, who was Mexican-American but very connected to American soccer. At the same time, the team had a very strong Latin side. So obviously, Miguel felt much more supported.“On top of that, Miguel had that partnership with Josef. That’s how all the pieces come together for a season to go well. Today’s team, the nationalities and customs are very different, and Miguel arrived at a tricky moment. When the tournament is already underway, it can be hard to achieve that same unity of ideas.”After Atlanta’s 5-4 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday, a game in which Atlanta was down 5-0 at home after 39 minutes, Deila defiantly fought for his job. The defeat was Atlanta’s 13th of the regular season, which eliminated the club from the MLS playoffs.Deila, 49, insisted afterwards that Atlanta is in good hands. The Norwegian’s first year in Atlanta has been mired in uncertain tactics and a glaring lack of pride from Atlanta’s players week-to-week. Deila admitted on Saturday to relaying inconsistent messages to his players after trying different formations throughout the year. Still, the former Celtic manager believes he’s the right man to turn this into something positive in 2026.“We’re going to be competitive next season. I’m 100 percent sure,” Deila said. “If not I wouldn’t sit here. I’ve done this for 20 years. I’ve had success with almost every team I’ve had. I’ve made improvements everywhere. I won almost everywhere I’ve been.”Perhaps Deila hasn’t completely thrown his players under the bus, but he has questioned their professional character and mentality. It was evident on Saturday that he has lost faith in some of his players, despite stating adamantly that he hasn’t lost the locker room.“I want to improve things, but we have to change a lot of the personnel this season because some (players) didn’t have the opportunity to get better and some of them aren’t interested in getting better,” Deila said. “I believe and I feel I have the boys with me. And I feel that I have the staff with me, and I feel that we’re on the start of something.”Whatever Deila believes hasn’t been up to standard. Atlanta invested over $50 million in new player acquisitions last season. The objective was to provide Deila with a squad capable of challenging for the top four in the Eastern Conference. Instead, the club was struggling through its worst start in franchise history in May. The momentum that Atlanta garnered at the end of the 2024 season under interim manager Rob Valentino sputtered almost immediately in 2025. Atlanta’s shocking first-round defeat of Martino’s heavily-favored Inter Miami during the 2024 playoffs was supposed to inspire a now-apathetic fanbase and position Atlanta with the right building blocks moving forward.
Atlanta has just five wins through 29 games, tied for second-fewest in MLS (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
But there is nothing inspirational about this Atlanta side. It has conceded 54 goals and scored just 36 times in 29 matches. There are 11 teams in the East that have scored more goals than Atlanta this season. Deila, who won an MLS Cup final with New York City FC in 2021, has been unable to manufacture solutions both in-game and mid-week to improve the team.On Saturday, Columbus was surgical in how it attacked Atlanta’s woeful midfield and backline, while Deila’s men delivered another display of football malpractice. Deila called it the “the strangest game I’ve seen in my life,” but in reality, it was a representation of his tenure in Atlanta. The four-goal comeback did not mask his team’s permanent flaws, which go far beyond a tactics board.Deila and his staff have succumbed to the culture of defeat in Atlanta rather than turn it around. Losing has become normalized within Atlanta’s training facility in Marietta, Ga., which later this month will be newly unveiled following a $23 million investment from owner Arthur Blank. Yet, Deila stressed on Saturday that a coaching change wasn’t necessary.“I’m the guy who can make this team successful,” he said. “I cannot handle what the board is thinking. If peopl don’t believe in me, then of course we have a challenge.”“Right now we’re struggling,” he continued. “We’re eating a lot of s***, but that creates unbelievable power and energy to go forward and prove everybody wrong. It’s easy to sit on the outside and have opinions now, but get in the ring and we’ll see how it is and who ends up on the right side. That’s going to be us.”
It very well could be – unless Atlanta believes that revisiting its past can finally awaken the club’s future.
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“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.” 
The 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 
ENGLAND (3 votes)
FRANCE (2 votes)
ARGENTINA (1 vote)
Jeff CarlisleSep 25, 2025, 10:05 AM ET ESPNFC 
Atlanta United has struggled in Ronny Deila’s first season at the helm (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Josef Martínez was prolific under Tata Martino in Atlanta (Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports)
Atlanta has just five wins through 29 games, tied for second-fewest in MLS (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
The Ole BallCoach 